Bible readings 2 (please scroll down for texts)

 

(a) Ecclesiastes 3: vv 1-11

(b) Romans 8: vv 14-25

(c) John 14: vv 1-14

(d) Ecclesiasticus 44: vv 1-15

(e) Philippians 4: vv 4-9

 

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(a) Ecclesiastes 3: vv 1-11

 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

 

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time for war, and a time for peace.

 

What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man's mind, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

 

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(b) Romans 8: vv 14-25

 

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

 

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship.

 

When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

 

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

 

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.

 

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

 

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

 

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(c) John 14: vv 1-14

 

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."

 

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"

 

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him."

 

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied."

 

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

 

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

 

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves.

 

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it."

 

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(d) Ecclesiasticus 44: vv 1-15

 

Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us. The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.

 

Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:

Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:

Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:

Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:

 

All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times. There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.

 

And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.

 

But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.

 

With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant. Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes. Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.

 

Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore. The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.

 

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(e) Philippians 4: vv 4-9

 

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

 

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

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