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The disciples of John told him about all these
things. John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the
Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we
look for another?" When the men came to him, they said,
"John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one
who is to come, or should we look for another?'" At that time
he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he
also granted sight to many who were blind. And he said to them in
reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the
blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news
proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at
me." [LK 7:18-23]
Afterward he journeyed from one town and village
to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom
of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had
been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called
Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife
of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided
for them out of their resources. [LK 8:1-3]
When a large crowd gathered, with people from
one town after another journeying to him, he spoke in a parable.
"A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed
fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it
up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered
for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns
grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and
when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold." After saying
this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to
hear." [LK 8:4-8]
"This is the meaning of the parable. The
seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have
heard, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their
hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky
ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with
joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall
away in time of trial. As for the seed that fell among thorns,
they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are
choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they
fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on
rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word,
embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through
perseverance." [LK 8:11-15]
He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and
authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them
to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal (the sick). He said to
them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick,
nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as
for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake
the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they
set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news
and curing diseases everywhere. [LK 9:1-6]
"And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and
to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among
you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand
him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are
wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who
ask him?" [LK 11:9-13]
Then he told them a parable. "There was a
rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked
himself, 'What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my
harvest?' And he said, 'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down
my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain
and other goods and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you,
you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat,
drink, be merry!"' But God said to him, 'You fool, this night
your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have
prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one
who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters
to God." [LK 12:16-21]
"Salt is good, but if salt itself loses its
taste, with what can its flavor be restored? It is fit neither for
the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has
ears to hear ought to hear." [LK 14:34-35]
[Jesus said,] "There was a rich man who
dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously
each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus,
covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the
scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come
and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by
angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was
buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he
raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus
to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am
suffering torment in these flames.' Abraham replied, 'My child,
remember that you received what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is
comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us
and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from
crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your
side to ours.'" [Taken from LK 16:19-26]
One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him
and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?"
[Taken from LK 20:1-2]
Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."
[JN 1:45-46]
On the third day there was a wedding in Can a in
Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his
disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran
short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no
wine." (And) Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your
concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said
to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there
were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings,
each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill
the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then
he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the
headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted
the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from
(although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the
headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone
serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an
inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now."
Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee
and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in
him. [JN 2:1-11]
Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and
is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in
himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in
himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is
the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is
coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and
will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection
of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection
of condemnation. [JN 5:25-29]
The Jews were looking for him at the feast and
saying, "Where is he?" And there was considerable
murmuring about him in the crowds. Some said, "He is a good
man," (while) others said, "No; on the contrary, he
misleads the crowd." Still, no one spoke openly about him
because they were afraid of the Jews. [JN 7:11-13]
"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not
enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a
thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the
shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the
sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads
them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of
them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him,
because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize
what he was trying to tell them. So Jesus said again, "Amen,
amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came
(before me) are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen
to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only
to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have
life and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. A good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not
a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and
leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters
them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the
sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay
down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong
to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice,
and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father
loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power
to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have
received from my Father." [JN 10:1-18]
The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him.
Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from
my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?"
The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good
work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God."
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said,
"You are gods"'? If it calls them gods to whom the word
of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that
the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world
blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not
perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform
them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that
you may realize (and understand) that the Father is in me and I am
in the Father." [JN 10:31-38]
On the next day, their leaders, elders, and
scribes were assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest,
Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly
class. They brought them into their presence and questioned them,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?" Then
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them, "Leaders
of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a
good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it
was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before
you healed. He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which
has become the cornerstone.' There is no salvation through anyone
else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human
race by which we are to be saved." [ACTS 4:5-12]
A man named Simon used to practice magic in the
city and astounded the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone
great. All of them, from the least to the greatest, paid attention
to him, saying, "This man is the 'Power of God' that is
called 'Great.'" They paid attention to him because he had
astounded them by his magic for a long time, but once they began
to believe Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men and women alike were
baptized. Even Simon himself believed and, after being baptized,
became devoted to Philip; and when he saw the signs and mighty
deeds that were occurring, he was astounded.
[ACTS 8:9-13]
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha
(which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with
good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and
died, so after washing her, they laid (her) out in a room
upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that
Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request,
"Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and
went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room
upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him
the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with
them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he
turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She
opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and
raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the
widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa,
and many came to believe in the Lord. [ACTS 9:36-42]
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In
truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation
whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You
know the word (that) he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed
peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened
all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John
preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit
and power. He went about doing good and healing all those
oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of
all that he did both in the country of the Jews and (in)
Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This
man God raised (on) the third day and granted that he be visible,
not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in
advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is
the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To
him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in
him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name." [ACTS 10:34-43]
The news about them reached the ears of the
church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas (to go) to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and
encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of
heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and
faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. [ACTS 11:22-24]
But God raised him from the dead, and for many
days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to
Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people. We
ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God
promised our ancestors he has brought to fulfillment for us,
(their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the
second psalm, 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you.' And
that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he
declared in this way, 'I shall give you the benefits assured to
David.'
[ACTS 13:30-34]
The people of the city were divided: some were
with the Jews; others, with the apostles. When there was an
attempt by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their
leaders, to attack and stone them, they realized it and fled to
the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding
countryside, where they continued to proclaim the good news. [ACTS 14:4-7]
The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their
garments when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd,
shouting, "Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same
nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you
should turn from these idols to the living God, 'who made heaven
and earth and sea and all that is in them.' In past generations he
allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; yet, in bestowing his
goodness, he did not leave himself without witness, for he gave
you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with
nourishment and gladness for your hearts."
[ACTS 14:14-17]
After they had proclaimed the good news to that
city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to
Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. [ACTS 14:21]
During (the) night Paul had a vision. A
Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen
the vision, we sought passage to Macedonia at once, concluding
that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. [ACTS 16:9-10]
Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who
engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will
escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness,
forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness
of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and
impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the
day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will
repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who
seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good
works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth
and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon
every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But
there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good,
Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God. [ROM 2:3-11]
But if our wickedness provides proof of God's
righteousness, what can we say? Is God unjust, humanly speaking,
to inflict his wrath? Of course not! For how else is God to judge
the world? But if God's truth redounds to his glory through my
falsehood, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not
say - as we are accused and as some claim we say - that we should
do evil that good may come of it? Their penalty is what they
deserve. Well, then, are we better off? Not entirely, for we have
already brought the charge against Jews and Greeks alike that they
are all under the domination of sin, as it is written: "There
is no one just, not one, there is no one who understands, there is
no one who seeks God. All have gone astray; all alike are
worthless; there is not one who does good, (there is not) even
one. Their throats are open graves; they deceive with their
tongues; the venom of asps is on their lips; their mouths are full
of bitter cursing. Their feet are quick to shed blood; ruin and
misery are in their ways, and the way of peace they know not.
There is no fear of God before their eyes." [ROM
3:5-18]
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to
die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. [ROM 5:7-8]
I once lived outside the law, but when the
commandment came, sin became alive; then I died, and the
commandment that was for life turned out to be death for me. For
sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, deceived me and
through it put me to death. So then the law is holy, and the
commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did the good, then,
become death for me? Of course not! Sin, in order that it might be
shown to be sin, worked death in me through the good, so that sin
might become sinful beyond measure through the commandment. We
know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into slavery
to sin. What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I
want, but I do what I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I
concur that the law is good. So now it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me. For I know that good does not dwell in
me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing
the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the
evil I do not want. Now if (I) do what I do not want, it is no
longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I
discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at
hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but
I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my
mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my
members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this
mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore, I myself, with my mind, serve the law of God but, with
my flesh, the law of sin. [ROM 7:9-25]
We know that all things work for good for those
who love God, who are called according to his purpose. [ROM 8:28]
But it is not that the word of God has failed.
For not all who are of Israel are Israel, nor are they all
children of Abraham because they are his descendants; but "It
is through Isaac that descendants shall bear your name." This
means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the
children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as
descendants. For this is the wording of the promise, "About
this time I shall return and Sarah will have a son." And not
only that, but also when Rebecca had conceived children by one
husband, our father Isaac - before they had yet been born or had
done anything, good or bad, in order that God's elective plan
might continue, not by works but by his call - she was told,
"The older shall serve the younger." As it is written:
"I loved Jacob but hated Esau." What then are we to say?
Is there injustice on the part of God? Of course not! For he says
to Moses: "I will show mercy to whom I will, I will take pity
on whom I will." So it depends not upon a person's will or
exertion, but upon God, who shows mercy. [ROM
9:6-16]
And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring (the) good
news!" But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?"
Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
[ROM 10:15-17]
Do not conform yourselves to this age but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what
is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. [ROM
12:2]
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. [ROM 12:9-10]
Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil
with good. [ROM 12:21]
Let every person be subordinate to the higher
authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those
that exist have been established by God. Therefore, whoever
resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who
oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. For rulers are not
a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have
no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive
approval from it, for it is a servant of God for your good. But if
you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without
purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the
evildoer. Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only
because of the wrath but also because of conscience. [ROM 13:1-5]
Then let us no longer judge one another, but
rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the
way of a brother. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that
nothing is unclean in itself; still, it is unclean for someone who
thinks it unclean. If your brother is being hurt by what you eat,
your conduct is no longer in accord with love. Do not because of
your food destroy him for whom Christ died. So do not let your
good be reviled. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food
and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit;
whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved
by others. Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building
up one another. For the sake of food, do not destroy the work of
God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to
become a stumbling block by eating [Taken from ROM 14:13-20]
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you fall upon
me." [ROM 15:1-3]
I myself am convinced about you, my brothers,
that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all
knowledge, and able to admonish one another. [ROM 15:14]
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who
create dissensions and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching
that you learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our
Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering
speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent. For while your
obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you
to be wise as to what is good, and simple as to what is evil; then
the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The
grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. [ROM 16:17-20]
Now in regard to the matters about which you
wrote: "It is a good thing for a man not to touch a
woman," but because of cases of immorality every man should
have his own wife, and every woman her own husband. The husband
should fulfill his duty toward his wife, and likewise the wife
toward her husband. A wife does not have authority over her own
body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not
have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. Do not
deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time,
to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that
Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control. This I
say by way of concession, however, not as a command. Indeed, I
wish everyone to be as I am, but each has a particular gift from
God, one of one kind and one of another. Now to the unmarried and
to widows, I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they
are, as I do, but if they cannot exercise self-control they should
marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire. [1COR 7:1-9]
Now in regard to virgins, I have no commandment
from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's
mercy is trustworthy. So this is what I think best because of the
present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain
as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are
you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife. [1COR 7:25-27]
In giving this instruction, I do not praise the fact that your meetings are doing more harm than good.
First of all, I hear that when you meet as a church there are divisions among you, and to a degree I believe it;
there have to be factions among you in order that (also) those who are approved among you may become
known. [1COR 11:17-19]
Now, brothers, if I should come to you speaking
in tongues, what good will I do you if I do not speak to you by
way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or instruction?
Likewise, if inanimate things that produce sound, such as flute or
harp, do not give out the tones distinctly, how will what is being
played on flute or harp be recognized? And if the bugle gives an
indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? Similarly, if
you, because of speaking in tongues, do not utter intelligible
speech, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be
talking to the air. [1COR 14:6-9]
Do not be led astray: "Bad company corrupts
good morals." [1COR 15:33]
So we are always courageous, although we know
that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we
would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we
aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must
all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one
may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body,
whether good or evil. [2COR 5:6-10]
Moreover, God is able to make every grace
abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you
need, you may have an abundance for every good work. [2COR 9:8]
Realize then that it is those who have faith who
are children of Abraham. Scripture, which saw in advance that God
would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold the good news to
Abraham, saying, "Through you shall all the nations be
blessed." Consequently, those who have faith are blessed
along with Abraham who had faith. [GAL 3:7-9]
Where now is that blessedness of yours? Indeed,
I can testify to you that, if it had been possible, you would have
torn out your eyes and given them to me. So now have I become your
enemy by telling you the truth? They show interest in you, but not
in a good way; they want to isolate you, so that you may show
interest in them. Now it is good to be shown interest for good
reason at all times, and not only when I am with you. My children,
for whom I am again in labor until Christ be formed in you! I
would like to be with you now and to change my tone, for I am
perplexed because of you. [GAL 4:15-20]
Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person
will reap only what he sows, because the one who sows for his
flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows
for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit. Let us not
grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our
harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the
opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who
belong to the family of the faith. [GAL 6:7-10]
It is those who want to make a good appearance
in the flesh who are trying to compel you to have yourselves
circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of
Christ. Not even those having themselves circumcised observe the
law themselves; they only want you to be circumcised so that they
may boast of your flesh. But may I never boast except in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision
mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. [GAL
6:12-15]
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ
Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we
should live in them. [EPH 2:10]
No foul language should come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may
impart grace to those who hear. [EPH 4:29]
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for
because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the
disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once
darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of
light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness
and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part
in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is
shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but
everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything
that becomes visible is light. [Taken from EPH 5:6-14]
Each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. [Taken
from EPH 6:8]
I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of
you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day
until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good
work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ
Jesus. It is right that I should think this way about all of you,
because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me
in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel. [PHIL 1:3-7]
Of course, some preach Christ from envy and
rivalry, others from good will. The latter act out of love, aware
that I am here for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim
Christ out of selfish ambition, not from pure motives, thinking
that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. What
difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in
pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I
rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this
will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support
from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. [PHIL 1:15-19]
So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always
been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am
absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling . For God
is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire
and to work. Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that
you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you
shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of
life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not
run in vain or labor in vain. [PHIL 2:12-16]
(But) whatever gains I had, these I have come to
consider a loss because of Christ. More than that, I even consider
everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ
Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things
and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be
found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the
law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the
righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the
power of his resurrection and (the) sharing of his sufferings by
being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the
resurrection from the dead. [PHIL 3:7-11]
Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not
cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the
knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and
understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be
fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in
the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord
with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the
inheritance of the holy ones in light. [COL 1:9-12]
I say this so that no one may deceive you by
specious arguments. For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am
with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the
firmness of your faith in Christ. So, as you received Christ Jesus
the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and
established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in
thanksgiving. [COL 2:4-7]
For this reason, when I too could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had put you to the test and our toil might come to nothing. But just now Timothy has returned to us from you, bringing us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us and long to see us as we long to see you. Because of this, we have been reassured about you, brothers, in our every distress and affliction, through your faith. For we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
[1THES 3:5-8]
We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer
the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. See that
no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good
(both) for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without
ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of
God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not
despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is
good. Refrain from every kind of evil. [1THES 5:14-22]
To this end, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith,
that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
[2THES 1:11-12]
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our
Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in
every good deed and word. [2THES 2:16-17]
We hear that some are conducting themselves
among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the
business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord
Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. But you,
brothers, do not be remiss in doing good. If anyone does not obey
our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not
to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. Do not regard
him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother. [2THES
3:11-15]
I repeat the request I made of you when I was on
my way to Macedonia, that you stay in Ephesus to instruct certain
people not to teach false doctrines or to concern themselves with
myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather
than the plan of God that is to be received by faith. The aim of
this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and
a sincere faith. Some people have deviated from these and turned
to meaningless talk, wanting to be teachers of the law, but
without understanding either what they are saying or what they
assert with such assurance. We know that the law is good, provided
that one uses it as law, with the understanding that law is meant
not for a righteous person but for the lawless and unruly, the
godless and sinful, the unholy and profane, those who kill their
fathers or mothers, murderers, the unchaste, practicing
homosexuals, kidnapers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is
opposed to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the
blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. [1TM 1:3-11]
I entrust this charge to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophetic words once spoken about you. Through them may you fight a good fight by having faith and a good conscience. Some, by rejecting conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith, among them Hymenaeus
and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
[1TM 1:18-20]
First of all, then, I ask that supplications,
prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for
kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and
tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and
pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to
come to knowledge of the truth. [1TM 2:1-4]
Similarly, (too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct,
with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds.
[1TM 2:9-10]
This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to
the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop
must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate,
self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a
drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover
of money... He must also have a good reputation among outsiders,
so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil's trap. [1TM 3:1-3,7]
[Note: Religious offices indicated in the New Testament are in
their infancy and can be shown to be developing even in Scripture.
Within a short time, many religious offices in the Church adopted
Jesus' and Paul's recommended observance of celibacy
as a general rule.]
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in
prayer. [1TM 4:4-5]
If you will give these instructions to the
brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished
on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching you have
followed. [1TM 4:6]
Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than
sixty years old, married only once, with a reputation for good
works, namely, that she has raised children, practiced
hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in
distress, involved herself in every good work. But exclude younger
widows, for when their sensuality estranges them from Christ, they
want to marry and will incur condemnation for breaking their first
pledge. [1TM 5:9-12]
Some people's sins are public, preceding them to judgment; but other people are followed by their sins. Similarly, good works are also public; and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. [1TM 5:24-25]
Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud
and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on
God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous,
ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation
for the future, so as to win the life that is true life. [1TM
6:17-19]
Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life. Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner's crown except by competing according to the rules.
[2TM 2:3-5]
Remind people of these things and charge them
before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful
purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present
yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace,
imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle
talk, for such people will become more and more godless, and their
teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and
Philetus, who have deviated from the truth by saying that (the)
resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith
of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this
inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his"; and,
"Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid
evil." In a large household there are vessels not only of
gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and
others for humble use. If anyone cleanses himself of these things,
he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the
master of the house, ready for every good work. So turn from
youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. Avoid
foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed
quarrels. A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be
gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting
opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them
repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may
return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are
entrapped by him, for his will. [2TM 2:14-26]
But understand this: there will be terrifying
times in the last days. People will be self-centered and lovers of
money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous,
licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless,
conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they
make a pretense of religion but deny its power. Reject them. [2TM
3:1-5]
In fact, all who want to live religiously in
Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and charlatans
will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But you, remain
faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know
from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known
(the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is
inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who
belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. [2TM
3:12-17]
For a bishop as God's steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain,
but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled,
holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.
[TI 1:7-9]
For there are also many rebels, idle talkers and
deceivers... It is imperative to silence them, as they are
upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what they
should not. One of them, a prophet of their own, once said,
"Cretans have always been liars, vicious beasts, and lazy
gluttons." That testimony is true. Therefore, admonish them
sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, instead of paying
attention to Jewish myths and regulations of people who have
repudiated the truth. To the clean all things are clean, but to
those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; in fact,
both their minds and their consciences are tainted. They claim to
know God, but by their deeds they deny him. They are vile and
disobedient and unqualified for any good deed. [Taken from TI 1:10-16]
As for yourself, you must say what is consistent
with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate,
dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not
slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that
they may train younger women to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control
of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing
yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity
in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be
criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without
anything bad to say about us. [TI 2:1-8]
Remind them to be under the control of
magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every
good enterprise. They are to slander no one, to be peaceable,
considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. For we
ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to
various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful
ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and
generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any
righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us
through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom
he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so
that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope
of eternal life. his saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist
on these points, that those who have believed in God be careful to
devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and
beneficial to others. Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies,
rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and
futile. After a first and second warning, break off contact with a
heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and
stands self-condemned. [TI 3:1-11]
But let our people, too, learn to devote
themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may
not be unproductive. [TI 3:14]
I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy
ones, so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us
that leads to Christ. [PHLM 1:4-6]
I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve
me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.
[PHLM 1:13-14]
Therefore, let us be on our guard while the
promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem
to have failed. For in fact we have received the good news just as
they did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for
they were not united in faith with those who listened. For we who
believed enter into (that) rest, just as he has said: "As I
swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter into my rest,'" and
yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world.
For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner,
"And God rested on the seventh day from all his works";
and again, in the previously mentioned place, "They shall not
enter into my rest." Therefore, since it remains that some
will enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news
did not enter because of disobedience, he once more set a day,
"today," when long afterwards he spoke through David, as
already quoted: "Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
'Harden not your hearts.'" Now if Joshua had given them rest,
he would not have spoken afterwards of another day. Therefore, a
sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. And whoever
enters into God's rest, rests from his own works as God did from
his. Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no
one may fall after the same example of disobedience. Indeed, the
word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged
sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and
marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and
exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. [HEB
4:1-13]
About this we have much to say, and it is
difficult to explain, for you have become sluggish in hearing.
Although you should be teachers by this time, you need to have
someone teach you again the basic elements of the utterances of
God. You need milk, (and) not solid food. Everyone who lives on
milk lacks experience of the word of righteousness, for he is a
child. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties
are trained by practice to discern good and evil. [HEB 5:11-14]
For it is impossible in the case of those who
have once been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared
in the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to bring them to
repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for
themselves and holding him up to contempt. Ground that has
absorbed the rain falling upon it repeatedly and brings forth
crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a
blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is
rejected; it will soon be cursed and finally burned. [HEB 6:4-8]
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to
be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, he entered once for all into the
sanctuary...with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
[Taken from HEB 9:11-12]
Since the law has only a shadow of the good
things to come, and not the very image of them, it can never make
perfect those who come to worship by the same sacrifices that they
offer continually each year. [HEB 10:1]
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that
gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must
consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We
should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some,
but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the
day drawing near. If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge
of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a
fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to
consume the adversaries. [HEB 10:23-27]
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.
It is good to have our hearts strengthened by grace and not by foods, which do not benefit those who live by them.
[HEB 13:7-9]
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you
have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. [HEB 13:16]
May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever (and ever). Amen.
[HEB 13:20-21]
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers: all good giving and every perfect gift
is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
[JMS 1:16-17]
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he
has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a
brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day,
and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat
well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body,
what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have
works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and
I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works,
and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. You believe
that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and
tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without
works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith
was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the
works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham
believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"
and he was called "the friend of God." See how a person
is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way,
was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed
the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as
a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is
dead. [JMS 2:14-26]
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him
show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from
wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in
your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of
this kind does not come down from above but is earthly,
unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition
exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom
from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle,
compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or
insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for
those who cultivate peace. [JMS 3:13-18]
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.
Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. [JMS 5:13]
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice
with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of
(your) faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this
salvation, prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be
yours searched and investigated it, investigating the time and
circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when
it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and
the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were
serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have
now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to
you (through) the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which
angels longed to look. [1PT 1:8-12]
Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander;
like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation,
for you have tasted that the Lord is good. [1PT 2:1-3]
Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so
that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good
works and glorify God on the day of visitation. [1PT 2:12]
Be subject to every human institution for the
Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme or to governors
as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the approval of
those who do good. For it is the will of God that by doing good
you may silence the ignorance of foolish people. Be free, yet
without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God.
Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king. [1PT
2:13-17]
For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace.
But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
[1PT 2:19-20]
Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to
your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be
won over without a word by their wives' conduct when they observe
your reverent and chaste behavior. Your adornment should not be an
external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing
in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart,
expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm
disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is
also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn
themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah
obeyed Abraham, calling him "lord." You are her children
when you do what is good and fear no intimidation. Likewise, you
husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing
honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the
gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. [1PT
3:1-7]
Finally, all of you, be of one mind,
sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do
not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the
contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you
might inherit a blessing. For: "Whoever would love life and
see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from
speaking deceit, must turn from evil and do good, seek peace and
follow after it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and
his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is
against evildoers." Now who is going to harm you if you are
enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer
because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or
terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your
hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks
you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and
reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are
maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may
themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing
good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. For Christ
also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the
unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the
flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. [1PT
3:8-18]
The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be
serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one
another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be
hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has
received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of
God's varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of
God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God
supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus
Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. [1PT
4:7-11]
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by
fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were
happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the
sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may
also rejoice exultantly. If you are insulted for the name of
Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests
upon you. But let no one among you be made to suffer as a
murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer. But whoever is
made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify
God because of the name. For it is time for the judgment to begin
with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end
for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? "And if the
righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the
sinner appear?" As a result, those who suffer in accord with
God's will hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do
good. [1PT 4:12-19]
Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every
respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.
[3JN 1:2]
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.
Whoever does what is good is of God; whoever does what is evil has
never seen God. [3JN 1:11]
Demetrius receives a good report from all, even
from the truth itself. We give our testimonial as well, and you
know our testimony is true. [3JN 1:12]
Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with everlasting good
news to announce to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship him who made heaven and earth and sea and springs of water."
[RV 14:6-7]
Also try:
kind
/ kindness / kindly [K1]
gracious
/ graciously [G7]
righteous
/ righteousness [R11]
great
/ greatly / greater / greatness [G8a]
mercy
/ merciful / merciless [M3a]
holy
/ holiness [H14a]
deeds
/ works [D3a]
help
/ helper [H11a]
Other
resources:
Reflections: A-Z
| Categorized
Classic
Encyclicals & Other Papal Documents
(Also
try: Help, A-Z)
more
alphabetical scripture | more
categorized scripture | top |
