Monthly Archives: September 2011
the Holy Spirit–a limited time offer
Luke 13:10-35. Jesus dramatically demonstrated his power to free people from Satan’s bondage when he healed the woman with a disabling spirit. Yet the hypocrites in the synagogue refused to be set free from their bondage to tradition (10-17). Jesus … Continue reading
Posted in Abraham, destruction in hell, ethnic Israel, hypocrisy, Jesus Christ, judgment, kingdom of God, repentance
Tagged Luke 13
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The Holy Spirit of disunity
Luke 12:49-13:9. The Holy Spirit does not always bring peace and unity. Because he answers to the Son, whose kingdom he is setting up in this universe, he assists in dividing families and bringing discord. His goal is not peace … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, divisions, Holy Spirit, relationship with God, unity
Tagged Luke 12, Luke 13
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the Holy Spirit empowers kingdom seekers
Luke 12:13-48. Luke had just recorded Jesus’ warning to his followers that they would be brought before the authorities and questioned because of their faith. He told them not to be anxious because the Holy Spirit would give them the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God
Tagged Luke 12
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enemies of the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:37-12:12. There are two kinds of religious person: friends of the Holy Spirit, and his enemies. The Holy Spirit ministers through his friends – people who stand up for the truth about Jesus Christ – even if they are … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, judgment, suffering, witness
Tagged Luke 11, Luke 12
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the Holy Spirit’s other gifts
Luke 11:1-36. Jesus told his disciples to expect the Father to give them the Holy Spirit. He is not reluctant, but eager to do so (5-13). From this gift of an intimate relationship with God flows other gifts – and … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, obedience, resurrection
Tagged Luke 11
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how the Holy Spirit manifests
Luke 10:25-42. Luke puts together two stories from Jesus’ life in which the messages seem to be complete opposites. In the first story, Jesus explains to a lawyer that devotion to God is not enough. In order to inherit eternal … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, love, relationship with God, worship
Tagged Luke 10
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the Holy Spirit and real disciples
Luke 9:51-10:24. In this series of stories, Jesus and his disciples begin their journey toward Jerusalem. Along the way, readers learn how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of real disciples. Real disciples are not surprised when their master … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, evangelism, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 10, Luke 9
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the Holy Spirit and the real Jesus
Luke 9:1-50. The disciples had been sent out on a short-term missions trip, preparing them for obeying the great commission later. Meanwhile, everyone is perplexed – like Herod – because it was hard to nail down who Jesus really was. … Continue reading
fear of the Holy Spirit
Luke 8:22-56. Each of these stories demonstrates the power and authority of Christ and proves that he is God’s Son. But each also reflects a very human reaction that we often have when the miraculous power of God’s Holy Spirit … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, courage, fear, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, miracles, worldview
Tagged Luke 8
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the Holy Spirit–exposed
Luke 8:4-21. How can we know that the Holy Spirit is actually at work in our lives, and that we are not simply deluding ourselves by religious talk and good wishes? Jesus taught that a true Christian is not going … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, genuineness, gospel, Holy Spirit, patience, perseverance, submission
Tagged Luke 8
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Devotions 