Alexander Nevski (1219-1276)

Nevsky made peace with the Mongols and paid tribute with them, but he refused to have dealings with Western Catholic powers. This is because the Mongols, although they were not Christians, allowed Russian Orthodox believers the practice their faith; by contrast, Western Catholics forced the Orthodox to submit to the papacy, as they had done in Constantinople. With bold defiance Nevsky declared to the ambassadors of the pope: "Our doctrines are those preached by the apostles. We carefully keep the traditions of the holy fathers of the seven ecumenical Councils. As for your words, we do not listen to them, and we do not want your doctrine."

 - N. R. Needham, 2000 Years of Christ's Power, Part Two, The MIddle Ages, p. 227

Psalm 15

LORD, who may be a guest in your home? Who may live on your holy hill? Whoever lives a blameless life, does what is right, and speaks honestly. He does not slander, or do harm to others, or insult his neighbor. He despises a reprobate, but honors the LORD’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise. He does not charge interest when he lends his money. He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. The one who lives like this will never be upended. - NET

The Messages of the Gospels

Matthew

Book of the history of Jesus Christ, 

the son of David, the son of Abraham.

 - Matthew 1:1

Mark

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 

the Son of God.

 - Mark 1:1

Luke

In as much as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

 - Luke 1:1-4, NASB

Luke 5

And amazement took possssession of everyone (including the scribes and the Pharisees) and they glorified God, and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.” rls

Genesis 4

And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. - ESV

Zechariah 8

In those days, 10 men from nations of every language will grab the robe of a Jewish man tightly, urging: Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. - HCSB

Religion

Religion is one of the chief ways we cover up our shame without actually dealing with the guilt that gives rise to it. And we project a god who will satisfy our suppression of the truth about ourselves. “Idolatry is not an accident,” Jenson notes, “as if some of us just happened to hit on wrong candidates for deity.” It is the result of a willful suppression of the truth in unrighteousness (Ro 1:18). Not only in our immorality and lying but even in our proud moral striving, self-confident religious devotion, and sincere pretensions, we are storing up God’s wrath against us.

Horton, Michael S. (2010-12-21). The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Kindle Locations 11326-11330). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.