Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
Jesus–a lasting impression
John 2. Three times in this chapter John points out that Jesus leaves a lasting impression on his disciples: They saw him turn water into wine at Cana and believed in him (11). They saw him overturn the money tables … Continue reading
Jesus: what people said
John 1:19-51. You cannot always trust what people are saying about someone, but sometimes you can. Listen to what people are saying about Jesus in today’s text. He is… the Lord (23). the Lamb of God (29). someone younger, but … Continue reading
Jesus: the only One
John 1:1-18. John describes Jesus as so unique that there is no one else like him in the universe. He is… The Word, the only one who was with God in the beginning (1). The Light, the only one whose … Continue reading
after faith: body life
James 5:13-20. James shows that faith in Christ is more than a personal conviction. It leads to body life. Genuine faith in a community means that the whole body of believers: prays for one another (14). confesses to one another … Continue reading
Posted in church, confession, discipleship, genuineness, giving, prayer, reconciliation
Tagged James 5
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after faith: no rat race
James 4:11-5:12. James is warning his churches not to try to get ahead in the rat race by… speaking evil against one another (4:11). boasting in arrogance (4:16). laying up treasure by defrauding their workers (5:1-6). swearing falsely for gain … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, dependence upon God, faithfulness, humility, suffering, will of God
Tagged James 4, James 5
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after faith: humble yourselves
James 4:1-10. The same apostle who advised us to count it all joy when we face trials now tells us to “be wretched and mourn and weep” – to humblle ourselves “before the Lord and he will exalt” us. Remember … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, humility, submission, will of God
Tagged James 4
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after faith: no wisdom wars
James 3:13-18. James had warned the churches not to produce too many teachers. It seems that the churches were in danger of wisdom wars – where teachers would compete with each other for the loyalty of the other believers. James … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, discipleship, divisions, faith, gentleness, genuineness, kindness
Tagged James 3
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after faith: a disciplined tongue
James 3:1-12. James had encouraged the churches to prove their faith by their works. Many people were ambitious and wanted to be teachers like James. He warned them that with such authority came much responsibility. The tongue could do much … Continue reading
after faith: proof
James 2:14-26. After faith comes into a person’s life, there will always be things that the person does that demonstrate the validity of that faith. These works could never be the basis of that person’s salvation, but they can prove … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, grace, works
Tagged James 2
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after faith: impartiality
James 2:1-13. James continues to show what it is supposed to look like after faith in Christ has come into a person’s life. One of the differences is that believers see each other differently. They do not judge by … Continue reading
