Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God [that is, the place of honor and authority], with [all] angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Hi

Children, it is the last hour [the end of this age]; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming [the one who will oppose Christ and attempt to replace Him], even now many antichrists (false teachers) have appeared, which confirms our belief that it is the last hour. They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians], but they were not really of us [because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed]; for if they had been of us, they would have

For as you well know, we never came with words of flattery nor with a pretext for greed--God is our witness-- nor did we seek glory and honor from people, neither from you nor from anyone else, though as apostles of Christ we had the power to assert our authority. But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children. For you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you just as a father does [in de

Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were trying to be popular with men. If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10) Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance w

In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? All day long they twist my words and say hurtful things; All their thoughts are against me for evil. They attack, they hide and lurk, They watch my steps, As they have [expectantly] waited to take my life. (Psalm 56:4-6) As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they

Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7) With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless. (2 Samuel 22:26) Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36) Or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others]

But this thing I did command them: ‘Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, so that it may be well with you.’ But they did not obey Me or bend their ear [to hear Me], but followed the counsels and the stubbornness of their [own] evil heart (mind), and [they turned and] went backward instead of forward. Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I h

When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” (Psalm 27:8) Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]. (1 Chronicles 16:11) Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) But from there

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) . Even if though I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [t

We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him. In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:16-17) Now,

Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL

Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14) If indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved fro

Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, in seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. (Colossians 4:5-6) Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. (Psalm 9:1) You will know also that your tent is secure and at peace, And you will visit your dwelling and fear no loss [nor find anything amiss]. (Job 5:24) You who dwell in the gardens, my companions hearken for thy voice. Let me hear it. (Songs 8:13) Awake, O north wind, And come, south wind [blow softly upon my garden]; Make my gard

I will give thanks and praise the LORD, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds. I will rejoice and exult in you; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High (Psalm 9:1-2) Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, [offering praise by] singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-20) Rejoice always and del

Thus says the LORD, “Let not the one who is wise and skillful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance; but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt], that I am the LORD who practices lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth,

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor. (Matthew 23:12) But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our fa

If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. (Galatians 5:25) So that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. For those who are living according

Regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your sal

Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, How difficult it will be for those who are wealthy [and cling to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed and bewildered by His words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how difficult it is [for those who place their hope and confidence in riches] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith