- When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
- The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
- And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
- But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.
- How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity! - The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy. - You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.
- Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
- But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
- But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
- You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
- And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
- Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
- Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
- For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
- Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
- For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
- A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. - Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
- I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
- But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine.Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.Next verse!With image 
