Ephesians 3:7-12

It was by a gift of the grace of GOD, which was given to me through the working of his power, that I became a servant of the gospel. And this grace was given to me, the least of all of the saints, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of the MESSIAH, and to help everyone see the administration of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world had been hidden in GOD, who created all things through CHRIST JESUS. It was his intent that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of GOD can be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places - all according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in CHRIST JESUS our LORD, in whom we have freedom and confident access through our faith in him.

James 4:1-3

Where do the wars and fights among you come from? Don't they come from the passions that war within you? You want something, but you do not get it. You kill for it, you covet it, but are unable to obtain it. So you fight and make war. You do not have - because you do not ask. You ask, but you do not receive because your motives are all wrong since you ask for your own pleasures.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some do, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone, revealing that you are a letter from CHRIST, ministered by us, and written, not with ink, but with the SPIRIT of the living GOD; not on tablets of stone, but on the tablets of your hearts. We have such confidence through CHRIST before GOD. Not that we are sufficient to claim anything from ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from GOD, who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the SPIRIT. For the letter kills, but the SPIRIT gives life.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the Word of the LORD may be spread rapidly and be glorified, even as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men, for not all have faith. But the LORD is faithful, and he will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-3

We have much more to say about the priesthood of CHRIST, but it is hard to explain since you are dull of hearing. You need someone to teach you the basic truths of the Word of GOD, though by this time you ought to be teachers. You have need of milk, not solid food, for anyone who lives on milk is still a baby and not experienced in the Word of righteousness. Solid food is for those who are mature, who by continual use are able to discern good and evil. Therefore, leaving the first principles of CHIRST, let us press on to maturity instead of laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, of faith in GOD, of the doctrine of baptism, of laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do, if GOD permits.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

You are the temple of GOD, and the SPIRIT of GOD lives in you. If anyone destroys the temple of GOD, GOD will destroy him; for the temple of GOD is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Peter 5:8-11

Stay sober and be ever watchful, because your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But you must resist him and be unwavering in your faith, knowing that all Christians everywhere are undergoing the same sufferings. And the GOD of grace who called you to his eternal glory in CHRIST JESUS, will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you after you have suffered a little while. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen!

1 Timothy 5:24-25

The sins of some people are obvious, preceding them to judgment; the sins of others follow behind. In the same way, the good deeds of some are obvious, but even those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Acts 4:13-22

The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law were astonished when they saw the courage of Peter and John, because they considered them to be unlearned, ordinary men. They also remembered that they had been with JESUS. But they were speechless since they could see the man that had been healed standing there with them. So they commanded them to withdraw from the council while they conferred among themselves, saying, "What should we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem can plainly see that a notable miracle has been done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them that from now on they are not to speak to anyone in this name." They called them in again and charged them not to teach or even to speak in the name of JESUS. But Peter and John answered them, saying, "You will have to judge for yourselves whether it is right in the sight of GOD to obey you rather than GOD. For we cannot refrain from talking about the things we have seen and heard." After more threats they let them go, finding no way to punish them, on account of all the people who were praising GOD for what had happened. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

John 2:12-25

After turning water to wine at the wedding, JESUS went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there a few days. When the Jewish Passover was at hand, JESUS went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the money changers. So he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple, including the sheep and the oxen. He poured out the changer's money and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my FATHER's house a house of merchandise!" His disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house will consume me." Confronting him, the Jews asked, "What sign can you show us proving your authority to do these things?" JESUS answered, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews, not knowing that the temple he spoke of was his body, asked, "Forty-six years it took to build this temple; and in three days you will raise it?" His disciples remembered what he had said after he was raised from the dead, and they believed the Scripture and the words which JESUS had spoken. While he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many saw the miracles he performed and believed in him. But JESUS did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men. He did not need for anyone to testify about man, because he knew what was in a man.

Luke 5:1-11

One day, with the multitude crowding around him by the Sea of Galilee to hear the Word of GOD, JESUS saw two boats at the edge of the water, from which the fishermen had gotten out to wash their nets. He got into one of the boats and asked the owner, Simon, to put out a little from shore, and from the boat he sat and taught the multitude. When he had finished speaking, he told Simon to put out to deep water to do some fishing with their nets. Simon answered, "Master, we labored all night without catching anything, but at your word we will do as you say." And having done so they caught a great number of fish, so much that their nets were breaking, so they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come help them. They came and both boats took on so many fish that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw what was happening, he fell at the knees of JESUS and said, "Depart from me, LORD, for I am a sinful man." They were all astonished at the number of fish they had caught, including James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then JESUS said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of men." When they reached the shore, they left everything and followed JESUS.

Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O LORD, and consider my meditation. Listen to the voice of my cry, my KING and my GOD, for it is to you that I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will wait expectantly. You are not a GOD who takes pleasure in wickedness; evil cannot live with you. Arrogant people cannot stand in your presence; you hate the working of iniquity. You will destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors blood-thirsty and deceitful men. But as for me, I will come to your house in the abundance of your lovingkindness, and I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. Because of my enemies, O LORD, lead me in your righteousness, and make your way straight before me. Nothing from their mouth can be trusted, for their heart is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave, even while flattery is on their tongue. Hold them guilty, O GOD, and let their own counsel be their downfall. Banish them for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against you. But let everyone rejoice who takes refuge in you; and let them forever shout for joy, for you protect them. And let all who love your name also be joyful in you, for you will bless the righteous, O LORD, and you will surround them with a shield of favor.

2 Peter 3:14

Therefore, dearly beloved, since you are looking forward to these things (a new heaven and a new earth), be diligent to be found by him at peace, without spot, and without blame.

1 John 2:28-29

And now, dear children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, then you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of him.

Mark 2:1-12

JESUS went to Capernaum and word got around that he was there. At once many began to assemble, so much so that there was no more room, not even at the door. He was preaching the Word to them when four people arrived carrying a paralytic. The house was too crowded to come near to him, so they uncovered the roof above where he was and broke through. Then they lowered the mat that the paralytic was lying on. When JESUS saw their faith, he told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven. Some of the scribes were there who reasoned that JESUS had spoken blasphemy since only GOD can forgive sins. Immediately, JESUS, knowing in his spirit what the scribes were thinking, asked them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or 'Arise, take up your mat, and walk?' I will prove that the SON of MAN has authority on earth to forgive sins." He turned to the paralytic and said, "Arise, take up your mat, and go home." Immediately the man arose, took up his mat, and walked out the door to everyone's amazement. They praised GOD, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Matthew 5:17-20

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. I tell you most assuredly that until heaven and earth pass away, not even the smallest letter or a tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the Law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever obeys and teaches them - shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show, by his good behavior, that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast or deny the truth, for such false wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil. Where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is disorder and every evil matter. But wisdom from heaven is first of all pure, and also peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers.

Proverbs 3:3-4

Never let loving-kindness nor truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of GOD and man.

Hebrews 6:13-20

When GOD made a promise to Abraham, he swore by himself since he could not swear by anyone greater. He said, "I will surely bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after patiently enduring, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by one greater, and an oath is final confirmation in a dispute. GOD was determined to show to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his design, so he confirmed it with an oath. By two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope is an anchor for the soul, secure and firm, and enters the inner sanctuary where JESUS entered for us as a forerunner having become a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

And now, brothers, concerning the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and our gathering together to him, we ask you to not be quickly shaken in mind nor troubled - not by spirit, not by a word, and not even by a letter from us, saying that the day of CHRIST has arrived. Let no one deceive you in any way because that day will not come until the falling away occurs and the man of sin is revealed - the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called GOD, or that is worshipped, so that he himself sits in the temple of GOD, pretending to be GOD. Do you not remember that when I was with you I told you all about these things? So now you know what is holding him back, for he will be revealed in his own time. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but there is one who is holding back now, until he is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the LORD will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy with the brightness of his presence - which comes after the work of Satan, with his power, signs, and lying wonders, and with the deception of wickedness for those who are being lost because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved. Because of this, GOD will send them a strong delusion so they will believe the lie, so that all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but rather found pleasure in unrighteousness.

1 John 5:10-12

He who believes in the SON of GOD has the testimony in him; he who does not believe - GOD has made him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that GOD himself gave concerning his SON. The testimony is that GOD gave us eternal life, and eternal life is in his SON. He who has the SON has eternal life. He who does not have the SON of GOD does not have eternal life.

1 Peter 3:8-12

All of you should be of one mind, being compassionate, loving as family, tenderhearted, and courteous. Never repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but rather with blessing, because to this you were called that you may inherit a blessing. As the Scripture says, "He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from speaking evil and his lips from telling lies. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."

Revelation 5:7-14

Then the LAMB came and took the book from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the LAMB. Each one had a harp and were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, singing "You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals. For you were slain, and with your blood you purchased us for GOD from every tribe, language, people and nation. You made us kings and priests to serve our GOD, and we shall reign upon the earth." Then I looked again and heard the voice of millions and millions of angels around the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders. And they sang in a loud voice, "Worthy is the LAMB, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" And I heard every created thing in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea and in the sea, say, "To him who sits on the throne, and to the LAMB, be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped.

2 John 1:1-5

From John the elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also those who know the truth. Because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever, may grace, mercy and peace from GOD the FATHER and from JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the FATHER, be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to learn that some of your children are living the life of truth, just as the FATHER commanded us. And now, dear lady, I urge you, not with a new command, but the one we have had from the beginning: and that is to love one another.

Titus 1:6-9

An elder in a church must be blameless, and the husband of one wife. His children must be believers and not known for being wild or rebellious, for an overseer, as a steward of GOD, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant, or quick-tempered, not a heavy drinker, not violent, and not a pursuer of dishonest gain, but rather given to hospitality, and one who loves all that is good. He must have self-control, and be righteous, devout, and disciplined. He must hold fast to trustworthy teaching so he can encourage others with sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.

Philemon 1:1-25

From Paul, a prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, and from Timothy our brother; to Philemon, our dearly beloved fellow worker, to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to those who assemble in your house. Grace to you, and peace from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I always thank my GOD when I mention you in my prayers, for I hear about your love for and your faith in the LORD JESUS and for all of the saints. I pray that the sharing of your faith will be effective and lead to a full understanding of all the good we have in CHRIST. Your love brings me great joy and comfort, dear brother, because you have refreshed the hearts of the people of GOD. Therefore, even though I could be bold and command that you do what is appropriate, instead I, Paul, an old man and a prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, appeal to you with love. My plea is for my son, Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Previously he was useless to you, but now he has become useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you with my heart. I would have gladly kept him here so he could minister to me on your behalf while I am in prison for preaching the gospel, but not without your consent. This way, what ever you decide will be of your own free will. Perhaps you two were separated for a while so you could now have him back for good; no longer just as a slave, but as a dear brother, as he is to me especially. And now he will mean much more to you: as a man, and as a brother in the LORD. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. If he has wronged you in any way, or if he owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this in my own hand. I will repay it, even though you owe me your very soul. Yes, dear brother, may I have joy from you in the LORD. Refresh my heart in CHRIST. As I write this letter, I am confident that you will not only obey, but you will do even more than I ask. Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope to return to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, says hello, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-12

It is a righteous thing with GOD to punish those who persecute you, and to give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well, when the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven in a blazing fire with his mighty angels. He will punish those who do not know GOD and do not obey the gospel of our LORD JESUS. They will be punished with eternal destruction and forever separated from the presence of the LORD and the glory of his power when he comes to be glorified in his holy people, and to be praised among all who have believed, including you. To this end we continually pray for you, that GOD may count you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill every good purpose and work of faith, so that the name of our LORD JESUS may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

2 Timothy 4:1-4

I charge you before GOD and CHRIST JESUS, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing in his kingdom, to preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke, encourage, be long-suffering, and carefully instruct. For the time will come when people will no longer listen to sound doctrine. Instead, they will look for teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow myths.

1 John 3:21-24

Dearly beloved, if we obey the commands of GOD and do what pleases him, then our conscience will be clear, and we can approach GOD with confidence and receive from him anything we ask. And here is his command: We must believe in the name of his SON, JESUS CHRIST, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Whoever obeys his commands live in him, and he in them. How do we know that he lives in us? We know it from the SPIRIT he gave us.

1 Timothy 1:12-14

I give thanks to CHRIST JESUS our LORD for enabling me, having counted me faithful, and for appointing me to serve him. Although I was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man, GOD had mercy on me, for I had acted in ignorance and unbelief. Our LORD showered me with grace, filling me with the faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS.

2 Corinthians 5:14-16

In everything the love of CHRIST compels us, for we are convinced that one died for all, therefore everyone died. He died for everyone so that those who live will no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose again on their behalf. So from now on we look at no one from a worldly point of view. Even though we once regarded CHRIST as a man, we do so no longer.