Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
The Lord Be Praised
111 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart where those who are right with God gather together and in the meeting of the people. 2 The works of the Lord are great. All who find joy in them try to understand them. 3 His work is great and powerful. And He is right and good forever. 4 He has made His great works to be remembered. The Lord shows loving-favor and pity. 5 He gives food to those who fear Him. He will remember His agreement forever. 6 He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the land of other nations.
7 The works of His hands are faithful and right. All His Laws are true. 8 They stand strong forever and ever. They are done by what is true and right. 9 He has made a way for His people to be free. He has set up His agreement forever. His holy name is to be honored with fear. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. All who obey His Laws have good understanding. His praise lasts forever.
28 Be careful to listen to all these words I am telling you. Then it will go well with you and your children after you forever. For you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.
Israel to Watch out for False Gods
29 “The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations whose land you will take. You will take their place and live in their land. 30 But be careful that you are not fooled into following them, after they are destroyed before you. Do not ask about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations worship their gods so that I may do the same?’ 31 Do not act this way toward the Lord your God. For they have done for their gods every sinful act which the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire for their gods.
32 “Be careful to do whatever I tell you. Do not add to it or take away from it.
Words to the Church in Pergamum
12 “Write this to the angel of the church in the city of Pergamum: ‘The One Who has the sharp sword that cuts both ways, says this: 13 I know where you live. It is the place where Satan sits. I know that you are true to Me. You did not give up and turn away from your faith in Me, even when Antipas was killed. He was faithful in speaking for Me. He was killed in front of you where Satan is. 14 But I have a few things against you. You have some people who follow the teaching of Balaam. He taught Balak to set a trap for the Jews. He taught them to eat food that had been given as a gift in worship to false gods and to do sex sins. 15 You also have some who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans in the same way. 16 Be sorry for your sins and turn from them. If you do not, I will come to you right away. I will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 You have ears! Then listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the hidden bread from heaven to everyone who has power and wins. I will give each of them a white stone also. A new name will be written on it. No one will know the name except the one who receives it!’
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