The New Life In Christ: It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ John 6:45.

Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

I am the bread of life.

Your forefathers ate manna (material blessings) in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes from heaven (spiritual blessings), which the man may eat and not die….”This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:45 & 6:48-51.

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit … 2Timothy 1:14. (Suffer for the gospel)

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him… Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. John 6:56-58.

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching, who can accept it?” John 6:60.

(because)…they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside of myths. 2Timothy 4:3-4.

“You do not want to leave too, do you? Jesus asked… John 6:67. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; 2Timothy 4:2.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2Timothy 4:3-5.

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Titus 2:1.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that can not be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:10-11.

I have fought the good fight… 2Timothy 4:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:4-5.

…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:15-16.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:15-16.

Finally…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2. Amen.

The New Life In Christ:…Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2Corinthians 2:11.

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated fro the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Ephesians 4:17-20.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of GOD, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.

Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from you heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the LORD, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:6-8 & 6:11.

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:4-5. Amen.  

The New Life In Christ: …but the LORD laughs at the wicked… Psalm 37:13.

I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of my enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.

For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.

I have passed out of my mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. For I hear the whispering of many-terror all around! As they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; Psalm 31:6-10 & 31:12-15.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all. He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.

The LORD redeems the life of his servants; Psalm 34:19-20 & 34:22.

The wicked plot against the righteous, and gnash their teeth at them; but the LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming. Psalm 37:12-13.

For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:9. Amen.  

The New Life In Christ: Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:8.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  Those controlled by the sinful nature can not please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. Romans 8:1-10.

Therefore…we have an obligation-but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. Romans 8:12.

…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14.

All must test their own work; Galatians 6:4.Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Moreover by them (the law of the LORD) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:11.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making the simple;

The percepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11.

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. Psalm 25:10.

Who are they that fear the LORD? He will teach them the way that they should choose. Psalm 25:12.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8.

Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. 2 Timothy 1:14. Amen.

                                      

The New Life In Christ: O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hell? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right… Psalm 15:1-2.

O lord MY God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust. Psalm 7:3-5.

The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Psalm 7:8.

Be gracious to me, O LORD. See what I suffer from those who hate me; Psalm 9:13.

…and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. Psalm 13:4.

But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people.

All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their hands; “Commit your cause to the LORD; let him deliver-let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” Psalm 22:6-8.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. Repay them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Psalm 28:3-4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hell? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right… Psalm 15:1-2.

O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust. Psalm 7:3-5.

The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Psalm 7:8.

Be gracious to me, O LORD. See what I suffer from those who hate me; Psalm 9:13.

…and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. Psalm 13:4.

But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people.

All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their hands; “Commit your cause to the LORD; let him deliver-let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” Psalm 22:6-8.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. Repay them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Psalm 28:3-4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Set forth your case, says the Lord; bring your proofs… Isaiah 41:21.

And when they come to see me, they utter empty words, while their hearts gather mischief; when they go out, and tell abroad.

Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me. But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them. Psalm 41:6 & 41:9-10.

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you…he who formed you…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:1-2.

Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you… Do not fear, for I am with you; Isaiah 43:4-5.

I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, says the LORD.

I am God, and also henceforth I am He; there is no one who can deliver from my hand; I work and who can hinder it? Isaiah 43:11-13. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: O LORD of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Jeremiah 20:12.

But you…my servant…whom I have chosen.

“You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Yes, all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:8-13.

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. Isaiah 41:17.

…so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 41:20. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. 2Timothy 2:19.

You then…be strong in the grace that is in Christ.

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:1 & 2:3 & 2:15.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…2Timothy 3:14.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season;

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2Timothy 4:2 & 4:5 & 4:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Godlessness in the last days.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

But they will not very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2Timothy 3:1-7 & 3:9.

Like the partridge hatching what it did not lay, so are all who amass wealth unjustly; in mid-life it will leave them, and at their end they will prove to be fools. Jeremiah 17:11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “Could you not stay awake with one hour? Matthew 26:40.

Then Jesus went with them…and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”…Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.”…Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping;”…So could not stay awake with me one hour? (He wanted us to sacrifice something by saying ‘stay awake one hour’ and not saying ‘spend one hour’… If we indeed search the scriptures we can understand the difference.) Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trail; the spirit indeed a willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed…Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Matthew 26:36-45.

…and those who seek me diligently find me. Proverbs 8:17.

Search the scriptures… John 5:39. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4.

For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. Matthew 24:5.

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:10-13.

At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is.!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. Matthew 24:23-24.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant…It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Matthew 24:44-46. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: How Lightly you gad about, changing your ways! Jeremiah 2:36.

Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes, and so you do not fear me? Isaiah 57:11.

Rather, your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:2.

Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the LORD your God, while he led you in the way? Jeremiah 2:17.

Your wickedness will punish you, and your apostasies will convict you. Know and see that it is evil and bitter for you to forsake the LORD your God; the fear of me is not in you, says the Lord of hosts. Jeremiah 2:19.

Who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.” …See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; …I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions. Thus says the LORD: Isaiah 65:5-7.

Turn, then, and live. Ezekiel 18:32. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: …so that my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11.

For the LORD has called you like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, like the wife of a man’s youth when she is cast off, says your God.

For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you.

In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the LORD, your redeemer. Isaiah 54:6-8.

And I will put it into the hand of your tormentors, who have said to you, “Bow down that we may walk on you.” And you have made your back like the ground and like the street for them to walk on. Isaiah 51:23.

Your sun shall no more go down, or your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. Isaiah 60:20. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: I will save my people from your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 13:23.

They have envisioned falsehood and lying divination; they say, “Says the LORD,” when the LORD has not sent them, and yet they wait for the fulfillment of their word!

Because, in truth, because they have misled my people, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace; and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear whitewash on it.  Ezekiel 13:6 & 13:10.

…they have devoured human lives;

Its priests have done violence to my teaching and have profaned my holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean…

Its prophets have smeared whitewash on their behalf, seeing false visions and divining lies for them saying, “Thus says the Lord GOD,” when the LORD has not spoken. Ezekiel 22:25-28.

Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me!

Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and who does not serve him. Malachi 3:8 & 3:18. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: For consider: What! If you despise the rod, will it not happen? says the Lord God. Ezekiel 21:13.

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have brought your guilt to remembrance, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your deeds your sins appear-because you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken in hand. Ezekiel 21:24.

In you, they take bribes to shed blood; you take both advance interest and accrued interest and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; and you have forgotten me, says the Lord GOD…

Can you courage endure, or can your hands remain strong in the days when I shall deal with you? I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it. Ezekiel 22:12 & 22:14.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…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 1:8-10.

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. James 2:10.

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. James 4:17.

All must test their own work; Galatians 6:4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “The man who does these things will live by them.” Romans 10:5.

But Just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, an complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he become poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2Corinthians 8:7& 8:9.

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. 2Corinthians 8:20-21.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2Corinthians 9:13.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2Corinthians 10:18. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: When your eyes light upon it. It is gone; Proverbs 23:5. If you say, “Look, we did not know this”-does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Proverbs 24:12.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself.

Wealth can vanish in the wink of an eye. It can seem to grow wings and fly away like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5.

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23.

Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich. Proverbs 28:6.

The faithful will abound with (spiritual) blessings, but one who is in a hurry to be rich will go unpunished.

To show partiality is not good-yet for a piece of bread a person may do wrong. Proverbs 28:20-21.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman (the one) who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked. , but those who keep the law struggle against them. Proverbs 28:4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Listen to me…and give heed to me…for a teaching will go out from me… Isaiah 51:4.

I will bring near my deliverance swiftly… Isaiah 51:5.

Listen to me, you who know righteousness, you people who have my teaching in your hearts; do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they revile you.

For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my deliverance will be forever… Isaiah 51:7-8.

I(Jesus), I am he who comforts you; why then are you afraid of a mere mortal who must die, a human being who fades like grass? You have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laud the foundations of the earth. Isaiah 51:12-13.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2Timothy 4:3-4.

…and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 1Corinthians 3:13. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” Jude 1:18.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed…James 1:13-14.

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man, who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does. James1:21-25.

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. 2John 1:10-11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?” Mark 4:13.

The farmer sows the word.

people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan (evil thoughts) comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word (the teaching of Jesus), they quickly fall away.

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things (worldly riches) come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:14-20.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.!” Luke 11:28.

(The grace of God depends not on material blessings but on spiritual blessings.)

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:23. Amen. 

The New Life In Christ: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1John 2:6.

The Man who says, “I know him.” But does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. 1John 2:4.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. 1John 2:9.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1John 15-17.

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. 1John 3:6.

All must test their own works. Galatians 6:4. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: …now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1Peter 2:3.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” 1Peter 1:22-25.

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of kind. Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation… 1Peter 2:1-2.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1Peter 2:11-12.

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 2Peter2:15. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: You have lived on earth in luxury and self indulgence… James 5:5.

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can not serve both God and Money.”…

 “You are the ones who justifies yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight. Matthew 16:13-15.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1Timothy 6:6.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is great worth in God’s sight. 1Peter 3:3-4.

Consider how you have fared. Haggai 1:5. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: To what can I compare this generation? Matthew 11:16.

They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

“‘We played the flute for you,

and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

and you did not mourn,’”

…But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:16-19.

If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent. Matthew 12:7.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:35-36.

“I tell you…do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:4-5. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Resist your temptation in your sufferings.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live in bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Fix your thoughts on Jesus.

He (Jesus) was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was a faithful servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Hebrews 3:6.

You…were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14.

Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Galatians 6:17. Amen.