Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
the earthly family of heaven’s king
Matthew 1:1-17. The Gospel of Matthew is a great adventure story by which readers are confronted with the reality that they have been visited by an extra-terrestrial: heaven’s king, Jesus Christ. Matthew first encountered the king when he was called … Continue reading
Posted in ethnic Israel, family, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, plan of God
Tagged Matthew 1
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it’s who you know
Philemon 23-25. Paul concludes his letter to Philemon with a short list of associates who were probably well-known by the believers in Colossae, or at least by Philemon himself. Epaphras had been a messenger for Paul, bringing his letters to … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, courage, friends, gospel, ministry, missions
Tagged Philemon
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taking back the prodigal
Philemon 8-22. Onesimus had not been kidnapped and sold as a slave to Philemon. He was a bondservant. He had found himself in a poor state financially, probably having incurred a debt he could not repay. He needed the help … Continue reading
growing in our areas of strength
Philemon 4-7. The Holy Spirit’s counsel through the scriptures reaches down and touches us, encouraging growth in every facet of our lives, not just our weaknesses. Philemon was well-known for two things: He had great faith in the LORD and … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, Holy Spirit, sanctification, scriptures
Tagged Philemon
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deeply committed, deeply hurt
Philemon 1-3. Philemon was a good man. He was not just a pew-sitter in Colossae. He hosted a fellowship in his own house. Paul described him as a “beloved fellow worker.” The picture we get from Paul’s words in this … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, forgiveness, grace, trust
Tagged Philemon
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mission: send, support, serve
Titus 3:12-15. Paul’s final instructions to Titus give a job description for the church and explain how each local church can continue to be involved in the mission of reaching the lost world for Jesus Christ. He instructs Titus that … Continue reading
mission: avoid distraction
Titus 3:8b-11. Paul instructs Titus to proclaim the gospel of justification by grace (5) and to also insist that the church devote themselves to good works (1, 8, 14). The good works are in response to the Holy Spirit’s washing … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, divisions, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, grace, sanctification, witness
Tagged Titus 3
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mission: insist on good works
Titus 3:1-8a. Paul is the champion of salvation by grace, apart from works. He teaches that in this text when he says that God “saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own … Continue reading
mission: model a transformed community
Titus 2. God’s grace has appeared to all people, and has brought salvation (11). It has appeared in the person of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness … Continue reading
mission: facilitate order
Titus 1:5-16. The Cretans were not known for their honesty and trustworthiness. They were likely to fall for false teachings, and Paul warned Titus that the island had “many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers” (10). Titus was tasked … Continue reading
