Read the Bible

¹ As for some other things, we've taught y'all the fundamentals of how to ride for the Lord. But don't be satisfied with a little progress. Continue to grow and ride further every day. ² Y'all know everything we taught was straight from the Lord. Do it our way and you'll be doing it God's way.

³ God wants for y'all to be top hands. He wants you to be holy. They are one and the same. You can't do that if you're working for the Lord during the day and visiting the whorehouse at night. ⁴ A top hand controls his body and his desires. Be honorable and admirable in all that you do and at all times. ⁵ Don't be like those wannabe cowboys who run around with their tongue hanging out so far in lust they could accidentally zip it up in their britches. I don't care what they say, these wannabe "cowboys" don't know God and sure don't ride for the brand. ⁶ Only a wannabe cowboy would take advantage of someone and sell a lame horse. And I know you understand I ain't talking about trading horses. I'm talking about right living. Make no mistake, God is going to give out what they got coming. Take that as a warning. Don't learn this lesson the hard way when it's too late. ⁷ God did not invite us in to talk big, but to ride hard. ⁸ Anyone who scoffs at what I'm saying isn't rejecting me, but God himself. And it is the God who gives us all we need to accomplish his goals through the Holy Ghost.

⁹ I don't need to repeat myself about loving and looking out for each other. God himself is the author and giver of the love y'all have. ¹⁰ I know y'all ain't selective about who you look out for. I know you care what happens to the other cowboys riding for the brand all through Macedonia. Keep on caring. Don't give up on that. It's not a weakness, but the very strength you've been given. It doesn't keep you from being a top hand, it's what makes you into a top hand. ¹¹ Make it your top priority to lead a quiet life. You do this by minding your own business and working like a cowboy should. You've already heard this from us, so this isn't anything new. ¹² This kind of life will win the respect of those we are trying to reach. Ride into a herd this way and they'll stand quiet instead of throwing their tails up and heading for the brush. When you become this caliber of cowboy, you won't have to worry what others think.

The Cowboys Who Have Made Their Final Ride

¹³ Listen up amigos, we want ya to know the plain truth about those who have made that final ride so you won't be consumed with tears and fears like those who have no hope. ¹⁴ Here's the way it is, since Jesus died and came back, all those who've made their final ride with Christ in their hearts are going to be brought back to life. ¹⁵ According to the word of God, any of us who are alive when Jesus rides back will not get to ride in front of those who have made their final ride. We will follow them into eternity, not the other way around. ¹⁶ Jesus himself will come riding back from heaven, he will then give the loud command for the archangel to blow the trumpet of God so all those cowboys who have died will lead the charge back over the hill. ¹⁷ Those of us who will be standing there watching will then be gathered up and taken up into the air to meet the Lord. And there we will live with him forever. ¹⁸ Encourage each other with this good news.