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Chinese (traditional)Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses. Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle. I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. But the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. If you love me, obey my commandments. Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;
whoever learns from correction is wise. Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.Next verse!With image