The New Life In Christ - “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” Matthew 20:15.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.

“He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the something. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all the day long doing nothing?’

“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

“When everything came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

“The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the land owner. These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

“So the last will be the first, and the first will be the last.” Matthew 20:1-16.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1.

"Blessed (happy) is he whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Blessed (happy) is the man whose sin the Lord doesn't count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me. John 21:21-22.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!” he demanded.

His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’

But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all the debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:23-35.

When we know God's forgiveness, we are blessed (happy). Only God is able. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - …and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. 1Peter 3:21.

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. …I tell you the truth that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:3-7.

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs (spiritual blessings) but because you ate the loves and had your fill (material blessings). John 6:26.

He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15.

Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1Peter 3:4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1John 1:10.

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles feet. The Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…? You have not lied to men but to God.”

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananians got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Acts 5:1-11.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. 1John 1:10.

When you are full (with material blessings), not even honey (the teachings of God) tastes good. But when you are hungry (seeking Spiritual blessings), even something bitter (the teachings of God) tastes good. Proverb 27:7.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13.

He is patient with you, not waiting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2Peter 3:8-9. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21.

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teaching are but rules taught by men. Matthew 15:8-9.

They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Matthew 23:4.

When you sin against…in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 1Corinthians 8:12.

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10.

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… Matthew 9:6.

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

…Jesus replied, “If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”

... “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.’

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:16-24.

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go, and work today in the vineyard.’

“I will not,” he answered, but later he changes his mind and went. (obey the commandments of God)

Then the father went to the other son, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir.’ But he did not go. (did not obey the commandments of God)

Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32.

…there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2Corinthians 12:7-9.

He (Jesus) chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1Corinthians 1:27-28.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it marvelous in our eyes.’ Matthew 21:42. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - Jesus is God’s chosen servant: No servant is greater than his master… John 13-1.

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and, whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… Matthew 20:26-28.

Everything they do is done for men to see; They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; Matthew 23:5-6.

(But) ‘See, your king (Jesus) comes to you gentle and riding on a donkey,

 on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ Matthew 21:5.

He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. Matthew 12:19.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - Stop judgment by mere appearances; and make a right judgment. John 7:24.

 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2.

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14.

If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth: John 7:17-18.

…but test everything; hold fast to what is good. 1Thessalonians 5:21. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - You received without payment; give without payment. Matthew 10:8.

…I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions… I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:34-35.

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rights…for an obligation is laid on me… What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I make the gospel free of charge… 1Corinthians 9:14-18.

…but with toil and labor we worked night and day…but in order to give you an example to imitate. 2Thessalonians 3:8-9.

So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” Luke 17:10. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1John 1:8.

“Two men owed money to a certain money lender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger dept canceled”.

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

…Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven”…”Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:39-50.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray…The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

‘But the tax collector stood at a distance, He would not even looked up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me. a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. Luke 18:10-14.

“If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first throw a stone at her”….At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you.” Jesus declared,

“Go now and leave your life if sin.” John 8:7-11.

He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. John 2:25.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - Prove that you are the God…and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things 1Kings 18:36.

I honor my God, Christ by my obedience to his words and following his commandments with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind.

And we are the witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:32.

We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:28.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth… 1Peter 1:22.

Do it before it’s too late… Zephaniah 2-2. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - The law is good, if one was uses it legitimately. 1Timothy1:8.

I am concerned about you: I am on your side. You will be plowed, and seed will be planted in you. Ezekiel 36:9.

Also I will teach you to respect me completely, and I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live my rules and carefully obey my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27.

But you are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you. But the person who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - So the law is holy, and the command is holy and right and good. Romans 7:12.

For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. …the only thing that counts is faith working through love. Galatians 5:14 & 5:16.

So what should we do? Should we sin because we are under grace and not under law? No.

You might think I am saying that sin and the law are the same thing. That is not true. But the law was the only way I could learn what is sin. Romans 6:15 & 7:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - For I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:12.

 I will tell you the kind of fast I want…share your food with the hungry and bring the poor, homeless people into your own homes, when you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours, and don’t refuse to help your own relatives. Then …the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Isaiah 58:6-8.

So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment…

If the people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you do not give what person needs; your words are worth nothing.

In the same way, faith that is alone-that does nothing-is dead. James 2:13-17.

 “I believed, and I spoke” 2Corinthians 4:13. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - The Lord alone guided him. Dueteronomy 32:10-11.

Then he went about among the villages teaching Mark 6:6.

“This is the new covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord! I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Hebrews 10:16.

Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” When they heard this…and went on their teaching. Acts 5:20.

“…Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. Acts 5:25. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - I am the voice…he testified to the truth. John 1:23 & 5:33.

Listen to me…for a teaching will go out from me. Isaiah 51:4.

I am the Lord, your God, who teaches you for your own God, who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17.

Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. 1Peter 4:11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - Live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:16.

…be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind… Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:2-5.

…be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ…you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News…

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6. Amen.

The New Lofe In Christ - Live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:16.

Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. Philippians 3: 15-16.

Now I appeal to you …by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 1Corinthians 1:10.

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. Acts 4:32. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth … But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… Matthew 6:19-20.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together will all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ - “Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing. Speak up and judge fairly… Proverbs 31:8-9.

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he (Jesus) gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply. Matthew 27:12-14.

The chief priest accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply… Mark 15:3-5.

(But) When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replies, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:22-23. Amen.