The New Life In Christ: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15.

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

The New Life In Christ: When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O LORD, help me up. Psalm 94:18.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever. Psalm 9:18.

…you have been the helper of the orphan. Psalm 10:14.

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 heads; “Commit your cause to the LORD; let him deliver-let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” Psalm 22:6-8.

“Because of the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up,” says the LORD; “I will place them in the safety for which they long.”

The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:5-6. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: Accused is the one who is slack in doing the work of the LORD: Jeremiah 48:10.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my job complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5.

Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: We put no stumbling block in any one’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 2Corinthians 6:3.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.

…so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. Romans 15:32.

Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: 1Corinthians 1:22-23.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit. 1Corinthians 2:13.

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

Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1Corinthians 1:26.

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.

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: But how can I bear the heavy burden of your disputes all by myself? Deuteronomy 1:12.

I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take some of the spirit that is on you and put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people along with you so that you will not bear it all by yourself. Numbers 11:17.

The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars of heaven. May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times more than and bless you, as he has promised you! But how can I bear the heavy burden of your disputes all by myself?

Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.  Deuteronomy 1:10-13.

“Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien. You must not be partial in judging…for the judgment is God’s. Deuteronomy 1:16-17.

But, “Let him who boasts boast in 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. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. Mark 7:7.

Woe to you… you give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. Matthew 23:23.

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Mark 7:6.

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.

And he laid to them: “You have a fine way of getting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father...’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” Mark 7:8-13.

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: 15-17. Amen.

The New Life In Christ: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8.

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

Whom did you dread and fear so that you lied, and did not remember me or give me a thought? Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes, and so you do not fear me? I will concede your righteousness and your works, but they will not help you. Isaiah 57:11-12.

(“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”. Matthew 7:21.)

No one brings suit justly, no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, conceiving mischief and begetting iniquity. Isaiah 59:4.

The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths. Isaiah 59:8.

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness can not enter. Truth is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled. Isaiah 59:14-15.

See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay…says the LORD. Isaiah 65:6. Amen.