Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
the self-condemned need evangelism
Romans 1:18-32. Rome (and everywhere else) contained two types of people: the self-righteous who thought they were better than others, and the self-condemned who were in such bondage to sin that they continued practicing evil – even though they knew … Continue reading
Posted in compassion, destruction in hell, evangelism, faith, gospel, witness
Tagged Romans 1
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set apart for evangelism
Romans 1:1-17. Paul’s desire to go to Rome emerged from his sense of purpose. He knew the gospel of Jesus Christ, and felt obligated to share it with people like himself: Jews (to whom the gospel first came) and with … Continue reading
the Holy Spirit: power to proclaim the gospel
Luke 24. Luke tells three final stories before briefly mentioning the ascension (which he describes in more detail in Acts). These stories emphasize that Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures by his death and resurrection (46), and that believers will fulfill the … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, Bible, evangelism, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 24
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the Holy Spirit is there
Luke 23:26-56. This passage records the worst human tragedy ever: the Son of God mocked, tortured and killed as a criminal. The Holy Spirit was there. Even in such a horrible place and the very worst of times, God’s Holy … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, confession, evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 23
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silence from the Holy Spirit
Luke 22:47-23:25. It is hard to understand when the Holy Spirit seems silent. Everything within you expects some kind of power display because God and his word are being ridiculed, yet nothing happens. At least you expect God’s people to … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, suffering, the cross, will of God
Tagged Luke 22, Luke 23
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the Holy Spirit and Satan’s demands
Luke 22:1-46. When Jesus told Peter that “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you as wheat” (31) – the “you” is plural. He was referring to all the disciples. Already, Satan had entered into Judas Iscariot, and … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, discernment, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, prayer
Tagged Luke 22
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the Holy Spirit helps us wait
Luke 20:45-21:38. Luke’s rendering of the eschatological discourse has Jesus predicting two major events: the days of vengeance that will lead to the desolation of Jerusalem (20-22) and the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great … Continue reading
Posted in future, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, second coming, witness
Tagged Luke 20, Luke 21
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insight from the Holy Spirit
Luke 19:45-20:44. Jesus’ teachings and the answers he gave to those who were purposely trying to “catch him in something he said” reveal an insight that goes beyond education. This insight is available to believers as well. We need merely … Continue reading
emotions from the Holy Spirit
Luke 19:28-44. Two emotions are expressed in this passage. First, the spontaneous joy that the disciples felt as they introduced Jerusalem to its king. When the Pharisees objected to this display, Jesus told them that “if these were silent, the … Continue reading
the business of the Holy Spirit
Luke 18:31-19:27. In the parable Jesus told, the wicked servant is condemned by the nobleman because he did not do business with what was left with him. What was this business, and why did Jesus condemn this generation for refusing … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ
Tagged Luke 18, Luke 19
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