For Reading and Meditation:      Galatians 2:11-21The argument presented by pluralists that Christians must view their religion as one among many, and Jesus as only one Savior among others, must be firmly resisted. It may sound arrogant to say so but it is nevertheless a fact that Christianity is unique, absolute, definitive, ultimate, and final. Critics of the uniqueness of Christianity can be very persuasive. "The world is under great threat," they tell us, "because of environmental pollution, economic injustice, and many other problems. Nothing that divides us, including our religions, should be considered as important as the need to live together in harmony." Another emphasis is on the need to study comparative faiths. There is a sense in which understanding what other people believe is useful, but not until the claims of Christianity are seen to be definitive and final. Christianity is not a comparative religion; it reveals God's one and only way of entering into a personal relationship with Him. The text before us today in the Amplified Bible reads: "The life I now live ... I live by faith - by adherence to and reliance on and [complete] trust - in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Bishop Leslie Newbigin put it well: "If it is really true, as it is, that 'the Son of God loved me and gave himself up for me,' how can I agree that this amazing act of matchless grace should merely become part of a syllabus for the 'comparative study of religions'?" Christ is not first in a class; He occupies the category all by Himself. My Father and my God, may the Person of Your Son become as real and as precious to me as He is to You. And teach me more about Him so that I can make clear to others why He is a Savior beyond compare. For His own dear Name's sake. Amen.<div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>Acts 4:1-12</li><li>1 Timothy 2:1-6</li><li>1 Corinthians 3:11</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What did Peter declare to the Sanhedrin?</li><li>What did Paul declare to Timothy?</li></ul></div></div>

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God ..." (v. 20) 

When God gave the Law to Moses, He included a specific prohibition against speaking reproachfully or disrespectfully of those who hold positions of authority. The reason for this is clear. These rulers and leaders are representatives of God. "There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). The ruler is a "minister of God to thee for good" (Romans 13:4). Even though the leader may not know the Lord personally, still he is the Lord's man officially.The link between God and human rulers is so close that He sometimes refers to them as gods. Thus in today's verse we read, "Thou shalt not revile the gods," which may mean governmental authorities. And in Psalms 82:1<a href="javascript:%7B%7D" style="text-decoration:underline ;">; </a>Psalms 82:6 the Lord refers to judges as gods - not meaning that they are deities but simply that they are agents of God.In spite of King Saul's murderous attacks on David, the latter would not allow his men to harm the king in any way because he was the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).When the Apostle Paul unknowingly reproached the high priest, he quickly repented and apologized, saying, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people" (Acts 23:5).Respect for authorities applies even in the spirit realm. This explains why Michael, the archangel, did not dare to bring a railing accusation against Satan, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke thee" (Judges 1:9).One of the marks of latter-day apostates is that they despise governments and are not afraid to speak evil of dignities (2 Peter 2:10).The lesson for us is clear. We are to respect our rulers as official servants of God even though we might not agree with their policies or approve of their personal character. Under no circumstances should we ever say what one Christian said in the heat of a political campaign, "The president is a lowdown scoundrel."Further we are to pray "for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:2).

With reverence, humor and skill, William MacDonald wove a daily devotional tapestry that challenges the reader to think deeply and Biblically, and apply God's Word to their lives.

Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time

"Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people." (Exodus 22:28)

<h3>Instructions on Worship</h3>2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:1

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,<cr>1</cr> intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

for kings and all those in authority,<cr>1</cr> that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness<cr>2</cr> and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:2

 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,   intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority,   that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness   and holiness.

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,   intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority,   that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness   and holiness.

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July 8, 2025

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

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