For indeed he was crucified by reason of weakness, but he lives because of God’s power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him, because of God’s power toward you.

But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God – given to me for you – in order to complete the word of God,

But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God?

This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering.

in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.”

But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Through him you now trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God,

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.

Then the twenty-four elders who are seated on their thrones before God threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and worshiped God

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.