Aside from serving as an interesting educational tool, the purpose of my “Guam Tropical Storm and Typhoon Warnings, Watches and Updates” page is to keep my online friends informed of my status here on Guam, in the event that a storm threatens or strikes us. After all, it will directly affect whether or not I can share my work in the various social networks in which I currently participate. If our region is threatened by a strong typhoon — or what mainland Americans refer to as hurricanes — I will update the page. To access the page directly, please click or tap on the link below. Doing so will open a new tab or window in your web browser”
Being as I live in an earthquake-prone area of the world not far from the convergence of two tectonic plates, some time ago, I installed a number of earthquake-related apps on my iMac, as well as on my iPhone. These things are pretty nifty. Does anyone even use that word anymore? I guess it kind of reveals my age.
Anyway, on my iPhone, one of these apps — which is free, by the way — is called “EQ Report”. This software is the official app for the earthquake-report.com website. The app provides a list of up-to-the-minute earthquakes which are occurring around the world. Within its settings, the user can adjust certain parameters so that the list only shows earthquakes which meet certain criteria.
For example, one can adjust which alert sound to use, the minimum magnitude of the quakes to be displayed in the list, the depth of the earthquake, and the region of the world from which one wants earthquakes to be listed. The one exception is that earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or above are always displayed in the list regardless of one’s settings, and an alert will sound when such strong earthquakes do occur.
One thing I have noticed is that whenever earthquakes are strong enough to make the nightly news, there tends to be a lot of buzz on the Internet as well; particularly on the social networks, such as Facebook for example. Sadly, it has been my observation that sometimes, the comments which are made, and the information which is shared, is not always accurate. Having said that, I would like to use this blog post to put things in proper perspective for those of you who may have an interest in this topic.
First of all, as most people will already realize, there are earthquakes happening around the world all the time. In fact, they occur every single day somewhere in the world. Some of them — most of them, actually — are so weak, that they remain undetectable, and aren’t even noticed by us humans as we go about our daily affairs. They are only registered on machines at the various seismological agencies and institutions around the world.
These rarely-noticed temblors may be MINOR earthquakes in the 3.0 to 3.9 magnitude range, or they may be LIGHT earthquakes in the 4.0 to 4.9 magnitude range. To be honest, earthquakes in the MINOR and LIGHT classification are really nothing to worry about. You might notice a LIGHT earthquake if you are sitting right on top of or very near to its epicenter, but that is about it. It is really nothing to get bent out of shape over.
Other earthquakes may be a little stronger and are more noticeable by us as we carry on each day. These shakers are referred to by seismological organizations as MODERATE earthquakes, and have a magnitude of 5.0 to 5.9 on the Richter scale. With this level of earthquakes, you may feel a quick, sudden jolt or two, and maybe some brief, slight rolling motion. These quakes can cause slight damage to some buildings if they are not constructed properly according to earthquake-resistant building codes.
Where I live, we experience this class of earthquakes on a fairly regular basis, perhaps every few months or so. Sometimes, if I am busy, or even sleeping, I won’t even notice them if they are on the lower end of the MODERATE scale. Or I may look up and I will think to myself “Was that an earthquake?”
Further up the Richter scale are what seismological agencies refer to as STRONG earthquakes. These temblors have a magnitude of 6.0 to 6.9. You will definitely feel and notice these shakers without a doubt. It is within this range where more widespread damage begins to occur; particularly if a populated area is located near the epicenter. But again, it also depends a lot on the construction of the buildings in the area. I have been through plenty of earthquakes of this magnitude during my lifetime where very little damage was reported.
Beyond that, we have what are referred to as MAJOR earthquakes, which are in the 7.0 to 7.9 magnitude range. With these temblors, the damage can become really serious, depending on the location of the epicenter, and again, the construction of the buildings. I have been through a number of these over the years in Mexico, Japan, and in my current locale.
Finally, we have what are referred to as GREAT earthquakes, which have a magnitude of 8.0 or more. These quakes can result in catastrophic damage, and can wipe out entire communities, depending on the location of the epicenter. Pray to God that you never have to go through one of these.
As I mentioned a moment ago, I have been through A LOT of earthquakes during my lifetime of every classification, including one great earthquake — what is known as a thrust earthquake — in August of 1993. That earthquake had a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX, meaning that it was violent. It generated a minor tsunami of about seven feet. While we did experience some structural damage, and a few serious injuries, by God’s Grace, not a single soul died as a direct result of that long, powerful, grinding quake. The New York Times reported the following on August 9, 1993:
—– Begin Quote —–
The earthquake, in an area known for strong tremors, measured 8.1 on the Richter scale of ground motion, said Frank Baldwin of the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo. Officials at the University of California Seismographic Station at Berkeley said the station measured the quake at 8.2. An earthquake of 8 or above is considered great and capable of causing tremendous damage in populated areas.”
Several aftershocks were reported, the largest measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, said Marvin Carlson of the earthquake center. More aftershocks are expected.
Sixty people were treated at Guam Memorial Hospital, mostly for minor cuts and bruises, said an administrator.
Cars caught on bridges tumbled into rivers and there were reports of rock and land slides, the police said. Communication with the northern part of the island was difficult because of downed telephone poles.
—– End Quote —–
Sometimes, after an earthquake has occurred, and there has been time for further analysis, seismological agencies will downsize the magnitude of a quake. This may possibly explain why on the Wikipedia website, the very same earthquake is assigned a magnitude of 7.8, instead of 8.1 or 8.2, as reported in the New York Times. In fact, on the U.S. Geological Survey website, the 1993 earthquake is also now listed as being a 7.8 quake. Whatever the case may be, I can tell you that I was here; I experienced it; and it was the longest and most powerful earthquake I have ever been through in my entire life.
At this point, I would like to briefly discuss earthquake activity for our current year. That is, 2020. For the record, as I write this post on the early morning of January 11, 2020, based on my settings in the “EQ Report” app, since January 1st of this present year, while there have been a lot of MINOR and LIGHT earthquakes, there have been exactly 38 MODERATE earthquakes between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9, and only 4 STRONG earthquakes in the 6.0 to 6.9 magnitude range. The strongest earthquake thus far this year has been the 6.6 magnitude quake which occurred near Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. There have been no major earthquakes yet this year. Neither have there been any great earthquakes, thank God.
One thing I would like to mention here is that we need to be careful regarding the descriptive words we use to describe these earthquakes. For example, it really irks me when the news media, online websites, etc., purposely resort to using sensationalism and exaggeration when describing these quakes, for the benefit of increasing both their readership, as well as their profit margin. They will use phrases such as “major earthquake”, when in reality, there have been ZERO actual MAJOR earthquakes thus far this year. Not only that, but as we have already seen, there have only been four STRONG earthquakes thus far this year. All the rest were moderate, light or minor in magnitude.
Sadly, I have noticed that a lot of people on the social networks do the very same thing. However, in all fairness, I prefer to attribute a lot of their misguided comments to human error, emotionalism, possibly wanting to draw attention to themselves, or maybe just plain old ignorance; meaning that they do not properly understand how seismological agencies classify earthquakes.
For example, a person who has never experienced an earthquake in their life, might be freaked out by a 4.5 quake, and will tell all their online friends that they had a “strong” earthquake, or a “very big” earthquake, or even a “major” earthquake. Of course, that just isn’t so. But they don’t know that; because they have never been through an earthquake before. My gosh, a 4.5 is hardly noticeable, and we would barely turn our heads here where I live.
So friends, if you are going to talk about earthquakes, please be careful regarding the language that you use. Keep a level head about it, and please don’t blow things out of proportion when earthquakes do happen, due to your own fear, or due to some other reason. Let’s be responsible with our words, and not be guilty of spreading unnecessary worry and fear. As Christians, we should strive to give people hope, peace and trust in the Lord, and not worry and fear. We need to let them know that God loves them, and that He will take care of them no matter what, if they are trusting in Him, and obedient to His Will. The Bible teaches us that if we know that God loves us and cares for us, then we should not fear, no matter what comes our way. So again, let’s carefully measure our words when it comes to earthquakes, and strive to be accurate. Allow me to share a few Bible verses with you for your personal consideration:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7, KJV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3, KJV
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, KJV
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18, KJV
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10, KJV
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, KJV
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27, KJV
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165, KJV
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7, KJV
Let’s be honest here. Despite how much we enjoy using them, some social networks are really becoming unbearable. They continuously plaster us with ads we really don’t want to see. They are constantly pushing us and pressuring us to spend money on advertising which we cannot afford on our meager incomes. And besides, if the truth be told — I speak from personal experience — most paid advertising does NOT garner us a lot of new, long-term friends or subscribers, or even a large number of new likes or comments for that matter.
My own experience is that, at best, in many cases, paid advertising may provide us with a temporary increase in the number of views, but that is about it. There is no long-term commitment, so what is the point? At the same time, our advertising expenses makes the social network richer. Of course, as many of us already know, the way that they do this is by purposely exploiting our desire to be seen and heard by the world. This is particularly true in the case of evangelically-minded Christians who strongly believe in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can be such suckers.
But to continue, some social networks are also filled with disgusting, ungodly things — and people — which are an affront to our Christian faith. Sadly, as many of us have already learned, there is very little that we can do about it. Even when the social networks do respond to our complaints — which is rare — it is usually just to inform us that a particular post falls within the parameters of their Terms of Service, and their sharing/posting guidelines, even if we are personally offended by said material.
Now we come to the gist of the matter. Perhaps the thing which irks many Christians the most, is the fact that there seems to be an intentional campaign of discrimination against people who embrace conservative, Christian values. It has become such a huge issue, that it has even been discussed and examined in Washington, D.C. Such was recently the case with Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook.
Speaking again from my personal observations, on a number of occasions now, I have seen my brothers and sisters in the Lord complain that some of their posts, images or comments have mysteriously disappeared, oft times without any explanation whatsoever. Was it due to the inexpertise of the user; or due to a technical glitch in the social network’s system; or was it due to something else?
Some Christians have arrived at the conclusion that these strange disappearances are due to “something else”. They base this conclusion on the fact that when an explanation is offered by the social network, they are usually informed that their post, image or comment was removed because it was contrary to social network policies — or “Community Standards” — in some way. This explanation has been interpreted by some Christians to mean that someone — sometimes a liberal-minded social network staff member — apparently found the post offensive, hateful or discriminatory in some way.
If this is indeed what is really going on, then clearly, a double standard is being practiced by some social networks. In other words, it doesn’t matter that as Christians, we are offended by — and sometimes report — some objectionable things that we see on the social networks. Because some social networks are so liberal, our opinions are of little value to them. Who knows, perhaps they even view us as a nuisance. Thus, they will write off our complaints, and claim that the originator of the post — which we find offensive — is simply exercising their right to free speech.
The hypocrisy lies in the fact that if we dare to strongly express our Christian views, values and beliefs — which are often in opposition to the politically correct social attitudes which prevail on the social networks today — we are given a slap on the wrist, and our content sometimes removed. In short, if we are offended by a particular post, it doesn’t matter. But if someone takes issue with one of our Christian-oriented posts, it requires the attention of the social network, often resulting in us suffering some type of negative consequence.
Given what seems to be going on, it comes as no surprise to me, that more and more, I come across posts where my Christian brethren are becoming quite discouraged, and announcing that they are permanently leaving a particular social network. Why? Because they just can’t handle the unfair bias and discrimination against them. Some of them feel isolated and alone, as if they have been purposely cut off from the rest of the social network, due to their Christian beliefs. While they are given the impression that no one cares about what they think, believe or say — which is what some assume when no one comments on or shares their posts — is it possible that this is by design, and precisely what certain liberal social networks want them to feel, so that they will become discouraged and leave? Good question.
If you find yourself in this position, allow me to ask you something. Are you going to give up the fight so easily? Are you just going to throw in the towel and surrender? Are you going to let them win the battle? Hoping not to seem too cliché, WWJD?
“And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.” 1 Chronicles 12:16-18, KJV
“And both these kings’ hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.” Daniel 11:27, KJV
Brother Betraying Brother:
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:9-10, KJV
“Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.” Mark 13:12, KJV
“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.” Luke 21:16, KJV
Please also refer to the KJV Bible Verse List called “A House Divided”, which you can find at the following URL:
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16, KJV
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5, KJV
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29, KJV
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will . . . In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, KJV
“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.” Deuteronomy 28:15-20, KJV
“And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” Judges 10:11-14, KJV
“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.” 1 Samuel 8:7-10, KJV
“And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces: And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:29-33, KJV
“So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.” 2 Kings 22:14-17, KJV
“Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.” 2 Chronicles 12:5, KJV
“And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect. And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.” 2 Chronicles 34:22-25, KJV
“Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.” Jeremiah 1:14-16, KJV
“Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead. For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:9-13, KJV
“How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses. They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour’s wife. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? . . . Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you. And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.” Jeremiah 5:7-9, 18-19, KJV
“Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.” Jeremiah 15:6, KJV
“And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.” Jeremiah 16:10-13, KJV
“Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee, And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle. Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents; They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter. And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.” Jeremiah 19:1-9, KJV
“For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Leviticus 11:44, KJV
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 20:7, KJV
“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” John 17:14-19, KJV
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27, KJV
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, KJV
“Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24, KJV
“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” 2 Thessalonians 2:13, KJV
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12, KJV
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied . . . But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:1-2, 15-16, KJV
