Rules

Then Pharisees and legal experts came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why are your disciples breaking the elders’ rules handed down to us? They don’t ritually purify their hands by washing before they eat.” 3 Jesus replied, “Why do you break the command of God by keeping the rules handed down to you? 4 For God said, Honor your fatherContinue reading “Rules”

sent

The church at Antioch included prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (nicknamed Niger), Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen (a childhood friend of Herod the ruler), and Saul. 2 As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” 3 After they fasted and prayed, they laidContinue reading “sent”

Pushing the limit

3 We also thank God constantly for this: when you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is. Instead of accepting it as a human message, you accepted it as God’s message, and it continues to work in you who are believers. 14 Brothers and sisters, you became imitators ofContinue reading “Pushing the limit”

Happy People

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. 2 He taught them, saying:3 “Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.4 “Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.5 “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit theContinue reading “Happy People”

God’s righteousness through the faithfulness of Christ

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, in order to shut every mouth and make it so the whole world has to answer to God. 20 It follows that no human being will be treated as righteous in his presence by doing what the Law says, becauseContinue reading “God’s righteousness through the faithfulness of Christ”

False teachers

But false prophets also arose among the people. In the same way, false teachers will come among you. They will introduce destructive opinions and deny the master who bought them, bringing quick destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow them in their unrestrained immorality, and because of these false teachers the way of truth will be slandered. 3 InContinue reading “False teachers”

Judged

17     But,if you call yourself a Jew;if you rely on the Law;if you brag about your relationship to God;18 if you know the will of God;if you are taught by the Law so that you can figure out the things that really matter;19 if you have persuaded yourself that you are:        a guide for the blind;        a light to thoseContinue reading “Judged”

a rich man’s question

16 A man approached him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” 17 Jesus said, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There’s only one who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 The man said, “Which ones?” Then Jesus said, “Don’t commit murder. Don’t commitContinue reading “a rich man’s question”

Showing faith

14 My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? 15 Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. 16 What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have aContinue reading “Showing faith”

Love

8 You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself. 9 But when you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, and by that same law you are exposed as a lawbreaker. 10 Anyone who tries to keep all of the Law but fails at one point is guilty of failingContinue reading “Love”