93.5 Forgiveness Of Sins

(Psalm 32)

Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.

Happy is the man whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit.

When I did not confess my sins, I was worn out from crying all day long.

Day and night you punished me, Lord; my strength was completely drained, as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.

Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins.

So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need; when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in, it will not teach them. You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble.

I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me.

The Lord says, "I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise. Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit."

The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.

You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the Lord has done.

You that obey him, shout for joy!

93.4 Paul's Goodbye: Live In Harmony

(2 Corinthians 13:10-13)

That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me- authority to build you up, not to tear you down.

And now, my brothers, goodbye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a brotherly kiss. All of God's people send you their greetings. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

93.3 Avoid Factions: Christ Was Not Divided

(1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my brothers, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my brothers, that there are quarrels among you. Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another "I follow Peter"; and another, "I follow Christ." Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

93.2 Unity Among The First Christians

(Acts 4:32.-35)

The group of believers was one in mind and heart. No one said that any of his belongings was his own, but they all shared with one another everything they had. With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God poured rich blessings on them all.  There was no one in the group who was in need. Those who owned fields or houses would sell them, bring the money received from the sale, and turn it over to the apostles; and the money was distributed to each one according to his need.

93.1 Christ Prayed For Unity Before Dying

(John 17:20-26)

"I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one. I in them and you in me, so that they ma be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.

"Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me, made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them."