Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud
and not to trust in their money,
which is so unreliable.
Their trust should be in God,
who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
…be rich in good works and generous to those in need,
always being ready to share with others.
…storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future
so that they may experience true life.
…at just the right time
Christ will be revealed from heaven
by the blessed and only almighty God,
the King of all kings
and the Lord of all lords.
Pursue righteousness and a godly life,
along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you…
…we brought nothing with us when we came into the world,
and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.
So if we have enough food and clothing,
let us be content.
(Photo credit: Richard Brice)
…Pursue righteousness and a godly life,
along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life
to which God has called you…
…pray for all people.
Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.
This is good and pleases God our Saviour,
who wants everyone to be saved
and to understand the truth.
For there is only one God and one Mediator
who can reconcile God and humanity—
the man Christ Jesus.
See that no one pays back evil for evil,
but always try to do good to each other
and to all people.
Christ died for us so that,
whether we are dead or alive when he returns,
we can live with him forever.
We tell you this directly from the Lord:
We who are still living when the Lord returns
will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven
with a commanding shout,
with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God.
First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.
Then, together with them,
we who are still alive and remain on the earth
will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Then we will be with the Lord forever.
…we want you to know what will happen
to the believers who have died
so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
For since we believe that Jesus died
and was raised to life again,
we also believe that when Jesus returns,
God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
(Rio Grande Gorge bridge, Taos, NM)