I dont know how to say no. Deep down its something ill always know. How I cringe remembering your hands on me. How I look for you in every man I see. The way your hand wrapped around my throat. The way your voice boomed as you'd gloat.
Nobody can know, you whispered in my ear. Nobody will know how I trembled with fear. I closed my eyes. Tight, shut, locked. You laughed. I was humiliated, hurt, mocked. How did I end up, here in his room? I wanted nothing more than to be cold, in a tomb.
I've all ways been a people pleaser. It's hard to understand, cypher like caesar. But deep down its not that challenging. You wouldn't have to do much scavenging. Ask the people from whom I was raised. Be polite, kind, a need to be praised.
After it all he leaves me to dress. He doesn't look twice as he leaves me, a mess. Months have gone but I'll always remember. That last summers day of September. Before bitter colds, storms and snow. That day I learned I can't say no.

01 minutes ago —While several avenues exist to view the highly praised film Furiosa A Mad Max Saga online streaming offers a versatile means to access its cinematic wonder From heartfelt songs to buoyant humor this genre-bending work explores the power of friendship to uplFuriosa A Mad Max Sagat communities during troubling times Directed with nuanced color and vivacious animation lighter moments are blended seamlessly with touching introspection Cinephiles and casual fans alike will find their spirits lFuriosa A Mad Max Sagated by this inspirational story of diverse characters joining in solidarity Why not spend an evening immersed in the vibrant world of FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGA? Don't miss out!
EXCLUSIVE UPDATED May 14, 2024
🌍📺📱👉WATCH HERE🔴📺👉 FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGA Fullmovie Online
🌍📺📱👉DOWNLOAD HERE🔴📺👉 Furiosa A Mad Max Saga Fullmovie Online HD

FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGA is a 1985 American epic coming-of-age period drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes, based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. It was Spielberg's eighth film as a director, marking a turning point in his career as it was a departure from the summer blockbusters for which he had become known. It was also the first feature film directed by Spielberg for which John Williams did not compose the music. The film instead featuring a score by Quincy Jones, who also produced. The cast stars Whoopi Goldberg in her breakthrough role, with Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey (in her film debut), Margaret Avery, and Adolph Caesar.
Filmed in Anson and Union counties in North Carolina,the film tells the story of a young African-American girl named Celie Harris and the brutal experiences she endured including domestic violence, incest, child sexual abuse, poverty, racism, and sexism.
The film was a box office success, grossing 98.4 million against a budget of 15 million. The film received acclaim from critics, with particular praise going to its acting (especially Goldberg's performance), direction, screenplay, musical score, and production values. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Goldberg, Best Supporting Actress for both Avery and Winfrey, and Best Adapted Screenplay, but did not achieve a single win. It also received four Golden Globe Award nominations, with Goldberg winning Best Actress in a Drama. In 2006, the American Film Institute ranked the film 51st on its list of most inspiring movies.
Despite the success, the film is a source of controversy with many criticizing the film for its negative depiction of African-American males who are all shown as brutally violent. The film was also criticized by some for being "over-sentimental" and "stereotypical".
WHEN AND WHERE WILL FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGA BE STREAMING?
The new Furiosa A Mad Max Saga prequel Furiosa A Mad Max Saga will be available for streaming first on Starz for subscribers Later on the movie will also be released on Peacock thanks to the agreement between distributor Lionsgate and the NBC Universal streaming platform Determining the exact arrival date of the movie is a slightly more complex matter Typically Lionsgate movies like John Wick 4 take approximately six months to become available on Starz where they tend to remain for a considerable period As for when Songbirds Snakes will be accessible on Peacock it could take nearly a year after its release although we will only receive confirmation once Lionsgate makes an official announcement However Furiosa A Mad Max Saga you wish to watch the movie even earlier you can rent it on Video on Demand (VOD) which will likely be available before the streaming date on Starz
WHERE CAN I STREAM FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGAAL Furiosa A Mad Max Saga MOVIES IN THE MEANTIME?
In the meantime you can currently stream all four original Furiosa A Mad Max Saga movies on Peacock until the end of November The availability of Furiosa A Mad Max Saga movies on Peacock varies depending on the month so make sure to take advantage of the current availability.
HOW TO WATCH Furiosa A Mad Max Saga 2024 ONLINE:
As of now, the only way to watch Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is to head out to a movie theater when it releases on Friday, September 8. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until it becomes available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Vudu, Apple, YouTube, and Amazon or available to stream on Max. Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is still currently in theaters Furiosa A Mad Max Saga you want to experience all the film's twists and turns in a traditional cinema. But there's also now an option to watch the film at home. As of November 25, 2024, Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is available on HBO Max. Only those with a subscription to the service can watch the movie. Because the film is distributed by 20th Century Studios, it's one of the last films of the year to head to HBO Max due to a streaming deal in lieu of Disney acquiring 20th Century Studios, as Variety reports. At the end of 2024, 20th Century Studios' films will head to Hulu or Disney+ once they leave theaters.
IS Furiosa A Mad Max Saga MOVIE ON NETFLIX, CRUNCHYROLL, HULU, OR AMAZON PRIME
Netflix: Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is currently not available on Netflix. However, fans of dark fantasy films can explore other thrilling options such as Doctor Strange to keep themselves entertained.
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll and Funimation have acquired the rights to distribute Furiosa A Mad Max Saga in North America. Stay tuned for its release on the platform in the coming months. In the meantime, indulge in dark fantasy shows like Spider-man to fulfill your entertainment needs.
Hulu: Unfortunately, Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is not available for streaming on Hulu. However, Hulu offers a variety of other exciting options like Afro Samurai Resurrection or Ninja Scroll to keep you entertained.
Disney+: Furiosa A Mad Max Saga is not currently available for streaming on Disney+. Fans will have to wait until late December, when it is expected to be released on the platform. Disney typically releases its films on Disney+ around 45-60 days after their theatrical release, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience for viewers.
IS FURIOSA A MAD MAX SAGA ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO?
Furiosa A Mad Max Saga movie could eventually be available to watch on Prime Video, though it will likely be a paid digital release rather than being included with an Amazon Prime subscription. This means that rather than watching the movie as part of an existing subscription fee, you may have to pay money to rent the movie digitally on Amazon. However, Warner Bros. and Amazon have yet to discuss whether or not this will be the case.
WHEN WILL 'Furiosa A Mad Max Saga', BE AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY AND DVD?
As of right now, we don't know. While the film will eventually land on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD, Warner Bros has yet to reveal a specFuriosa A Mad Max Sagaic date as to when that would be. The first Nun film also premiered in theaters in early September and was released on Blu-ray and DVD in December. Our best guess is that the sequel will follow a similar path and will be available around the holiday season.
HERE'S HOW TO WATCH 'Furiosa A Mad Max Saga' ONLINE STREAMING IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
To watch 'Furiosa A Mad Max Saga' (2024) for free online streaming in Australia and New Zealand, you can explore options like gomovies.one and gomovies.today, as mentioned in the search results. However, please note that the legality and safety of using such websites may vary, so exercise caution when accessing them. Additionally, you can check Furiosa A Mad Max Saga the movie is available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, as they often offer a wide selection of movies and TV.
Mark your calendars for July 8th, as that's when Furiosa A Mad Max Saga will be available on Disney+. This highly anticipated installment in the franchise is packed with thrilling action and adventure, promising to captivate audiences and leave them craving for more. Captivate audiences and leave them craving for more.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to watch Furiosa A Mad Max Saga online in its entirety from the comfort of your own home. You can access the full movie free of charge on the respected platform known as 123Movies. Immerse yourself in the captivating experience of Furiosa A Mad Max Saga by watching it online for free.

[.WATCH.]～ Back to Black 2024 (¡FulLMovie!) Free Online on English
🔴✅👉 WATCH ➤ By Reddit
🔴✅👉 DOWNLOAD ➤ By Reddit
22 minutes ago — The film was a box office success, grossing $98.4 million against a budget of $15 million. The film received acclaim from critics, with particular praise going to its acting (especially Goldberg's performance), direction, screenplay, musical score, and production values.
The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Goldberg, Best Supporting Actress for both Avery and Winfrey, and Best Adapted Screenplay, but did not achieve a single win.
It also received four Golden Globe Award nominations, with Goldberg winning Best Actress in a Drama. In 2006, the American Film Institute ranked the film 51st on its list of most inspiring movies.
While several avenues exist to view the highly praised film Back to Black online streaming offers a versatile means to access its cinematic wonder From heartfelt songs to buoyant humor this genre-bending work explores the power of friendship to upBack to Black communities during troubling times Directed with nuanced color and vivacious animation lighter moments are blended seamlessly with touching introspection Cinephiles and casual fans alike will find their spirits Back to Blacked by this inspirational story of diverse characters joining in solidarity Why not spend an evening immersed in the vibrant world of Back to Black ? Don't miss out!
Back to Black is a 1985 American epic coming-of-age period drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes, based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. It was Spielberg's eighth film as a director, marking a turning point in his career as it was a departure from the summer blockbusters for which he had become known. It was also the first feature film directed by Spielberg for which John Williams did not compose the music. The film instead featuring a score by Quincy Jones, who also produced. The cast stars Whoopi Goldberg in her breakthrough role, with Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey (in her film debut), Margaret Avery, and Adolph Caesar.
Filmed in Anson and Union counties in North Carolina,the film tells the story of a young African-American girl named Celie Harris and the brutal experiences she endured including domestic violence, incest, child sexual abuse, poverty, racism, and sexism.
Despite the success, the film is a source of controversy with many criticizing the film for its negative depiction of African-American males who are all shown as brutally violent. The film was also criticized by some for being "over-sentimental" and "stereotypical".
WHEN AND WHERE WILL Back to Black BE STREAMING?
The new Back to Black prequel Back to Black will be available for streaming first on Starz for subscribers Later on the movie will also be released on Peacock thanks to the agreement between distributor Lionsgate and the NBC Universal streaming platform Determining the exact arrival date of the movie is a slightly more complex matter Typically Lionsgate movies like John Wick 4 take approximately six months to become available on Starz where they tend to remain for a considerable period As for when Songbirds Snakes will be accessible on Peacock it could take nearly a year after its release although we will only receive confirmation once Lionsgate makes an official announcement However Back to Black you wish to watch the movie even earlier you can rent it on Video on Demand (VOD) which will likely be available before the streaming date on Starz
WHERE CAN I STREAM Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba—To the Hashira TrainingAL Back to Black MOVIES IN THE MEANTIME?
In the meantime you can currently stream all four original Back to Black movies on Peacock until the end of November The availability of Back to Black movies on Peacock varies depending on the month so make sure to take advantage of the current availability
HOW TO WATCH Back to Black 2024 ONLINE:
As of now, the only way to watch Back to Black is to head out to a movie theater when it releases on Friday, September 8. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until it becomes available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Vudu, Apple, YouTube, and Amazon or available to stream on Max.
Back to Black is still currently in theaters Back to Black you want to experience all the film's twists and turns in a traditional cinema. But there's also now an option to watch the film at home. As of March 28, 2024, Back to Black is available on HBO Max. Only those with a subscription to the service can watch the movie. Because the film is distributed by 20th Century Studios, it's one of the last films of the year to head to HBO Max due to a streaming deal in lieu of Disney acquiring 20th Century Studios, as Variety reports. At the end of 2023, 20th Century Studios' films will head to Hulu or Disney+ once they leave theaters.
IS Back to Black MOVIE ON NETFLIX, CRUNCHYROLL, HULU, OR AMAZON PRIME
Netflix: Back to Black is currently not available on Netflix. However, fans of dark fantasy films can explore other thrilling options such as Doctor Strange to keep themselves entertained.
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll and Funimation have acquired the rights to distribute Back to Black in North America. Stay tuned for its release on the platform in the coming months. In the meantime, indulge in dark fantasy shows like Spider-man to fulfill your entertainment needs.
Hulu: Unfortunately, Back to Black is not available for streaming on Hulu. However, Hulu offers a variety of other exciting options like Afro Samurai Resurrection or Ninja Scroll to keep you entertained.
Disney+: Back to Black is not currently available for streaming on Disney+. Fans will have to wait until late December, when it is expected to be released on the platform. Disney typically releases its films on Disney+ around 45-60 days after their theatrical release, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience for viewers.
IS Back to Black ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO?
Back to Black movie could eventually be available to watch on Prime Video, though it will likely be a paid digital release rather than being included with an Amazon Prime subscription. This means that rather than watching the movie as part of an existing subscription fee, you may have to pay money to rent the movie digitally on Amazon. However, Warner Bros. and Amazon have yet to discuss whether or not this will be the case.
WHEN WILL 'Back to Black ', BE AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY AND DVD?
HERE'S HOW TO WATCH 'Back to Black ' ONLINE STREAMING IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
To watch 'Back to Black ' (2023) for free online streaming in Australia and New Zealand, you can explore options like gomovies.one and gomovies.today, as mentioned in the search results. However, please note that the legality and safety of using such websites may vary, so exercise caution when accessing them. Additionally, you can check Back to Black the movie is available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, as they often offer a wide selection of movies and TV.
Mark your calendars for July 8th, as that's when Back to Black will be available on Disney+. This highly anticipated installment in the franchise is packed with thrilling action and adventure, promising to captivate audiences and leave them craving for more. Captivate audiences and leave them craving for more.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to watch Back to Black online in its entirety from the comfort of your own home. You can access the full movie free of charge on the respected platform known as 123Movies. Immerse yourself in the captivating experience of Back to Black by watching it online for free.
As of right now, we don't know. While the film will eventually land on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD, Warner Bros has yet to reveal a specBack to Blackic date as to when that would be. The first
Nun film also premiered in theaters in early September and was released on Blu-ray and DVD in December. Our best guess is that the sequel will follow a similar path and will be available around the holiday season.

The End of the Old Testament

Beginning in 606 BC, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon launched the first of three successive attacks upon the city of Jerusalem and the people of Judah. During the second attack (597 BC), Ezekiel, Daniel, and about 10,000 other inhabitants of Jerusalem were carried into captivity. During the third attack (587-586 BC) Jerusalem was completely destroyed. Her walls were broken down. The gates were burned. The temple was destroyed. The city was left desolate in shambles.
While in captivity, Daniel foretold that the Babylonian Empire would be overtaken by the Medes and the Persians, the Medes and the Persians would be conquered by the Greeks, the Greeks would be conquered by the Maccabeans (Hasmoneans), and the Hasmoneans would be conquered by the Romans. The Romans later installed the Herodians as vassal (or "client") kings of Rome over Judea. Daniel further foretold that the establishment of the kingdom of God would take place during the days of the this mixed empire (Dan. 2:41-44); this empire began near the end of the "intertestamental period," spilling over into the times of the New Testament.

The Intertestamental Period

The time between the last writings of the Old Testament and the appearance of Christ is known as the “intertestamental” (or “between the testaments”) period. It lasted from the prophet Malachi’s time (about 400 BC) to the preaching of John the Baptist (about AD 25). The political, religious, and social atmosphere of Israel changed significantly during this period. Again, much of what happened was predicted by the prophet Daniel. (See Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8, and 11 and compare to historical events.)
Israel was under the control of the Persian Empire about 539–332 BC. The Persians allowed the Jews to practice their religion with little interference. They were even allowed to rebuild and worship at the temple (2 Chron. 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-4). This span of time included the last 100 years of the Old Testament period and about the first 100 years of the intertestamental period. This time of relative peace and contentment was just the calm before the storm.
During the intertestamental period, Alexander the Great defeated Darius of Persia, bringing Greek rule to the world. Alexander was a student of Aristotle and was well-educated in Greek philosophy and politics. Alexander required that Greek culture be promoted in every land that he conquered. As a result, the Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek, becoming the translation known as the Septuagint. Most of the New Testament references to Old Testament Scripture use the Septuagint phrasing. Alexander did allow religious freedom for the Jews, though he still strongly promoted Greek lifestyles. This was not a good turn of events for Israel, since the Greek culture was very worldly, humanistic, and ungodly. As a result, many in the Jewish population would begin to adopt increasingly Hellenistic views and ways of thinking about God and the Scriptures.
After Alexander died, Judea was ruled by a series of successors, culminating in the Selucid king Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did far more than refuse religious freedom to the Jews. Around 167 BC, he overthrew the rightful line of the priesthood and desecrated the temple, defiling it with unclean animals and a pagan altar (see Mark 13:14 for a similar event to take place in the then future). Antiochus’ act was the religious equivalent of rape. Eventually, Jewish resistance to Antiochus, led by Judas Maccabeus and the Hasmoneans, restored Jewish priests and rescued the temple. The period of the Maccabean Revolt was one of war, violence, and infighting.
Around 63 BC, Pompey of Rome conquered Israel, putting all of Judea under control of the Caesars. This eventually led to Herod being made the vassal (or "client") king of Judea by the Roman emperor and senate. This is the nation that taxed and controlled the Jews and eventually executed the Messiah on a Roman cross. Roman, Greek, and Hebrew cultures were now mixed together in Judea.
The years of Herod’s rule were a time of turmoil for the Jewish people. He was an Idumean. His ancestors had been forced to convert to Judaism, but the Jews never accepted Herod. In fact, they resented him. He was the representative of a foreign power. Scheming, jealous, and cruel, he killed two of his own wives and at least three of his own sons. Just five days before his own death, Herod had his oldest son, Antipater, put to death. Augustus once said that it was better to be Herod’s pig than his son (a wordplay, since the Greek words for pig, hus, and for son, huios, sound very much alike). His relations with Rome were sometimes troubled due to the unsettled conditions in the empire. Herod was a strong supporter of Antony, though he could not tolerate Cleopatra with whom Antony had become enamored. When Antony was defeated by Octavian (31 BC), Herod pledged his full support to Octavian.
Herod proved himself an efficient administrator on behalf of Rome. He kept the peace among a people who were hard to rule. He was a cruel and merciless man. Yet, during a time of great famine, he used his own funds to feed the people. Among his many building projects in Jerusalem, his greatest contribution to the Jews was the beautification of the Temple in Jerusalem. This beautification seems to have largely been an attempt to conciliate his subjects. The Temple, decorated with white marble, gold, and jewels, became proverbial for its splendor: “Whoever has not seen the temple of Herod has seen nothing beautiful.”
It was during the reign of Herod that Jesus was born (Matt. 2:1-18, Luke 1:5). Herod was the king who ordered the execution of the male babies in Bethlehem, for fear of being usurped by the prophesied Messiah (Matt. 2:16-18).

Major Political Events of the New Testament

At his death (4 BC), Herod left his kingdom to three of his sons. Antipas became tetrarch (“ruler of a fourth”) of Galilee and Perea (4 BC–AD 39). Philip became tetrarch of the Gentile regions to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee (4 BC—AD 34). Archelaus was to be king of Judea and Samaria, but Rome refused to give him the title of king. He was ethnarch (“ruler of the people”) of these two territories. He proved to be a poor ruler and was deposed (6 AD). His territories were placed under the direct rule of Roman procurators under the control of the governor of Syria.
John the Baptist rebuked Antipas for divorcing his wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of Philip, his half brother. In retaliation, Herodias induced her dancing daughter to demand the head of John the Baptist. Antipas yielded to the grisly request (Mark 6:17-29, Matt. 14:3-12). Jesus once referred to Antipas as “that fox” (Luke 13:32). Later Jesus stood trial before him (Luke 23:7-12).
Except for brief periods, Roman governors ruled Archelaus’s former territory. The fifth procurator appointed to rule over Judea was Pontius Pilate, before whom Jesus stood trial prior to his crucifixion. Interestingly, three times Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent, yet he lacked the courage to set him free for fear of the angry mob whipped up by the enemies of Christ (John 18).
Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, executed James, the apostle and son of Zebedee, and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-5). He was smitten of God when he accepted the praise of the people, “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” Luke tells us that because “he gave not God the glory,” “the angel of the Lord smote him" and "he was eaten of worms," and died (Acts 12:21-23).
The governor Felix heard the apostle Paul preach the gospel and trembled at the word, yet postponed obeying the gospel (Acts 24–25). He hoped that Paul would bribe him with money, but Paul never did and remained a prisoner for two years under the governor Felix.
Festus, who took the place of Felix, also heard Paul’s case (Acts 25). Willing to do the Jews a favor, Festus suggested that Paul return to Jerusalem to stand trial. Being a Roman citizen, and knowing that the Jews intended to kill him, Paul appealed his case to Caesar.
This presented a problem for Festus. He had no choice but to send Paul to Rome. The problem was that he did not have any charges to write in the papers to accompany Paul to Rome. Thus, he asked Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, to listen to Paul’s self-defense and see if he could determine what charges should be written against Paul before sending his case to Rome. Agrippa heard Paul’s self-defense and was “almost” persuaded to become a Christian himself (Acts 26:28).
Upon the death of Festus, Albinis and then Florus were appointed governors of Judea. It was during Florus' reign that the Jewish revolt of AD 66-70 took place, which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70.

Groups, Peoples, and Philosophies of the Day

During the span of the Greek and Roman occupations, some important political/religious groups emerged in Israel. In a study of the New Testament, it is important to consider the historical background and significance of some of the Jewish groups in Palestine at the time, whose names are familiar as participants in the drama of early Christianity. These were the groups with whom Christ Jesus had to deal as he observed and often challenged their views. Entrenched in positions of authority and leadership through anciently established hierarchy, tradition, or inheritance, their resistance to change was almost inevitable.
Most familiar of the New Testament parties and groups in political and religious life were the Sadducees, the Pharisees, and the scribes. The nationalistic and revolutionary Zealots are also mentioned. The Herodians were exclusively a political party, members and supporters of the family of the Herods, whose titular authority was permitted by Rome. Finally, there's the Galileeans and the Samaritans, who weren't necessarily attached to any of the aformentioned ideologies, but were citizens of their respective states.
Jews and Samaritans were to have no dealings with each other, so Samaritans technically had no dog in this fight between the Jews' themselves and their own ideologies, but it's important to mention them because they contribute to the narrative of the New Testament through Jesus' dealings with them, and his famous parable of "the Good Samaritan."
THE SADDUCEES
The Sadducees constituted a conservative priestly party among the Jews. Their name probably derived from Zadok, the high priest who anointed Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:39). Comprised of high-priestly families from the Jewish aristocracy, who had come into power largely during the Maccabean War, they were educated and wealthy men, fairly few but wielding great power. No man who was unable to trace his descent from a priestly family could offer sacrifice in the Temple. The Sadducees represented the aristocrats and the wealthy. The Sadducees, who wielded power through the Sanhedrin, rejected all but the Mosaic books of the Old Testament. They refused to believe in resurrection and were generally shadows of the Greeks, whom they greatly admired.
While upholding the spread of Greek culture, the Sadducees stressed the letter of the Mosaic Law, or Torah. They denied the authority even of ancient tradition, and rejected the current concepts of angels, immortality, resurrection, and final judgment (Mark 12:18‐27, Acts 4:1-2; 23:8). They jealously guarded Temple worship and sacrificial rites, objecting to Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, which infringed their religious authority. After the destruction of the Second (or Herod's) Temple in 70 AD, when the Jewish state came to an end, their sway virtually ceased. In the absence of the Temple, the office of priest became obsolete, to be succeeded by that of the rabbi in the synagogue.
THE PHARISEES
It was when the people were in exile, Solomon's Temple having been destroyed, that the need arose for local gathering places, which became the forerunners of the synagogue. Even after some of the exiles returned to Palestine, and the Second (or Zerubbabel's) Temple was built, the continued dispersion of many Jews and the demand for Scriptural knowledge that came with the religious reformation of Ezra and Nehemiah made the synagogue and its school increasingly necessary. In New Testament times they prevailed in all cities and towns where Jewish people resided.
The beginnings of Pharisaism go back to the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, who lived about 450 years before the New Testament era. Ezra did much to bring stability to his nation in a period of downfall and discouragement. He upheld two main concepts, which formed, as it were, the heart of Pharisaism. First, he erected a distinct barrier between Jew and Gentile. The Jews he regarded as God's holy people. Intermarriage between them and others of mixed ancestry', such as the Samaritans, was not to be tolerated. Also, he made the Law of Moses the central point of Jewish religion, virtually establishing it as the constitution of the Jewish people.
In their objection to the Hellenizing of Judaism, after the rise of Alexander the Great, many Jews became even more strict in their desire to maintain the purity of their law and tradition. Thus it is easy to see how they came to be called Pharisees (Hebrew Perushim), meaning literally "separatists." These were the ones who adopted, or popularized, a prescriptive method of interpreting the Law of Moses, as opposed to the "descriptive wisdom" methodology of Jesus as seen in the New Testament.
Contributing a democratic influence in Judaism, Pharisees were basically laymen, coming from all walks of life, often including scribes and priests. Like the Sadducees, they sought to uphold the Mosaic Law, but their concern was to adapt its teachings to current situations, and their influence was primarily in the synagogue.
Much of the strength of Pharisaism came from the adaptability of this movement to changing conditions, a tendency which helped in preparing for Christianity. It was the Pharisees who were largely responsible for taking the Messianic idea and keeping it alive in the hopes of the people. Also, it was they who upheld the belief in immortality and the resurrection, to which the Sadducees took great exception. Unlike the Zealots, they generally rejected violence as a means to national liberation.
While modern research is providing justification for more favorable opinions concerning the Pharisees' role in history, there was ample room for Jesus' repeated denunciations of the abuses and inconsistencies he observed. The Pharisees added to the Law of Moses through oral tradition and eventually considered their own laws more important than God’s (Mark 7:1-23). While Christ’s teachings often agreed with the Pharisees, he railed against their hollow legalism and lack of compassion. Nevertheless, Pharisees such as Nicodemus (John 3:1; 19:39), Gamaliel (Acts 5:34) and his famous pupil, Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3) certainly represented the highest thought in Judaism.
THE SCRIBES
The powerful seventy-one-member Sanhedrin or Council, the highest Jewish court, was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, with the high priest as president.
The scribes, strictly speaking, formed a legal profession rather than a party. They—and a nearly identical group, the lawyers—were usually Pharisees, though occasionally there were Sadducean scribes as well. They were professional teachers who were interpreters and transcribers of the Law at a time when hand-copying was the only method of preserving any document.
So insistent were the Jews upon maintaining the absolute accuracy of their sacred Scriptures that the work of the scribes demanded exceptional skill and mastery of the text. The Jews considered the Law of Moses to be the infallible standard, God's own law. It was their national, civil, moral, and religious law in one.
The scribes not only transmitted but contributed to "the tradition of the elders"—an ever-increasing body of legalistic detail, which, when committed to writing, formed the Talmud.
It was usual for the scribes to have another occupation to supplement their unpaid teaching and writing work. Their work combined the many functions of judge, lawyer, preacher, teacher, and scholar. The office of the scribe gradually merged into that of the rabbi, for when the canon of the Old Testament was finally settled in 90 AD—largely the result of the Pharisees' work—the need for the scribes as interpreters of the Law diminished.
There are many references to scribes in the Old Testament, but clearly "Ezra the scribe" (Neh. 8:1; 12:26) was the true antecedent of those referred to in the New.
THE ZEALOTS
The Zealots were members of a first-century political movement among Judean Jews who sought to overthrow the occupying Roman government. The word zealot derives from the Greek zelotes, meaning “emulator or (zealous) follower.”
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the Zealots “agree in all other things with the Pharisaic notions; but they have an inviolable attachment to liberty, and say that God is to be their only Ruler and Lord" (Antiquities 18.1.6).
Hezekiah, under whose leadership the Zealots arose, was martyred by Herod. Their appearance on the political horizon of Palestine came early in the Roman occupation. According to Josephus, they "were particularly active in AD 6 during the revolt of Judas of Gamala, in Galilee, who maintained that compliance with the Roman demand for a census would constitute an act of enslavement 'among Palestinians." Josephus was apparently unaware of the role played by Hezekiah in the rise of the Zealots. This appears from his reference to Judas as their author.
They "were most influential in Galilee and later in Jerusalem, especially from the time of Herod (37 BC –AD 4) until the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70)."
"They refused to pay taxes and considered it a sin to acknowledge loyalty to Ceasar." They "harassed the Roman administration with every means at their disposal." They "relentlessly opposed the Roman attempt to bring Judea under her idolatrous rule."
It was from among the Zealots that the extreme Sicarri arose. The Sicarii were famous for hiding their daggers in their cloaks and using them to secretly target their enemies during the festivals (Antiquities 20.8.10). Some sources make a sharp distinction between the Zealots and the Sicarii, while others do not. It seems fair to say that the Sicarii were part of the Zealot movement, but not all Zealots were Sicarii. Thus, “Zealot” was an umbrella term for the revolutionaries who rebelled against Rome.
Some sources say that those who belonged to the family dynasty of Hezekiah were all Sicarii. Wikipedia designates the Sicarii as “a splinter group of the Jewish Zealots.” The Sicarii are mentioned in Acts 21:38, where Paul was asked if he was the Egyptian who had led 4000 assassins (or “dagger-bearers”) into the wilderness.
Of importance in New Testament history, the Zealots led a rebellion when Rome introduced imperial cult worship. The Great Jewish Revolt began in AD 66. The Zealots successfully overtook Jerusalem, but their revolt was ultimately unsuccessful. In AD 70, the Romans destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. A remnant of the Zealots then took refuge in Masada.
Josephus records many of the atrocities committed by the Zealots when they possessed Jerusalem, blaming them for being the ones truly responsible for its destruction, as the city was left quite desolate and chaotic by the time the Roman general Titus even came to finish it off.
It is my belief that there are, in fact, 5 kingdoms which precede the kingdom of God in Daniel chapter 2, and not 4, as commonly taught. It is also my belief that the fourth kingdom was the Hasmonean (Maccabean) Dynasty, and that the fifth kingdom (thus, the "Beast" of Revelation; see Daniel 7) wasn't Rome, but apostate Israel instead. It is my belief that the Beast represents apostate Israel as a whole, the culmination of which was the Zealots. This explains how it had authority over every nation (the Jewish Diaspora) and how it conquered the saints (same). The Zealots were just a symptom of the disease, but John’s vision focuses on them more because they were the ones who brought about the eschatological war.
THE HERODIANS
The Herodians held political power, and most scholars believe that they were a political party that supported King Herod Antipas, the Roman Empire’s ruler over much of the land of the Jews from 4 BC to AD 39. The Herodians favored submitting to the Herods, and therefore to Rome, for political expediency. This support of Herod compromised Jewish independence in the minds of the Pharisees, making it difficult for the Herodians and Pharisees to unite and agree on anything. But one thing did unite them—opposing Jesus. Herod himself wanted Jesus dead (Luke 13:31), and the Pharisees had already hatched plots against him (John 11:53), so they joined efforts to achieve their common goal.
The first appearance of the Herodians in Scripture is Mark 3:6, "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him." Jesus had been doing miracles, which caused some of the people to believe in him for salvation, and that threatened the power and position of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Herodians. The Herodians again joined with the Pharisees to challenge Jesus, to see if they could trap Jesus in his words by a trick question, to either discredit him or to get him to stop preaching (Matt. 22:15-22).
Jesus regarded the two groups as in unity against him and warned his followers against them: "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." (Mark 8:15b). Yeast in this context is false teaching, the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, and hypocrisy. Many scholars believe that the Herodians looked to Herod as a messiah, a savior of sorts who would put the Jewish land in favor with the Roman Empire and bring blessings to them. Jesus’ presentation of himself as the Messiah was a threat to the Herodians' attempt to make Herod the influential political power in the land.
In the then future (now past; we're Preterists), the Bible tells us that many would be deceived by an Antichrist figure and would view this Antichrist as a "messiah." He would be a political leader as well as a false religious leader, and he would promise peace and prosperity through policy. The Herodians at the time of Jesus were also focused on political goals rather than the eternal goals that Jesus proclaimed. They thought Herod might bring peace politically. But Jesus came to bring us salvation from our sins. The lesson we learn from the error of the Herodians is that we are not to trust in man's devices or politicians, as they trusted in Herod (Psa. 118:8). We are to put our trust in the Lord.
THE GALILEEANS
A Galilean was an inhabitant of the area in Israel near the Sea of Galilee. In the time of Christ, Galilee was the northernmost of the three provinces of Israel, above Samaria in the middle and Judea in the south. Approximately 700 years before Christ, Galilee’s Israelite inhabitants were conquered by Assyria. Most of the Jews living there were relocated to Assyria, while non-Jewish immigrants moved into Galilee (2 Kin. 15:29–17:24). This is why the Bible sometimes refers to the area as “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Isa. 9:1, Matt. 4:13-16).
Judeans tended to look down on Galileans, viewing them as uneducated and of questionable ancestry (John 1:46; 7:52). Galileans also had a reputation of being rabble-rousers, as they often took part in protests and uprisings against the Roman occupiers. It is significant that Jesus grew up in Galilee (Matt. 2:19‐23) and in Galilee recruited most of his disciples, started his ministry, and performed his first miracles (Matt. 4:17-23, John 2:11). Being Galilean, Jesus “was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isa. 53:3).
We see glimpses in Scripture of how Galilee may have been a trouble spot for Roman rule. Gamaliel mentioned a failed revolt led by “Judas the Galilean” in Acts 5:37. In Luke 13:1-3, some people told Jesus about an incident involving Galileans: “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (vs. 1). Neither Scripture nor secular history gives any more details regarding this massacre, but it is likely that the Galileans, visiting Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, had been caught up in a nationalistic fervor and started a commotion on the temple mount. The Roman governor Pilate quickly and violently quelled the disturbance, killing the Galileans along with their sacrificial animals, perhaps as a public demonstration of how violators must “atone” for their “sins” against Rome.
Jesus responded to hearing about the massacre of the Galileans with a warning: “Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2b-3). Instead of conjecturing on the Galileans’ sin, Jesus said to his audience that they needed take care of their own sin. They all needed to repent.
Peter, being a Galilean, spoke in a northern Aramaic dialect, and his accent and vocabulary gave him away when he was trying to remain anonymous on the night of Jesus’ arrest. As Peter was sitting in a courtyard during one of Jesus’ trials, a servant girl came up to him and said, “Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee” (Matt. 26:69c). Later, another servant girl said, “This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth” (vs. 71). A short time later, others said to Peter, “Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee” (vs. 73). Galileans naturally stood out to the people of Jerusalem.
The fact that Jesus lived and ministered in Galilee is yet another example of his identification with those the world rejects. He came to seek and to save the lost. Those who follow his example will likewise proclaim his message and live out his teachings among culture’s outcasts and minister to “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40).
THE SAMARITANS
A Samaritan was a person from Samaria, a region north of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people of Galilee and Judea shunned the Samaritans, viewing them as a mixed race who practiced an impure, half-pagan religion.
Samaritans, as a people distinct from the Jews, are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 4:17, Neh. 2:10). Both Ezra chapter 4 and a fifth-century BC Aramaic set of documents called the Elephantine Papyri point to a schism between the Jews and Samaritans during this Persian period.
The Samaritans saw themselves as the keepers of the Torah and the true descendants of Israel, from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. They had their own unique copy of the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, and believed they alone preserved the original Mosaic religion. Samaritans also had a unique religious system and established their primary worship site on Mount Gerizim. They considered the Jerusalem temple and the Levitical priesthood illegitimate.
The historian Josephus and Jewish tradition trace the origin of the Samaritans to the captivity of the northern kingdom under Assyria in 721 BC. Jews of the northern kingdom intermarried with Assyrians after the captivity and produced the half-Jewish, half-Gentile Samaritan race. When the Jews accused Jesus of being a “Samaritan” in John 8:48, they were rudely suggesting that he was a half-breed, born of an unfaithful mother.
In New Testament times, the Jews despised Samaritans and would have nothing to do with them. The Samaritans were still living primarily around Mount Gerizim (John 4:1-42), but also kept to their own villages (Matt. 10:5, Luke 9:52). Scripture mentions encounters with Samaritans in towns bordering Samaria (Luke 17:11-19) and on roads between Jerusalem and Jericho (Luke 10:29-37).
Jesus met with difficulty when ministering to people in Samaritan villages (Luke 9:52-53) and at one point told his disciples not to enter them (Matt. 10:5-6). Nonetheless, Christ shared the good news with Samaritans, ministering to a Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26) and healing a Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19).
The most recognized Samaritan in the Bible is the one in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). A Jewish legal expert had put Jesus to the test, asking him to explain the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself”; specifically, he asked Jesus to define the word neighbor.
That’s when Jesus told his parable of a man in need, portraying the Samaritan as the hero in the story. In the lawyer’s eyes, the Samaritan was the least likely candidate to act lovingly and compassionately to his neighbor. As intended, the story shocked Christ’s audience of prejudiced Jews. Jesus showed that authentic love must transcend all human boundaries of race, religion, nationality, economic class, and educational status.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they would be his witnesses in Samaria. In Acts chapter 8 the prophecy was fulfilled, and Samaria became an early mission field for the spreading of the Church.

The Shammaite and Hillelite Interpretations of Mosaic Law

Shammai and Hillel were two influential Jewish rabbis whose commentaries on the Torah shaped Jewish theology and philosophy for hundreds of years. The Shammaite and Hillelite schools were the two dominant approaches to Jewish Law during the years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Unfortunately, the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD resulted in the loss of most records relating to the debates between these two groups. The Hillelite school quickly gained dominance after the Temple was razed, so much of what we know about first-century Hillelite and Shammaite law comes exclusively from later Hillelite writers. These writers portray the Shammaite-Hillelite divide in a manner similar to modern two-party politics, with each side seemingly bound and determined to contradict the other on everything.
According to tradition, Shammai was a Pharisee who taught in the years just prior to Jesus’ birth. In his commentary on the Law, he emphasized the need for Temple rituals, and his interpretation is characterized as strict, literalist, and Israel-centric. The school that followed those interpretations is referred to as the Shammaite interpretation of Jewish Law.
Rabbi Hillel, a contemporary of Shammai, was less concerned with temple worship. His commentary is seen as being more liberal, tolerant, and accepting of Gentiles. Hillel was also known for codifying traditional patterns for exegesis into seven individual rules. His Hillelite school was a rival to the Shammaite approach. After the destruction of the Temple, the influence of the Shammaite school faded, and Hillel’s philosophy became the dominant approach to Jewish Law for more than 400 years.
Scholars are unsure how many of the differences between the Shammaite and Hillelite schools are factual and how many are the products of revisionist history. While Jewish scholars prior to 70 AD make frequent reference to the disagreements between these two groups, the vast majority of surviving records are from Hillelite writers. It’s possible that the Hillelites exaggerated some of the differences between Shammai and Hillel in order to portray Hillel in a more heroic light.
Even with such open questions, it’s clear that the interplay between Shammai and Hillel influenced Judaism during the early Christian era. The rivalry between the two schools greatly contributed to Judaism’s growing belief that the oral law—such as promoted in the Shammaite or Hillelite schools—was as authoritative as the written Torah.
Some scholars debate which school, Shammaite or Hillelite, had a greater influence on the theology of the New Testament. Jesus’ restrictive rules on divorce echo those of Shammai, while Hillel allowed for a wider range of acceptable reasons to end a marriage. Jesus also phrased the “Golden Rule” using a more challenging, positive expression, in contrast to Hillel’s lighter, negative expression of the same basic idea. At the same time, Jesus was welcoming of non-Jewish people and often castigated the Pharisees for their excessive legalism. The fact is that Jesus presented the truth, and his agreement with either Shammai or Hillel was secondary and coincidental. Jesus spoke the Father’s Word, and his teaching cannot be seen as a defense of any rabbi (John 12:49).
There is also an academic debate over the influence of Shammai and Hillel on the theology of the apostle Paul. On one hand, Paul was a student of Gamaliel, who came from the Hillelite school and might have even been Hillel’s grandson. But, prior to his conversion, Paul (Saul) was hardly a tolerant, Gentile-friendly Pharisee. Rather, in opposition to Gamaliel’s teaching, Paul took a severe stance. And in his letters Paul expresses an Israel-centric, all-or-nothing obedience to the Law (Rom. 3:19-28; cp. James 2:10), which many scholars would identify more with Shammai. Of course, as he was writing inspired Scripture, Paul was not concerned with what rabbi might have had a past influence upon him; he was “moved by the Holy Ghost” and wrote what the Spirit wanted (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Ediomite Lineage of Christ's Enemies

Around 63 BC, the Roman Triumvirate Pompey brought Judea under Roman Rule. He pushed all the Jews into the areas of Gallilee, Jericho and Jersalem. Then he settled Greeks and Syrians in the rest of the land of Palestine. Originally, Galilee was settled by the tribe of Benjamin who always followed the tribe of Judah.
A few years earlier, Hyrcanus, a descendant of the Maccabees, conquered the land of Idumea. Idumea was the home land of the Edomites. He forced all the Edomites to be circumcised and follow the Jewish laws.
The Jewish Encyclopedia, 1903 edition, says under the heading Edom:

"They were then incorporated with the Jewish nation, and their country was called by the Greeks and Romans “Idumea” . . . From this time the Idumeans ceased to be a separate nation, though the name “Idumea” still existed (in) the time of Jerome."

The Edomites were the descendants of Esau. Esau married into the families of the Canaanites. The Canaanites were the people that God told Moses and the Israelites to kill and drive out of the land of Canaan. They were warned never to mix or marry with the Canaanites. God gave Edom the land south of Judea. They were driven westward by the Natabeans to the area that became Idumea. Their border was only 19 miles from Jerusalem.
Flavus Josephus who lived from 37 AD to 100 AD confirms Edomite occupation in southern Judea:

“That country is also called Judea, and the people Jews; and this name is given also to as many as embrace their religion (Judaism), though of other nations. But then upon what foundation so good a governor as Hyrcanus (grandson of Mattathias patriarch of the Maccabees, a family of Judahite patriots of 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.) took upon himself to compel these Idumeans (Edomites) either to become Jews or to leave their country, deserves great consideration. I suppose it was because they had long ago been driven out of the land of Edom, and had SEIZED ON AND POSSESSED THE TRIBE OF SIMEON (their land not the people), AND ALL THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, WHICH WAS THE PECULIAR INHERITANCE OF THE WORSHIPERS OF THE TRUE GOD WITHOUT IDOLATRY…”

The word “Jews” in Scripture often refers to the inhabitants of the land of Judea. But it can also mean the tribe of Judah in some cases, or those who simply follow the Jewish religion (Judaism). The name for the land of Palestine was called Judea because they combined the name Judah and Idumea.
Now at the time of the Messiah, the Sadducees were in control of the Temple. Pharisees were the synagogue leaders. According to the Ency. Britannica and Philo, there were 6,000 Pharisees during the time of the Messiah.
Some had to be non-Jews and Edomites. When Herod came to power, he solidified his position by bringing in relatives from Idumea and appointing many non-Jews to important positions. And he killed the entire Sanhedrin except Hillel and Shammai. Herod was practicing Judaism, as many Edomites and Nabateans had been commingled with the Jews and adopted their customs.
The Edomites were called the Herodians in Scripture, and were politically aligned with Herod. As shown earlier, they plotted with the Pharisees to kill the Messiah.
The Bible also shows that some of the Pharisees were Edomites. Notice the verse below:

"They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?"-John 8:33

The Pharisees told the Messiah that they had never gone into bondage. This could only apply to the Edomites because the tribe of Judah was taken into captivity in around 586 BC by Babylon. They would have never told the Messiah that they never went into captivity. This verse proves that the Edomites were mixed among the Pharisees.
In the time of Christ, there were two Sanhedrins operating in Jerusalem, the first of which was a 23-member court run by the Sadducees that handled local affairs. Its larger counterpart, the Great Sanhedrin, was comprised of 70 elders with a president, who in the time of Jesus was Gamaliel. Acts 5:25 shows this group and the Great Sanhedrin coming together to discuss the problem of the Christians. The Great Sanhedrin functioned much like a combination of the Senate and Supreme Court, and most of its members at the time of the crucifixion were Pharisees from the school of Shammai.
You will note in the Book of Acts that Gamaliel, the president of the Great Sanhedrin, encouraged tolerance of the Christians. But because he and his followers were outnumbered by the aristocratic Sadducees and the Shammai-oriented Pharisees, the Great Sanhedrin ultimately elected to persecute the Christians. At the trial of Jesus before the elders of Israel, Gamaliel may not have been present. If he had, the circumstances may have turned out quite differently. The trial held to try Jesus was hurriedly assembled and included almost across the board members who were either Sadducees, or else Pharisees from the school of Shammai. It is possible that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimithea represented the school of Hillel.

Conclusion

It's important to keep in mind when studying all this that Jesus came to establish the New Covenant, which is about a heavenly Jerusalem, not an earthly one like the Zealots and Pharisees of Jesus' day thought or like how Zionists today think: "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus even said, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36b).

I wanted to pay tribute to my absolute favorite ancient Rome historian, Karl Galinsky (February 7, 1942 – March 9, 2024). He was a professor at the University of Texas in Austin. He was considered one of the foremost experts on Augustan Rome. I wanted to write briefly what I love about his writing and history, and why I prefer his work on Augustus above anyone else’s.
I’ve read a veritable mini-library on Augustus. His principate and life is my favorite period in Roman history. In a great deal of these books, there is this pervading cynicism about Augustus that no doubt stems from Tacitus and Sir Ronald Syme. Both of these legendary historians wrote about Augustus with a heavily biased lens. Tacitus wrote from the perspective of an optimate who valued the libertas of a small faction, the Roman oligarchy. Galinsky writes, “Libertas has both an active and passive meaning. It could mean freedom to do something actively, or it can be the freedom from something or someone. Tacitus and Cicero reflect on this matter, they espouse the former (active freedom). But of course, they are extremely biased and are purely referring to senatorial freedom and not the people’s.” Sir Ronald Syme, and understandably so, wrote from the perspective of a historian in the late 30’s, amid encroaching totalitarian dictators. Mussolini revived Augustus’ reign and Augustus was depicted as the “godfather of European dictators.” Galinsky writes, “After Mussolini, for instance, effectively usurped the Augustan era for Fascism, the association stuck for decades, and scholars were reluctant to say anything positive about Augustus so as not to appear as sympathizers.”
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill in Augustan Rome writes, “The fact that Mussolini (and even to some degree Hitler) made use of Augustus as a supposed model had a strong and largely negative impact on the reception of Augustus in the post-fascist period. Sir Ronald Syme's devastating account of Augustus in The Roman Revolution (1939) made plain a lack of sympathy for a figure who, having been deployed as a model for fascist dictators, started to look like one. Even Maecenas came to look like Hitler's minister of information, Goebbels, in manipulating public opinion. Half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became possible.”
And indeed, more than half a century after the fall of fascism, more nuanced viewpoints became to emerge and the pinnacle of this newer, fresher, and less biased reception of Augustus is that of Karl Galinsky. Galinsky praises Augustus as someone who only adversely affected the senatorial oligarchy in his reign. He was a necessary monarch and most importantly, the monarch of all, and not just of the select few oligarchs. Similar to Jochen Bleicken’s assessment of Augustus (by the way, Bleicken’s biography of Augustus is the best out there), they both view Augustus as - along with Alexander the Great - the most important figure of antiquity in western civilization. Below, I wanted to provide some of my favorite passages from two of Professor Galinsky’s books. One is Augustus: An Introduction to the Life of an Emperor, and the second one is my all-time favorite book, Augustan Culture. I will provide page numbers for each passage.

Augustus: Introduction to the Life of an Emperor

“Augustus, then, did not “restore the constitution of the Republic” but rather “restored constitutional government” (Scheid 2007, 89). And it is good to question how many people really wished for a return of that Republic with all its instability, aristocratic jockeying for power, and the government’s neglect of the basic needs of people such as the ability to pursue happiness, domestic tranquility, and a productive life for themselves and their families. Hence, as Dio reports on that occasion (53.11.2), there were members of the senate “who abhorred the republican constitution as a breeder of strife, were pleased at the change in government, and took delight in Caesar.” If that was true of senators, it was all the more true of the vast majority of Italians. They were not interested in the politics of the capital, by which they were deeply affected but in which they could not participate unless they went to Rome and voted there. The libertas they welcomed was not the liberty to engage in cliquish competition for status, and office in Rome but freedom from the effects of discord, factionalism, and hardships that system had produced. Hence the end of the Res Gestae echoes its beginning where Augustus proclaimed to have liberated the republic from the tyranny of a faction. From all this, yet another reason emerges why Augustus wanted to “restore” the republican system: precisely as a constant reminder of its built-in weakness and risks. The republic, without a strong leader, was not the way most people wanted to be governed; there was no nostalgia for its excesses and the economic and political havoc that had resulted. If the system was to work again it required an Augustus. Leaving it to its own devices was a guarantee to return to the bad old days.” (68)”
"Now “having power over all things,” did Augustus exercise power for its own sake, or did he use it as the means to an end? The answer is, quite unambiguously, the latter." (82)
"How Augustus governed: His personal imprint clearly was discernible, but, quite typically, was not the result of a constant series of executive orders. Such steps were rare. An example is edicts which addressed a number of concerns that had been directed to his attentions by non-Romans in Cyrene: he decreed that Roman citizens should be subject to local laws and that in trials involving Greeks half the jury should be Greek. Similarly, he interfered little in the affairs of the towns in Italy, which numbered around 400. Road building was a priority to tie the empire together just on a material level, and imperial officials were put in charge of the task. But, as we know from what happened in Italy, they had to work though local authorities and contractors. The emperor would not have it otherwise, and balanced approaches like these characterize his style of governing. In short, Augustus was an involved ruler. There was constant communication and consultation rather than intervention. He tapped into existing networks and structures but provided a sense of direction." (164)
"For most people around the Mediterranean, the end of ruinous wars and a return to normal life, domestic tranquility, and some material security would have been enough. If it took a monarch to guarantee these basic blessings, so be it. At least he was “the monarch of everybody” (Momigliano 1940, 80) instead of being interested only in the welfare of a small clique; of course, that monarch should not be a paranoid dictator or bloodthirsty tyrant, either. A return to “laws and rights” would have sufficed, but other frameworks were available besides the republican constitution, which had not been up to the task. The converse parameter for Octavian was that, no, he was not about to give up his power but would try to exercise it in a way that was acceptable to most." (182)
"The other quality that allowed Augustus to achieve all he did was his capacity to grow. Conquest and warring down the enemy was one thing; effectively governing the resulting reign was another – here is where Augustus saw the biggest difference between himself and his model Alexander. Given the generally static view of character in Greco-Roman antiquity, his development after 30 BC was not to be expected, and some understandable mistrust kept lingering. This change should not be rendered simplistically with phrases like “a kinder, gentler Augustus” and similarly reductive characterizations. He still was the same man with the same steely determination. But he saw the task he was facing now, and the way he chose to engage it, required qualities beyond those that had been in evidence. He addressed the problems that had been neglected, and he planned for the long term and not just for his own gain. The way he and his advisers went about this with hard work, patience (we may recall his motto “make haste slowly”), fairness, and vision resonated. This was a ruler and leader one could respect." (185)

Augustan Culture

It was the self-interest of the senate and its neglect of the larger interests of the res publica that gave rise to the Gracchan unrest and undermined the senate’s own auctoritas: it became auctoritas in form, but not in essence. Auctoritas is not simply a given, but needs to be reacquired and validated. In that sense, it is part of the Augustan ethos that emphasized process and ongoing effort rather than fulfillment. On the political level this activity ultimately fell to Augustus. He did not usurp the auctoritas of the senate, but came to supersede it because of his ability to take the senate’s virtual unwillingness to solve the various long-standing problems that were afflicting the Roman state. Roman political practice was familiar with the role of the princeps and ‘auctor’ who would guide the senate and ensure stability and concord in the res publica. Augustus came to utilize that role to the fullest. (How Augustus saved Rome. Reasoning for Late Republic’s decline. 15)
Augustus led a moral revitalization and followed through on it; it was a time for rededicating the state to values, virtues, ideas, and ideals. Especially in the arts and literature, the phenomenon is more complex than mere “propaganda”. (on supposed “propaganda”. 20)
To calls coins propaganda is way too simple. It was a lot more nuanced than that. There is no evidence that indicates a pattern of control by the princeps himself. Barbara Levick has proposed that the coins do not produce a message from the emperor to his subjects, but rather are an offering of respect by the subjects to the emperor. (On coins and propaganda. 30)
Maecenas, in his pro-monarchic advice to Augustus, counseled him that “none of the cities should be allowed to have their own separate coinage… they should all be required to use ours” (Dio 52.30.9). Augustus neither did so nor did he need to; Auctoritas once more triumphed over potestas. (40)
The basic change under Augustus only affected the senatorial oligarchy adversely. On several occasions Cicero stresses the importance of preserving the appearance of popular freedom while keeping all the power in the hands of the leading citizens… expressed by Cicero’s spokesman, Scipio in The Republic (1.47-48): “The people hardly possess more freedom under an aristocracy any more than under a monarchy.” (55)
During the late republic, the common people were essentially double losers. They had no meaningful political freedom, nor were they freed from oppressive misery – economic, social, or political – caused by incessant party strife. The fact that a monarch who guaranteed them domestic tranquility and not the aristocracy, was irrelevant to them. At least he was a monarch of everyone instead of looking out only for the interests of a small clique as the senatorial regime had done in the name of its libertas. (55)

CAL. MAIOR. LUDI FLORES. NEW MOON OF THE THIRD MONTH.

Salve salve, Jaguar Warriors at the Flower Games!
There seems to have been quite a lot of writing done over the last month, as I look back over it: one little book almost finished and two little books started. All of them niche within niche within niche – mere exercises in rhetoric and utterly meaningless; we have not refuted abramic religion, nor solved the matter of politics, nor cured mental illness – quite in fact we have been simply writing elaborate epigrams in the style of M. Valerius Martialis, as Chrysippus did and as Plato and Galen did, and so on and so on. Quite in fact, over this last month, my greatest accomplishment in my opinion was none of these exercises in rhetoric but that time when I improved upon the fish-feed mechanism in my garden and repaired the roof, as: those are tangible things, you understand, far superior to the phantasms of political affairs, grande narrative and “putting the world right” that preoccupies so those dusty labyrinthine passages in the minds of Men and Women; as: all desire, as Bastiat observed, to clamour that someone else sweep the floor when they could themselves be sweeping the floor – mere laziness. I am inclined to approve of the great-great-grandmother of yours, reader, who would have lifted your skirt or pulled down your Vikingr lodbrok and turned your bare arse the colour purple with a broomstick for being so work-shy; indeed, mad and lunatic in that moment of action, she would nevertheless be correct in her intuition that if she did not do such a thing to you that you would never learn the lesson as none else would care to trouble themselves to give it to you; being overly concerned of the matter of their own self-image, and thus a village and thus a township and thus a peoples would wither on the vine; their vintage never even realized - much less sampled, and much much less facilitating progenition.
Here, let us honour Octavian Caesar’s favourite pastime, in the spirit of the Flores, and roll the dice; let us pick a book and a page and a verse at random, and see what M. Valerius Martialis has to say at this juncture:
O’ thank the Lares it is short and praise be that it mentions Grapes! That would be the equivalent of rolling a double six, on a pair of dice each with 750 sides, you understand.

Galbina (a type Woodpecker)’s quills are cheated and her wings bound by nets;

Galbina decipitur calamis* et retibus ales,

writhing and swollen; all gone green over a mere raw grape.

turget\* ad hoc viridi cum rudis uva mero.*

M. VALERIUS MARTIALIS, BOOK 13, VERSE 68

\calamis: feather, pen, quill.*
\*either ‘turget’ is either to be translated as ‘swollen’ (from: turgida) (as it is in Bohn’s version) or it is ‘twist, torment, distorted’ (from: torqueo; pertorqueo, extorqueo, etc.), with the latter “tor-go-eo” (or “tor-gwa-eo”) more phonetically closer to the otherwise inexplicable word ‘turget’ “tor-geet”, so I just use both – probably it is the latter since it offers a better image of “writhing under a net”.*
Honestly it beggars belief how Bohn missed this one; I mean: what sense does this make:

“The (Woodpecker) is trapped by reeds and nets, while the grape, yet immature, swells with green juice.” Bohn’s Classical Library (1897)

Obviously the ‘joke’ is that the woodpecker who sought to eat the green raw grape has turned green through exertion and terror as consequence of being snared by the use of the green raw grape as bait. The reader may understand why I have such confidence in the worth of my own amusements here as that many of these Epigrams even in their most basic sense of overt verbatim import, let alone their deeper profundities, seem to sit utterly unrealized.
Such is true also, I suppose, of the contents of our index page,

• TRUE SELF AND EGO DEATH; THE ERADICATION OF THE FALSE; SUPERFICIAL, SELF THE EXTRICATION FROM PATHOS (2) also a video supplemental from McKenna on “the ego of the false self; ego as a construct of culture”
• QUICK THOUGHT ON HOW NARCOTICS CAME TO DOMINATE PSYCHOLOGY IN THE WEST; “INNER SELF AND INNER WORLD” AS THE EGO CONSTRUCT OF THE FALSE SELF VS. “CAUSES OF THINGS” IN THE EXTERNALWORLD, OR JUNG VS FREUD
• IT’S NOT “WOKE”, MATE, IT’S LATE STAGE CAPITALISM H.G. WELLS INTERVIEW WITH STALIN (1934) (1)
• THOUGHTS ON THE UNDUE CONCRETENESS WHICH WE PROJECT ONTO THE CULTURE IN THE WORLD AROUND US, OR ETHNOS IN FOSTERING A DISPOSITION ANTITHETICAL TO REALIZING THE LOGOS OF THE MATERIAL WORLD AND ATTUNING TO IT LOGOS VS ETHNOS (3)
• THE POLITICS OF ABSURDISM, OR THE FAMILIAR PATTERN OF HOW AN ABSURDIST IDEOLOGY SUBSUMED DEMOCRACY DESTROYED CIVILIZATION ACROSS THE ROMAN EMPIRE, AND AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN RHETOIC OF DEAD-PAN ABSURDISM LOGOS VS ETHNOS (4)
• THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EGO AND TRUE SELF LOGOS VS ETHNOS (5)
• ON ROMAN CHRISTIANITY AS CONSIDERED BY THE ROMAN PATRICIANS AND JESUS AS LOGOS; JESUS AS THE MESSIAH OF THE JEWS, AND “THE PARABLE OF THE “GOLDEN ROMANS”, OR THE COMPREHENSION OF VIRTUE THAT WAS LOST TO CHRISTIANITY LOGOS VS ETHNOS (6)
• THOUGHTS ON CLASS WARFARE, EXAMINING THE MANAGERIAL CLASS, OR THE BOURGEOIS, IN THE CONTEMPORARY WEST COMPARED TO THE BOURGEOIS OF THE EARLY 1900’S CIVICS AND PRODUCTION POWER, H.G. WELLS INTERVIEW WITH STALIN (1934) (2)
• CLASS WARFARE AND THE BOURGEOIS CONTINUED, AND THE USE OF PATHOS IN MEDIA (ATROCITY PROPAGANDA) AS AN EFFORT TO SEIZE TEMPORARY DIRECTORATE POWER CIVICS AND PRODUCTION POWER, H.G. WELLS INTERVIEW WITH STALIN (1934) (3)
• DEMOS AS ETHNOS, OR SOCIAL INFLUENCE AS THE DEMOS AND THE RECOGNITION OF THE DEMOS AS THE PRIMARY EVIL THING; I.E. THE EVIL OF THE “GREEK POLITY” ITSELF, AND THE AETIOLOGY OF THE WORD AND CONCEPT OF A DEMON (IN THE CHRISTIAN FRAMING OF THINGS) LOGOS VS ETHNOS (7)
• INTRODUCTION TO ROMAN PAGANISM, THE ORIGINAL OF POLYTHEISM AND SHAMANISM IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES CUSTOMS OF OUR ANCESTORS (WORKING TITLE) (1)
• THE ETRUSCAN ORIGINS OF ROMAN PAGANISM, AND THE “SECULAR RELIGION” OF THE ROMAN TEMPLES CUSTOMS OF OUR ANCESTORS (WORKING TITLE) (2)
• ON THE INTERTIA OF CULTURE*

\more of a follow-up to* this rant about the culture of docility and passive egoism in West, of which the internet is a apex crystallization of, as being undeniably the cause of war, genocide and domestic enmity, as: we today do not possess the excuses of the past of having some culture of militarism nor an autocratic government which can be blamed for causing these things as has historically been the excuse to “explain away” such things in human behaviour.

• THOUGHTS ON FALSE CLAIMS OF PERSECUTION, OR THE GREATLY IGNORED CASE STUDY OF “FALSE CLAIMS OF PERSECUTION AS POLITICAL LEVERAGE (OR SOCIAL CAPITAL)” DEMONSTRATED BY THE EARLY CHRISTIANS**

\*probably this ought be read as* “Logos vs Ethnos (7.1)”

• DEMOS CONTINUED AND EXPANDED, THE FALSE UNIVERSE OF THE “DEMOS-THINKER” AND “THE PUBLIC” AS AN ARTIFICAL CONSTRUCT (OF THE MEDIEVAL PRINTING-PRESS) AND THE MASS PSYCHOSIS OF POLITICAL NARRATIVES LOGOS VS ETHNOS (8)

all draft copies, all subject to revision and usually in need of tidying up

and

lest we forget the last dice roll: MARTIAL 5:45-5:47; in which Martial – in the first verse in my opinion – forces a Helot or Dacian boy to dress as a girl, then makes fun of the boy for “wanting to be a girl”, then explains in the next verse that the reason he is sexually humiliating the lad is simply to kill the boys spirit. Then he mocks a ‘Philo’ (which certainly is a reference to the wisest of the Greeks; regardless of any more depth to it than that) for being too poor to afford to eat; suggesting, I think, that the fake moralists only complain about such things and do not do such things is because they simply lack the coin to do such things themselves; as like in another verse to the same effect; how easy it is for a poor Man to resist narcotics or sexual indulgences when he has no means to procure them in the first place, when give him 200,000 sesterces and see how he immediately changes into the drunkard and the whore-monger.
But honestly, reader, if you think I have been choosing these epigrams with any forethought you are completely cracked. See here that we have upset the homosexuals ‘and’ the anti-homosexuals all in one go. However if one is in neither camp and is, therefore, able to enjoy such witticisms for their own sake as fond mockery, that such poems are Fucking “Based” – in both the colloquial and verbatim meaning of that word at once. Ultimately that ‘is’ the intention of the most highly moralistic satire, lest it need be pointed out to you – and obviously it does.
Anyway I am quite done with talking to you now, ‘the public’, you do not even exist according to the most cutting-edge thesis on the matter; and more importantly than this: it is a Nice Day outside.

Valete.

CAL. MAIOR. LUDI FLORES. NEW MOON OF THE THIRD MONTH.

​

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
Jesus made the greatest act of self-sacrifice for us. Not only did he pay our debt to justice for our sins against one another. He did this so we could see what real love looks like. (Matthew 11:29, John 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6)
Jesus' fulfilled the law. This means He kept its commands so He didn't need to die for His own sins, like most of us do. Our heavenly Father is a God of justice. This is why death could not hold our Lord and Savior. Death is wages for sin. (Proverbs 10:16, Romans 6:23) Jesus' died as an innocent condemned by the written law. (Leviticus 17:11, Joel 3:21, Galatians 3:10-13, Romans 8:3-4) This paved the way for us to come under the New Covenant, promised to us in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This law of love would be written on our hearts. (Deuteronomy 30:6, Ezekiel 36:24-28, Romans 2:28-29)
The laws of the New Covenant are far more restrictive, but its mercies are far more abundant. (see: book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7.) We can only live out this new law by the power of the Holy Spirit of Truth living within us. (John 20:22, Acts 19:2) We were not ready for this transcendent law before Jesus' suffering and resurrection. He gave us two things we didn't have before that make it possible to obey. The first thing Jesus gives us, is His good example to follow. (Mark 8:34, Titus 2:14, Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 5:43-48*). Second, He gives us His glorified Spirit. Jesus' purchased the whole world. This meant His Spirit was set free to bring truth to all people who believe and want to give up their selfish ways. (John 7:39)
The Holy Spirit makes the knowledge and the will of our conscience stronger than the will of our flesh. (Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12) He does this by causing us to love God more than we love getting what we want. (1 John 2:1-11, 1 John 2:17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 60) This is why the Bible says, "The law is passing away." (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) People who love don't need to be told not to hate. People who are truly one with their community don't need rules to be kind. They naturally treat their neighbor as they would want to be treated. (Romans 2:14-15, John 8:9, Hosea 6:6)
So, how do you receive the Holy Spirit? First, we have to want to be free from selfish behavior. Everyone has some sins they find deplorable. Whatever sins we commit, though, we often love those sins. Whatever gives us the payoff of loving others, without us actually loving, is a sin. Gossip, lying, and mockery are common sins we may give in to. They're a way to get even with people we've deemed to be less worthy of admiration than ourselves. When we read the Bible, we realize how unloving those behaviors are. Reading the Bible and believing it melds the Holy Spirit with our conscience. (Isaiah 55:1-3, Luke 10:38-42)
Next, we apologize to God for our sins and renounce them. To renounce sins, means to admit they were wrong to do, and turn from them. (Psalm 34:14, Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 18:7-8, John 15:5, Mark 12:14-17)
Then we dedicate ourselves to Jesus, our Messiah, and His teachings in the Bible. We thank Him and accept the sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 10:10, Jeremiah 17:7) We ask Him to wash us clean from sinful desires and to replace those desires with His Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:38-40, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 8:35-37, Psalm 51:6-17)
Scripture reference:
Jesus' sacrifice gave us an example of how to love one another.
Matthew 11:29 NKJV

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 13:15-17

15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

1 Peter 2:21

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1 John 2:6

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Those who do not love, are in sin. Sin leads to death.
Proverbs 10:16

16 The reward of the righteous is life; the wages of the wicked is punishment.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*Jesus walked the earth in flesh and blood, like us, yet He embodied our Father's Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, so His blood could make atonement for our sins.
Leviticus 17:11-12

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

Joel 3:21 CSB

I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, for the LORD dwells in Zion.

Galatians 3:10-13

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. 12 But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

Romans 8:3-4

3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law's requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus' sacrifice was prophesied to set us free from the curse of the law. Instead of a law we must follow outwardly, we have a law we can willingly follow from the heart, in order to be worthy of our Savior.
Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Ezekiel 36:24-28

24 "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 "Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The most important way Jesus helps us be obedient, is by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us. He works to improve our God-given conscience. He also brings truth to our minds when we need it.
John 20:22

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:2-6

2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus gave us an example to follow. He showed us how to live and how to make it count when we die.
Mark 8:34

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Titus 2:14

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Isaiah 53:10

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us a "conscience upgrade." This strengthens our will to live in a way that helps everyone, not just ourselves.
Acts 24:16

16 "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

2 Corinthians 1:12

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 John 2:1-11

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Once we are all people of love, there will be no more need for law.
1 John 2:17

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isaiah 60:1-22

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 "Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. 8 "Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts? 9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the LORD your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. 10 "The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you. 11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession. 12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined. 13 "The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious. 14 Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations. 16 You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness. 18 Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise. 19 "The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory. 20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified. 22 A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."

2 Corinthians 3:3-18

3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.

The Holy Spirit shows us that we are all one. This empowers us to naturally treat others as we want to be treated.
Romans 2:14-15

14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

John 8:9

9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Hosea 6:6

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

To receive the Holy Spirit, we must first want to be free from sin. Then, we read the Bible and believe it.
Isaiah 55:1-3

1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--The sure mercies of David.

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

An important part of Christianity is to admit our sins are wrong and apologize to God for them.
Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 55:7

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 18:7-8

7 "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 "if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

We can dedicate our God-given lives back to Jesus, in thanks for His payment for our sins. He died for us so we can live and love without fear.
John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Mark 12:14-17

14 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it." 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

We confess that Jesus is our Savior. We thank Him and accept His sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 10:10

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jeremiah 17:7

7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

We can ask for the Holy Spirit of Truth to live inside us. Jesus assures us that God will grant this request. It's the only way we can remain obedient.
Luke 11:13

13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Acts 2:38-40

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."

Acts 8:12-17, 35-37

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:35-37

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Psalm 51:6-17

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise.

Shalom, friends.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
Jesus made the greatest act of self-sacrifice for us. Not only did he pay our debt to justice for our sins against one another. He did this so we could see what real love looks like. (Matthew 11:29, John 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6)
Jesus' fulfilled the law. This means He kept its commands so He didn't need to die for His own sins, like most of us do. Our heavenly Father is a God of justice. This is why death could not hold our Lord and Savior. Death is wages for sin. (Proverbs 10:16, Romans 6:23) Jesus' died as an innocent condemned by the written law. (Leviticus 17:11, Joel 3:21, Galatians 3:10-13, Romans 8:3-4) This paved the way for us to come under the New Covenant, promised to us in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This law of love would be written on our hearts. (Deuteronomy 30:6, Ezekiel 36:24-28, Romans 2:28-29)
The laws of the New Covenant are far more restrictive, but its mercies are far more abundant. (see: book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7.) We can only live out this new law by the power of the Holy Spirit of Truth living within us. (John 20:22, Acts 19:2) We were not ready for this transcendent law before Jesus' suffering and resurrection. He gave us two things we didn't have before that make it possible to obey. The first thing Jesus gives us, is His good example to follow. (Mark 8:34, Titus 2:14, Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 5:43-48*). Second, He gives us His glorified Spirit. Jesus' purchased the whole world. This meant His Spirit was set free to bring truth to all people who believe and want to give up their selfish ways. (John 7:39)
The Holy Spirit makes the knowledge and the will of our conscience stronger than the will of our flesh. (Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12) He does this by causing us to love God more than we love getting what we want. (1 John 2:1-11, 1 John 2:17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 60) This is why the Bible says, "The law is passing away." (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) People who love don't need to be told not to hate. People who are truly one with their community don't need rules to be kind. They naturally treat their neighbor as they would want to be treated. (Romans 2:14-15, John 8:9, Hosea 6:6)
So, how do you receive the Holy Spirit? First, we have to want to be free from selfish behavior. Everyone has some sins they find deplorable. Whatever sins we commit, though, we often love those sins. Whatever gives us the payoff of loving others, without us actually loving, is a sin. Gossip, lying, and mockery are common sins we may give in to. They're a way to get even with people we've deemed to be less worthy of admiration than ourselves. When we read the Bible, we realize how unloving those behaviors are. Reading the Bible and believing it melds the Holy Spirit with our conscience. (Isaiah 55:1-3, Luke 10:38-42)
Next, we apologize to God for our sins and renounce them. To renounce sins, means to admit they were wrong to do, and turn from them. (Psalm 34:14, Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 18:7-8, John 15:5, Mark 12:14-17)
Then we dedicate ourselves to Jesus, our Messiah, and His teachings in the Bible. We thank Him and accept the sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 10:10, Jeremiah 17:7) We ask Him to wash us clean from sinful desires and to replace those desires with His Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:38-40, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 8:35-37, Psalm 51:6-17)
Scripture reference:
Jesus' sacrifice gave us an example of how to love one another.
Matthew 11:29 NKJV

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 13:15-17

15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

1 Peter 2:21

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1 John 2:6

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Those who do not love, are in sin. Sin leads to death.
Proverbs 10:16

16 The reward of the righteous is life; the wages of the wicked is punishment.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*Jesus walked the earth in flesh and blood, like us, yet He embodied our Father's Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, so His blood could make atonement for our sins.
Leviticus 17:11-12

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

Joel 3:21 CSB

I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, for the LORD dwells in Zion.

Galatians 3:10-13

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. 12 But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

Romans 8:3-4

3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law's requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus' sacrifice was prophesied to set us free from the curse of the law. Instead of a law we must follow outwardly, we have a law we can willingly follow from the heart, in order to be worthy of our Savior.
Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Ezekiel 36:24-28

24 "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 "Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The most important way Jesus helps us be obedient, is by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us. He works to improve our God-given conscience. He also brings truth to our minds when we need it.
John 20:22

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:2-6

2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus gave us an example to follow. He showed us how to live and how to make it count when we die.
Mark 8:34

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Titus 2:14

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Isaiah 53:10

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us a "conscience upgrade." This strengthens our will to live in a way that helps everyone, not just ourselves.
Acts 24:16

16 "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

2 Corinthians 1:12

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 John 2:1-11

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Once we are all people of love, there will be no more need for law.
1 John 2:17

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isaiah 60:1-22

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 "Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. 8 "Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts? 9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the LORD your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. 10 "The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you. 11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession. 12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined. 13 "The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious. 14 Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations. 16 You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness. 18 Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise. 19 "The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory. 20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified. 22 A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."

2 Corinthians 3:3-18

3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.

The Holy Spirit shows us that we are all one. This empowers us to naturally treat others as we want to be treated.
Romans 2:14-15

14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

John 8:9

9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Hosea 6:6

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

To receive the Holy Spirit, we must first want to be free from sin. Then, we read the Bible and believe it.
Isaiah 55:1-3

1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--The sure mercies of David.

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

An important part of Christianity is to admit our sins are wrong and apologize to God for them.
Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 55:7

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 18:7-8

7 "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 "if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

We can dedicate our God-given lives back to Jesus, in thanks for His payment for our sins. He died for us so we can live and love without fear.
John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Mark 12:14-17

14 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it." 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

We confess that Jesus is our Savior. We thank Him and accept His sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 10:10

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jeremiah 17:7

7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

We can ask for the Holy Spirit of Truth to live inside us. Jesus assures us that God will grant this request. It's the only way we can remain obedient.
Luke 11:13

13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Acts 2:38-40

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."

Acts 8:12-17, 35-37

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:35-37

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Psalm 51:6-17

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise.

Shalom, friends.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
Jesus made the greatest act of self-sacrifice for us. Not only did he pay our debt to justice for our sins against one another. He did this so we could see what real love looks like. (Matthew 11:29, John 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6)
Jesus' fulfilled the law. This means He kept its commands so He didn't need to die for His own sins, like most of us do. Our heavenly Father is a God of justice. This is why death could not hold our Lord and Savior. Death is wages for sin. (Proverbs 10:16, Romans 6:23) Jesus' died as an innocent condemned by the written law. (Leviticus 17:11, Joel 3:21, Galatians 3:10-13, Romans 8:3-4) This paved the way for us to come under the New Covenant, promised to us in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This law of love would be written on our hearts. (Deuteronomy 30:6, Ezekiel 36:24-28, Romans 2:28-29)
The laws of the New Covenant are far more restrictive, but its mercies are far more abundant. (see: book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7) We can only live out this new law by the power of the Holy Spirit of Truth living within us. (John 20:22, Acts 19:2) We were not ready for this transcendent law before Jesus' suffering and resurrection. He gave us two things we didn't have before that make it possible to obey. The first thing Jesus gives us, is His good example to follow. (Mark 8:34, Titus 2:14, Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 5:43-48). Second, He gives us His glorified Spirit. Jesus' purchased the whole world. This meant His Spirit was set free to bring truth to all people who believe and want to give up their selfish ways. (John 7:39)
The Holy Spirit makes the knowledge and the will of our conscience stronger than the will of our flesh. (Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12) He does this by causing us to love God more than we love getting what we want. (1 John 2:1-11, 1 John 2:17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 60) This is why the Bible says, "The law is passing away." (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) People who love don't need to be told not to hate. People who are truly one with their community don't need rules to be kind. They naturally treat their neighbor as they would want to be treated. (Romans 2:14-15, John 8:9, Hosea 6:6)
So, how do you receive the Holy Spirit? First, we have to want to be free from selfish behavior. Everyone has some sins they find deplorable. Whatever sins we commit, though, we often love those sins. Whatever gives us the payoff of loving others, without us actually loving, is a sin. Gossip, lying, and mockery are common sins we may give in to. They're a way to get even with people we've deemed to be less worthy of admiration than ourselves. When we read the Bible, we realize how unloving those behaviors are. Reading the Bible and believing it melds the Holy Spirit with our conscience. (Isaiah 55:1-3, Luke 10:38-42)
Next, we apologize to God for our sins and renounce them. To renounce sins, means to admit they were wrong to do, and turn from them. (Psalm 34:14, Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 18:7-8, John 15:5, Mark 12:14-17)
Then we dedicate ourselves to Jesus, our Messiah, and His teachings in the Bible. We thank Him and accept the sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 10:10, Jeremiah 17:7) We ask Him to wash us clean from sinful desires and to replace those desires with His Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:38-40, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 8:35-37, Psalm 51:6-17)
Scripture reference:
Jesus' sacrifice gave us an example of how to love one another.
Matthew 11:29 NKJV

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 13:15-17

15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

1 Peter 2:21

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1 John 2:6

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Those who do not love, are in sin. Sin leads to death.
Proverbs 10:16

16 The reward of the righteous is life; the wages of the wicked is punishment.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*Jesus walked the earth in flesh and blood, like us, yet He embodied our Father's Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, so His blood could make atonement for our sins.
Leviticus 17:11-12

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

Joel 3:21 CSB

I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, for the LORD dwells in Zion.

Galatians 3:10-13

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. 12 But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

Romans 8:3-4

3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law's requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus' sacrifice was prophesied to set us free from the curse of the law. Instead of a law we must follow outwardly, we have a law we can willingly follow from the heart, in order to be worthy of our Savior.
Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Ezekiel 36:24-28

24 "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 "Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The most important way Jesus helps us be obedient, is by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us. He works to improve our God-given conscience. He also brings truth to our minds when we need it.
John 20:22

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:2-6

2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus gave us an example to follow. He showed us how to live and how to make it count when we die.
Mark 8:34

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Titus 2:14

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Isaiah 53:10

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us a "conscience upgrade." This strengthens our will to live in a way that helps everyone, not just ourselves.
Acts 24:16

16 "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

2 Corinthians 1:12

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 John 2:1-11

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Once we are all people of love, there will be no more need for law.
1 John 2:17

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isaiah 60:1-22

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 "Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. 8 "Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts? 9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the LORD your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. 10 "The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you. 11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession. 12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined. 13 "The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious. 14 Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations. 16 You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness. 18 Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise. 19 "The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory. 20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified. 22 A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."

2 Corinthians 3:3-18

3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.

The Holy Spirit shows us that we are all one. This empowers us to naturally treat others as we want to be treated.
Romans 2:14-15

14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

John 8:9

9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Hosea 6:6

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

To receive the Holy Spirit, we must first want to be free from sin. Then, we read the Bible and believe it.
Isaiah 55:1-3

1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--The sure mercies of David.

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

An important part of Christianity is to admit our sins are wrong and apologize to God for them.
Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 55:7

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 18:7-8

7 "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 "if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

We can dedicate our God-given lives back to Jesus, in thanks for His payment for our sins. He died for us so we can live and love without fear.
John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Mark 12:14-17

14 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it." 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

We confess that Jesus is our Savior. We thank Him and accept His sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 10:10

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jeremiah 17:7

7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

We can ask for the Holy Spirit of Truth to live inside us. Jesus assures us that God will grant this request. It's the only way we can remain obedient.
Luke 11:13

13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Acts 2:38-40

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."

Acts 8:12-17, 35-37

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:35-37

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Psalm 51:6-17

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise.

Shalom, friends.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
Jesus made the greatest act of self-sacrifice for us. Not only did he pay our debt to justice for our sins against one another. He did this so we could see what real love looks like. (Matthew 11:29, John 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6)
Jesus' fulfilled the law. This means He kept its commands so He didn't need to die for His own sins, like most of us do. Our heavenly Father is a God of justice. This is why death could not hold our Lord and Savior. Death is wages for sin. (Proverbs 10:16, Romans 6:23) Jesus' died as an innocent condemned by the written law. (Leviticus 17:11, Joel 3:21, Galatians 3:10-13, Romans 8:3-4) This paved the way for us to come under the New Covenant, promised to us in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This law of love would be written on our hearts. (Deuteronomy 30:6, Ezekiel 36:24-28, Romans 2:28-29)
The laws of the New Covenant are far more restrictive, but its mercies are far more abundant. (see: book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7.) We can only live out this new law by the power of the Holy Spirit of Truth living within us. (John 20:22, Acts 19:2) We were not ready for this transcendent law before Jesus' suffering and resurrection. He gave us two things we didn't have before that make it possible to obey. The first thing Jesus gives us, is His good example to follow. (Mark 8:34, Titus 2:14, Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 5:43-48*). Second, He gives us His glorified Spirit. Jesus' purchased the whole world. This meant His Spirit was set free to bring truth to all people who believe and want to give up their selfish ways. (John 7:39)
The Holy Spirit makes the knowledge and the will of our conscience stronger than the will of our flesh. (Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12) He does this by causing us to love God more than we love getting what we want. (1 John 2:1-11, 1 John 2:17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 60) This is why the Bible says, "The law is passing away." (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) People who love don't need to be told not to hate. People who are truly one with their community don't need rules to be kind. They naturally treat their neighbor as they would want to be treated. (Romans 2:14-15, John 8:9, Hosea 6:6)
So, how do you receive the Holy Spirit? First, we have to want to be free from selfish behavior. Everyone has some sins they find deplorable. Whatever sins we commit, though, we often love those sins. Whatever gives us the payoff of loving others, without us actually loving, is a sin. Gossip, lying, and mockery are common sins we may give in to. They're a way to get even with people we've deemed to be less worthy of admiration than ourselves. When we read the Bible, we realize how unloving those behaviors are. Reading the Bible and believing it melds the Holy Spirit with our conscience. (Isaiah 55:1-3, Luke 10:38-42)
Next, we apologize to God for our sins and renounce them. To renounce sins, means to admit they were wrong to do, and turn from them. (Psalm 34:14, Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 18:7-8, John 15:5, Mark 12:14-17)
Then we dedicate ourselves to Jesus, our Messiah, and His teachings in the Bible. We thank Him and accept the sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 10:10, Jeremiah 17:7) We ask Him to wash us clean from sinful desires and to replace those desires with His Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:38-40, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 8:35-37, Psalm 51:6-17)
Scripture reference:
Jesus' sacrifice gave us an example of how to love one another.
Matthew 11:29 NKJV

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 13:15-17

15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

1 Peter 2:21

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1 John 2:6

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Those who do not love, are in sin. Sin leads to death.
Proverbs 10:16

16 The reward of the righteous is life; the wages of the wicked is punishment.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*Jesus walked the earth in flesh and blood, like us, yet He embodied our Father's Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, so His blood could make atonement for our sins.
Leviticus 17:11-12

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

Joel 3:21 CSB

I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, for the LORD dwells in Zion.

Galatians 3:10-13

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. 12 But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

Romans 8:3-4

3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law's requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus' sacrifice was prophesied to set us free from the curse of the law. Instead of a law we must follow outwardly, we have a law we can willingly follow from the heart, in order to be worthy of our Savior.
Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Ezekiel 36:24-28

24 "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 "Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The most important way Jesus helps us be obedient, is by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us. He works to improve our God-given conscience. He also brings truth to our minds when we need it.
John 20:22

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:2-6

2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus gave us an example to follow. He showed us how to live and how to make it count when we die.
Mark 8:34

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Titus 2:14

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Isaiah 53:10

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us a "conscience upgrade." This strengthens our will to live in a way that helps everyone, not just ourselves.
Acts 24:16

16 "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

2 Corinthians 1:12

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 John 2:1-11

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Once we are all people of love, there will be no more need for law.
1 John 2:17

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Isaiah 60:1-22

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 "Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. 8 "Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts? 9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the LORD your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. 10 "The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you. 11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession. 12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined. 13 "The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious. 14 Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations. 16 You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness. 18 Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise. 19 "The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory. 20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified. 22 A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."

2 Corinthians 3:3-18

3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.

The Holy Spirit shows us that we are all one. This empowers us to naturally treat others as we want to be treated.
Romans 2:14-15

14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

John 8:9

9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Hosea 6:6

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

To receive the Holy Spirit, we must first want to be free from sin. Then, we read the Bible and believe it.
Isaiah 55:1-3

1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--The sure mercies of David.

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

An important part of Christianity is to admit our sins are wrong and apologize to God for them.
Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 55:7

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 18:7-8

7 "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 "if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

We can dedicate our God-given lives back to Jesus, in thanks for His payment for our sins. He died for us so we can live and love without fear.
John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Mark 12:14-17

14 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it." 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

We confess that Jesus is our Savior. We thank Him and accept His sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 10:10

10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jeremiah 17:7

7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

We can ask for the Holy Spirit of Truth to live inside us. Jesus assures us that God will grant this request. It's the only way we can remain obedient.
Luke 11:13

13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Acts 2:38-40

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."

Acts 8:12-17, 35-37

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:35-37

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Psalm 51:6-17

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise.

Shalom, friends.

My mom passed along this booklet that belonged to my grandmother when we were expecting. Figured I would share it here before discarding it. The Girl Name list is already posted 😊 Enjoy!
WHAT'S IN A NAME
Don't let the meanings concern you. Think instead of how the name will fit the child, when the child is grown, or known. Choose the name with care. It's very important to your baby-all through life. Here are some guides: - Say each name aloud, along with your own family name, to check rhythm and sound. - Use soft first names with sharp-sounding family names. - Use multi-syllable first names with short family names. - Avoid using a first name that ends with the same sound that starts the last name, such as "Jane Nevins." - Avoid "famous combinations" such as "Abraham" and "Lincoln." - Watch out for initials that spell out familiar letters, like “S. O. S”
if it's a BOY
A AARON.. Exalted ABBOTT.. Fatherly ABEL.. Proud ABELARD. . Noble ABNER. . Full of light ABRAHAM.. Great Father ABSALOM.. Peaceful ACHILLES.. Brave ADAM.. Man, manly ADDISON.. Son of Adam ADELBERT.. Bright ADLAI.. Just ADOLF.. Noble animal ADONIS.. Lord, lordly ADRIAN.. Courageous AENEAS.. Praiseworthy ALAN, ALLEN.. Swift, cheerful ALARIC.. Ruler over all ALASTAIR.. Worthy defender ALBERT.. Illustrious ALBIN.. Fair ALBION.. Name for England ALDEN.. Friend ALDO.. Experienced, skilled ALDRED.. Wise counselor ALDRIC. Wise ruler ALDRICH.. See Aldric ALDWIN.. Wise friend ALEXANDER.. Aid to men ALEXIS.. Helper ALFRED.. Good counselor ALGERNON.. Wise ALLISON.. Holy fame ALLISTER.. See Alastair ALOYSIUS.. Famous ALONSO, ALONZO, ALPHONSE, ALPHONSO Good Warrior ALVIN.. Friendly AMBROSE.. Immortal AMIEL.. God's helper AMORY.. Loving AMOS.. Reliable ANATOLE. . Sunrise ANDERS.. Strong ANDERSON.. Manly son ANDRE.. See Andrew ANDREW.. Manly, strong ANGELO.. Saintly messenger ANGUS.. Virtuous ANSELM.. Warrior of God ANSON.. Born of God ANTHONY, ANTON, ANTONIO.. Thriving ARCHER.. Bowman ARCHIBALD.. Valiant ARDEN. . Fervent ARGUS.. Watchful ARIEL.. Lion of God ARISTIDE.. The best ARMAND.. Brave ARNO.. Eagle-eyed ARNOLD.. Eagle-strong ARTHUR.. High, noble ASA.. Healer ASHER.. Fortunate ASHLEY.. Ash meadow ATWATER.. Near the water ATWELL.. Near the spring ATWOOD.. Near the forest AUBREY .. Fair-haired ruler AUBURN.. Red-haired AUGUST, AUGUSTINE, AUGUSTUS.. Imperial AUSTIN.. See August AVERIL.. Courageous AVERY.. See Averil AXEL.. Heaven blessed AYLMER.. Famous
B BAILEY.. Officer of the law BAINBRIDGE.. Short bridge BALDWIN.. Bold friend BALFOUR.. Pasture BANCROFT.. Bean field BANNING.. Newsworthy BANNISTER.. Fruitful BARCLAY. . Birch meadow BARD, BAIRD.. Minstrel BARLOW.. Brave BARNABAS, BARNABY, BARNEY.. Consoler BARNARD.. See Bernard BARNETT.. Commands BARRETT. Mighty BARRY.. Diligent BARTH.. Sacred BARTHOLOMEW.. Guardian of the plough BARTON.. Homestead BARUCH.. Blessed BASIL.. Kingly BAXTER.. Baker BAYARD.. Wise BEAUFORD.. Good crossing BEAUFORT.. Good fort BEAUMONT.. Good hill BELLAMY.. Good friend BELMONT.. Good hill BEN.. Son BENEDICT.. Blessed BENITO.. See Benedict BENJAMIN.. Favorite son BENNETT.. See Benedict BENSON.. Son of Ben BENTLEY.. Meadow BENVENUTO.. Welcome BERKELEY ..See Barclay BERN. Strong as a bear BERNARD.. Bold as a bear BERTHOLD.. Bright ruler BERTRAM.. Bright as a raven BERTRAND.. See Bertram BERWYN.. Famous friend BEVERLY.. Beaver meadow BEVIS.. Bow BION.. Energetic BJORN.. Bear BLAINE.. Slim BLAIR.. Plain dweller BLAKE.. Dark complexioned BLAKELY.. Dark meadow BLYTHE.. Light-hearted BOAZ.. Agile BONIFACE.. Fortunate BOOTH.. Sheltered place BORIS. . Spirited BOWEN.. Son BOWMAN.. Archer BOYCE.. Woodland BOYD.. Blond BRADEN.. Broad minded BRADFIELD.. Broad field BRADFORD.. Broad crossing BRADLEY.. Broad meadow BRADSHAW.. Broad forest BRADSTREET.. Broad street BRADY.. Spirited BRAND, BRANT.. Fiery BRENDEN.. Fiery BRENT.. Hill dweller BRET, BRETT.. A Breton BREWSTER.. A brewer BRIAN, BRYAN.. Strong BRIGHAM.. Home near a bridge BRISBANE. Horseman BROOK, BROOKS.. Stream BRUCE.. Ruler BRUNO.. Dark complexioned BRYCE.. Swift BURGESS.. Freeman BURKE.. Stronghold BURL.. Castle BURLEIGH.. Castle meadow BURTON.. Fine BYRNE.. Armor-protection BYRON.. Clear vision
C CADMAR.. Valiant. CADMUS.. Adornment CADWALLADER.. Strategist CAESAR.. Emperor CALDWELL.. Cold spring CALEB. . Faithful CALVERT.. Head man CALVIN.. Bold CAMERON. . Scottish nobility CAMPBELL. . Scottish nobility CANUTE.. See Knut CAREW.. Castle moat CAREY, CARY.. Beloved CARL.. Manly CARLETON.. Country town CARLYLE.. Country tower CARMICHAEL.. Stronghold CAROLL.. See Carl CARSON.. Beloved son CARTER.. Driver CARVEL.. Song CARVER.. Sculptor CASEY.. Valorous CASIMIR.. High prince CASPAR.. Horseman CASSIDY.. Inventive CASTOR.. Purity CAVANAUGH.. Cavalier CECIL.. Misty-eyed CEDRIC.. General CHAD.. See Chadwick CHADWICK.. Country home CHANDLER.. Candle-maker CHANNING.. Cannon-like CHARLES.. Strong CHAUNCEY.. Chancellor CHENEY.. Forest dweller CHESTER.. Camp CHEYNEY .. Strong as an oak CHRISTIAN.. Follow the Lord CHRISTOPHER.. Christ-bearer CICERO. . Farmer CLARE, CLARENCE.. Illustrious CLARK.. Scholar CLAUDE.. Delicate CLAUS.. Victory CLAY.. Mortal CLAYTON.. English CLEMENT.. Merciful CLIFFORD.. Cliff crossing CLINTON.. Hill town CLIVE.. Cliff CLYDE.. Strong COLBY. . Coal town COLIN.. Triumph COLVIN.. Dark-haired friend CONAN, CONANT.. Wisdom CONRAD.. Wise counselor CONROY.. Wise ruler CONSTANTINE.. Steadfast CONWAY.. Wise COOPER.. Barrel maker CORBET, CORBIN, CORBY.. Little raven CORDELL.. Binding cord COREY.. Chosen CORNELIUS.. Crowned CORNELL.. Sturdy CORRIE.. Glen dweller CORT.. Courageous orator CORWYN.. Gentle friend COSMO.. Orderly COURTNEY.. Farm dweller COWAN.. Mason CRAIG.. Steadfast rock CRISPIN.. Curly-haired CULVER.. Peaceful CURRAN.. Romantic hero CURTIS.. Courteous CUTHBERT.. Famous, bright CYRIL.. Lordly CYRUS.. The sun
D DAGOBERT.. Sword bearer DALE.. Valley DAMON.. Conquering DAN.. A judge DANA, DANE.. Arbiter DANIEL.. God is my judge DARIUS.. Ruler DARRELL, DARRYL, DARYL.. Dear little one DARWIN.. Brave friend DAVID. Beloved DEAN.. Churchman DEEMS.. Judge of men DELAND.. Dark-eyed DEMETRIUS.. Of the earth DENIS, DENNIS.. Joyous DERRICK.. Ruler DESMOND.. World power DEWEY.. Like the dew DEXTER.. Fortunate DIETRICH.. Ruler DION. See Denis DICKSON, DIXON. Strong DMITRI. See Demetrius DOMINIC, DOMINICK.. Belonging to the Lord DONALD.. Proud chief DORAN.. A gift DOREMUS.. We shall give DORIAN.. Conquering hero DOUGLAS.. Dark-haired DOYLE.. Dark stranger DREW .. Adept, gifted DRUMMOND.. Lover DUANE.. Hill dweller DUDLEY .. Fair meadow DUFF.. Dark-haired DUKE.. Leader DUNCAN.. Dark-haired DUNSTAN. . Dark stone DURAND.. Enduring DURWIN .. Dear friend DUVAL.. From the valley DWIGHT.. Wise fellow
E EARL.. Noble EBEN, EBENEZER.. Strong EDAN.. Bright as flame EDBERT.. Blessed EDELBERT.. Illustrious EDGAR.. Fair protector EDISON.. Blessed son EDMUND.. Blessed peace EDRED.. Blessed counselor EDSEL.. Profound EDWALD.. Powerful EDWARD.. Blessed guardian EDWIN.. Blessed friend EGBERT.. Bright as a sword EGMONT.. Protector EINAR.. Battle chiet ELBERT.. Illustrious ELDEN, ELDON.. Old friend ELDRED, ELDRID.. Wise ELDWIN.. Wise friend ELEAZER.. God has helped ELI, ELIAS, ELLIS.. High ELIHU.. God is He ELIJAH..The Lord is God ELIOT, ELLIOTT.. Hunter ELISHA.. God is salvation ELLERY.. Strong as a tree ELLSWORTH.. Nobility ELMAR, ELMER.. Famous ELMO.. Congenial ELROY.. Royal blood ELTON.. Town dweller ELY.. See Eli EMANUEL.. God is with us EMERSON.. Nobly born EMERY, EMORY.. Leader EMIL.. Follows the good EMMETT.. Industrious ENNIS. Praiseworthy ENOCH.. Dedicated ENOS.. Man ENRICO.. See Henry EPHRAIM.. Productive ERASMUS.. Lovely ERASTUS.. Beloved ERIC.. Heroic ERNEST.. Zealous ERNST.. See Ernest ERROL.. Adventurer ERWIN.. Triumphant ESME.. Esteemed ESMOND.. Protector ETHAN.. Strength ETHELBERT.. Illustrious EUCLID.. Famous EUGENE.. Well born EUSTACE.. Sturdy EVAN.. Young fighter EVELYN.. Youth EVERARD.. Strong as a boar EVEREST, EVERETT.. Bold EWART.. Strong EZEKIEL.. God makes strong EZRA.. Help
F FABIAN.. Farmer FAIRFAX.. Fair-haired FARLEY.. Sturdy FEDERICO.. See Frederick FELIX.. Happy FENTON. Marsh town FEODOR.. Gift of God FERDINAND.. Bold in peace FERGUS.. Fierce chief FIELDING.. Lad of the fields FINDLAY.. Competent FIORELLO.. Little flower FISK. . Faith FLETCHER.. Arrow maker FLORIAN.. Flourishing FLOYD.. Brown-haired FORREST.. Woodland FOSTER. . Forester FRANCHOT.. Free FRANCIS.. See Franchot FRANK.. See Francis FRANKLIN.. Freeholder FRASER, FRASIER FRAZER.. Curly-haired FREDERICK,.. Peaceful ruler FREEMONT.. Peaceful guard FRITZ.. See Fred FULTON.. Big town
G GABRIEL.. Man of God GAILLARD.. Lively one GAMALIEL.. Reward of God GARDELL.. Protector GARDNER.. Garden keeper GARETH, GARTH.. Garden GARRET.. Honored GARRICK.. Fighter king GARRISON, GARRY.. Protector GARVEY.. Soldier GARY.. See Garvey GASTON.. From Gascony GAVIN, GAWAIN.. Battle hawk GAYLORD.. Lively master GAYNOR.. Lively head GEOFFREY.. Peace-loving GEORGE.. Farmer GERALD.. Spear wielder GERARD, GERHART.. Strong with spear GERVAIS.. Warlike GIDEON.. Hewer GIFFORD.. Merciful GILBERT.. Bright servant GILES.. Shield GILFORD.. Wide crossing GILROY.. King's servant GIORDANO.. See Jordan GLENN.. Valley GODFREY.. God's peace GODWIN.. God's friend GORDON.. Strong, upright GRAHAM.. Serious GRANT.. Great GRANTLAND. . Deeded land GRANVILLE.. Great city GRATTAN. . Fenced land GRAYSON.. Gray's son GREGG.. Flourishing GREGORY.. Vigilant GRENVILLE.. See Granville GRIFFITH.. Faithful GRISWOLD. Gray woods GROSVENOR.. Great hunter GROVER.. Grove dweller GUS, GUSTAVE.. Good staff GUTHRIE.. Military sage GUY, GUIDO.. Leader GUYON .. Soldier
H HAAKON..Spearsman HALBERT.. Bright stone HALDANE, HALDEN.. Valley home HAMILTON.. Hill town HAMLET.. Village HAMLIN, HAMLYN.. Home HANK.. See Henry HANLEY.. Wide meadow HANS.. See John HARDY.. Enduring HARLAN.. Warrior-born HARLEY.. Of the meadow HAROLD.. Army leader HARRISON.. Son of Harry HARRY .. See Harold, Henry HARTLEY.. Stag meadow HARVEY.. Noble warrior HARWOOD.. Wood dweller HAVEN.. Refuge HAYWOOD.. Hedged wood HEATH.. Open land HECTOR.. Dependable HEINRICH.. See Henry HENRY.. Home ruler HERBERT.. Bright soldier HERCULES.. Chosen one HERMAN.. Army man HERSCHEL.. See Henry HEYWOOD. See Haywood HEZEKIAH.. Might of God HILARY.. Happy, merry HILDEBRAND.. War sword HIRAM.. Noble HOBART.. See Hubert HOLDEN.. Good HOLMES.. Meadow HOMER.. Promise HORACE, HORATIO.. Keen HOSEA.. Salvation HOWARD.. Castle guard HOWELL.. Lordly HOYT.. Joyous HUBERT.. Bright in spirit HUCK.. See Henry HUGH, HUGO.. Lofty HUMBERT.. High and bright HUMPHREY.. Peaceful HUNTER.. One who hunts HYMAN. . Long life
I IAN.. See John IGNATIUS.. Fiery IMMANUEL.. See Emanuel IRA.. Watchful IRVING.. Leader IRWIN.. See Erwin ISAAC.. Laughter ISIDORE.. Gift of Isis ISAIAH.. Salvation of Lord ISRAEL.. Soldier of God IVAN.. See John IVAR, IVER, IVOR.. Archer
J JACINTO.. Born to the purple JACK.. See Jacob, John JACOB.. One who replaces JACQUES.. See Jacob JAMES.. See Jacob JAN.. See John JARED.. Descent JARVIS, JERVIS.. Challenger JASON.. Healer JASPER.. Treasurer JAY.. Lively JEAN.. See John JEFFREY. . See Geoffrey JEREMIAH, JEREMY, JERRY.. Exalted of the Lord JEROME.. Holy JESSE.. Wealthy JESUS.. Saviour JETHRO.. Excellence JOAB.. The Lord is my father JOACHIM, JOAQUIM.. The Lord will judge JOB.. Patient JOCK.. See Jack JOEL.. The Lord is God JOHN.. God is gracious JONAH, JONAS.. Peace dove JONATHAN.. Gift of God JORDAN.. Garden JOSEPH.. Prosperous JOSHUA.. God is salvation JOSIAH.. God supports JOYCE.. Merry JUAN.. See John JUDAH, JUDE.. Praised JUDSON.. Son of praise JULES, JULIAN, JULIUS.. Soft-haired JUNIUS.. Roman JUSTIN, JUSTUS..Just
K KANE.. Exacting KARL. . See Carl KASPER.. Precious KEANE, KEENAN.. Sharp KEITH.. Windy place KELLY. Fighter KELVIN ..Army friend KEMP.. Champion KENDALL.. Valley chief KENNARD.. Great lover KENNETH.. Handsome KENT.. Chief KENTON. . Chief town KENYON.. White-haired KERBY, KIRBY.. Church town KERMIT.. Great warrior KERRY.. Mysterious KERWIN.. Good friend KEVIN.. Handsome, kind KIM.. Leader, chief KING.. Ruler KIT.. See Christopher KNUT, KNUTE.. Weapon KONRAD.. See Conrad KURT.. Concise
L LACHLAN.. Courageous LAIRD.. Lord LAMBERT.. Bright land LANCE, LANCELOT.. Warrior LANDERS, LANDIS.. Son of the plains LARRY.. See Laurence LARS.. Lord LATHAM.. Low village LAUREN, LOREN, LORIN.. Sign of victory LAWRENCE.. Victor LAWTON.. Praiseworthy LAZARUS.. See Eleazer LEANDER.. Reknowned LEE, LEIGH.. Meadow LELAND. Meadow land LEMUEL.. Dedicated to God LENNOX.. Quiet stream LEO, LEON.. Lion LEONARD.. Bold as a lion LEONIDAS.. Lion-like LEOPOLD.. Lion of the people LEROY.. The king LESLIE.. Low meadow LESTER.. Meadow camp LEVI.. United LEWIS.. Bold warrior LINCOLN.. Deep stream LINDLEY.. Linden meadow LINDSAY, LINDSEY.. Gentle LINUS.. Flaxen-haired LIONEL.. Young lion LISLE, LYLE.. The islander LLEWELLYN.. Lightning LLOYD.. Brown-haired LOCKWOOD.. Enclosed forest LORENZO.. See Lawrence LORING.. Famed warrior LOTHAIR, LOTHARIO, LOWTHER.. Fighter LOUIS.. See Lewis LOWELL. Low spring LOYALL. . Faithful LUCIAN, LUCIUS.. Light LUDLOW.. Humble man LUDOVIC, LUDOWICK, LUDWIG.. See Lewis LUKE.. See Lucian LUTHER.. Famed warrior LYMAN.. Manly LYNN.. Lake LYSANDER.. Emancipator
M MACAULAY.. Stalwart son MACE.. Sceptre MADDOX.. Power MAGNUS.. Great MAHON.. Chief MALACHI.. God's messenger MALCOLM.. Servant of (St.) Columba MANFRED.. Great peace MANLEY, MANLY.. Strong MANUEL.. See Emanuel MARC, MARK.. See Marcus MARCELLUS.. From Mars MARCUS.. War-like MARMADUKE. . See Duke MARSHALL.. Groom MARTIN.. War-like MARVIN.. High hills MATTHEW, MATTHIAS.. Gift of God MAURICE.. Dark-haired MAURY.. Twilight MAXIM, MAXIMILIAN, MAX.. Of the greatest MAXWELL.. Fair son MAYNARD.. Mighty MEAD.. Meadow MELVILLE, MILVIN.. Chief MEREDITH.. Sea guardian MERLIN. Hill by the sea MERRILL.. Fragrant MERRIT.. Worthy MERTON.. See Martin MERVIN.. Raven of the sea MEYER.. Steward MICHAEL, MICAH.. God-like MILES, MYLES.. Soldier MILLARD.. Grinder MILO.. Warrior MILTON.. Mill town MITCHELL.. See Michael MONROE.. Mt. on River Roe MONTAGUE.. Of the mount MONTE.. From the mountain MONTGOMERY.. Hunter MORGAN.. Coastal dweller MORRIS.. See Maurice MORTIMER.. Place by sea MORTON.. Big hill MOSES.. Blessed leader MOSS.. See Moses MURDOCH.. Sailor MURRAY.. Great water MYRON.. Incense bearer
N NAPOLEON.. Strong ruler NAT, NATHAN, NATHANIEL.. Gift of God NEAL, NEIL.. Champion NED.. See Edmund, Edward, Edwin NEHEMIAH.. Comfort of God NELSON.. Son of Neal, Neil NERO.. Powerful NESTOR.. A rememberer NEVILLE.. New city NEWCOMB.. Newcomer NEWELL.. New spring NEWTON..New town NICHOLAS.. Conqueror NIGEL. . Dark-haired NILS.. Victorious NIMROD.. Great hunter NOAH.. Rest NOEL, NOWELL.. Christmas NOLAN.. Well-known NORMAN.. Man from North
O OAKLEY.. Oak meadow OCTAVIUS.. Eighth (born) OGDEN.. Dell of oaks OLAF.. Champion OLIVER.. Bearer of peace OMAR, OMER.. Better ORAN, ORIN.. White-haired ORLANDO.. See Roland ORRICK.. Golden king ORSINO, ORSON.. Little bear ORTON.. Golden town ORVILLE.. Golden city OSBERT.. Divine brightness OSBORN.. Divine bear OSCAR.. Leaping warrior OSGOOD.. Godly OSMOND.. Protection of God OSRIC.. Divine power OSWALD.. Divine ruler OTIS.. Keen of hearing OTTO.. Mountain OWEN.. High-born
P PABLO.. See Paul PADDY.. See Patrick PADRAIC.. See Patrick PAOLO.. See Paul PARKER.. Park keeper PASCAL.. Easter PATRICK.. Noble, a patrician PAUL.. Little one PAYTON, PEYTON.. Noble PEARCE, PIERCE. See Peter PERCY, PERCIVAL.. Keen-eyed PERRIN, PERRY.. See Peter PETER..Firm as a rock PHELAN.. Wolf PHILANDER.. Lover of people PHILBERT.. Outstanding PHILEMON.. Loving PHILIP.. Lover of horses PHINEAS.. Frank, candid PIERRE.. See Peter PIP.. See Philip PIUS.. Pious, filial PRENTICE, PRENTISS.. Learner PRESCOTT.. Church PRESTON.. Of the church PRIMUS.. First (born) PROCTOR.. Officer PUTNAM.. Watering town
Q QUENTIN, QUINN, QUINTIN, QUINTUS.. Fifth (born) QUILLER.. Fledgling QUINCY.. Fifth son Worshipper of God
R RADCLIFF.. Red cliff RADFORD.. Red ford RALPH.. See Randolph RAMSAY, RAMSEY.. Island RANDALL, RANDOLPH.. Protected by the wolf RANGER.. Forest guard RAOUL.. See Ralph, Rudolph RAPHAEL.. Healed by God RASTUS.. See Erastus RAY.. See Raymond RAYMOND.. Quiet protector RAYNARD.. Sound judge REDMOND.. Adviser REED.. Red-haired REGAN.. Noble man REGINALD.. Strong ruler RENARD.. See Raynard RENE, RENATO.. Reborn REUBEN.. Behold, a son! REUEL.. God is his friend REX.. King REXFORD.. King's crossing REYNOLD.. See Reginald RHYS.. Chieftain RICHARD.. Bold fighter RIDGELEY.. Ridge meadow RIORDAN.. Royal singer RITCHIE.. Stern leader ROBERT, ROBIN.. Illustrious RODERICK. . Famous king RODMAN.. Surveyor RODNEY.. Famous in counsel ROGER.. Famous with spear ROLAND.. Glory of the land ROLF, ROLFE.. See Randolph ROLLO.. See Randolph ROMEO.. Man of Rome RONALD.. See Reginald RORY.. See Roderick ROSCOE.. Swift as a steed ROSS.. Gallant as a steed ROY.. King ROYAL, ROYCE.. Kingly RUDOLPH.. Famous RUFUS.. Red-haired RUPERT.. See Robert RUSSELL.. Red-haired RUTHERFORD.. Meadow
S SALVADOR.. Saviour SAMSON.. Like the sun SAMUEL.. Asked of God SANDER(S), SANDOR, SAUNDERS.. See Alexander SANFORD.. Sand crossing SAUL.. Asked of God SAWYER.. Woodcutter SAXON.. Swordsman SCHUYLER.. Learned SCOT, SCOTT.. Northman SEABROOK.. Sea spring SEAN.. See John SEARL, SERLE.. Armed SEBASTIAN.. Majestic SEBOLD.. Bold conqueror SEDGWICK.. Victorious SELIG.. Blessed SELWYN.. Royal friend SETH. . Appointed SETON.. Countryman SEWARD.. Sea warden SEWELL.. Sea spring SEXTUR.. Sixth (born) SEYMOUR.. Like St. Maur SHAUN, SHAWN.. See John SHELBY.. Shell city SHELDON.. Shield bearer SHELLEY.. Of the meadow SHERMAN.. A cutter SHERWIN.. Bright friend SHERWOOD.. Bright wood SHIRLEY.. County meadow SIDNEY, SYDNEY.. Joyous SIEGFRIED.. Conqueror SIGMUND.. Victor SIGURD.. Ruler SILAS.. Woodsman SILVAN.. Of the forest SILVESTER.. Forester SIMEON, SIMON.. Hearkening SINCLAIR.. Ilustrious SOLOMON.. Peaceable SPENCER.. Steward STACEY, STACY.. Steady STAFFORD.. Staff crossing STANISLAUS.. Praiseworthy STANLEY. Stone meadow STANTON. Stone town STEPHEN, STEVEN.. Crown STERLING.. Little star STEWART.. One in charge STROTHER, STRUTHER, STRUTHERS.. Stream(s) SUMNER.. Summoner STUART.. See Stewart SVEN.. Youth, swain SYLVESTER.. See Silvester
T TAD.. See Theodore TALBOT.. Hunter TAYLOR.. Tailor TED, TEDDY.. See Theodore TERENCE, TERRY.. Tender THADDEUS.. Praise THANE.. Aid THATCHER.. Roof maker THAYER.. Strong THEOBALD.. For the people THEODORE.. Gift of God THEODORIC.. Ruler of people THEOPHILUS.. Dear THOMAS.. Twin THORNE.. Thorn tree THORPE.. Village THURSTON.. Stone of Thor TIMOTHY.. Honoring God TITUS.. Protected TOBIAH, TOBIAS.. The Lord is good TOD, TODD.. Thick foliage TOM, TOMMY.. See Thomas TONY.. See Anthony TRACEY, TRACY.. Leader TRAVERS, TRAVIS.. Traveller TREMONT.. Three-hilled TRENT.. Thirty (French) TREVOR.. Prudent TRISTAN.. Romantic TURNER.. Acrobat TYBALT.. See Theobald TYLER.. Tile maker
U UDOLPH.. Fortunate noble ULRIE, ULRICH.. Noble lord ULYSSES.. Greek God UPTON.. Hill dweller URBAN.. Of the city URIAH.. Light of God
V VALENTINE.. Valiant VALERY.. Strong, worthy VAN.. Advance VARDEN.. Hill dweller VAUGHAN, VAUGHN. . Small VERGIL, VIRGIL.. Flourishing VERN, VERNON.. Green country VICTOR.. Conqueror VINCENT.. Conquering VIVIAN .. Full of life VLADIMIR.. Glory of princes
W WADE.. Wanderer WADSWORTH.. Traveler WALCOTT.. Stone cottage WALDEMAR.. Famed power WALDEN.. Powerful WALDFORD.. Mighty ford WALDO.. See Waldemar WALLACE.. Scottish hero WALT, WALTER.. Leader WARD.. Guardian WARE.. Keen-witted WARING.. Watchful WARNER, WERNER.. Protector WARREN.. Park WARRICK, WARWICK.. Fighting king WASHINGTON.. Town on The Wash (Thames estuary) WAYLAND.. Traveler WAYNE.. Wagon-maker WEBSTER.. Weaver WENDELL.. Wanderer WESLEY.. West meadow WHITELAW.. White hill WHITNEY.. White island WILBUR.. Forest dweller WILFRED.. Lover of peace WILL, WILLY.. See William WILLARD.. Strong of will WILLIAM.. Protector WILLIS.. Shield WILLOUGHBY.. Willow town WILMAR, WILMER.. Resolute WINFRED.. Peace maker WINSTON.. Friendly town WINTHROP.. Friendly Village WOLVERTON.. Town of good peace WOODROW.. Officer of the forest WRIGHT.. Worker WYNDHAM.. Windy village WYNNE.. Gain
X XAVIER.. Glorious XERXES.. King
Y YARDLEY.. Meadow yard YATES.. Gate dweller YVAIN, YWAIN.. Young warrior
Z ZACHARIAH, ZACHARY.. Whom God remembers ZEBEDIAH.. The gift of God ZEKE.. See Ezekiel ZENO, ZENOS.. Gift of Zeus ZIGMOND.. Winning

Questions and Answers

[Note to women: If you are a woman under the covering of a man, you may either use this section to reply to an officer, or you may simply do the following. Whenever the officer asks you a question, you may reply, "I am under the covering of my husband (father, brother, etc.). You will have to speak to him," to each and every question he asks, no matter what he asks you. If and when he asks where your man is, you may reply as our Lord did, "come and see" (John 1:38-39). If he wants to talk with him, he will have to follow you to get to your man. Make sure you do not give the impression that you are "refusing" to answer his questions, but that you cannot answer his questions because you are under the covering of your man, and he is your head. You may also say that you are commanded by your husband to remain silent, which removes the burden from yourself].

Officer: (While approaching) Bondservant: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Do you greet me in the same name? (If he or she does not answer you, ask in whose name they do greet you. You will then know who and what you are dealing with).
Officer: Let me see your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Bondservant: I have something better.
Officer: What’s that? Bondservant: I have here the Holy Scriptures which describes and defines me as an ambassador and bondman of Jesus the Christ, executing His Testament. Are you?
Officer: Yes. (If he says "No, I'm just a cop," ask him who he ministers for). Bondservant: Well, praise God. Perhaps you would like to sit down and discuss the scriptures for a moment?
Officer: Some other time. I need to see some State ID. Bondservant: Well, I don’t belong to the State, but to God our Father, and He knows me. In His Law, there is no requirement for ID, because I’m sealed by His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), which marks and separates me from the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). This (holding up the scripture) is the Law I follow; the Law of God.
Officer: Oh! So you're religious, huh? Bondservant: No, I'm not religious. Religion is death. I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, which is Life.
Officer: What is your name? Bondservant: Are you asking me for my God-given name?
Officer: No, I'm asking you for your first, middle, and last name. Bondservant: Well, I don't have a first, middle, and last name. But I do have a God-given name. Is that what you're asking me for?
Officer: Okay then...yea yea yea. What is your God-given name? Bondservant: I will also ask of you one question, and if you answer me, I will answer your question (Mark 11:29). Who do you minister for?
Officer: I am not a minister. Now what is your name? Bondservant: I'll re-phrase my question. In whose name, and by whose authority, do you do the things you do?
Officer: Have you ever been arrested before? Bondservant: I need to know in whose name you do the things you do before I answer that question, because you came to me, I did not come to you.
Officer: I am conducting an investigation and I need to know who you are to continue my investigation. Bondservant: Well, when you answer in whose name you do the things you do, then you may proceed with your investigation.
Officer: I work for the city/state/country of (name). Now what is your name? Bondservant: Out of your own mouth you have testified that you do not minister for God, through Christ Jesus. I am a bondman of Christ Jesus, and I am commanded by Him to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25). I do have a name that God has given me (John 10:3, Revelation 2:17) because I am subject to His Authority, as you are. However, Caesar has not given me a name, nor called me anything at anytime. Since I have not been given a name by Caesar, I do not have a name that can be rendered to him. (To clarify, by rendering our name to the servants of God, we are rendering our name to God, because His servants act in His name). No man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).
Officer: I will ask you one more time. Tell us who you are! Bondservant: I am who my Father says I am.
Officer: So, who does your father say you are? Bondservant: If you knew my Father, you would know who I am (1 John 3:1, John 8:19; 14:7). My name is written in the Lamb's book of Life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5; 21:27), and if your name was written in there as well, you would know who I am.
Officer: Well, I can't let you go until I have your name. Bondservant: If I give you my name, I'd be subjecting myself to you. I can't do that. Besides, it's not the physical name that's important, it's what is written on our heart that's important. That is who I am.

[Note: In some places they will arrest you and leave you in jail until you do give them a "name." Therefore, if the officer asks what he should call you, you may say to the officer, "I do not have a name, but you may call me (giving your Christian name, not your family name)." This way, you are telling them you do not have a name given by Caesar, and at the same time, satisfying their request for something to call you by. If, after you give them your name...Officer: Hmmm. Well, your name is not in our computer! Bondservant: Well, what law says that I have to be in your computer?]

Officer: You are interfering with a law enforcement officer in the execution of his duties. I could bring you in for obstructing justice. Bondservant: I could not possibly be interfering with whatever your duties may be because I'm speaking the Truth to you. Are you saying that because I speak the truth you hate me? (John 8:45-47).
Officer: I don't hate you. Bondservant: Do you want me to speak the Truth to you, or do you want me to tell you what you want to hear?
Officer: The truth. Bondservant: Well that is what I'm speaking to you.
Officer: Well, that's your belief. Bondservant: No, this has nothing to do with belief, this has to do with the truth. It is written in your law that the cause of the church is a public cause, and private interpretation is irrelevant.
Officer: Well, I don't want to hear that stuff. Bondservant: Excuse me. What I have to say has importance to everyone. I am speaking the truth to you, and the truth has an effect on everything you and I do. In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Law-giver.
Officer: Well, I believe in the principles of Jesus. Bondservant: So what? That doesn't mean anything. Either you're for Him or you're against Him (Matthew 12:30). Those who are lukewarm, Christ will spue out of his mouth (Revelation 3:16). Either you place Him as Lord over you're life or you don't.
Officer: You are too narrow. I am an expert on world religions. I have traveled to many countries and have had long discussions with the leaders of many religious groups. I have discussed the road of life through time and eternity with Muslims, Brahins, Shintoists, and many others. All of them know God, even though they do not believe in Jesus Christ. I am sorry to have to disagree with you, but you put too much emphasis on Jesus Christ and do not allow that other religions are just as good as Christianity. Bondservant: Your argument is not with me, but with the scripture. It is not I who say these things, it is the Word of God. Jesus said that no man can come to the Father but by Him (John 14:6). If you wish to dispute someone, dispute Him. (Remember, you are not called to convince anyone, you are simply called to be an open channel for the Spirit of God to flow through. You can never be anything else, even though you may think so at times. Follow the pathway of obedience, let the Word of God do its own work, and you will be used by God far beyond your own powers).
Officer: Do you have any weapons? Bondservant: Only the sword of Truth (holding up the scriptures)...we are after the Truth, yes? The weapons of my warfare are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 6:11-20). I realize you're engaged in war, otherwise you wouldn't be carrying that gun, but I walk in peace, and therefore I come in peace.
Officer: Do you mind if I search you then? Bondservant: You will do whatever you deem is necessary to accomplish your intended purpose.
Officer: You are entitled at least to an opinion. Bondservant: I have no entitlements from Caesar, and opinions are not Law, and have no standing in Law.
Officer: I found this paper (document, certificate, bible, etc) with a name on it. Are you (name)? Bondservant: You say I am (Luke 22:70; 23:3).
Officer: No, I am asking you if you are the person on this paper. Bondservant: You say I am (Matthew 27:11, Mark 15:2).
Officer: I did not make a statement. I asked an interrogatory. Do you know what an interrogatory is? Bondservant: You say I do.
Officer: An interrogatory is a question. I am going to ask you again. Are you (name)? Bondservant: You are accusing me of being the person on that piece of paper. Therefore, you say I am (John 18:37).
Officer: Then how do you introduce yourself to others? Bondservant: I don’t. Did I run up to you and do that?
Officer: No. Bondservant: There is your answer.
Officer: I am a Christian just like you are. Bondservant: Well then, that means we're brothers! And if we're brothers we have the same Father. And therefore, we already know one another. You don't need to ask me for any ID, or where I live, or where I was born, because those things are of the flesh, and they don't mean anything. What need have you of ID after I've shown you that I am a bondman of Christ?
Officer: We don't know who you are. Bondservant: I don't know who you are.
Officer: Is there anybody here who can verify who you are? Bondservant: My Father knows me, and if you knew my Father, as you say you do, then you already know me, for He sends me. The Holy Spirit knows me, and all of the saints of heaven bear witness of who I am. Which, even you must admit, makes it a majority.
Officer: But how do I know that you are who you say you are? Bondservant: The scripture says, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him." (John 10:37-38).
Officer: Everyone in this country must be identified. Bondservant: Yes, all "persons" do.
Officer: Oh, I suppose you're not a person. What are you then, an entity? Bondservant: No, I'm not an entity, and I'm not a right and duty bearing unit. As I have told you, I'm a bondman of Christ Jesus, and I'm here to speak the truth. Under the law of slaves, slaves are not persons.
Officer: That is all well and good. But you have to understand, you must have a license or some kind of identification when you are out here on the roads. Bondservant: I have a higher Law that I must answer to. The scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ [not the government] which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). If I had a license, I’d be forsaking the Father and His Law. I am not out here hurting anybody. I am doing the Will of my Father. And under His Law no identification is required for he has already identified me by the testimony I keep. The Christ’s assembly does not exist on paper, but in the hearts of men, and is expressed in their outward acts. Because there is no breath of Life from God in such pieces of paper (Genesis 2:7; 7:15), I do not look to them for any authority for doing anything. Christ is my authority for doing the things I do.
Officer: Can you not show me something, such as a passport or some kind of identity documents? Bondservant: I cannot show you a Passport or any identity documents, for my King does not issue them.
Officer: Who is your passenger? Bondservant: I do not have a passenger, he's my brother and we're exercising God's Will.
Officer: Do you own this vehicle? Bondservant: Firstly, slaves are incapable of 'ownership'. Being a servant of Christ, I am not an owner of anything, for it has been written from the beginning, "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalms 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:26). Officer, are you not a ‘public servant’? As a servant, this police car does not belong to you, but to your master, whom you serve. Likewise, I am a servant, and this vessel belongs to my Master, whom I serve. If you were to go to the DMV and attempt to get a title to that police car by claiming you are the "owner," would you not be bearing false witness? Likewise, I would be bearing false witness by claiming that I am the owner of this vessel and attempting to get a title. Secondly, you presume this is a vehicle.
Officer: Under the traffic laws of this state, a motor vehicle is defined as ‘every vehicle which is self-propelled’ (or "any vehicle which is propelled by mechanical power, and not human power"). Bondservant: Then, by your own law, this is not a motor vehicle, because it is not self-propelled (or "not propelled by mechanical power"). It's propelled by fuel, which comes from God. If you believe it is self-propelled, then call it, and see if it comes to you. If it does not come to you, then your reality is different from mine.
Officer: Does this car belong to you? Bondservant: No, it’s not mine, but it is in my care. I can’t own anything, everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). I am a joint heir with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17). And it is written in your maxims of law that no one can be both owner and heir at the same time. I’m simply using this vessel to exercise my duty of movement on the Common Ways (Galatians 5:1). God gave me this as a stewardship to do His Will. It belongs to Him, because he made it.
Officer: No, the car manufacturer made it. Bondservant: And where did the manufacturer get all this metal from? Didn’t they get it from the ore in the earth? God created all the materials that are used in this machine. Therefore, God created it. The manufacturer simply used materials that God already created. "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God" (Hebrews 3:4).
Officer: Well, since this car is not yours, then give it to me! Bondservant: It is not mine to give.
Officer: Well, how would you feel if I just took this car, since it's not yours? Bondservant: I came into this world without a vessel, and I'll depart from this world without a vessel. I would have no hard feelings if you took it, because you'd be stealing from God, not me; and God will continue to supply me with my needs (Matthew 6:31-33, Luke 12:22-31, Philippians 4:19, Psalms 34:10).
Officer: (Pointing to the diplomatic plates) What is this? Bondservant: These are diplomatic plates, for the scripture says, "we are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). This plate evidences Who I serve and minister for, the jurisdiction I’m under, and the Law I follow.
Officer: What State are they from? Bondservant: They're from the state of Christendom.
Officer: Where did you get these plates? Bondservant: They are given to me by the Christ's assembly.
Officer: Where is the Christ's assembly located? Bondservant: The whole body of believers in Christ are His assembly, where two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 8:20).
Officer: You can't do that. You can't use those plate. Bondservant: Why not? The government is upon Christ's shoulder (Isaiah 9:6).

Officer: (If there are State issued license plates on car) These plates belong to Caesar! Bondservant: No, that's not Caesar's. Caesar claims it's his, but the substance belongs to God.

Officer: So, you think you’re above the law, huh? Bondservant: The word ‘Law,’ to a minister of Christ, means the Word of God. I am not above the Law of God at any time, but I am always justified in not performing those things which have men for their author and exalt themselves by opposing the righteous authority of God. I cannot accept the authority of man above that of God, for the scripture says, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Officer: You deny the authority of man’s law? Bondservant: God’s Word denies his authority. There is only one lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22, James 4:12). God Almighty.
Officer: Where were you going in your car? Bondservant: Wherever God leads me. He directs my comings and goings during my sojourn here with Him. Our Lord tends me as a shepherd and leads me as He will and I follow Him ( Psalms 23:1).
Officer: Where do you live? Bondservant: I live, move and have my being in Christ Jesus (Luke 4:4, John 11:25, Galatians 2:20).
Officer: Where do you live, physically? Bondservant: I live wherever I happen to be at the time. Right now, I live right here where I am standing. [If you say you live someplace else, then you’re admitting you’re dead, spiritually dead, because you’re not ‘living’ here but somewhere else. You cannot "live" in two places at once.]
Officer: Where is your home? Bondservant: Right here (point to your heart).
Officer: Where is your residence, abode, domicile, or dwelling? Bondservant: I "have no certain dwellingplace" (1 Corinthians 4:11) because I’m a sojourner on the land with Him (Leviticus 25:23, Psalm 39:12, 1 Chronicles 29:15, Hebrews 11:13). And the scripture says, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58).

[As a matter of fact, Jesus was asked this very question, "where dwellest thou?" and we may answer as he did...] "come and see" (John 1:38-39). [He said "come and see me live! You can see where I live by observing my life." Jesus did not say "Well, I'm a resident of Nazareth," or "I dwell in that house over there," or "I live in Israel." Giving somebody an address, or a physical location, doesn't prove that that's where you live. But by saying "come and see," you're saying "come and witness it!"]

Officer: Where does your family live? Bondservant: My brother, sister, and mother are whosoever shall do the will of God (Matthew 12:49-50, Luke 8:21). Therefore, they too live, move, and have their being in Christ Jesus.
Officer: Where did you sleep last night? Bondservant: I slept in a tent. [We do indeed sleep in a tent, but not the tent that he might be thinking of. We're not using deceit, we're speaking in a spiritual manner. In scripture, a tent is synonymous with a tabernacle; the words "tent" and "tabernacle" are both tranlslated from the same word. Our physical body is a tabernacle (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). A tent reflects the body's transient character; it's a temporary dwelling place. Even though we did not sleep in a literal tent, we are in a tabernacle and, therefore, that is where we slept.]
Officer: Well, where'd you sleep in this tent? On the mountain or down in the valley? Bondservant: Neither.
Officer: What do you mean neither? It's either one or the other. Bondservant: It doesn't really matter.
Officer: Well, what street was it close to? Bondservant: It doesn't really matter.
Officer: What is your citizenship? Bondservant: My citizenship is not of this world (John 18:36). I'm a fellow citizen with the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
Officer: What country are you from? Bondservant: New Jerusalem, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 11:16; 12:22-24, Revelation 3:12; 21:2).
Officer: So what are you, an angel or something? Bondservant: That's right. I'm a messenger of God. (In scripture, an angel is synonymous with a messenger; the words "angel" and "messenger" are both tranlslated from the same word, and refer to men as well as spiritual angels).
Officer: Well, where do you receive your mail? Bondservant: I do not receive mail. I call for First-Class matter from time to time on behalf of the Christ's assembly posted to us in the general post-office. [Note: if you pick up mail at the general post-office addressed to "the Christ's assembly", you are not receiving mail in your own name, but in the name of Christ. It is addressed to all believers in Christ, not you. You can keep an opened post-marked envelope in the glove box to evidence this fact.]
Officer: What’s your phone number? Bondservant: I do not have a phone number. [Technically, all phone numbers belong to the phone company].
Officer: What's your zip code? Bondservant: I do not have a zip code. Nobody really has a zip code. Zip codes belong to the Post Office.
Officer: What's your Social Security number? Bondservant: I do not have Social Security number. I'm forbidden to be marked by a number from the government (1 Chronicles 21:2-14, 2 Samuel 24, Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20).
Officer: When were you born? Bondservant: We were all made in His image and likeness on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-27), but God has never told us when that was. I cannot put a particular date on that.
Officer: How old are you? Bondservant: I don't know. Only my Father knows that and He has never told me.
Officer: Where were you born? Bondservant: I don’t know, I was not exactly cognizant at the time. To venture a guess would be telling a lie. It would be a conclusion based upon hearsay only, and in both your law and God's Law, hearsay is not the truth. Besides, this is irrelevant to a Good and Lawful minister of Christ. It’s not our first birth from corruptible seed that’s important (1 Peter 1:23), but our second birth, when we’re "born again" (John 3:3,7). The first birth is of the world, the second birth is of God (John 1:12-13).
Officer: How is it that you don’t have a birth date? Bondservant: Only my Father knows where and when I was born, and he has never revealed it to me.
Officer: Which father are you talking about? Bondservant: My heavenly Father.
Officer: Well, what about your earthly father? Has he told you when or where you were born? Bondservant: That's irrelevant, because that's hearsay, and hearsay is not the truth. I can only speak of things which I have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
Officer: What are you trying to hide? Bondservant: What are you trying to make me say?
Officer: The truth. Bondservant: Well, I am speaking the Truth to you. It is written in your law that no one is bound to do what is impossible. You're asking me to give you answers that are impossible for me to give you. I cannot give you that which I do not have, and I cannot tell you that which I do not know.
Officer: How much do you weigh? How tall are you? Bondservant: I don't speculate about such things.
Officer: Where do you work? Bondservant: Work is not a place, it's an activity. And I do the works of God everywhere in general, nowhere specific.
Officer: How do you earn your living? Bondservant: I don't earn my life. God gives life freely.
Officer: Where do you get money to stay so clean and wear your clothes? Bondservant: When God guides, God provides.
Officer: Do you work for a living? Bondservant: How can I work for a living when I'm already alive? I labour for the Lord and he provides for all of my needs.
Officer: And what do you do when you labour for the Lord? Bondservant: I do whatever the Lord directs me to do.
Officer: Can you be a little more specific? Bondservant: I work as a _______ from time to time.
Officer: (If the initiating officer goes back to his car to call in for advice, and leaves you with an officer to keep an eye on you, you can say something like…) Bondservant: Well, I’m here to execute Christ’s Testament and bear witness to somebody, so perhaps you’re here for that purpose. (Their eyes might get real big at this point, so continue). How are you with the Lord?
Officer: Oh, I’m OK. Bondservant: Well, that doesn’t sound too enthusiastic. Do you study the scriptures?
Officer: No. I don’t have time. I’m a working single mother with two jobs and a seven year old boy. Bondservant: (Continue witnessing. When the initiating officer returns, you may close with…) Be sure and take some time to study. If not for yourself, then for the boy’s sake.
Officer: (If other officers arrive, you may witness to them as well). Bondservant: Do you ever read the scripture?
Officer: No, I am a cop (or if he says he's a marxist, a communist, etc., just fill in the blanks of the following reply). Bondservant: The scripture was written especially for cops. It says that God so greatly loved cops that he gave His only begotten Son so that any cop who believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Officer: I would love to ask Jesus to come into my heart, but I cannot. I am a Jew. Bondservant: You cannot ask Jesus into your heart because you are a Jew? Then you do not understand that with the Jew (Jesus) in your heart, you are a double Jew. On the divine side He was God's Son. On man's side He was a Jew. When you accept Him you do not become a Gentile. You become even more Jewish than before. You will be a completed Jew! (Romans 2:28 -29).
Officer: (Now, the initiating officer returns...) Are you a resident or a non-resident? Bondservant: Neither. My Father has never described me as either of those.
Officer: You're lying. You're either one or the other. Bondservant: I am not lying, I am speaking the truth. How would you know the Truth when you have cast away the Law of God behind you and forsaken Him (Isaiah 5:24)? You cannot know the Truth, and if you cannot know the Truth, you can never know a lie.
Officer: I don't like your answers. Bondservant: If I were to answer you any other way, I'd be lying to you. Are you compelling me to lie to you?
Officer: We all must obey the laws of the land. Bondservant: Yes, that is true. But the law of the land is not man's law, it is God's Law.
Officer: You were driving this car, and all drivers must have a license. Bondservant: I am not driving a car, I am guiding this vessel to do the Lord's Will.
Officer: There is such a thing as separation of Church and State. Bondservant: Well, anybody that believes that the Law of God and the law of the land are separate, they've deluded themselves. That's not living in the truth, that's living in an image of someone else's idea. Is there any law that man can create which sets the bounds of God's Law?
Officer: You know, the scripture says, "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). Bondservant: Yes, and I am to submit to the King as supreme, and also to the governors, as to them who are sent by Him, for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (1 Peter 2:14).
Officer: Well then, Caesar commands that you should have a license, tag, registration, title, insurance, and that you should wear your seatbelts, because it is against his law, and he is ordained of God, therefore you should do those things. Bondservant: Paul, the apostle, was often thrown in prison by Caesar for disobeying their laws. And even though Jesus Christ told Pilate (the governor), that Pilate had no power against him, but what God gave him, Christ died under the same Pilate. I hope you will not say that either Paul or Christ disobeyed the governing authorities, and so sinned against God in slighting their laws. Officer, God's Law has provided two ways of obeying Caesar: the one to do that which I am bound to do; and the other, when I cannot obey Caesar because it would violate a Law of God, is to submit to their laws which punish evil doers and reward them that do good, and be willing to lay down my life, and to suffer what Caesar shall do to me, for placing God's Law above man's law (Acts 5:29).
Officer: What's wrong with getting a license? How is it violating God's Law? Bondservant: Firstly, Caesar is saying I have to go through him to exercise God's Law. Caesar is no mediator between me and God, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Secondly, a license is a written agreement between me and the State. I cannot enter into any agreements with the State, because my covenant is with God, not with the heathen. Contracts with Caesar are forbidden, because all contracts are on Caesar’s terms, and all promises are to be on God's terms (Leviticus 18:2, Jeremiah 22:9). And thirdly, a license would bind me to owe man something, and scripture says, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8).
Officer: Well, you have to understand that I have a job to do out here. Bondservant: Yes, I understand that you have a job to do, and I don't have a problem with that. But you must understand that I also have a job to do; I can only serve One Master, and He is above you and I, and He is also above whoever you take orders from.
Officer: When I see a violation taking place, I have to act on it. Bondservant: If I broke the Law, which of you convicts me of sin? (John 8:46). If I have done evil, bear witness of the evil I have done; but if well, why do you hinder me (John 18:23)? I was exercising my duty of movement upon the common ways. My warrant for doing that is written in the Word of God, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), also, "To visit orphans and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27).
Officer: Well, you're breaking the law if you don't have a license from the government. Bondservant: So, then you're re-defining what good and evil is? Scripture does not say it's a sin to not get a license. You can say it's evil all day long, but if God's Word does not show it is an evil act then it's not evil. I am exercising my Duty of movement on the common ways for my Master, and that is not evil.
Officer: You can walk. Bondservant: Yes, I can. But the Lord has provided me this vessel.
Officer: Do you have vehicle insurance? Bondservant: I don't need insurance from man because I have assurance from God (Isaiah 32:17, Hebrews 10:22). I am not authorized to enter into contracts with State approved insurance companies. And car insurance neither prevents accidents, nor saves lives.
Officer: So, you're one of those people who don't pay taxes, huh? Bondservant: We pay for whatever we use. The Body of Christ is not made up of thieves. I owe Caesar nothing because I take nothing from Caesar, and I don't reside in your fictions. We're not your slaves, we are bondservants of Christ.
Officer: Do you pledge allegiance to the flag? Bondservant: No. That's idolatry. The only pledge of allegiance I can make is to our Creator.
Officer: Please sign this ticket. Bondservant: You presume evil where there is none. And I cannot sign that piece of paper, because I am a bondservant of my Sovereign King and Lord Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 7:22-23). Therefore, I cannot enter into any agreements which either obligates Him or myself.
Officer: It's a criminal offense if you refuse to sign it. Bondservant: I am not refusing to sign it, I am forbidden to sign it. I have no warrant from Him in His Law to sign those tickets, and I am specifically forbidden to do so in His Law (Matthew 6:34, Romans 13:8, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Just like you are forbidden to do certain acts by your master.
Officer: I know that I should arrest you and impound the car, but I'm going to let you go. You're free to go. Bondservant: Thank you, officer, and may God richly bless you for your compassion and your respect to the Law.
Alternatively, the outcome may be:
Officer: If you don't have a license, I'm going to have to arrest you. Bondservant: "I am straightened on every side; for if I do this thing, it is death unto me; and if I do it not, I cannot escape your hands. It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord" (Apocrypha, History of Susan 1:22-23).
Officer: Well, I must arrest you now. Bondservant: You do what you must; I can only do what our Lord and Master has commanded me to do. You're asking me to do what is impossible to do. I only serve one Master, and I am told by Him to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's. I don't have anything that belongs to Caesar, so I have nothing that can be rendered to him. By your own admission, you serve Caesar and not God.
Officer: Caesar has been dead for two thousand years! Bondservant: Caesar may be dead, but his spirit is not. And by your words and actions, you yourself have evidenced that his spirit is very much alive. Are you a Peace officer?
Officer: Yes, I am. Bondservant: Well, there is no greater Peace than that of "the Prince of Peace," Jesus the Christ (Isaiah 9:6).
Officer: I'm afraid that I must arrest you now. Bondservant: There is no law that compels an officer to violate God’s Law, which is the Supreme Law of the land, and the basis of all law in America.
Officer: There are codes, rules, and regulations that you are breaking, so I must bring you to the station. Bondservant: Jesus did not use your codes, rules, and regulations for the things he did, and neither do I use your codes, rules, and regulations for the things that I do. Officer, there are laws of man that direct you to do certain things, but I follow the Laws of God which direct me to do certain things. What's the difference?
Officer: You’re under arrest. Bondservant: You seek to arrest me because God’s Word hath no place in you (John 8:37).
Officer: I'm just doing my job. Bondservant: The Nazi's, too, were just doing their job. The Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus were just following orders.
Officer: Who are you to preach to me? Bondservant: That's my Duty. And it should be your duty to speak the truth as well.
Officer: Let’s go to jail, pal. Bondservant: "I am in your hands; do with me as seemeth good and right unto you" (Jeremiah 26:14).
Officer: We're going to impound this car; it's the law. Bondservant: If you steal for Caesar, it is still you who are stealing. And what you steal from a servant of God, you steal from God himself.
Officer: (If he reads the Miranda Warning) You have the right to remain silent (and other State benefits...). Do you understand your rights? Bondservant: I cannot accept any rights or protections offered by the State.
Officer: I need to know if you understand what I read to you. Bondservant: I cannot enter into any agreements with you.
Police Station:
Officer: Step against the wall please. Bondservant: What for?
Officer: We have to take your photograph. Bondservant: Well, if you take something, isn't that stealing?
Officer: Hmm. You do not want to give us your picture? Bondservant: It is an image.
Officer: Is it a graven image? Bondservant: It is only an image.
Officer: Well, we have to take your fingerprints. Bondservant: They are not mine to give, and they are not Caesar's to take. They belong to God.
Officer: Here is an ID tag you have to wear. Bondservant: I am forbidden to be marked with a false image.
Officer: Do you have on any underwear? Bondservant: That's none of your business.
Officer: Well, you need to put on these jail clothes. Bondservant: What I have on is sufficient, because the Lord has given me these clothes to wear. If you want those on me, you'll have to put them on me and steal the clothes off my back. Two thousand years ago, when Christ was a prisoner of the State, the officers of Caesar stole the clothes off of Jesus' back as well (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:23-24), and it will be an honor for me to suffer for His sake as He has suffered for my sake (Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 2:20; 3:14). But, in any case, I will not wear the clothes of a criminal. All that I have, and all that I am, belongs to God (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19), and is a gift from my Father (James 1:17). Therefore, what you steal from me, you steal from Him.
https://www.ecclesia.org/truth/movement.html

I'm sorry it took so long for me to upload this. I am guilty of the sin of Sloth, and will have to take a little jog around the Fourth Cornice. Although it will actually be more of a waddle, because I'm also guilty of Gluttony.
Canto XVI
Struggling through the smoke of Wrath, Dante and Virgil meet a man named Marco Lombardo, who does the usual "holy shit, a living person!" thing that everyone in Purgatory does when they meet Dante. The two discuss the role of free will versus fate in determining a person's actions.
Canto XVII
Dante has visions of the Rein of Wrath. He sees Procne killing her son, Haman being crucified, and Amata's suicide. I have to quote Ciardi's notes directly, because the snark is amazing:

Enraged against Mordecai, Haman persuaded Ahasuerus to decree the death of all the Jews in Persia. A cross ... was especially prepared for Mordecai. Queen Esther, however, persuaded Ahasuerus of Haman's iniquity and the decree was canceled. Not to waste a perfectly good cross, or perhaps because he was confused by the number of people who were making up his mind for him, Ahasuerus had Haman crucified in Mordecai's place.

They continue on toward the Cornice of Sloth, but night falls and Dante has to stop to rest. While they rest, Virgil explains that Sloth, or Acedia), is the sin of not dedicating enough energy or focus on goodness. Note that Sloth is the "middle sin" in Purgatory. The three previous (Pride, Envy, and Wrath) are the result of too much self-focus, at the expense of others, while the next three (Avarice, Gluttony, and Lust) are the result of too much selfish desire for good things. Sloth differs from all of these in that it does not pursue bad, it simply doesn't pursue good. (My undying gratitude to John Ciardi's notes for explaining all this. Virgil himself went over my head.)
Canto XVIII
Virgil ends his lecture by stating that Beatrice will have to explain Free Will more fully to Dante, since there's a limit to what Virgil (representing Human Reason) can understand of it.
And now we meet the Slothful, who, in keeping with the ironic punishment theme, run and shout. The Whip of Sloth (that sounds like an oxymoron) cites Mary and Caesar as positive examples of zeal, while the Rein of Sloth presents examples of Sloth in the Israelites who would not follow Moses, and Aeneas' followers who stayed in Sicily.
Canto XIX
Dream sequence time! Dante dreams of a siren), luring him with her voice, but then a "heavenly lady" appears and exposes the siren for the hideous monster that she is. When Dante tells Virgil about the dream, he says that the souls in the levels above them weep because of the siren. (I could explain, but I'll make it a discussion question instead.)
Dante and Virgil meet the Angel of Zeal, allowing them to move on to the next level. (Four Ps down, 3 to go.) We enter the Cornice of Avarice, and meet Pope Adrian V. Dante bows to Adrian V, who chastises him for doing so. Here, he is no longer a pope, he is a soul like any other.
Canto XX
The Whip of Avarice praises the examples of Mary (who literally gave birth to Jesus in a stable), Fabricius, who refused bribes, and St. Nicholas, so famous for his philanthropy that my culture honors his memory by claiming he breaks into everyone's houses on Christmas Eve to give presents to children.
Dante has a long conversation with Hugh Capet, who gives Dante the full run-down of the Rein of Avarice, which consists of so many examples of Avarice that I'm too lazy to type them out, although I do want to point out, for anyone who was as confused as I was, that the Pygmalion referenced here isn't the statue guy.
Anyhow, this canto ends with an earthquake.
Canto XXI
*earthquake*
Dante: WTF was that?
Statius: That was my soul finishing its purification!
Virgil: Who are you?
Statius: I'm Statius! I'm from the first century, but I wish I was from Virgil's time, because I'm a huge Virgil fanboy!
Dante: *giggle*
Virgil: Dante, behave.
Statius: Virgil influenced all my poems! I love him!
Dante: *twitching uncontrollably*
Virgil: Dante, I swear I will send you back to the Inferno if you don't...
Dante: HE'S VIRGIL!!!
Statius: OMG OMG OMG I LOVE YOU CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH???
Virgil: *facepalm*
(Thank you to u/nopantstime, for inspiring me to write this.)
Canto XXII
Statius continues to fanboy. We learn that Virgil's poetry is what inspired him to convert to Christianity, so Virgil has literally saved him. He asks Virgil about his other favorite poets, and learns that Virgil hangs out with them in Limbo.
And then they encounter an enormous and oddly-shaped tree, covered in fruit. A voice from the tree forbids them from eating the fruit. That's right: it's Gluttony time!
Canto XXIII
Dante discovers starving people! OO I was confused by a reference to their faces looking like the word "OMO". o_O But then I read a note that explained it. ^^
There's a medieval legend that God designed man to look like "Omo Dei" ("Man is of God"). The eyes are the Os, the brows, nose, and cheekbones are the M, the ears are the D, the nostrils the E, and the mouth the I. Dante is saying that these people are so starved, you can actually see the M. ಠ_ಠ
They run into Dante's friend and in-law, Forese Donati. Forese's only been dead five years, but he's reached this level of Purgatory already, thanks to the prayers of his widow, Nella. He then goes on a rant about what sluts Florentine women are, and I am desperately resisting the temptation to make "Do you think Florentine women are sluts?" a discussion question.
Canto XXIV
Dante sees a bunch of dead people (I'm sorry, I'm very tired and this is the last canto for this week), one of whom makes a huge deal about how awesome Dante's poetry is. I'm reminded that Dante already knows he's going to end up on the Pride level when he dies. At least he's self-aware.
They find a second tree, providing the Rein of Gluttony which, fittingly, includes Eve, who ate from this tree's ancestor. The three then meet the Angel of Abstinence, who moves them on to the next level.

1) Are there any differences between the Senate Reports/Dispatches and the 'Commentaries of the Gallic War'? (I'm assuming the former is for the Senate alone and the later is more geared for the public)
2) How were the commentaries made to Rome? As in was it Yearly and if so do we doing what months?
3) Do we have any contemporary reactions to the 'Commentaries on the Gallic Wars'? (I know about Cicero's letters having some praise about but beyond that from anyone else do we have anything?)
4) Was it told to the public in open speeches (Friends, Romans and Countrymen and all that jazz)? (Or were they any alternatives for examples stage plays based on the 'Commentaries')
5) Do we have any 'Commentaries' for other Generals say Pompey for example?
6) Is there any modern through Literature analysis of the "Commentaries of the Gallic Wars" ?
What I'm looking for is something similar to this (but for the entire selections):
https://www.livius.org/sources/about/caesar-s-gallic-wa
Still, the simplicity of his style does not exclude dazzling phrases. The following quote, the longest sentence from the Gallic War, is one single period, which evokes the chaos during the Battle of the Sabis, in which Caesar overcame the Nervians. As usual, he speaks about himself in the third person, a trick to make the text look more objective.
When Caesar, who had addressed the tenth legion, reached the right wing, he found his troops under severe pressure and, because all the standards of the twelfth had had been collected into one cramped space, the soldiers packed so close together that they got in each other's way as they fought, while all the centurions of the fourth cohort had been killed - together with the standard bearer: the standard was lost - and those of the other cohorts as well, including the very brave senior centurion, Publius Sextius Baculus, who had so many terrible wounds that he could no longer stand, and when Caesar saw that the rest of the men were slowing down, and some in the rear ranks had given up fighting and were intent on getting out of range of the enemy, while the enemy in front kept pouring up the hill and were pressing us on both flanks, he recognized that this was a crisis because there were no reserves available, so he snatched a shield from a soldier in the rear ranks - Caesar had no shield with him - and went forward to the front line, where he called out to all the centurions by name and shouted encouragement to the rest of the men, whom he ordered to advance and to open out their ranks so that they could use their swords more effectively. {Caesar, Gallic War 2.25.1}
It is easy to understand why this sentence is, in most modern translations, divided into three units. However, the chaos of the battle is evoked better if an experienced reader reads these words to his audience in one breath. When the reader runs out of breath, he has reached the climax: Caesar personally intervening and saving the day.

Hello, This post is mainly focused on how the 'Commentaries of the Gallic Wars' by Gaius Julius Caesar were distributed and received in Rome.
1) Are there any differences between the Senate Reports/Dispatches and the 'Commentaries of the Gallic War'? (I'm assuming the former is for the Senate alone and the later is more geared for the public)
2) How were the commentaries made to Rome? As in was it Yearly and if so do we doing what months?
3) Do we have any contemporary reactions to the 'Commentaries on the Gallic Wars'? (I know about Cicero's letters having some praise about but beyond that from anyone else do we have anything?)
4) Was it told to the public in open speeches (Friends, Romans and Countrymen and all that jazz)? (Or were they any alternatives for examples stage plays based on the 'Commentaries')
5) Do we have any 'Commentaries' for other Generals say Pompey for example?
6) Is there any modern through Literature analysis of the "Commentaries of the Gallic Wars" ?
What I'm looking for is something similar to this (but for the entire selections):
https://www.livius.org/sources/about/caesar-s-gallic-wa
Still, the simplicity of his style does not exclude dazzling phrases. The following quote, the longest sentence from the Gallic War, is one single period, which evokes the chaos during the Battle of the Sabis, in which Caesar overcame the Nervians. As usual, he speaks about himself in the third person, a trick to make the text look more objective.
When Caesar, who had addressed the tenth legion, reached the right wing, he found his troops under severe pressure and, because all the standards of the twelfth had had been collected into one cramped space, the soldiers packed so close together that they got in each other's way as they fought, while all the centurions of the fourth cohort had been killed - together with the standard bearer: the standard was lost - and those of the other cohorts as well, including the very brave senior centurion, Publius Sextius Baculus, who had so many terrible wounds that he could no longer stand, and when Caesar saw that the rest of the men were slowing down, and some in the rear ranks had given up fighting and were intent on getting out of range of the enemy, while the enemy in front kept pouring up the hill and were pressing us on both flanks, he recognized that this was a crisis because there were no reserves available, so he snatched a shield from a soldier in the rear ranks - Caesar had no shield with him - and went forward to the front line, where he called out to all the centurions by name and shouted encouragement to the rest of the men, whom he ordered to advance and to open out their ranks so that they could use their swords more effectively. {Caesar, Gallic War 2.25.1}
It is easy to understand why this sentence is, in most modern translations, divided into three units. However, the chaos of the battle is evoked better if an experienced reader reads these words to his audience in one breath. When the reader runs out of breath, he has reached the climax: Caesar personally intervening and saving the day.

Despite it not being a popular opinion, I've always loved promos more than in-ring wrestling. Don't get me wrong, I love a great match, but what is a great match without a great story with great promos to set it up? Meltzer's star system always annoyed me because he only ever reviews matches, and he never takes into account a wrestlers promo abilities and story with his ratings. I usually post these in SC, but thought I'd also post here as well this week.

WWE Smackdown - April 19th, 2024 - WDT Promo Ratings

Ratings: Solo, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman - 3.75 STARS Nick Aldis, Triple H and A-Town Down Under - 3.0 STARS Naomi - 2.75 STARS Bayley - 2.75 STARS Solo, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga and Kevin Owens - 3.75 STARS Legado Del Fantasma - 2.75 STARS Damage CTRL and Jade & Bianca - 2.5 STARS Cody Rhodes - 2.75 STARS Reviews and Recaps: Solo, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman Location: Carpark Recap and Thoughts: Paul Heyman stands in the car park as Solo Sikoa arrives and emerges from a black car dressed smartly. In fact, he's dressing like a man with authority. Paul compliments Solo when Tama Tonga appears behind Paul. Solo introduces "the newest member of the Bloodline: my MFT". I'm going to expose myself here, but I have no idea what an MFT is. At first I thought he said NFT, but it became quickly apparent that Tama Tonga may be fungible. It remains to be seen. Solo hugs Tama, and the camera man employs the trusty ole Bloodline "show the huggers facial reaction over the shoulder" camera angle trick to show Tonga giving Heyman an intimidating stare. Paul is visibly skittish, and attempts to plead, before Solo cuts Heyman off to ask if Kevin Owens is present on the show. Heyman is caught off guard by the question, and doesn't respond. Solo repeats the question, and Heyman answers that he presumes Kevin is here, when Solo asks to be taken to him. This is another great development from this new chapter we began in the Bloodline story last week. If you asked me a month ago whether I thought Solo could competently play the role of a new leader of the Bloodline, I would have had my doubts. However, he's taken to this new position naturally. Although, I say this with a caveat: for as good as Solo is here, I think we may be being deceived a little bit. I'm sure you've heard that some wrestlers are so good that they can get a good match out of the worst opponent? Wrestlers so good that they make their opponents look like a million bucks. I have a feeling that something similar may be happening here, in that Heyman is selling the confused and intimidated hostage schtick so well that it's making Solo look better than he really is. I don't want to dismiss Solo so early, but it's just a suspicion to dog ear. Should you watch?: Yes ✅️ ⭐ RATING: 3.75 ⭐ Nick Aldis, Triple H and A-Town Down Under Location: In-Ring Recap and Thoughts: Nick Aldis is in the ring standing in front of a pillar with a black cloth over it. Time for new Smackdown Tag Team Belts. Aldis introduces Triple H, who continues to self-fellate for the most record breaking, unbelievable, sold out, yada yada, period in WWE, after the amazing run of Wrestlemania. I'm happy for WWE and I'm thankful the product has become something that's enjoyable to watch again. However, it does grow old when we get this self-congratulatory corporate speak week in and week out. Towel yourself off, Hunter. He gives thanks to Aldis and Pearce, praising them on leading their respective brands into the future. Because of them, the future is bright, but when talking about the future, Triple H says you need to talk about the history that brought us into said future. Hunter wants to make sure that when history is made, it is represented in a way befitting of those who make it. An attempt to be eloquent, for sure. Theory and Waller are welcomed to the ring, and they peacock their smarmy asses into between the ropes. Waller says that on Monday, Triple H got to award the "second place championships" to Awesome Truth, but now they get to reward the "real winners at Wrestlemania" with their new championships. Theory compounds the smugness, recalling that Truth called Triple H a magician on Raw, wondering what magic trick Hunter might have up his sleeve to make A-Town Down Under look better than they already do. Triple H isn't particularly impressed, but he does congratulate the two, and unveils that they will be now known as the WWE Tag Team Champions. I like this. The belts are unveiled and I personally find them to be gorgeous. However, they feel inconsistent. The tag titles on Raw feel like a childlike facsimile of the WHC, sharing similar designs. However, these Smackdown Tag Belts deviate dramatically from the design conventions established by Cody and Bayley's belt. I'm not saying this with any certainty, but I get the feeling Cody will reveal his new belt design which might look quite similar to these Smackdown belts. Of course I don't know what they'll do, but it feels a bit bizarre for WWE to stress such consistency in title designs on Raw, only to have no similarities in the belt designs on Smackdown. Hunter goes to shake Wallers hand, who denies the handshake, going to shake Theory's hand instead. Aldis approaches the two, and says that if "A-Clown Down Under" ever disrespects Triple H ever again, he'll show them a magic trick and will make them disappear permanently. Aldis says that the fatal four way match for the number 1 contendership starts now, with the Street Profits coming out for their match. This segment, much like the Raw title reveal felt like it went a touch too long. I appreciate the ceremony of trying to give these belts some prestige through presentation, but bringing Triple H out for both of these segments just felt clunky to me. I have to say that say what you will about Theory and Waller, they play the smug prick role exceptionally well. We've spent the past three weeks putting Triple H on a pedestal, going as far to call this resurgence the "Triple H Era". Therefore, it's a terrific dickish heel move for these self-satisfied assholes to take shots at the beloved Triple H. Either way, love the new belt design, and I think they may be my favourite current main roster belt by a wide margin. Should you watch?: Depends ↔️ ⭐ RATING: 3.0 ⭐ Naomi Location: Interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the womens locker room Recap and Thoughts: Kayla says that last week Naomi beat Tiffy to earn a title shot. However, Kayla wonders whether Naomi and Bayley's friendship could get in the way of their championship match tonight. Naomi says that she won't let friendship get in the way of her opportunity, noting it's been more than two years since her last singles championship match on Smackdown. I can't be bothered to fact check that. It doesn't really matter. Naomi continues saying that nothing will get in the way. However, last week, she made Tiffy Time feel the glow, and she wants to keep that same energy rolling tonight. She's also looking forward to the upcoming Draft, where she says she'll walk into that Draft as champion. This was perfectly fine. It wasn't great, wasn't horrible. Just a perfectly fine promo that added further context to storyline they've got building between Naomi, Bayley and Tiffy. It looks like we're getting a Triple Threat at Backlash there. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐ Bayley Location: Interviewed by Byron Saxton Recap and Thoughts: After a recap of Rhea relinquishing her title due to injury, Byron says he wants to focus on Bayley's title, as she has her first title defence tonight against Naomi. He asks where Bayley's head is at for this match. After seeing Rhea vacate her title, Bayley says it made her appreciate her title more. She notes that it makes her the "only Womens Champion in the WWE right now", which feels disrespectful to Roxanne Perez, but sure. (Note: I had to look up who the NXT Womens Champ was because I don't watch NXT) Bayley acknowledges that with the Draft coming up, things are tentative and subject to change. As excited as Bayley is to face Naomi, there's one thing that's not going to change, and that's her as champ. This is really a building episode of Smackdown, so we can't really expect too much. Between this promo and Naomi's previous one, we've effectively got two faces attempting to achieve a few small things: 1) promote their match tonight, 2) promote their friendship, 3) hint at Tiffy, and 4) promote the fuck out of the upcoming Draft. I find face vs face feuds extremely boring, but much like Naomi, Bayley was perfectly fine here. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐ Solo, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga and Kevin Owens Location: Backstage Recap and Thoughts: Solo stands stoically backstage as Heyman approaches, apologising that they can't find Kevin Owens. Heyman tries to assure him, saying Owens has to be here. Solo pays Heyman no mind, continuing to walk through to Gorilla. He turns to look back at Paul. Heyman assures Solo that he's not trying to piss him off, but respectfully says that Solo is not making decisions that are not his decisions to be made yet. He reiterates that one day they will be Solo's decisions, but he notes these are decisions that can only be made by one man, alluding to Roman. Solo cuts him off with a, "Are you done yet?". Intimidated, Heyman asks if Solo's "MFT" is coming with us, to which solo shows his taped thumbs up. This man is trying to be Caesar. I still don't know what MFT is. In Googling this, and also searching Urban Dictionary, here is a list of things that Tama Tonga could be according to Solo: • A Marriage and Family Therapist • My Favourite Thing • Managed File Transfer • Motor Fuel Tax • Metric Fuck Ton • Monogomous Fun Time Solo makes his way to the ring and we get an ad break. Returning from commercials, Solo and Heyman stand in the ring, with Paul performing his trademark introduction. He says that he doesn't know if there's a list of the most brilliant backstage politicians in the history of WWE, but if there were such a list, he would have to think that he would be somewhere at the top. With Solo's permission, Heyman attempts to explain to us the backstage politics of the premiere act in the history of the WWE: The Bloodline. The crowd begins to chant "We want Roman" which gets a disgusting look from Solo. Heyman goes to assure the crowd of something, but Solo rips the microphone from his hands. Solo demonstrates some terrific character, walking to the hard cam ropes, leaning casually into frame. He attempts to speak, but he gets some Dom Heat. This crowd seems to hate this mans guts. Solo tries to push forward, saying that last week he had to lose a brother in order to find a new one: his MFT, Tama Tonga. Again, what is an MFT. It is at this stage that the camera cuts to the tron stage where we see a bloodIed Kevin Owens crawl onto the stage. Tama Tonga appears and throws Kevin Owens towards the ring. In looking, I can't tell if this is real blood, as it looks like the work of the make up department, or extremely old dry blood. A series of referrees and WWE officials come down to check on Kevin, selling the idea that this man needs serious help. Tonga throws Kevin Owens down the ramp, closer to the ring apron, almost offering up the bloodied Kevin Owens as a tribute to Solo. Tonga walks past the beaten KO, and enters the ring to raise the one, which receives a chorus of boos. Solo looks around at this reaction, before raising his own one. Kevin is seen being helped by a series of refs to the back. Four refs, specifically. After last week where Solo tested the Gorilla Glass of Heyman's iPhone, this week Heyman raises another reluctant one, again looking scared at the possibility of what might happen if he doesn't. Honestly, Heyman is the god damn highlight of this entire arc thus far, acting like he's got a gun permanently glued to his temple. However, what happened next was just uh, a bit silly. We saw KO being helped to the back by four refs. However, KO then races back to the ring to go after Tama Tonga. Ah, that fighting baby face Kevin Owens spirit! Solo rips KO off Tonga, throwing him into the ring steps. He brings KO to his feet, and rolls him into the ring. It is here that some black shirted WWE officials race to the ring to try and break this up. Ok. KO manages to get Tonga back to the floor and delivers stomps. The officials then hold KO back to get him off Tonga. Makes sense, let's get this visibly busted KO some medical attention. However, in holding KO back, they allow the perfect opportunity for Solo to give him the Samoan Spike. Solo even kind of stumbled looking for the right timing and positioning here, and it was just clumsy. I don't blame Solo for this, as blame should be attributed to these terrible extra. Once KO is downed, these dumb ass officials solidify their utter incompeteancy, as SIX of them move towards Solo to hold him back. As the six or seven of them are all moving to Solo, all six or seven of them (including an additional Nick Aldis now at ringside) somehow manage to miss the shirtless Tonga just casually roll back into the ring who goes straight to Owens and beats him down. The officials see this, and their response time is disgustingly slow. While this is all happening, these security officials are making most dumb faces that look like reactions in YouTube thumbnails. Look, I get it: WWE security guards and officials are not meant to be viable threats. They're just NPC's who serve a purpose to amplify the threat and/or strength of any given wrestler in a segment. The thing is, this all just felt a little too silly in tone. Please, by all means, use security guards and staff as a story telling device, but at least make it look viable. Make it look like they are actually holding these guys back. It can be done when done right. This segment just made me think WWE's staff are incompetent idiots. Tonga comes back to the ring with a chair and is almost barking and growling, circling the fallen KO? I thought Tonga sniffing at Heyman last week was just kind of my misinterpretation, but it seems like Tonga is really going for an animalistic kind of aggression, which, I mean sure. He's trying to be rabid, but if anything, all of this just kinda seems comical and hammed up? I should be finding him to be intimidating, but instead, I find myself just laughing. Aldis gives Solo a look, and Solo calls off Tonga, as the two leave the ring. The crowd builds a steady "You suck" chant, and the two leave, with Solo looking at the blood and/or "blood" on his thumb tape. A nice touch. Solo, Tonga and Heyman now appear back at the stage, and raise the ones, with Heyman again looking like his balls are in a vice. We go to an ad break and return to find Heyman walking alone towards the car park. Nick Aldis appears and grabs Heyman by the arm, as he wants to show him something. Heyman points to a car crash in the car park where a car has been t-boned. Aldis explains one of the rental cars belongs to Kevin Owens where the other belongs to Tama Tonga. Heyman is again visibly disturbed, uttering "No no no's", saying that this wasn't authorised. Heyman didn't know about this, and we get the idea that Roman certainly didn't approve this either. Aldis says that he understands conflicts, but on his show, they settle it in the ring. Next week is the Draft, there's lots of eye balls with top brass watching, and so Aldis won't tolerate this kind of behaviour. Aldis asks Heyman to make sure the Bloodline understands, because the repercussions will be as equally as savage. He finishes this by quoting Heyman and Solo last week, "Losing isn't the only thing that has consequences". I love this repetition. As a total aside: Didn't CM Punk say that one of his key issues with Jungle Boy was Jungle Boy wanting to damage the rental car? Punk noted that damaging rental cars was stupid, because it leads to rental companies not wanting to rent to wrestlers, which creates issues for everyone. I genuinely would love to know how WWE destroy all these cars? Do they just rent cars and destroy them? Is there an internal division of WWE dedicated to buying cars, destroying them, repairing them and reselling them? I resent my careers counsellor for neglecting to tell me I could be the guy who works for WWE and arranges the logistics of destroying cars. This was a segment that spanned two ad breaks, and could be broken to three segments. For all intents and purposes, this was a huge chunk of airtime dedicated to this story, and I'm all for it. It's kind of crafty that in watching all of this, I feel sympathetic for Paul Heyman. Think about that: sympathy for Paul Heyman. They've managed to do this in just two weeks. Impressive. If anything, they are planting the seeds already for Roman to return as a face, and while it remains unseen for now, it's definitely an interesting seed they're planting in our minds. This was overall entertaining to watch, and by far the most compelling storyline on the main roster currently. Again, I find Tama Tonga to be hamming it up a bit too much with his sniffing, snarling and growling, to the point of it being comedic, which is never great. As well, again, the WWE security/officials are meant to be idiots, but this was a comically bad performance on their behalf. Should you watch?: Yes ✅️ ⭐ RATING: 3.75 ⭐ Legado Del Fantasma Location: A pre-tape from earlier in the day, interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the car park as LDF arrive Recap and Thoughts: Kayla finds LDF in the car park earlier in the dya and continues to follow up on the idea that LDF attacked Dragon Lee. Santos repeats himself from last week: if they did it, they'd come out and say they did. LDF had nothing to do with the attack, and LWO wants to play the blame game. As a result, Santos is going to prove to everyone that he was right all along. I'm not sure how he's going to do that, but as we go back to Santos and Carlito in the ring, I suppose he's going to prove he didn't attack Dragon Lee by beating Carlito. Ok. I just want this LWO and LDF feud to end. In scouring online opinions, I don't see too many people commenting that they're clamouring to see this feud. It firmly gets little to no attention or praise. However, to their credit though, I do have to praise them for adding in a "Whodunnit?" element to this story, because at the least, it does provide some intrigue, giving us a reason to watch. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐ Damage CTRL and Jade & Bianca Location: Interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the skybox Recap and Thoughts: Kayla is with Damage CTRL in a skybox and asks Io specifically why her and Damage CTRL wanted a special view of the match between Bayley and Naomi. What's funny about this is that she is looking at Dakota Kai while asking this question, and even places the mic before Dakota to answer the question. It's a small detail, because obviously Dakota is the mouth piece for Damage CTRL due to the language barrier. Either way, just a funny little thing. Dakota is offended by Kayla calling Io the former champion, and says that Io will retain the title once she's good and ready. They're just watching tonight to see two people they can't stand tear each other apart. Dakota says that she needs to remind everyone that they're the most dominant force in WWE. She continues to say the Kabuki Warriors are still the tag team champions, and it's not going to change. She's cut off by Jade Cargill's music, as Jade and Bianca appear in the skybox next to Damage CTRL. Something you should pay attention to: Jade and Bianca came out to Jade's music, not Bianca's. Who do you think WWE sees as the bigger star? The two exchange some un-miced words between their boxes, as Naomi enters. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐ Cody Rhodes Location: Backstage from the UK Tour Recap and Thoughts: After a recap of AJ Styles beating LA Knight in the opening match, we're given a pretape of Cody Rhodes from London, as he's currently on the European tour. At the bottom of the screen, it read "Earlier Tonight". As I watched this, I checked the time in London. As this aired, if I'm not mistaken, it was around 2am London time. In checking, the event in London ran from 7:30 - 11:30pm. In this promo, Cody acknowledges AJ Style's victory. Look, I'm not going to get into the math of it all, but can someone tell me if the timezone math implies that perhaps maybe Cody recorded this promo before AJ and LA Knight even had their match? It doesn't really matter, but it's just another little small detail if you wanna poke halls. Either way, Cody has just finished his main event match in London, and he asks us "What is the task?". He says his previous goal was to win the belt, but now he's in new frontier. He says there's an old expression that says the title can make the man, but the man makes the title. He asks what it will be for him. He says that he's on this European tour, keeping his promise to bring the title around the world. Back home, AJ has emerged as the number #1 contender, with two Georgia boys fighting in France at Backlash. Cody puts over Styles as the modern excellence of execution, noting Style's rarely misses. While Styles has won his last two matches on Smackdown, he lost at Wrestlemania, he lost at his qualifying match to get into Elimination Chamber, and he lost at the Royal Rumble in the fatal four way. So I'm not sure if AJ Styles "rarely misses", because he seems to have missed quite a bit. However, Styles has a pretty immaculate house show record, having destroyed Carlito four times, Theory twice, and Solo four times. There's consequences to losing, Solo! Regardless, Cody says he doesn't miss either, and at Backlash, he looks forward to it. A simple exposition segment, but I don't want to understate Cody's efforts here. I particularly like how they've specifically highlighted Cody's hard work on the European title, acting as the politician that Roman accused him of being, going on his tour to meet his people. They didn't need to show this, but they did. Ultimately however, there's really no need to watch this segment, as this feud really couldn't even be called a feud. Backlash is two weeks away, and it doesn't really give us any significant amount of time to build anything meaningful or interesting. It also feels like an assumed guarantee that Cody is not going to lose in his first title defence, so I'm not really inclined to care at all about this match as it stands. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 3.0 ⭐ Show Notes: • I'm not going to lie, I am not particularly excited for AJ Styles vs Cody. The build to this Backlash match has felt so civilised, with the triple threat contenders format not being the most convincing. I mean no disrespect, but last weeks participants felt quite midcard, especially with LA Knight, Bobby Lashley and Santos, as these are all guys who feel like they should be in contention for the US Title as opposed to a match with Cody. I am aware Bobby is a former champion, but his booking has not reflected that lately, making him feel out of place. It's quite interesting because I think nearly every one of the six men who contended last week for this title match at Backlash have all come off the back of US Title centred feuds. I'm also confused as to why Santos Escobar was even in the equation while Randy Orton was not? Either way, AJ Styles was the right choice tonight, and it's a relief to see him being pushed back into the main event scene. Although AJ is undeniably a legend, you can't deny he's been lacking some kayfabe credibility lately. Interesting to note: did you know AJ's last title was the Tag Team titles with Omos back in 2021. • What is an MFT? It seems like they're purposely not telling us this, leaving us to wonder. It may be cynical, but I'm expecting to be underwhelmed when it's revealed. Maybe it's just a cute name Solo has come up with, that stands for "My Friend, Tama" • This was just a kind of filler episode of Smackdown to slowly progress the stories to build towards Backlash. These episodes are necessary, and we can't all have heaters. However, it unfortunately feels like Backlash will be a B-show of a PLE/PPV, which I'm expecting to be as OK as Elimination Chamber in Australia was. As well, I have to say that I find myself far more interested in watching Raw than Smackdown. • Nick Aldis continued to prove his worth this episode. I loved his hard ass approach to both A-Town Down Under and Heyman. • They split the tag belts, and these Smackdown belts are great. Love it. What do these numbers mean? These star ratings are based off a combination of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to: • The content of what the wrestler is saying • Their delivery of what their saying (acting) • The story surrounding the promo, and whether the promo furthers the story, or creates further intrigue/resolve for the greater story • The location, production value • A crowds investment 0 Stars: Dog Shit Bad 1 Stars: Do better 2 Stars: Fine - right down the middle. It served its purpose, but was neither phenomenal or terrible. It just was. 3 Stars: Good 4 Stars: Great 5 Stars: All-Timer Hall of Fame Promo Should You Watch? Yes ✅️ - If you can't catch the whole show, go out of your way to watch this. Depends ↔️ - If you can't watch the whole show, you can give or take this segment. If you're particular invested in the superstars in this segment or the overall story, it might benefit you to watch. No ❌ - If you can't watch the whole show, don't bother going out of your way to watch this segment.

WWE Smackdown - April 19th, 2024 - WDT Promo Ratings

Ratings: Solo, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman - 3.75 STARS Nick Aldis, Triple H and A-Town Down Under - 3.0 STARS Naomi - 2.75 STARS Bayley - 2.75 STARS Solo, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga and Kevin Owens - 3.75 STARS Legado Del Fantasma - 2.75 STARS Damage CTRL and Jade & Bianca - 2.5 STARS Cody Rhodes - 2.75 STARS
Reviews and Recaps:
Solo, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman Location: Carpark Recap and Thoughts: Paul Heyman stands in the car park as Solo Sikoa arrives and emerges from a black car dressed smartly. In fact, he's dressing like a man with authority. Paul compliments Solo when Tama Tonga appears behind Paul. Solo introduces "the newest member of the Bloodline: my MFT".
I'm going to expose myself here, but I have no idea what an MFT is. At first I thought he said NFT, but it became quickly apparent that Tama Tonga may be fungible. It remains to be seen.
Solo hugs Tama, and the camera man employs the trusty ole Bloodline "show the huggers facial reaction over the shoulder" camera angle trick to show Tonga giving Heyman an intimidating stare.
Paul is visibly skittish, and attempts to plead, before Solo cuts Heyman off to ask if Kevin Owens is present on the show. Heyman is caught off guard by the question, and doesn't respond. Solo repeats the question, and Heyman answers that he presumes Kevin is here, when Solo asks to be taken to him.
This is another great development from this new chapter we began in the Bloodline story last week. If you asked me a month ago whether I thought Solo could competently play the role of a new leader of the Bloodline, I would have had my doubts. However, he's taken to this new position naturally.
Although, I say this with a caveat: for as good as Solo is here, I think we may be being deceived a little bit. I'm sure you've heard that some wrestlers are so good that they can get a good match out of the worst opponent? Wrestlers so good that they make their opponents look like a million bucks. I have a feeling that something similar may be happening here, in that Heyman is selling the confused and intimidated hostage schtick so well that it's making Solo look better than he really is. I don't want to dismiss Solo so early, but it's just a suspicion to dog ear. Should you watch?: Yes ✅️ ⭐ RATING: 3.75 ⭐
Nick Aldis, Triple H and A-Town Down Under Location: In-Ring Recap and Thoughts: Nick Aldis is in the ring standing in front of a pillar with a black cloth over it. Time for new Smackdown Tag Team Belts.
Aldis introduces Triple H, who continues to self-fellate for the most record breaking, unbelievable, sold out, yada yada, period in WWE, after the amazing run of Wrestlemania.
I'm happy for WWE and I'm thankful the product has become something that's enjoyable to watch again. However, it does grow old when we get this self-congratulatory corporate speak week in and week out. Towel yourself off, Hunter.
He gives thanks to Aldis and Pearce, praising them on leading their respective brands into the future. Because of them, the future is bright, but when talking about the future, Triple H says you need to talk about the history that brought us into said future. Hunter wants to make sure that when history is made, it is represented in a way befitting of those who make it. An attempt to be eloquent, for sure.
Theory and Waller are welcomed to the ring, and they peacock their smarmy asses into between the ropes. Waller says that on Monday, Triple H got to award the "second place championships" to Awesome Truth, but now they get to reward the "real winners at Wrestlemania" with their new championships.
Theory compounds the smugness, recalling that Truth called Triple H a magician on Raw, wondering what magic trick Hunter might have up his sleeve to make A-Town Down Under look better than they already do.
Triple H isn't particularly impressed, but he does congratulate the two, and unveils that they will be now known as the WWE Tag Team Champions. I like this.
The belts are unveiled and I personally find them to be gorgeous. However, they feel inconsistent. The tag titles on Raw feel like a childlike facsimile of the WHC, sharing similar designs. However, these Smackdown Tag Belts deviate dramatically from the design conventions established by Cody and Bayley's belt. I'm not saying this with any certainty, but I get the feeling Cody will reveal his new belt design which might look quite similar to these Smackdown belts. Of course I don't know what they'll do, but it feels a bit bizarre for WWE to stress such consistency in title designs on Raw, only to have no similarities in the belt designs on Smackdown.
Hunter goes to shake Wallers hand, who denies the handshake, going to shake Theory's hand instead. Aldis approaches the two, and says that if "A-Clown Down Under" ever disrespects Triple H ever again, he'll show them a magic trick and will make them disappear permanently. Aldis says that the fatal four way match for the number 1 contendership starts now, with the Street Profits coming out for their match.
This segment, much like the Raw title reveal felt like it went a touch too long. I appreciate the ceremony of trying to give these belts some prestige through presentation, but bringing Triple H out for both of these segments just felt clunky to me.
I have to say that say what you will about Theory and Waller, they play the smug prick role exceptionally well. We've spent the past three weeks putting Triple H on a pedestal, going as far to call this resurgence the "Triple H Era". Therefore, it's a terrific dickish heel move for these self-satisfied assholes to take shots at the beloved Triple H.
Either way, love the new belt design, and I think they may be my favourite current main roster belt by a wide margin. Should you watch?: Depends ↔️ ⭐ RATING: 3.0 ⭐
Naomi Location: Interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the womens locker room Recap and Thoughts: Kayla says that last week Naomi beat Tiffy to earn a title shot. However, Kayla wonders whether Naomi and Bayley's friendship could get in the way of their championship match tonight. Naomi says that she won't let friendship get in the way of her opportunity, noting it's been more than two years since her last singles championship match on Smackdown. I can't be bothered to fact check that. It doesn't really matter.
Naomi continues saying that nothing will get in the way. However, last week, she made Tiffy Time feel the glow, and she wants to keep that same energy rolling tonight. She's also looking forward to the upcoming Draft, where she says she'll walk into that Draft as champion.
This was perfectly fine. It wasn't great, wasn't horrible. Just a perfectly fine promo that added further context to storyline they've got building between Naomi, Bayley and Tiffy. It looks like we're getting a Triple Threat at Backlash there. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐
Bayley Location: Interviewed by Byron Saxton Recap and Thoughts: After a recap of Rhea relinquishing her title due to injury, Byron says he wants to focus on Bayley's title, as she has her first title defence tonight against Naomi. He asks where Bayley's head is at for this match.
After seeing Rhea vacate her title, Bayley says it made her appreciate her title more. She notes that it makes her the "only Womens Champion in the WWE right now", which feels disrespectful to Roxanne Perez, but sure. (Note: I had to look up who the NXT Womens Champ was because I don't watch NXT)
Bayley acknowledges that with the Draft coming up, things are tentative and subject to change. As excited as Bayley is to face Naomi, there's one thing that's not going to change, and that's her as champ.
This is really a building episode of Smackdown, so we can't really expect too much. Between this promo and Naomi's previous one, we've effectively got two faces attempting to achieve a few small things: 1) promote their match tonight, 2) promote their friendship, 3) hint at Tiffy, and 4) promote the fuck out of the upcoming Draft.
I find face vs face feuds extremely boring, but much like Naomi, Bayley was perfectly fine here. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐
Solo, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga and Kevin Owens Location: Backstage Recap and Thoughts: Solo stands stoically backstage as Heyman approaches, apologising that they can't find Kevin Owens. Heyman tries to assure him, saying Owens has to be here. Solo pays Heyman no mind, continuing to walk through to Gorilla. He turns to look back at Paul. Heyman assures Solo that he's not trying to piss him off, but respectfully says that Solo is not making decisions that are not his decisions to be made yet. He reiterates that one day they will be Solo's decisions, but he notes these are decisions that can only be made by one man, alluding to Roman.
Solo cuts him off with a, "Are you done yet?". Intimidated, Heyman asks if Solo's "MFT" is coming with us, to which solo shows his taped thumbs up. This man is trying to be Caesar.
I still don't know what MFT is. In Googling this, and also searching Urban Dictionary, here is a list of things that Tama Tonga could be according to Solo:
• A Marriage and Family Therapist • My Favourite Thing • Managed File Transfer • Motor Fuel Tax • Metric Fuck Ton • Monogomous Fun Time
Solo makes his way to the ring and we get an ad break.
Returning from commercials, Solo and Heyman stand in the ring, with Paul performing his trademark introduction. He says that he doesn't know if there's a list of the most brilliant backstage politicians in the history of WWE, but if there were such a list, he would have to think that he would be somewhere at the top.
With Solo's permission, Heyman attempts to explain to us the backstage politics of the premiere act in the history of the WWE: The Bloodline. The crowd begins to chant "We want Roman" which gets a disgusting look from Solo. Heyman goes to assure the crowd of something, but Solo rips the microphone from his hands.
Solo demonstrates some terrific character, walking to the hard cam ropes, leaning casually into frame. He attempts to speak, but he gets some Dom Heat. This crowd seems to hate this mans guts. Solo tries to push forward, saying that last week he had to lose a brother in order to find a new one: his MFT, Tama Tonga. Again, what is an MFT.
It is at this stage that the camera cuts to the tron stage where we see a bloodIed Kevin Owens crawl onto the stage. Tama Tonga appears and throws Kevin Owens towards the ring. In looking, I can't tell if this is real blood, as it looks like the work of the make up department, or extremely old dry blood. A series of referrees and WWE officials come down to check on Kevin, selling the idea that this man needs serious help.
Tonga throws Kevin Owens down the ramp, closer to the ring apron, almost offering up the bloodied Kevin Owens as a tribute to Solo. Tonga walks past the beaten KO, and enters the ring to raise the one, which receives a chorus of boos. Solo looks around at this reaction, before raising his own one. Kevin is seen being helped by a series of refs to the back. Four refs, specifically.
After last week where Solo tested the Gorilla Glass of Heyman's iPhone, this week Heyman raises another reluctant one, again looking scared at the possibility of what might happen if he doesn't.
Honestly, Heyman is the god damn highlight of this entire arc thus far, acting like he's got a gun permanently glued to his temple.
However, what happened next was just uh, a bit silly.
We saw KO being helped to the back by four refs. However, KO then races back to the ring to go after Tama Tonga. Ah, that fighting baby face Kevin Owens spirit!
Solo rips KO off Tonga, throwing him into the ring steps. He brings KO to his feet, and rolls him into the ring. It is here that some black shirted WWE officials race to the ring to try and break this up. Ok.
KO manages to get Tonga back to the floor and delivers stomps. The officials then hold KO back to get him off Tonga. Makes sense, let's get this visibly busted KO some medical attention. However, in holding KO back, they allow the perfect opportunity for Solo to give him the Samoan Spike. Solo even kind of stumbled looking for the right timing and positioning here, and it was just clumsy. I don't blame Solo for this, as blame should be attributed to these terrible extra.
Once KO is downed, these dumb ass officials solidify their utter incompeteancy, as SIX of them move towards Solo to hold him back.
As the six or seven of them are all moving to Solo, all six or seven of them (including an additional Nick Aldis now at ringside) somehow manage to miss the shirtless Tonga just casually roll back into the ring who goes straight to Owens and beats him down. The officials see this, and their response time is disgustingly slow. While this is all happening, these security officials are making most dumb faces that look like reactions in YouTube thumbnails.
Look, I get it: WWE security guards and officials are not meant to be viable threats. They're just NPC's who serve a purpose to amplify the threat and/or strength of any given wrestler in a segment. The thing is, this all just felt a little too silly in tone.
Please, by all means, use security guards and staff as a story telling device, but at least make it look viable. Make it look like they are actually holding these guys back. It can be done when done right. This segment just made me think WWE's staff are incompetent idiots.
Tonga comes back to the ring with a chair and is almost barking and growling, circling the fallen KO? I thought Tonga sniffing at Heyman last week was just kind of my misinterpretation, but it seems like Tonga is really going for an animalistic kind of aggression, which, I mean sure. He's trying to be rabid, but if anything, all of this just kinda seems comical and hammed up? I should be finding him to be intimidating, but instead, I find myself just laughing.
Aldis gives Solo a look, and Solo calls off Tonga, as the two leave the ring. The crowd builds a steady "You suck" chant, and the two leave, with Solo looking at the blood and/or "blood" on his thumb tape. A nice touch. Solo, Tonga and Heyman now appear back at the stage, and raise the ones, with Heyman again looking like his balls are in a vice.
We go to an ad break and return to find Heyman walking alone towards the car park. Nick Aldis appears and grabs Heyman by the arm, as he wants to show him something.
Heyman points to a car crash in the car park where a car has been t-boned. Aldis explains one of the rental cars belongs to Kevin Owens where the other belongs to Tama Tonga. Heyman is again visibly disturbed, uttering "No no no's", saying that this wasn't authorised. Heyman didn't know about this, and we get the idea that Roman certainly didn't approve this either.
Aldis says that he understands conflicts, but on his show, they settle it in the ring. Next week is the Draft, there's lots of eye balls with top brass watching, and so Aldis won't tolerate this kind of behaviour. Aldis asks Heyman to make sure the Bloodline understands, because the repercussions will be as equally as savage. He finishes this by quoting Heyman and Solo last week, "Losing isn't the only thing that has consequences". I love this repetition.
As a total aside: Didn't CM Punk say that one of his key issues with Jungle Boy was Jungle Boy wanting to damage the rental car? Punk noted that damaging rental cars was stupid, because it leads to rental companies not wanting to rent to wrestlers, which creates issues for everyone. I genuinely would love to know how WWE destroy all these cars? Do they just rent cars and destroy them? Is there an internal division of WWE dedicated to buying cars, destroying them, repairing them and reselling them? I resent my careers counsellor for neglecting to tell me I could be the guy who works for WWE and arranges the logistics of destroying cars.
This was a segment that spanned two ad breaks, and could be broken to three segments. For all intents and purposes, this was a huge chunk of airtime dedicated to this story, and I'm all for it.
It's kind of crafty that in watching all of this, I feel sympathetic for Paul Heyman. Think about that: sympathy for Paul Heyman. They've managed to do this in just two weeks. Impressive. If anything, they are planting the seeds already for Roman to return as a face, and while it remains unseen for now, it's definitely an interesting seed they're planting in our minds.
This was overall entertaining to watch, and by far the most compelling storyline on the main roster currently. Again, I find Tama Tonga to be hamming it up a bit too much with his sniffing, snarling and growling, to the point of it being comedic, which is never great. As well, again, the WWE security/officials are meant to be idiots, but this was a comically bad performance on their behalf. Should you watch?: Yes ✅️ ⭐ RATING: 3.75 ⭐
Legado Del Fantasma Location: A pre-tape from earlier in the day, interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the car park as LDF arrive Recap and Thoughts: Kayla finds LDF in the car park earlier in the dya and continues to follow up on the idea that LDF attacked Dragon Lee. Santos repeats himself from last week: if they did it, they'd come out and say they did. LDF had nothing to do with the attack, and LWO wants to play the blame game. As a result, Santos is going to prove to everyone that he was right all along. I'm not sure how he's going to do that, but as we go back to Santos and Carlito in the ring, I suppose he's going to prove he didn't attack Dragon Lee by beating Carlito. Ok.
I just want this LWO and LDF feud to end. In scouring online opinions, I don't see too many people commenting that they're clamouring to see this feud. It firmly gets little to no attention or praise.
However, to their credit though, I do have to praise them for adding in a "Whodunnit?" element to this story, because at the least, it does provide some intrigue, giving us a reason to watch. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐
Damage CTRL and Jade & Bianca Location: Interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the skybox Recap and Thoughts: Kayla is with Damage CTRL in a skybox and asks Io specifically why her and Damage CTRL wanted a special view of the match between Bayley and Naomi.
What's funny about this is that she is looking at Dakota Kai while asking this question, and even places the mic before Dakota to answer the question.
It's a small detail, because obviously Dakota is the mouth piece for Damage CTRL due to the language barrier. Either way, just a funny little thing.
Dakota is offended by Kayla calling Io the former champion, and says that Io will retain the title once she's good and ready. They're just watching tonight to see two people they can't stand tear each other apart. Dakota says that she needs to remind everyone that they're the most dominant force in WWE. She continues to say the Kabuki Warriors are still the tag team champions, and it's not going to change.
She's cut off by Jade Cargill's music, as Jade and Bianca appear in the skybox next to Damage CTRL.
Something you should pay attention to: Jade and Bianca came out to Jade's music, not Bianca's. Who do you think WWE sees as the bigger star?
The two exchange some un-miced words between their boxes, as Naomi enters. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 2.75 ⭐
Cody Rhodes Location: Backstage from the UK Tour Recap and Thoughts: After a recap of AJ Styles beating LA Knight in the opening match, we're given a pretape of Cody Rhodes from London, as he's currently on the European tour.
At the bottom of the screen, it read "Earlier Tonight".
As I watched this, I checked the time in London. As this aired, if I'm not mistaken, it was around 2am London time. In checking, the event in London ran from 7:30 - 11:30pm. In this promo, Cody acknowledges AJ Style's victory.
Look, I'm not going to get into the math of it all, but can someone tell me if the timezone math implies that perhaps maybe Cody recorded this promo before AJ and LA Knight even had their match? It doesn't really matter, but it's just another little small detail if you wanna poke halls.
Either way, Cody has just finished his main event match in London, and he asks us "What is the task?". He says his previous goal was to win the belt, but now he's in new frontier. He says there's an old expression that says the title can make the man, but the man makes the title. He asks what it will be for him. He says that he's on this European tour, keeping his promise to bring the title around the world.
Back home, AJ has emerged as the number #1 contender, with two Georgia boys fighting in France at Backlash. Cody puts over Styles as the modern excellence of execution, noting Style's rarely misses.
While Styles has won his last two matches on Smackdown, he lost at Wrestlemania, he lost at his qualifying match to get into Elimination Chamber, and he lost at the Royal Rumble in the fatal four way. So I'm not sure if AJ Styles "rarely misses", because he seems to have missed quite a bit. However, Styles has a pretty immaculate house show record, having destroyed Carlito four times, Theory twice, and Solo four times. There's consequences to losing, Solo!
Regardless, Cody says he doesn't miss either, and at Backlash, he looks forward to it.
A simple exposition segment, but I don't want to understate Cody's efforts here. I particularly like how they've specifically highlighted Cody's hard work on the European title, acting as the politician that Roman accused him of being, going on his tour to meet his people. They didn't need to show this, but they did.
Ultimately however, there's really no need to watch this segment, as this feud really couldn't even be called a feud. Backlash is two weeks away, and it doesn't really give us any significant amount of time to build anything meaningful or interesting. It also feels like an assumed guarantee that Cody is not going to lose in his first title defence, so I'm not really inclined to care at all about this match as it stands. Should you watch?: No ❌ ⭐ RATING: 3.0 ⭐
Show (and post-Mania) Notes: • I'm not going to lie, I am not particularly excited for AJ Styles vs Cody. The build to this Backlash match has felt so civilised, with the triple threat contenders format not being the most convincing. I mean no disrespect, but last weeks participants felt quite midcard, especially with LA Knight, Bobby Lashley and Santos, as these are all guys who feel like they should be in contention for the US Title as opposed to a match with Cody. I am aware Bobby is a former champion, but his booking has not reflected that lately, making him feel out of place. It's quite interesting because I think nearly every one of the six men who contended last week for this title match at Backlash have all come off the back of US Title centred feuds. I'm also confused as to why Santos Escobar was even in the equation while Randy Orton was not?
Either way, AJ Styles was the right choice tonight, and it's a relief to see him being pushed back into the main event scene. Although AJ is undeniably a legend, you can't deny he's been lacking some kayfabe credibility lately. Interesting to note: did you know AJ's last title was the Tag Team titles with Omos back in 2021.
• What is an MFT? It seems like they're purposely not telling us this, leaving us to wonder. It may be cynical, but I'm expecting to be underwhelmed when it's revealed. Maybe it's just a cute name Solo has come up with, that stands for "My Friend, Tama"
• This was just a kind of filler episode of Smackdown to slowly progress the stories to build towards Backlash. These episodes are necessary, and we can't all have heaters. However, it unfortunately feels like Backlash will be a B-show of a PLE/PPV, which I'm expecting to be as OK as Elimination Chamber in Australia was. As well, I have to say that I find myself far more interested in watching Raw than Smackdown.
• Nick Aldis continued to prove his worth this episode. I loved his hard ass approach to both A-Town Down Under and Heyman. Not only that, but he even had some.
• They split the tag belts, and these Smackdown belts are great. Love it.
What do these numbers mean? These star ratings are based off a combination of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to: • The content of what the wrestler is saying • Their delivery of what their saying (acting) • The story surrounding the promo, and whether the promo furthers the story, or creates further intrigue/resolve for the greater story • The location, production value • A crowds investment
0 Stars: Dog Shit Bad 1 Stars: Do better 2 Stars: Fine - right down the middle. It served its purpose, but was neither phenomenal or terrible. It just was. 3 Stars: Good 4 Stars: Great 5 Stars: All-Timer Hall of Fame Promo
Should You Watch? Yes ✅️ - If you can't catch the whole show, go out of your way to watch this. Depends ↔️ - If you can't watch the whole show, you can give or take this segment. If you're particular invested in the superstars in this segment or the overall story, it might benefit you to watch. No ❌ - If you can't watch the whole show, don't bother going out of your way to watch this segment.

two proved most people are lazy including Is•r•AE•l 🇮🇱 (who i Don’t love) Rhianna deserves Ice level Hell she knew better can’t serve two masters and Oathed to another women’s husband not me Amasis sean Carter.. south korea actress kim yoo Jung in the sin of Blasphemy it will not be removed or forgiveness..her life future over. Mired by misery in every incarnation. When life imitates your art. Kim yoo JUNG “Century of self” <<< Selflessness is a denial to truth my life tears and make light of my suffering.. Jung her fate WILL be worse than mine. I am not Anastasia nor have told you such. No mercy never means deception or “no truth”.. when that exactly what i have done to best of my ability. my demon When life imitates your art . Kim yoo JUNG is perfect micro clip in real time purity well meaning intent , praise backed by lies nefarious agenda of those who are in this system and paid supported by Caesar. You are cursed forever. Ain’t no way out of it you will reincarnate same bar karma . My demon , just last night watched Anna (another Korean drama or when life imitates art of parents dying my MOTOR VEHICLES. “I been” told north korea 🇰🇵 to get rid of those Swedish 🇸🇪 Madjema / Madchin cars.. bad karma and debts “universally” 🌌 .. Let it be known jews cut off my “social” media.. account and suspended it i will make no other if not restored. What is the meaning of all this? they want someone else to PAY “for their sins” vs carrying their cross .. as true disciples or their “fair share”. Just like Kamillya who would even lift a purchase no matter how kind generous I was.. they never valued me as a friend just on how they could take what never belonged to them.. looking for chance to one up because they was always secretly jealous. So they made an angel a demon . To heap abuse now you help me prove the prophets case. And the grounds for divinity permanently separated Pay 💰 to be born . The curse of birth Moses belongs to Satan. New wine 🍷 i will have it while others are born for destruction like animals.. to she who obtained not mercy that is me and will be mine.. you took it as Liberty 🇺🇸 “to breath out cruelty”. It was a test.. accountability and you fair share of what you sowed carrying.. had i only had my sins to account for not any other yes I would been punished fir survival but not to the point what is life and life doesn’t matter.. the standards you set are yours and bars you raised. Thank you for showing your ugly .. and couldn’t do it.. you NEED survival and even that has limits.. ain’t no forgiveness.. no possibility. You thought my no mercy meant you inherited my heritage or promises signs your evil .. is that what happened to Jesus? No! most wanna freeload.. as they gave my whole life, off intellectual property and my intent. that didn’t happen with me and anyone Robert Aaron which was still an energy exchange heart pour , Spirit Presence & time investment.. just as it was with Micheal’s sparingly giving. To the blk girls who dated Taylors Ex saying she mad made sux figures pick your mattress up off the floor when life comes at you fast.. the machines are coming.. A mans world is nothing without the Spirit in it. Enjoy your fall. And fake love.. removal from the earth extraction. The “US” is a enemy forever.. Life cant be restarted its over “see these enemies no more” where ever I am you will not be