Bible Verses on Stamps

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Did you know that some anthem lyrics were taken from the actual words of Jesus Christ? An example of this is the local anthem now in use on Norfolk Island (under Australian administration), Come Ye Blessed, also referred to as the "Pitcairn Anthem". This hymn was brought to the island by the Pitcairn settlers, suggesting that this anthem was in use on Pitcairn Island at that time. It's lyrics are directly quoted from the New Testament of the Bible (Matthew 25:34-36, 40).
 
My favorite bible verse is taken from Galations 2:20- I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
 
The other one is from Matthew 6:3-4, But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
 
Also, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".

And, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also".
 
The stamp featured here, issued by Bophuthatswana, is taken from John 6:35- And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
 
The Bread of Life is the spiritual food needed by man. Without the bread of life man cannot live spiritually. Just as physically man needs to eat in order to live, the bread of life gives nourishment for the soul. Unless one eats from the bread of life he faces eternal death.
 
In the Old Testament God provided the Israelites with manna from heaven. They were told only to take what was required for a one day supply and they had to trust that God would send more the next day.
 
The manna served as salvation for the Israelites physical needs on a daily basis. God, however knew of a greater need for the salvation of man's soul and he also had a plan to meet that need -- His Son, the Bread of Life. The Israelites needed to eat daily, but once one has tasted the bread of life he does not need to ask for it again, because his soul has been saved.
 
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". 
 
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; Behold, all things have become new"

 


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