The New Life In Christ: Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid...

I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; Isaiah 38:5.

For a brief moment I abandoned you’ but with great compassion I will gather you. Isaiah 54:7.

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.

…and my eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19:27.

My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. Psalm 92:11.

This is the sign to you from the LORD that the LORD will do this thing that he has promised. Isaiah 38:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: But the Scriptures must be fulfilled. Mark 14:49.

For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life.

Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me about things I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is forlorn. Psalm 35:7 & 35:11-12.

Enough! The hour has come… Rise! Let us go! Here comes by betrayer! Just as he was speaking, Judas one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: The one I kiss is the man; arrest him lead him away under guard.”

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him…

“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled. Mark 14:41-49. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! Acts 8:20.

For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. Hebrews 4:2.

And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Hebrews 4:13.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need some one to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food; …But solid food is for the mature, those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: In the end it will be burned. Hebrews 6:8.

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity not again the foundation of repentance from act’s that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2.

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7:6.

We live by faith, not by sight. 2Corinthians 5:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:20.

I know that  after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Acts 29:32.

 “No, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you on inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32.

“Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.” Revelation 22:11. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: But message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:2.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14.

Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17.

…for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20. Amen.

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

Make me to know your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths,

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Psalm 25:4-5.

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. Psalm 71:17.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28.

Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

 …that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:10-12.

Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods?

Do you judge people fairly? Psalm 58:1.

The New Life In Christ: For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:7.

A son honors his father and servants their master. If then I am a father, where is the honor due me? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the LORD of hosts to you. O priests, who despise my name. You say, “How have we despised your name?” By offering polluted food on my alter. And you say, “How have we polluted it?” By thinking that the Lord’s table may be despised. Malachi 1:6-7.

Oh, that same one among you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not kindle fire on my alter in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD Of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hands. Malachi 1:10.

You have wearied the LORD with you words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied him” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17.

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 3:18. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Truly, one who teaches you teaches the apple of my eye. Zechariah 2:8.

Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Proverbs 3:29.

Thus says the LORD of hosts: Render true judgments, shows kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.

But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their eyes in order not to hear. Zechariah 7:9-11.

Just as, when I called, they would not hear, so, when they called, I would not hear, says the LORD of hosts…  Zechariah 7:13. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9.

I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending a one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved-and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28.

Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4.

…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. Philippians 2:15.

I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15.

Look, the hour is near, and the Son of          Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners… Matthew 26:45.

The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:41.

…and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” John 2:2-4.

“Now heart is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour?” No, it was for this reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12:27-28. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: But the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:2.

For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:28.

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after tear, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Hebrews 10:1.

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Hebrews 10:26-27. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course? 2Corinthians 12:18.

Did I (Paul) exploit you through any of the men I sent you? …Titus did not exploit you, did he? 2Corinthians 12:17-18.

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the

holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. 2Corinthians 1:12.

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary we worked high and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be burden to anyone of you. 2Thessalonians 3:7-8.

If anyone come to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 2John 1:10.

Each one should test his own actions. Galatians 6:4.

Do not deceived… A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: For there was one God and men, the man is Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time. 1Timothy 2:5-6.

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, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of 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 swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 2Tomothy 3:1-7.

 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2Timothy3:9.

The New Life In Christ: For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2Corinthians 12:10.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, 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 said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. 2Corinthians 12:7-10.

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:12.

Examines yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. 2Corinthians 13:5. Amen.

He New Life In Christ: Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 2Corinthians 1:24.

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent-not to put it too severely.

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive -I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake in order that Satan might outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2Corinthians 2:5 & 2:8 & 2:10-11.  

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2Corinthians 4:8-9.

For we who are being given over to death for Jesus’ sake  so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but left is at work in you.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” 2Corinthians 4:11-13.

(Living witness) Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6.

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed-God is our witness. 1Thessalonians 2:4-5.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. 2Timothy 4:2.

Am I trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10.

“Everyone on the side of truth listens to me”. John 18:37. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they revile you. Isaiah 51:7.

I have put my words in your mouth, and hidden you in the shadow of my hand… Isaiah 51:16.

And I will put it into the head 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.

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

For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. Isaiah 54:6-7.

…so shall 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. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: I said to myself, “Come now, I will make a test of pleasure; enjoy yourself, “But again, this also was vanity. Ecclesiastes 2:1.

I made great works; I built houses and planted vineyards for myself;

I bought male and female slaves…

I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings of the provinces… and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.

Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well. I said in my heart,

God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for he has appointed a time for every matter, and for every work. Ecclesiaste3:16-17. Amen.  

The New Life In Christ: The temptation of Jesus.

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 Son of God tell these stones to become bread. (Testing his (Jesus’) spiritual power)

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

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had 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.” (Testing his faith)

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

Again the devil took  to a very  high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.(Testing his temptation towards the worldly riches) “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 (evil thoughts), and angels (spiritual blessings) came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11.

Devils and Satans are nothing, but our own evil thoughts. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: For by him all things were created; …all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is head of the party, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:17-18.

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29.

Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine sounding arguments. Colossians 2:3-4.

“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human command and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:21-23. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Find out what pleases the Lord…understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:10 & 5:17.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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…and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of the Christ.

Their destiny is destruction… Philippians 3:5-19. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. John 7:24.

“We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; He will speak foe himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind, “Give glory to God,” they said “We know this man is a sinner.”

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was a blind but now I see!”

Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?

Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! ... The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.

…To this they replied, “You were steeped in a sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Who is he, sir? The man asked…

Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:20-38. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: They (mortals) are like a breath; their days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:4.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify things-and the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1Corinthians 1:27-29 & 1:31.

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2Corinthians 4:2.

But, “Let him boasts boast the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2Corinthians 10:17-18.

 Do not be deceived; Galatians 6:7. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Prepare to meet your God… Amos 4:12.

For I know how many are  your transgressions, and how great are your sins-you who afflict the righteous, who take  a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Amos 5:12.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. Proverbs 8:19.

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble it. Proverbs 15:16.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16.

Consider how you have fared. Haggai 1:7.

…and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9.

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing. What is good in order that they may produce necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14.

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.

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 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 up 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 12:34-36. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: …they changed their minds and said he was a God. Acts 28:8.

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.  Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from the hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered on ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual to happen him, they changed their minds and said he was God. Acts 28:1-6.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name…they will up snakes with hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; Mark 16:17-18. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27.

God who knows the hearts showed that he accepted them (the Gentiles) by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for the purified their hearts by faith. Acts 15:8-9.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock…So be on your guard! Acts 20:28-31.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Amen.

The New Life In Christ: And the LORD said, “Is it right for you to be angry? But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush? Jonah 4:4 & 4:9.

He (Jonah) prated to the LORD and said, “O LORD! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? ...And, now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the LORD said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” …The LORD got appointed a bush and made it to come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of the Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, “It is better for me die than to live.” …You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not concerned labor and which you did not grow; And should I not be concerned …in which there are more than a hundred, thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals! Jonah 4:2-11.

“I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” John 18:9. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1Corinthians 3:16.

You will trend on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. Psalm 91:13.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says,,,1Corinthians 14:13.) they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to over come all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19. Amen.