Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 169

Hello guys, I've just been studying and meditating on the Lords word, Amen, I've been looking at John 3:16 and I have been thinking about it so much, can anyone please provide more information that shows God loves everyone

A few more thoughts on Matthew 22:1-14

To conceive of the great Wedding Feast of all the saints of God from all parts of the earth who no doubt have suffered many things including hunger while living on the earth should be sobering to those who are at ease in this nation in a large degree. To be with Christ is really well; stupid not to be willing to give up everything on earth when He comes to take us home. It doesn't make a lot of sense really; I mean if the Disciples could leave with Christ immediately giving up their jobs and means of family support for guaranteed persecution shouldn't we want to go to be with the Lord when there is nothing but heavenly bliss to look forward to?

Surely the alarms beforehand however long they may last shouldn't allow us to be calloused; like the story of the boy crying "wolf". In this case Jesus really is coming; it isn't a fairy tale. If He comes later than we can accumulate heavenly treasures; but one day He will come and that being on a day we do not expect. ( Matt. 24:44).

We certainly don't want to end up at the other feast mentioned in Revelation 19 where the birds of the air gorge themselves on the remains of those who fight against Christ upon His return.

As His Covenant children it is much like espousal; we are part of the Body of believers and belong to Him as His purchased possession. ( Eph. 1:14). He can; as the Jewish tradition and the groom did return unexpectantly. Much as we want to be occupying until He comes doing His work ( Luke 19:13) we also don't want to be so caught up in activities; even church activities that we aren't in remembrance that He is coming. The Great Commission notwithstanding; it is too easy to be used to our routine and forget the part of it that is only a constraint while in these bodies of flesh. Such things as elaborate building projects; committee meetings; and other routine and necessary upkeep and service projects should bring us closer to God not further away.

Matthew 22:1-14 reflects the story of Luke 14 but apparently there are some differences. The summary of the parable in Matthew is this in verse 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

There is much analysis as to how this pertained to the Pharisees and the Jews rejecting Christ. I would say this also applies in other ways too; such as those who hear the Gospel message say decades ago whose hearts have dulled and those today who convert. We have to search ourselves to see if we are truly saved; but also not try to add our own righteousness which could signify not wearing the proper attire no doubt referring to the white garments we receive being needed. The need not to have our garments stained is another issue; perhaps not focused on here.

There is no doubt some reference was made here to the final call of the good and bad here; much as those who are summoned in the highways and hedges in Luke 14:23. The issue of the cares of this world or thorns that entangle us to prevent fruit from being produced is a concern here too. We are reminded of John 10:2 about the thief and robber that attempts to enter the sheepfold in a way other than the door (or Christ).

Verses such as this must be studied; with the idea of not terrifying a new believer with thoughts of our Lord throwing them out of heaven; but more importantly exhorting us with the truth of the fact that anyone can have their heart dulled and their minds distracted slowly over time. Exhortations such as this are readily accepted by those mature in the faith; just as rebuke and exhortation are. Something doesn't have to apply to us personally; but as Romans 11:22 states Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. This passage is describing the Jews who rejected the Messiah and Gentiles grafted in. True believers have faith to the end even if weak.

Hi Phil in OKC,

Thanks for your reply. I read and study the KJV also. I believe you may be correct about why the translators included " Easter. " The Jews were not concerned about whether King Herod intended to kill Peter; they were opposed to anyone teaching about Jesus the Messiah. The King was perhaps waiting for His pagan Easter, which is on the first day of the week we call Sunday.

What makes us scratch our heads about things like this is that Passover is only one day. It is not a holy convocation or Sabbath; it is a preparation day. The first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are Sabbaths. However, back then and now, all eight days are referred to as either the Feast of Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The Passover lambs are killed on Passover day, not on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Today, the calendar reflects eight days referred to as Passover. In Matthew 26:17, Matthew writes that on the first day of Unleavened Bread, they asked Jesus, " Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?

The Last Supper was on Passover day, and Jesus would be on the cross when they were killed, which was the 14th, Passover Day. The high day, Sabbath, did not occur until sunset, marking the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the 15th. Mark 14:12 states that on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they kill the Passover, but this is incorrect.

Sorry, I got wordy

God bless,

RLW

Things weren't actually that bad this time. I think the doctor will call tomorrow about getting that test for dad. I plan for now to keep the house and have to weigh the advice of my parents attorney in that regard if I have to renounce my interests to sell the house since according to my moms will even with his dementia I can't sell it until he dies. I want to know what the attorney fees are and be assured it is for his interests whatever decision is made.

I'm glad to have my friend helping me and my Aunt supporting me through all this. Thanks for your input.

Rich P

Christian - look for the Dave Ramsey talk show on one of your local AM radio stations. You can also google him. In 2002 I was 49 years old and $50K in debt and had missed a couple of mortgage payments. I was struggling to make ends meet in my business. Following the teachings of Jesus my entire life, I have always tried to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and he has always provided life's essentials. Nevertheless, I was "taking thought" about my dire financial situation. Well God did provide a door of opportunity for me to make alot more money, but it would require me to work out of town, a thousand miles from home, for 8-9 months at a time, six days a week and sometimes seven for 12-14 hours a day, while living in a hotel room. My wife and I prayed about the job offer and I took it. It changed our lives forever.

I worked that job for the next 16 years and retired in 2018 at age 66. An aside . . . by 2004, after listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio discussing his 7 Baby Steps to getting out of debt, I came home to find my wife had paid off all the credit cards and college loans we had taken out for our daughter and the only debt left was our mortgage. A few years later we paid off the mortgage and have been 100% debt-free since. We have been blessed beyond measure, and I give Dave Ramsey all the credit for giving us a plan and helping to motivate us to get it done.

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Ronald Whittemore - I believe you have accurately described the context of Acts 12:4 in the KJV. The word Easter is used (Gr pascha) translated 28 times as "Passover" and only once, here as "Easter." The question is why? Many KJV scholars and other KJV proponents (like me) believe the translators were attempting to describe at what "time" was Herod intending to bring forth Peter from prison . . . (after the conclusion of celebration of the Vernal Equinox - Pagan Easter celebration) . . . The translators realized that Herod could not be referring the day of the Jewish Passover (gr. pascha) because that day had already passed (day one of seven days of unleavened bread - Exodus 12 - then were the days of unleavened bread Acts 12:3)

Richard, I lost my mother to cancer in 1968 when she was 46. I lost my dad to cancer when he was 81 in 2002. I miss them both greatly. Notwithstanding, I always tell others, with aging parents, I hope they appreciate the blessing of having their parent for such a long time.

You obviously understand your responsibilities toward your dad as Paul directed in Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

I never had to face the challenges you have with his mental health and that is usually best left to professionals when available. I would offer that what you describe as "anger" in your father may actually be irrational and uncontrollable mental stimuli, without any intention to hurt those who love him. Patience is a virtue, as you surely know. Continue to lift up your father in prayer and God will provide.

I'm going now to see my dad.

The Lord has been gracious enough to have an older sister in the Lord visit my Dad in the Memory Care facility today when I am off work. It is his 94th birthday. Probably this won't be read in time before I visit in about an hour but as far as the effects I'll have to deal with in regard to his anger being there I would appreciate prayer.

I'm also dealing with having to get him a test and figure out what it is to prove he can't function on his own and deciding whether or not with the help of my parents attorney to sell the house.

Along with that I'm trying to help a friend of mine who is on disability and has Veteran's benefits and such but likely can't work anymore at least in place. I have considered having him stay with me at some point but concerned about entangling myself too deeply in the situation. He is what I would describe as an immature believer.

Along with that I am seeking further part time work or a full time job around here but also since I could move to Pittsburgh and have a place in a month or two I could live I have to seek wisdom; the Paralegal there is very verbally abuse but it is a full time job with benefits and there are further ministry opportunities out there.

Finally; any suggestions here as to how I can improve what I am doing or any topics of interest that I should research I would be interested in hearing about.

My main goals are to continue to think outside the box and make the Scripture relevant and alive. I want to make this a learning experience for myself as well as share how the Lord is working among those in my circle and with the church worldwide.

I hope to have wisdom as to who to pray for and responses given; and also desire that whenever prayers are answered (including for me) that responses can be given to edify and give hope to others in need. Finally of course the desire to have scripture that we meditate on and can readily access for witnessing is important.

Some further thoughts as we go through "Holy Week"

This time of the year we tend to see people appear from hiding that attend Good Friday or Easter services (usually both). The forest not being seen through the trees is the fact that a given week which is accurate according to the timing of Passover is commemorated but isn't something often coming to mind the rest of the year despite the fact that every other day is still about 2000 years since it happened; and the significance enables us daily to be renewed and sanctified if indeed we are in the faith.

The concept of Christ being alive is also frequently accepted on a surface level without careful thought to the uniqueness of that status; implications for us individually as well as the corporate Body of Christ as a whole and the future return to rule and reign on earth after bringing His church home and judging the world. We can act as though He lives every year in the Spring season complete with Easter eggs and other pagan customs then shelve Him as though He is dead or sleeping the rest of the time as far as His influencing our lives.

Perhaps I'm jaded here having seen my parents singing in a church choir and maybe attending a service when I was small since the value of such classics as Handel's Messiah and other great musical compositions in their minds utilized musical talent as their motivation rather than genuine life changing faith. Nonetheless such music captured my attention as I listened through the rafters of the churches when I was too small to stay at home myself and wandered around the building. God works in strange ways.

The structure of a Godly family especially today is readily apparent. This is because there are few families where men are serious about their walk and women about true Biblical submission. Rather than looking for God in conformity to tradition or even in leadership it needs to be found in the church laity; if not than the church is weak at best or dead at worst.

Matthew 21:23-end

Here we see the Parable of the Two Sons (v. 28-32) and the Parable of the Tenants (v. 33-41) followed by further warnings of Christ of the Kingdom of God. Verse 42 contains a quote from Psalm 118 showing that He was indeed the stone which they had rejected after they affirmed in the second parable what should be done to the wicked tenants when the owner comes back.

It appears from my limited study that John has the most references to attempts to kill Christ; although some manuscripts eliminate the last verse in Matthew 21 no doubt there was constant desire to go after the Lord whether to arrest Him or kill Him on the spot. They were concerned about the reaction of the crowd for the obvious fact that miracles couldn't be denied. NO one ever cast any doubt on the veracity of the miracles; but they did as to who He was and His credentials such as denying His virgin birth ( John 8:41); and he being merely the son of Joseph and Mary in John 6:42. Which was it the real or illegitimate son? They couldn't accept the virgin birth which means the testimony of Mary and Joseph was taken to be false in that regard.

They knew that no one had ever healed the blind even with the resurrection recorded in the book of Kings of the widow's son. ( 1 Kings 17; John 9:32).

Reading Isaiah 53 shows a graphic picture of Christ and His sufferings at the cross along with other passages in that book and other prophecies such as Psalm 22 in particular. Which is more of a miracle God in all His glory creating the heavens and the earth and sustaining the universe or condescending to take human form to be the propitiation for our sins? ( 1 John 2:2). Which displays His Divine attributes most clearly? In truth; both aspects need to be emphasized lest we consider Him to be anything less than God or insufficient to come in our place to make an atonement for all of the sins of His children. First He had to live as one of us in order to die in our place ( 1 Cor. 15

Dear DidiHill,

I am happy to pray for your needs. Thanks for sharing these with us. There are many people on here that are called to pray.

on that Holy Night,the stars were brightly shining

before sunrise Jesus was in the arms of his Mother on a beast to Egypt

33yrs later he returns on a similar animal in a Victory parade

Palm trees had been known as symbol of Peace Hope n Victory

here the very thing it represented was walking upon it...

almost as if it were created for this one time special event

Dear DidiHill,

I am happy to pray for your needs. Thanks for sharing these with us. There are many people on here that are called to pray.

Dear Amy,

I will pray for your friend to be healed and for your back to improve. It takes time to remedy spinal issues because it does so much work for your body.

I have had similar issues and found these things helpful:

Resting in a recliner instead of sitting upright in a chair.

Water exercise or water physical therapy.

Massage

Trigger point injections.

Dear Bibleman72

I will continue to pray for your needs and your Mom. You are going through much pain and agony. I will pray for God to lit you up and give you much hope and healing of your impetigo because it is a serious skin infection that can even take your life if not properly treated with antibiotics that eradicate it from your body, not just from your skin. Since you mentioned that it covers a significant part of your body, it is likely that it is also affecting you internally. So, get back to the doctor quickly. It should not take this long to overcome, so press into being properly treated.

Dear Verris,

Thank you once again for reminding us to lift these matters up to God in prayer often. I will continue to pray for the requests you mention here. May you be blessed along with your loved ones.

Dear Martha Ann

I will keep you in prayer. Check back with us now and then so we can hear how you are doing?

Depression is such a difficult and I think, very misunderstood mental illness. I don't think even the medical field understands how it comes about and how it works within our minds and brains.

But you can know that God knows all and is able to help you each day as you yield your mind and body to Him for help and healing. It may be that it truly is a day by day approach that will keep you hopeful. I am sorry you are battling this wretched illness.

Hello Richard,

I agree, that was quite a scam they had going on. All these pilgrims come into Jerusalem for the Passover, and they have to have a lamb. They also had to pay a half shekel temple tax, and it had to be temple money.

There was a 25% charge for the exchange of money. And then you had to purchase your animal. And even if you were from Jerusalem and you brought a perfect animal, the priest had to approve of it which in most cases he would not approve. They made a lot of money off these poor people.

There was a Christian Jewish historian by the name of Edersheim that said that they charged up to 10 times what the animal was worth. So, the people are stuck. They have to be there, and they have to sacrifice an animal. They were being taken advantage of for sure! Like you, I also believe these things are going on today. I wonder what Jesus would do in our day?

Just a couple of things I thought I might share, not to take away from anything you've said, but just interesting things to consider. Edersheim said that the courtyard area of the temple was 20 acres. We think that it was maybe just a little courtyard, but it was 20 acres, very large!

About the withered fig tree account, we see that Jesus was hungry and as He came to the tree, it had leaves on it but no fruit. We read this and might not think anything of it but if you know about fig trees, the fig tree bears figs first and leaves last. I think the fig tree is the only tree that bears fruit first and then leaves.

Also interesting to note is that the fig tree is one of the trees that are a symbol of the nation Israel. To the Jews, figs represented religion. All religion can do is cover. It cannot forgive your sins, and it cannot wipe out your sins. It only hides it. So, when Jesus and the disciples come to the fig tree, they see religion in Israel, no fruit, no spirit. He sees rejection. So, He curses the fig tree and says you will bear no more forever. Interesting!

Blessings to you, brother!

Hello

Richard,

Palm Sunday is a great day to celebrate our King and Savior. The Jews heralded Him as the one "who comes in the name of the LORD" but I believe their hearts were fickle, and as you noted, they did not see their need for Him as their sin-bearer, rather desired for Him to overthrow the governing authorities that ruled them all of their lives. It seems by what Jesus said about many "christs" have come and many more will come that the people were waiting for the Messiah, but not very discerning about the qualifications of the many who came that led them to follow them for a time. Jesus was most likely one more among many that they thought would be their promised Deliverer.

Scriptures say that their eyes were blinded and their ears made deaf so that they would not recognize Whom it was Who was walking among them. They did not get it, even when He spoke with remarkable authority and did miracles that only God could do. And you are right, for 2000 years they have refused Him as the Messiah even though large numbers of Jews of the day thought He MAY be the one. The Jews over the centuries would not give Him the honor of committed hearts to Him nor would they allow that they may have been wrong about how they interpreted the OT Scriptures that spoke of Him or to take a fresh look at what they thought these meant in light of Jesus' coming and His teachings.

Like the Jews, there have been millions of Gentiles who have rejected Him as well. Even in today's world where the gospel is available to nearly all people groups and with the witness of the Church over time, so many still dig in their heels and refuse to call on God for mercy, perhaps because they do not think that they need mercy, just affirmation that they are good enough.

Such a sad state and so many are in their end is so awful, though deserved.

I always have much joy when this time of year comes-Holy Week-that brings to remembrance all that Jesus did, said, and what occurred in this last week.

Matthew 21:12-13. The overturning of the moneychangers' tables.

This game had been played before as quoted in John 2. The tables had been turned at the inception of His ministry and it is mentioned in all 4 Gospels. There are some who even theorize He did this 3 times. It is pretty clear here that they hadn't learned their lesson. The basic idea was that exorbitant rates were being charged for animals used for sacrifice; and that this was in the Gentile area the only section they could be. I am not familiar enough to know if it was Jews only or Gentiles also involved in these extortion efforts. Jesus here showed He could have righteous indignation without sin.

I am sure there are many money raising efforts which are still being operated today with autographed books; and other literature; T shirts; music etc. that can end up being in the same category as what happened with the Pharisees. This is probably why the world won't go to pay exorbitant prices at such places; even if they are seeking a Bible there are plenty of discount places including libraries where you can get stuff either for free or a nominal fee. This isn't to say it is necessarily wrong; but whan a ministry tries to promote themselves with their names emblazoned on clothing; or Christian musicians try to promote themselves in a thinly veiled appeal to the cause of Christ we should at least be discerning. Enough on that for now.

Apparently I lied yet again; Jesus did more healing in verses 15-16; followed by the Pharisees getting mad with this and children praising Him where Christ quotes Psalm 8:2. This is a learning process; although if someone catches me on an error I won't take it personally.

Verses 18-21 discuss the fig tree withering immediately when Jesus was hungry. The account in the Book of Mark 11:20 seems to be different as the tree wasn't withered until they returned that evening. Maybe someone turned around after the rest went ahead and saw it earlier?

COGIC SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK APRIL 6,2025 1JOHN 4:13-5:5

West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral Los Angeles California

MY COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV I Worship God that is the only word to believe, to chose God and only God. God I believe produces fruit for me to be in love and Holy Spirit that gets me what I want. God always there to all the world to be complete, accomplish, to be in Love of God to obey God Hebrews 11:1.God that's gives opportunity to be born again working with your own hands. Loving God showing you how to love in life.

I Pray in my life what's done with me God will prove to trust God will work and faith becoming reality always be there for me and us

It is interesting that today in the study of Matthew we happen to get to the Palm Sunday account in Matthew 21. This wasn't planned but interesting nonetheless. As I looked briefly at the passage I suddenly discovered something from verses 9 and 10

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Wait a minute...many of us are familiar with what happened between this victorious acclamation and celebration and less than one week later when the crowds were shouting "crucify Him". What I never noticed before is that they had His identity only as they could perceive in the flesh; as verse 11 states the prophet; not the Prophet who was also the Son of God. So that's why it became so easy to betray Him. Why do I say this?

First of all; as we know from the expectations of the Apostles themselves they expected Him to bring the Kingdom to an earthly rule sooner rather than later. The Pharisees asked this starting in Luke 17:20; and the Apostles in Acts 1:7 Jesus' presence should have been something the Pharisees would look forward to. John 11:48 shows that they were worried the Romans would somehow take over and ruin their establishment if Jesus continued as He did; after Lazarus was raised from the dead around the same time period weeks before His crucifixion.

Secondly; when they realized that Jesus wasn't going to fight back or use supernatural power to come down from the cross no doubt many mocked Him or were disillusioned after His demonstrations of mass healings and deliverances for several years.

Third; tied in with the second point is that their need to have Jesus as sin bearer was something they were and still are as a nation to this day. Despite the destruction of their old temple for most of the last 2000 years there is still an attempt to build it anew. Rejecting Christ they hae had no means of even covering sin since then.

Hello Brother Spencer,

Amen! One of the many places in scripture where the New Jerusalem is compared to as a bride of Christ!

Amen Brother Jesse!

(We are the dwelling place of God, individually, and in the future throughout eternity, collectively, we will be the new city Jerusalem whom God will dwell in forever.)

Reminds me of Revelation 21:1-3.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Blessings

COGIC SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK Mark11:1-11KJV APRIL13,2025 West Angeles Church Cogic Cathedral Los Angeles California

MY COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV I Worship a God that is a rightful King, Lord and conquer. God that gives us his kingdom and allows to serve all.God that gives me faith to work with my own hands with full authority of Jesus. God that allows his church to leave church blessed becoming like the LORD and prosperity.

I want to ask forgiveness for 15:2. I had no conscience in my soul, but she kept the commandments 15:10. I recognise what I have done in the present, much harm to those around her, too. but He is merciful, good, slow to anger He is perfect and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, aloud as John 14:31 said. with my faith and hope in Jesus 15:13-27 . I hope we will be friends in Christ.

Thanks brother Jesse for your response. I've tried to do a search on Rabbinical prayers given to their disciples, but unfortunately have not been very successful. There were some snippets of information, but nothing worthy of highlighting to direct you or anyone interested in this matter. So that might have to be shelved unless some substantial authoritative reference can be found.

And concerning 'temptation'. So true as you wrote: "putting our total confidence in God to keep us from being carried away by temptation". And in that confidence in our God, which should always be at our forefront, we must also be confident in the power of His Word, having full faith in its teachings & keeping it ready at our side (& in our hearts) to wield it against the flesh and the Devil when temptations confront us. How we deal with them will reflect the strength of our confidence in our God & in the power of His Word. Blessings and thanks again.

Hallo dear "Janathome2" Il see that you have answer to your question. And as a reminder, please dont forget the Passover lambs and the feast of uleavended bread. Described in Exodus 12 1-28. And never forget that Israel ppl is Gods Selected people from the beginning. I belive that some Israel people still have this law. Becouse some of them dont see Jesus yet, unfortunately. And Israel to be saved Rom 11:26 and pray for peace over Jerusalem, Sal 122:6-9. This task is for us who belive in Jesus to do everyday.

And we cant just take one word and live by it, The Bible is too complex and needs study. And for my part it seems like many ppl jumps in and out of legal actions. Which turn to confusion. Becouse we have a twisted enemy who will do everything which can destroy Gods selected ppl, saved or not. Evan those ppl that God not have dragged to Him yet. John 6:44. Thats why we need to pray for all ppl on the planet.

Stay close to the word and never loose hope, evan sometimes everything is dark. Mat 26:17-19

Belive in Jesus Christ. Love you all in Jesus name. Happy Easter!

(Hebrews Part 14b):

Hebrews 5:14 Continued:

I think that it is interesting that the writer of Hebrews would spend this much time in detail for us sharing that if we understand what an athlete goes through, every day, exercise, exercise, exercise, building up the endurance, and building up the condition of the muscles so that we can handle larger amounts of distance.

So, we build up our endurance, and we become what we reach as a place of being in shape. And we consider ourselves being conditioned. What the writer of Hebrews is saying is that when you put yourself under the hearing of God's Spirit through His word, God's Spirit is exercising your inner senses to the spiritual things of God.

And the more consistent you hear the word, the more sensitive you become to the spiritual things of Christ. But if you ever leave off, the inner senses become dull, and we become more in tune with the world around us. Whereas, as often as we would like to submit ourselves to the study of God's word, we become ready for the solid food, and for the in-depth details of God Himself.

I think that it is interesting that you can be a Christian for 20 or 30 years, but not be in shape at all, and be like a babe. It doesn't have anything to do with bible study attendance, or church attendance. It has to do with one's personal relationship with Christ, with God's Spirit through His word. That's why we study.

The last phrase there says having their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, which in the Greek text is right and wrong. You have to be able to know what's right and what's not right according to God's word. It's not just an intellectual thing. There's a spiritual sensitivity to the things of Christ and the truth!