Monthly Archives: May 2011
Christ, our substance
Colossians 2:6-23. Christ is our substance, we do not need to grasp at the shadows that others seek. Christ is the reality that has set us free from dependence upon the philosophies of earth and false allegiances of the heavenly … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, discernment, genuineness, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, sanctification, the cross
Tagged Colossians 2
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Christ, our hope
Colossians 1:21-2:5. Paul wanted the Colossians to understand that (providing their faith was real) what Christ has done for them had changed their status before God, and changed them from the inside out. He expected them to show maturity for … Continue reading
Posted in church, hope, Jesus Christ, suffering, truth
Tagged Colossians 1, Colossians 2
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Christ, our head
Colossians 1:1-20. There is always a danger for the church of Christ to lose sight of Christ himself — to get carried away with mere human traditions and leaders. Paul wrote Colossians to help the churches of Colossae zero in … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, forgiveness, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, resurrection, submission, the cross
Tagged Colossians 1
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joy from peace
Philippians 4:2-23. Paul’s final words to the Philippians warn them of the things that can rob them of the peace with God which is theirs in Christ. Personal conflicts (like the disagreement that had developed among two prominent women in … Continue reading
joy from the Lord
Philippians 3:1-4:1. Our joy is in the Lord, and for that reason our confidence cannot be in our ancestry or our accomplishments. Because our joy is in the Lord, anything we might count in our favor is actually counted as … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, enemies, faith, grace, joy, resurrection, suffering
Tagged Philippians 3, Philippians 4
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joy from others
Philippians 2:12-30. Paul was no lone ranger. He was blessed by those who ministered the gospel because of him, those who served alongside him in his team, and those who were sent to support him and provide for his needs. … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, grace, mercy, ministry, prayer, witness, works
Tagged Philippians 2
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joy from unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11. Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to complete his joy by fulfilling his expectations: He expected them to unite together in their stand for the gospel, in spite of the suffering it would cause (1:27-30). He expected them to … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, gospel, humility, suffering, the cross, unity
Tagged Philippians 1, Philippians 2
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joy from confidence
Philippians 1:1-26. Things were getting bleak for the apostle Paul. He had been arrested and imprisoned in Rome with no knowledge of when — or if — he would ever go to trial. Even if he went to trial, the … Continue reading
grace for love and war
Ephesians 6:10-24. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer for grace to all who read it, that they might love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. The warfare that they face will challenge that love. His concluding words to … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace, peace, perseverance, prayer, scriptures
Tagged Ephesians 6
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relationships that reflect grace
Ephesians 5:22-6:9. The grace walk requires voluntary submission in all relationships. This is a means of obeying the command in 5:18, being filled with the Spirit. It is accomplished by submitting to one another. So, what follows should not be … Continue reading
Posted in church, equality, family, grace, love, obedience, peace, sanctification, submission, witness
Tagged Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
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Devotions 