But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.

Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize.

As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.

You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross!

And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith.

Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury.

But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received.

But not all have accepted the Good News. Isaiah himself said, "Lord, who believed our message?"

I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds,

Now, however, that truth has been brought out into the open through the writings of the prophets; and by the command of the eternal God it is made known to all nations, so that all may believe and obey.

we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus.

When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him,

It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going.

Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.