Ephesians 5:8 You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling ...

5:8 MSG

逐节对照

The Message - You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
新标点和合本 - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人要像光明的子女—
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人要像光明的子女—
当代译本 - 你们从前活在黑暗中，现在既然活在主的光明中，行事为人就该像光明的儿女。
圣经新译本 - 你们从前是黑暗的，现今在主里却是光明的，行事为人就应当像光明的儿女。
中文标准译本 - 你们从前原是黑暗，但如今在主里就是光；你们要像属于光的儿女行走，
现代标点和合本 - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女——
和合本（拼音版） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女。
New International Version - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
New International Reader's Version - At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light.
English Standard Version - for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
New Living Translation - For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
Christian Standard Bible - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light —
New American Standard Bible - for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light
New King James Version - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Amplified Bible - For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]
American Standard Version - For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
King James Version - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
New English Translation - for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light –
World English Bible - For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
新標點和合本 - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人就當像光明的子女。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人要像光明的子女－
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人要像光明的子女—
當代譯本 - 你們從前活在黑暗中，現在既然活在主的光明中，行事為人就該像光明的兒女。
聖經新譯本 - 你們從前是黑暗的，現今在主裡卻是光明的，行事為人就應當像光明的兒女。
呂振中譯本 - 因為你們從前是黑暗，如今在主裏乃是光；行事為人總要像光的兒女
中文標準譯本 - 你們從前原是黑暗，但如今在主裡就是光；你們要像屬於光的兒女行走，
現代標點和合本 - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裡面是光明的，行事為人就當像光明的子女——
文理和合譯本 - 蓋爾素為暗、今宗主而為光、當如光明之人而行、
文理委辦譯本 - 爾素昏昏、今宗主而昭昭、宜效昭昭之人、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 爾昔為暗、今信主而為光、當如光明之人而行、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 蓋爾等本屬昏昏、今則因主而為昭昭矣。故行事當光明正大、庶不愧為光明之子。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Porque ustedes antes eran oscuridad, pero ahora son luz en el Señor. Vivan como hijos de luz
현대인의 성경 - 여러분이 전에는 어두움 속에 살았으나 이제는 주님을 믿고 빛 가운데 살고 있으니 빛의 자녀답게 살아야 합니다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, когда вы в Господе, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - Autrefois, certes, vous apparteniez aux ténèbres, mais à présent, par votre union avec le Seigneur, vous appartenez à la lumière. Comportez-vous donc comme des enfants de la lumière –
リビングバイブル - あなたがたの心は以前は暗闇におおわれていましたが、今は主にあって光にあふれています。そのことを態度で示しなさい。
Nestle Aland 28 - ἦτε γάρ ποτε σκότος, νῦν δὲ φῶς ἐν κυρίῳ· ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - ἦτε γάρ ποτε σκότος, νῦν δὲ φῶς ἐν Κυρίῳ; ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε
Nova Versão Internacional - Porque outrora vocês eram trevas, mas agora são luz no Senhor. Vivam como filhos da luz,
Hoffnung für alle - Früher habt auch ihr in Dunkelheit gelebt; aber heute ist das anders: Weil ihr mit dem Herrn verbunden seid, seid ihr im Licht. Darum lebt nun auch wie Menschen, die zum Licht gehören!
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Trước kia lòng anh chị em tối tăm, nhưng ngày nay đã được Chúa soi sáng, vậy phải sống như người thuộc về ánh sáng.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เพราะเมื่อก่อนท่านเป็นความมืด แต่เดี๋ยวนี้ท่านเป็นความสว่างในองค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า จงดำเนินชีวิตอย่างลูกของความสว่าง
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ด้วยว่าแต่ก่อนท่านเคยอยู่ในความมืด แต่เดี๋ยวนี้ท่านอยู่ในความสว่างในพระผู้เป็นเจ้า จงดำเนินชีวิตเหมือนบรรดาบุตรแห่งความสว่างเถิด

交叉引用

Ephesians 2:11 - But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
Acts 17:30 - “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.” The Word of the Master, God.
Galatians 5:25 - Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
John 1:9 - The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.
1 John 2:9 - Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.
Isaiah 60:1 - “Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness. Look up! Look around! Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see, young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah, Pouring in from the south from Sheba, loaded with gold and frankincense, preaching the praises of God. And yes, a great roundup of flocks from the nomads in Kedar and Nebaioth, Welcome gifts for worship at my altar as I bathe my glorious Temple in splendor.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 - But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Titus 3:3 - It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
Isaiah 9:2 - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and clubs and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
John 12:36 - Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right: God, who believed what we preached? Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act? First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said: Their eyes are blinded, their hearts are hardened, So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes and perceive with their hearts, And turn to me, God, so I could heal them.
Luke 16:8 - “Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.”
Colossians 1:13 - God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. * * *
1 Peter 2:11 - Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
John 8:12 - Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

逐节对照

交叉引用

The Message - You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
新标点和合本 - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人要像光明的子女—
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人要像光明的子女—
当代译本 - 你们从前活在黑暗中，现在既然活在主的光明中，行事为人就该像光明的儿女。
圣经新译本 - 你们从前是黑暗的，现今在主里却是光明的，行事为人就应当像光明的儿女。
中文标准译本 - 你们从前原是黑暗，但如今在主里就是光；你们要像属于光的儿女行走，
现代标点和合本 - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女——
和合本（拼音版） - 从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女。
New International Version - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
New International Reader's Version - At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light.
English Standard Version - for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
New Living Translation - For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
Christian Standard Bible - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light —
New American Standard Bible - for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light
New King James Version - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Amplified Bible - For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]
American Standard Version - For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light
King James Version - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
New English Translation - for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light –
World English Bible - For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
新標點和合本 - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人就當像光明的子女。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人要像光明的子女－
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的，行事為人要像光明的子女—
當代譯本 - 你們從前活在黑暗中，現在既然活在主的光明中，行事為人就該像光明的兒女。
聖經新譯本 - 你們從前是黑暗的，現今在主裡卻是光明的，行事為人就應當像光明的兒女。
呂振中譯本 - 因為你們從前是黑暗，如今在主裏乃是光；行事為人總要像光的兒女
中文標準譯本 - 你們從前原是黑暗，但如今在主裡就是光；你們要像屬於光的兒女行走，
現代標點和合本 - 從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裡面是光明的，行事為人就當像光明的子女——
文理和合譯本 - 蓋爾素為暗、今宗主而為光、當如光明之人而行、
文理委辦譯本 - 爾素昏昏、今宗主而昭昭、宜效昭昭之人、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 爾昔為暗、今信主而為光、當如光明之人而行、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 蓋爾等本屬昏昏、今則因主而為昭昭矣。故行事當光明正大、庶不愧為光明之子。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Porque ustedes antes eran oscuridad, pero ahora son luz en el Señor. Vivan como hijos de luz
현대인의 성경 - 여러분이 전에는 어두움 속에 살았으나 이제는 주님을 믿고 빛 가운데 살고 있으니 빛의 자녀답게 살아야 합니다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, когда вы в Господе, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Когда-то вы были тьмой, но сейчас, в единении с Повелителем, вы стали светом. Живите как дети света.
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - Autrefois, certes, vous apparteniez aux ténèbres, mais à présent, par votre union avec le Seigneur, vous appartenez à la lumière. Comportez-vous donc comme des enfants de la lumière –
リビングバイブル - あなたがたの心は以前は暗闇におおわれていましたが、今は主にあって光にあふれています。そのことを態度で示しなさい。
Nestle Aland 28 - ἦτε γάρ ποτε σκότος, νῦν δὲ φῶς ἐν κυρίῳ· ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - ἦτε γάρ ποτε σκότος, νῦν δὲ φῶς ἐν Κυρίῳ; ὡς τέκνα φωτὸς περιπατεῖτε
Nova Versão Internacional - Porque outrora vocês eram trevas, mas agora são luz no Senhor. Vivam como filhos da luz,
Hoffnung für alle - Früher habt auch ihr in Dunkelheit gelebt; aber heute ist das anders: Weil ihr mit dem Herrn verbunden seid, seid ihr im Licht. Darum lebt nun auch wie Menschen, die zum Licht gehören!
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Trước kia lòng anh chị em tối tăm, nhưng ngày nay đã được Chúa soi sáng, vậy phải sống như người thuộc về ánh sáng.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เพราะเมื่อก่อนท่านเป็นความมืด แต่เดี๋ยวนี้ท่านเป็นความสว่างในองค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า จงดำเนินชีวิตอย่างลูกของความสว่าง
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ด้วยว่าแต่ก่อนท่านเคยอยู่ในความมืด แต่เดี๋ยวนี้ท่านอยู่ในความสว่างในพระผู้เป็นเจ้า จงดำเนินชีวิตเหมือนบรรดาบุตรแห่งความสว่างเถิด

Ephesians 2:11 - But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
Acts 17:30 - “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.” The Word of the Master, God.
Galatians 5:25 - Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
John 1:9 - The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.
1 John 2:9 - Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.
Isaiah 60:1 - “Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness. Look up! Look around! Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see, young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah, Pouring in from the south from Sheba, loaded with gold and frankincense, preaching the praises of God. And yes, a great roundup of flocks from the nomads in Kedar and Nebaioth, Welcome gifts for worship at my altar as I bathe my glorious Temple in splendor.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 - But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Titus 3:3 - It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
Isaiah 9:2 - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and clubs and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
John 12:36 - Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right: God, who believed what we preached? Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act? First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said: Their eyes are blinded, their hearts are hardened, So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes and perceive with their hearts, And turn to me, God, so I could heal them.
Luke 16:8 - “Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.”
Colossians 1:13 - God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. * * *
1 Peter 2:11 - Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
John 8:12 - Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”