71.1 The Apostles Urge Us To Hold Fast

(Acts 13:42-43)

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to come back the next Sabbath and tell them more about these things. After the people had left the meeting, Paul and Barnabas were followed by many Jews and by many Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism. The apostles spoke to them and encouraged them to keep on living in the grace of God.

70.5 I Shall Always Be With You

(Psalm 73:23-28)

Yet I always stay close to you,
and you hold me by the hand.
You guide me with your instruction,
and at the end you will receive me with honor.
What else do I have in heaven but you?
Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?
My mind and my body may grow weak,
but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.

Those who abandon you will certainly perish;
you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, how wonderful to be near God,
to find protection with the Lord God
and to proclaim all he has done!

70.4 Put On The Armor Of God To Stand Fast

(Ephesians 6:10-17)

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand against the devil's evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.  At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one. And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.

70.3 The Reward For Suffering Lasts Forever

(Hebrews 10:32-36)

Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. You were at many times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something better, which would last forever. Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.

70.2 Do Not Lose Confidence

(Hebrews 10:22-25)

So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.  Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another, to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.