The New life In Christ: The more respectable parts of our body need no special care. 1Corinthians 12:24.

People will no longer have to teach their neighbors to know the Lord, because all the people will know me, from the least to the most important. Hebrews 8:11.

We live by what we believe, not by what we can see. 2Corinthians 5:7.

We are not trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own joy. 2Corinthians 1:24.

Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked. 1Timothy 1:19.

Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. You know that Jesus Christ is in you-unless you fail the test. 2Corinthians 13:5. Amen.

The New life In Christ: You are looking only on the surface of things. 2Corinthans 10:7

Jesus said, “There was a rich man who always dressed in the finest cloths and lived in luxury every day.

And a very poor man named Lazarus, whose body was covered with sores, was laid at the rich man’s gate. He wanted to eat only the small pieces of food that fell from the rich man’s table. And the days would come and lick his sores.

Later, Lazarus dies, and the angels carried him to the arms of Abraham. The rich man died, too, and was buried.

In the place of dead, he was in much pain. The rich man saw Abraham far away with Lazarus at his side. He called, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering in this fire!”

But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember when you were alive you had the good things in life, but bad things happened to Lazarus.

Now he is comforted here, and you are suffering. Luke 16:19-25.Amen.

The New life In Christ: Jesus is God’s chosen servant:

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen…”

He will not argue or cry out;

no one will hear his voice in the streets. Matthew 12:18-19.

My Father gave me sheep to me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal my sheep out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29.

“I (Jesus) have not lost any one of the ones you (Heavenly Father) gave me.” John 18:9.

If you want good fruit (service), you must make the tree (ministry) good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A true tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. Matthew 12:33. Amen.

The New life In Christ: “Should a person rob God?” Malachi 3:8.

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you-the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. 1Peter 3:3-4.

“God is against the proud,

but he gives grace to the humble.” 1Peter 5:5.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. 1John 2:15.

Anyone who says, “I know God, but he does not obey God’s commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 1John 2:4.

Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived. 1John 2:6. Amen.

The New life In Christ: So do not be foolish but learn what the LORD wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17.

And Christ gave gifts to people-he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the good news, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people.

Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.

This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing UN-until we become like Christ and have his perfection.

…We will not be influenced by every new teaching we hear from the people who are trying to fool us. They make plans and try every kind of trick to fool people into following the wrong path. Ephesians 4:11-14.

But what you learned in Christ was not like this. Ephesians 4:20.

Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:10. Amen.

The New life In Christ: I am again in the pains of Childbirth until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19.

Those people are working hard to persuade you, but this is not good for you. They want to persuade you to turn against us and follow only them.

It is good for people to show interest in you, but if their purpose is good. This is always true, not just when I am with you. Galatians 4:17-18.

So we continue to preach Christ to each person, using all wisdom to warn and to teach everyone, in order to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature person in Christ.

To do this, I work and struggle, using Christ’s great strength that works so powerfully in me. Colossians 1:28-29. Amen.

The New life In Christ: The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. John 10:2.

I (Jesus) am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. John 10:9.

I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf (worldly problems) coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock (believers) and scatters it.

The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:11-13.

But there were also false prophets among the people…In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 2Peter 2:1-3. Amen.

The New life In Christ: By their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:20.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves”. Matthew 7:15.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:19.

Every plant that my Heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Matthew 15:13.

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination. Ezekiel 13:2.

“Here the word of the LORD!”

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.

Say to those who smear whitewash on it that it shall fall.

When the wall falls, will it not it be said to you, “Where is the whitewash you smeared on it?”

I will break down the wall that you have smeared with whitewash, and bring it to the ground, so that its foundation will be laid bare; when it falls, you shall perish within it; and you shall know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 13:10-14. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Test everything. Hold on to the good. 1Thessalonians 5:21.

…Not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy…saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come, until the rebellion occurs and the man lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 1Thessalonians 2:2-4.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 1Thessalonians 9-12.

Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell these things? 1Thessalonians 2:5. Amen.

The New life In Christ: So then, no more boasting about men! 1Corinthians 3:21.

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 1Corinthians 3:3.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 3:11.

The fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. 1Corinthians 3:13-15. Amen.

The New life In Christ: You load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. Luke 11:46.

“You give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”

“You love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.”

“You are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.”

Luke 11:42-44.

But godliness with contentment is great gain…

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1Timothy 6:6 & 6:10.

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

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

The New life In Christ: God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes. Ecclesiastes 7:29.

Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be? Ecclesiastes 8:7.

No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds? Ecclesiastes 10:14.

Just as you do not know the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of the God, who makes everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5. Amen.

The New life In Christ: As it is written: What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15.

“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 cannot serve both God and Money.” Luke 16:13.

…Remember that in your lifetime you received your good things while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. Luke 16:25.

May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! Acts 8:20. Amen.

The New life In Christ: As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:24.

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Galatians 4:16.

Those people are zealous to win you over but no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

It is fine to be zealous for them, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.

…I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:16-19.

The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Galatians 5:10. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves: 2Corinthians 13:5.

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.

Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19.

We never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed-God is our witness. 1Thessalonians 2:5.

Take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17.

And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Matthew 12:31.

“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:13-14.

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.

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

The New life In Christ: Concerning Prayer:

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8.

In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16. Amen.

The New life In Christ: “Watch out for, false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 7:15.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:21-24. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law struggle against them. Proverbs 28:4.

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

One who walks in integrity will be safe, but whoever follows crooked ways will fall into the Pit. Proverbs 28:18.

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you, and say, “Who is the LORD?” or I shall be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9. Amen.

The New life In Christ: For the LORD searches every mind, and understand every plan and thought. 1Chronicles 28:9.

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. 1Corinthians 9:15-16.

What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge. 1Corinthians 9:18.

For this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Colossians 4:20.

The work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 1Corinthians 3:13. Amen.

The New life In Christ: The Lord gives the command; Psalm 68:11.

Mortals can not abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish. Psalm 49:20.

Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. Psalm 49:11.

Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases.

For when they die they will carry nothing away;

Their wealth will not go down after them.

Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy

-for you are praised when you do well for yourselves-

They will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light. Psalm 49:16-19.

Mark this, then, you who forget God (The command of God). Psalm 50:22. Amen.

The New life In Christ: An Invitation to Abundant Life:

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Isaiah 55:2.

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.

For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness.

No one brings suit justly,

No one goes to law honestly; Isaiah 59:2-4.

The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. Isaiah 59:15. Amen.

The New life In Christ: I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19.

I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God…

If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Revelation 3:1-3.

Let anyone who has an ear to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:6. Amen.

The New life In Christ: I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse. Deuteronomy 11:26.

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17.

These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one just like yourself.

But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you. Psalm 50:21.

“I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. Revelation 22:12. Amen.

The New life In Christ: You serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Isaiah 58:3.

Is not this fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Then…the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. 

If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. Isaiah 58:6-10.Amen.

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

Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. Isaiah 51:2.

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.

I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly. Isaiah 60:22. Amen.

The New life In Christ: Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” Job 2:10.

“How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of Almighty.

For he wounds, but he binds up;

He strikes, but his hands heal. Job 5:17-18.

We have searched this out; it is true. Job 5:27. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:5.

Because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money!     

For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness. You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. Acts 8:20-23.

Amen.

The New life In Christ: “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him-that she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39.

Jesus spoke up…”A certain creditor had two debtors; the owed five hundred denarii, the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.”

And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love.

But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And said…”Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:40-50.

Jesus compares Simon's acts as a host to the sinful woman's acts of love.

Simon's Acts	The Sinful Woman's Acts
No water to wash feet	Washed feet with tears, wiped with hair
No kiss of welcome	Kissed feet continually
No scented olive oil for his guest's hair	Poured perfume on his feet

Amen.

The New life In Christ: Faith without Works Is Dead.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? …And if you greed only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48.

 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14: 12-14.

What good is it…if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14-17. Amen.