Wednesday, January 8

11of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3And this we will do if God permits.

4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

6if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

5Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,

6'These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.'

7So they asked Him, saying, 'Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?'

8And He said: 'Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.

9But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.'

10Then He said to them, 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake.

13But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.

14Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;

15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.

17And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.

18But not a hair of your head shall be lost.

19By your patience possess your souls.

20'But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.

21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.

22For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.

24And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.