Christ first and foremost

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15 No man can see God, but Jesus is like God. He is the ruler of all things that are created.
Colossians 1:15

16 All things in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible, thrones and authorities, rulers and powers, are made by him and for him.
Colossians 1:16

17 Christ was here before anything was created, and because of him all things exist.
Colossians 1:17

18 Christ is the head of the body. All things come from him, and he who was raised from the dead is the most important of all.
Colossians 1:18

19 It was God’s joy to be fully present in Christ.
Colossians 1:19

20 Through Christ, God wanted to bring all things back to him, on earth and in heaven. God reconciled all things through the blood of Christ, which was shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:20

21 In the past, you were very far from God. You were his enemy in your heart and mind. Your immorality proved to be true.
Colossians 1:21

22 But now Christ has made you friends with God again. Christ did this when he was in the flesh. Christ did this so that he could bring you before God, holy, blameless, without blame.
Colossians 1:22

23 Christ will do this so that you will continue to believe the good news you have heard. This is possible only if you continue to be strong in your faith and do not give up the hope that the gospel has given you. This good news has been preached to all the peoples of the world. That I, Paul, have become his servant.
Colossians 1:23

Glory to God in Creation

holy bible book,

1 The heavens speak of the glory of God. The heavens speak of the good things which God has made.
Psalm 19: 1

2 Every day tells more stories about him. And every night reveals more about God’s power.
Psalm 19: 2

3 You really can’t hear any speech or words. They do not make a sound that we can hear.
Psalm 19: 3

4 But their “voice” spreads all over the world. Their “words” reach the ends of the earth.
Psalm 19: 4

5 The sky is like a house for the sun. The sun rises as the bridegroom comes out of his bedroom. The sun starts its journey in the sky as if a player is eager to run his race.
Psalm 19: 5

6 The sun starts from one end of the sky and runs all the way to the other end. No one can save himself from its heat. Jehovah’s teachings are like this. They make people foolish.
Psalm 19: 6

7 The word of the LORD is perfect, and his words are pure. They give new strength to God’s people. Jehovah’s covenant is trustworthy. And it makes the common people wise.
Psalm 19: 7

8 Jehovah’s laws are right. They make people happy. Jehovah’s commandments are good. They show people the right way to live.
Psalm 19: 8

9 Worshiping Jehovah is like a light that shines forever. Jehovah’s judgments are good and fair. They are absolutely perfect.
Psalm 19: 9

10 The word of the LORD is more precious than fine gold, and sweeter than the honeycomb which is obtained directly from the honeycomb.
Psalm 19:10

11 The word of Yahweh warns his servant, and there is good in obeying it.
Psalm 19:11

12 Lord, no man can see all his faults. So don’t let me sin secretly.
Psalm 19:12

13 Thou shalt not cause me to sin against my will. Don’t let those sins overwhelm me. If you help me, then I can be holy and free from my sins.
Psalm 19:13

14 Let my words and my thoughts delight you. Lord, you are my refuge. You are the one who saved me.
Psalm 19:14

Instructions for leaders

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17 Elders who lead the congregation well are worthy of great honor. Those who work through great speech and teaching are people who are yogis of great honor.
1 Timothy 5:17

18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the scripture saith, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
1 Timothy 5:18

19 Don’t listen to the one who accuses an old man. You should only listen to that person if two or three people testify that the elder has done something wrong.
1 Timothy 5:19

20 Tell sinners that they are doing wrong. Say this in front of the whole congregation. In this way, others will be warned.
1 Timothy 5:20

21 I command you to do these things before God, Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels. But don’t judge people before you know the truth. And treat everyone the same about these things.
1 Timothy 5:21

22 Think carefully before making a person an elder. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself clean.
1 Timothy 5:22

23 Timothy, you have been drinking only water. Leave it at that. It will be good for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
1 Timothy 5:23

24 The sins of some people are easy to see. Their sins show that they are guilty before their true judgment. But some people’s sins are visible later.
1 Timothy 5:24

25 So it is with the good works of men. People’s good deeds are quickly seen. Although those good deeds are not easy to see, they cannot remain hidden.
1 Timothy 5:25