The New Life in Christ: For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles…’ Acts 13:47.

If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?

Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life. Acts 11:17-18.

Judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life; we are now turning to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46.

So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them. Acts 14:3.

And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Acts 15:8-9.

They welcomed message very eagerly and examined the scripture every day to see whether these things were so. Acts 17:11.

And in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.” Romans 15:9.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Remember that during your life time you received your good things. Luke 16:25.

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

And at his gate lat a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.

The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.

The rich man also died and was buried.

In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.

He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am agony in these flames.’

But Abraham said, ‘Child,

remember that during your lifetime you received your good things,

and Lazarus in like manner evil things;

but now he comforted here, and you are in agony. Luke 16:19-25.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: The purpose of giving gifts.

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… Ephesians 4:11-15.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2Corinthains 11:14.

No one might boast in the presence of God. 1Corinthians 1:29.

For such boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, distinguishing themselves as apostles of Christ.

And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

So it is not strange if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness.

Their end will match their deeds. 2Corinthians 11:13-15.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Only God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. 1Peter 4:11.

Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the words of God;

whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies,

so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. 1Peter 4:11-14.

Yet if anyone of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 1Peter 4:16.

And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?”

Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good. 1Peter 4:18-19.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2.

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

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who accept it; wherever they turn they prosper. Proverbs 17:8.

Those who walk righteously and speak uprightly, who despise the gain of oppression, who wave away a bribe instead of accepting it, who stop their ears from hearing of bloodshed and shut their eyes from looking on evil, they will live on the heights; their refuge will be the fortresses of rocks; their food will be supplied, their water assured. Isaiah 33:15-16.

If you say, “Look, we did not know this”-does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds? Proverbs 24:12.

Amen.

The New Life in Christ: Set forth your case, bring your proofs, says the LORD; Isaiah 41:21.

Follow the inclination of your heart and the desires of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

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

A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Isaiah 42:3.

Amen.