Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
good news and bad news
Isaiah 2. The prophet has good news and bad news. First, the good news. The light of the LORD will some day bring peace between the nations, ending the need for swords and spears. The prophet calls on God’s people … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, deliverance, faithfulness, integrity, judgment, kingdom of God, preparation
Tagged Isaiah 2
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joyful noise
Psalm 98. With earthquakes, tsunamis and wars and strife all around us, is it appropriate to make a joyful noise to the LORD? Yes, because of what he has done for this planet. He has been faithful to Israel … Continue reading
victory through resurrection
1 Corinthians 15. It is clear from what Paul says in this chapter that some in the Corinthian churches were trying to downplay the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul encourages the Corinthians to continue to preach it, because the victory … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, courage, mortality, resurrection, second coming
Tagged 1 Corinthians 15
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when worship makes God sick
Isaiah 1. The Israelites are continuing their worship in the temple, but there is so much wickedness in their lives that the worship makes God sick. He threatens to come as a consuming fire and destroy them. Only a few … Continue reading
Posted in genuineness, integrity, judgment, mortality, relationship with God, works, worship
Tagged Isaiah 1
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the sovereign over situations
Psalm 97. The nations know all about their gods. There is no mystery that cannot be explained by the specialist, for a price. But the God of Israel is shrouded in darkness and mystery. The nations can manipulate their gods … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, idolatry, relationship with God, sovereignty of God, worship
Tagged Psalm 97
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word problems
1 Corinthians 14. All of the problems that Paul was dealing with here have to do with speaking in church. He identifies three specific problems:1) too many people were “speaking in tongues” instead of prophesying;2) too many people were speaking … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, Holy Spirit, ministry, spiritual gifts, Uncategorized, worship
Tagged 1 Corinthians 14
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universal worship
Psalm 96. The LORD is worthy of the worship of all the earth for what he alone has done. The other gods are worthless idols, but he has made the heavens (1-6). The LORD is worthy of the worship the … Continue reading
loving service
1 Corinthians 13. Paul is still addressing the divisions caused in the Corinthian churches by those who are partial to one or the other minister. They valued those gifted with good communication skills, insight, faith, generosity, sacrificial commitment — and … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, love, ministry, spiritual gifts
Tagged 1 Corinthians 13
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they heard his voice
Psalm 95. The Israelites heard God’s voice one day,and he said “keep going, I will sustain you.” But all their fear said “we have no water. ” Later, they heard his voice, and it said “take the land.” But their … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, perseverance
Tagged Psalm 95
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not a competition
1 Corinthians 12. The Corinthians used the spiritual gifts manifested among themselves as a measurement of who should be followed and who should be shunned. Ministry became a means of perpetuating division. Some preferred the speaking gifts, others rallied behind … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, Holy Spirit, ministry, spiritual gifts
Tagged 1 Corinthians 12
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