The New Life in Christ: The days of punishment have come, the days of recompense have come; Hosea 9:7.

For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teacher to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.

As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. 2Timothy 4:3-4.

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work. Titus 1:16.

But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Titus 2:1. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. Psalm 119:36.

“No servant can serve for 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.” Luke 16:13.

Now listen, you rich people…

You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

You have lived on earth in luxury and self indulgence.

You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5:1-5.

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

The New Life in Christ: He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Psalm 107:20.

My soul melts away from sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28.

Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances. Psalm 119:42-43.

It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: We are plain to God…it is also plain to your conscience. 2Corinthians 5:11.

Some have rejected their good conscience and so have shipwrecked their faith. 1Timothy 1:19.

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:15.

(But) 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.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: God seeks out what has gone by. Ecclesiastes 3:15.

Under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well.

(But) God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for he has appointed a time for every matter, and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:16-17.

Though sinners do evil a hundred times and prolong their lives, yet I know that it will be with those who fear God, because they stand in fear before him, but it will not be well with the wicked, neither will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked. Psalm 11:5.

There are righteous people who perish in their righteousness, and there are wicked people who prolong their life in their evil doing. Ecclesiastes 7:15.

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people who are treated according to the conduct of the wicked, and there are wicked people who are treated according to the conduct of the righteous, I said that this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 8:14.

Since the same fate comes to all, to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil… Ecclesiastes 9:2.

But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Amen.

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

Thus says your Sovereign, the LORD, your God who pleads the cause of his people:

See, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering;

you shall drink no more from the bowl of my wrath.

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 51:22-23.

Therefore wait for me, says the LORD, for the day when I arise as a witness. Zephaniah 3:8.

So that, all may see and know,

all may consider and understand,

that the hand of the LORD has done this. Isaiah 41:20.

You are my witnesses, says the LORD. Isaiah 43:12. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness… Daniel 2:22.

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.

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. Ezekiel 22:12.

They have turned their backs to me, not their faces; though I have taught them persistently, they would not listen and accept correction. Jeremiah 32:33.

They were more eager to make all their deeds corrupt. Zephaniah 3:7.

Can your courage endure, or can your hands remain strong in the days when I shall deal with you? Ezekiel 22:14.

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

The New Life in Christ: Rise up, O LORD; indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; You have been the helper of the orphan. Psalm 10:14.

For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart, those greedy for gain curse and renounce the LORD.

In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, “God will not seek it out”;

All their thoughts are, “There is no God.” Psalm 10:3-4.

They think in their heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” Psalm 10:11.

Why do the wicked renounce God, and say in their hearts, “You will not call us to account.” Psalm 10:13.

They utter lies to each other;

With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Psalm 12:2.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts. Psalm 12:3. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:25.

Set forth your case, says the LORD;

bring your proofs… Isaiah 41:21.

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 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 41:11-13.

Then all flesh shall know

that I am the LORD your Savior,

and your Redeemer… Isaiah 49:26.

I am the LORD;

in its time I will accomplish it quickly. Isaiah 60:22. Amen.

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

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3.

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.
and being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death-

even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

But gives grace to the humble.” 1Peter 5:5.

Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up. James 4:10.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: 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.

The goal of the command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1Timothy 1:5.

Do everything with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1Peter 3:16.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1Peter5:2-3.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 2Gorinthians 9:9.

But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2Corinthians 8:7.
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.” 2Corinthians 8:14-15.

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… 2Corinthians 9:13.

Anyone, then, who knows the good ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Who knows the interpretation of a thing? Ecclesiastes 8:1.

God gives good times and hard times,

and no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Ecclesiastes 7:14.

They do not know what the future holds,

and no one can tell them what will happen. Ecclesiastes 8:7.

No one knows the future,

and no one can tell what will happen after death. Ecclesiastes 10:14.

What happens now has happened in the past,

and what will happen in the future has happened before.

God makes the same things happen again and again. Ecclesiastes 3:15. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD…” Joshua 24:16.

God made human beings straight forward, but they have devised many schemes. Ecclesiastes 7:29.

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

How lightly you gad about, changing your ways! Jeremiah 2:36.

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 GOD of hosts. Jeremiah 2:19. Amen.

The New life in Christ: Be at peace. God is in charge!

 Me: God, can I ask you a question?

God: Sure

 Me: Promise you won't get mad

 God: I promise

Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?

God: What do you mean?

Me: Well, I woke up late

God: Yes

Me: My car took forever to start

God: Okay

Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait

God: Huummm

Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call

God: All right

Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. But it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?

God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one

of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that…

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.

Me: (embarrassed): Okay

God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I'm Sorry God

God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in all things, the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust you.

God: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan.

Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for everything today.

God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...

The New Life in Christ: To this you were called because Christ, suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps. 1Peter 2:21.

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?

But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1Peter 2:18-20.

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. 1Peter 3:3-4.

It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1Peter 3:17. Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Living for God: For we are God’s fellow workers; 1Corinthains 3:9

One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer…

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to  the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg…

Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk.”

He jumped to his feet and began to walk.

While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them…

Peter said to them: “Why done this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God has glorified his servant Jesus. Acts 3:1-13.

(Peter and John: These two of Jesus’ disciples were frequently together. Their

friendship and fellowship continued after Jesus’ resurrection.

Lame man: This unnamed lame man was over 40 years old (4:22) and was carried to the Jerusalem temple daily by friends and/or family where he could beg for his livelihood. It was a good place to beg for alms. He was lame in both feet from birth.

His healing: Peter and John did not lay hands on him and pray but Peter spoke in Jesus’ name and told him to arise and walk. Peter did this with full authority from Jesus. He had empowered his disciples to heal. (See Luke 9:1).

Imagine the situation of this man – lame for 40 years. He asks Peter for money and then pays attention, gets helped up by Peter and begins standing, then walking, then jumping and finally PRAISING GOD! What are some of the miracles in our lives that we can praise God for. How can that be a witness to those who see and hear us? Discuss.) Amen.

The New Life in Christ: The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Philippians 1:18.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry… Philippians 1:15.

They preach Christ out of selfish ambition… Philippians 1:17.

For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:21.

For, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ…Their mind is on earthly things. Their destiny is destruction. Philippians 3:18-19.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16.

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

And so, every sin and blasphemy against will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Sprit will not be forgiven. Matthew 12:31.Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Titus 2:15.

Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that can not be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. Titus 2:7-8.

I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. Titus 3:8.

And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. Titus 3:14. Amen.

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

As believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” of “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourself and become judges with evil thoughts?

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?

Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law breakers. James 2:1-9. Amen.

The New life in Christ: You must not be partial in judging: for the judgment is God’s. Deuteronomy 1:17.

The LORD hates both of these things:

freeing the guilty and punishing the innocent. Proverbs 17:15.

It is not good to punish the innocent

or to beat leaders for being honest. Proverbs 17:17:26.

Don’t be wicked and attack a good family’s house;

don’t rob the place where they live. Proverbs 24:15.

Don’t tell the wicked that they are innocent;

People will curse you, and nations will hate you.

But things will go well if you punish the guilty, and you will receive rich blessings. Proverbs 24:24-25.

It is not good for a judge to take sides,

But some will sin for only a piece of bread. Proverbs 28:21. Amen.

The New life in Christ: O LORD, for to you I have committed my cause. Jeremiah 20:12.

For I hear many whispering;

“Terror is all around!”

All my close friends are watching for me to stumble.

“Perhaps he can be enticed,

and we can prevail against him,

and take our revenge on him.”

But the LORD is with me like a dread warrior;

therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail.

They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed.

Their, eternal dishonor

will never be forgotten.

O LORD of hosts, you test the righteous,

you see the heart and the mind;

let me see your retribution upon them.

For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. Jeremiah 20:10-13. Amen.

The New life in Christ: Listen, and hear my voice; Pay attention, and hear my speech. Isaiah 28:23.

Do those who plow for sowing plow continually?

Do they continually open and harrow their ground?

When they have leveled its surface,

do they not scatter dill, sow cumin,

and plant wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and spelt as the border?

For they are well instructed;

their God teaches them. Isaiah 28:24-26.

Therefore let us go on toward perfection leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation; Hebrews 6:1. Amen.

The New life in Christ: These have chosen their own ways. Isaiah 66:3.

It is I who have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and produces a weapon fit for its purpose;

I have also created the ravager to destroy. Isaiah 54:16.

They stumble because they destroy the message-which is also what they were destined for. 1Peter 2:8.
“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

“I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.” Revelation 22:11-12.

 Amen

The New life in Christ: You diligently study the Scriptures. John 5:39.

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.

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. Matthew 12:33.

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14. Amen.

The New life in Christ: By calling this covenant “new”, he has made the first one obsolete; Hebrews 8:13.

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.

You need milk, not solid food!

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 5:12-14.

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts 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.

No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord’, because they will know me, from the least of them to the greatest. Hebrews 8:11. Amen.

The New life in Christ: Do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? James 2:20.

Mercy triumphs over judgment!

What good is it, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:13-17.

A person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. James 2:24.

As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26. Amen.

The New life in Christ: A word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23.

For human ways are under the eyes of the LORD, and he examines all their paths. Proverbs 5:21.

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry… Proverbs 10:3.

Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves. Proverbs 11:28.

No harm happens to the righteous… Proverbs 12:21.

The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous. Proverbs 14:19.

Evil will not depart from the house of one who returns evil for good. Proverbs 17:13.

One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 17:15. Amen.                                                  

The New Life in Christ: A workman Approved by God:

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

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

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. Amen.