- Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
- A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls. - Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life.
- And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
- Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”
- I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands. - In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
- God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him. - Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
- Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
- When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.
- One should be kind to a fainting friend,
but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty. - And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
- But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
- Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
- What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
- Can he walk on hot coals
and not blister his feet? - If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
- Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory. - For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
- Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything
until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. - Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
- But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
- If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
- Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.Next verse!With image