Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
unfinished business
Acts 20:17-21:16. One of the down sides to apostolic ministry is that you are always starting things that someone else will have to finish. Loving the church leaders as he did, it would have been tempting to respond to their … Continue reading
too big for his breeches
2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah was a great man and a good king, because “he was marvelously helped, till he was strong” (15). Then he got too big for his breeches. He usurped the right of the temple priests, and went … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, humility, leadership, ministry, obedience, self-control, submission, witness
Tagged 2 Chronicles 26
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just enough of Jesus
Acts 18:23-19:22. Apollos had a problem. Luke says that he could speak and teach accurately the things concerning Jesus, but he needed Priscilla and Aquila to explain to him more accurately the way of God – that is – the … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discernment, Holy Spirit, integrity, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, ministry, truth
Tagged Acts 18, Acts 19
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against you only
Psalm 51. This prayer by David has given exegetes some trouble. David is aware of his crimes against Uriah the Hittite, whom he has killed, and Bathsheba, with whom he commits adultery. He agonizes over his sins and fears the … Continue reading
Posted in confession, grace, prayer, relationship with God, repentance, worship
Tagged Psalm 51
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some strange things
Acts 17:16-34. Many people today are like those Athenians who spent their time “in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” Paul picked up on this curiosity and presented the gospel to them like this: 1) The God you do … Continue reading
you who forget God
Psalm 50. The LORD is aware of hypocrisy and wickedness among his own people. Asaph brilliantly shows this by presenting God as the judge who summons the earth to witness the charges he brings against those who claim him as … Continue reading
my riddle
Psalm 49. What does one do when he is treated unfairly by someone so wealthy and powerful that he fears no human law or justice? This is the riddle that the sons of Korah pose in psalm 49. The answer … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, enemies, future, resurrection, sleep of death, trust
Tagged Psalm 49
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with no one’s regret
2 Chronicles 21. One of the saddest statements about anyone found in the scriptures is the epitaph for Jehoram. His short reign in Jerusalem resulted in the Lord judging him by inciting rebellion among his subjects, war with his enemies, … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, faithfulness, integrity, leadership, works
Tagged 2 Chronicles 21
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family love
Genesis 43. This moving story of Joseph’s second encounter with his brothers reveals what has been going on in Joseph’s heart since they sold him into slavery. You would expect Joseph to have harbored bitterness and hatred in his heart. … Continue reading
flexibility
Acts 13-14. Both these chapters record the missionary work of Paul and his companions, but a shift in emphasis is clearly seen. Chapter 13 focuses mainly on Paul’s attempt to reach the Jewish population of the Gentile cities he visits. … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, grace, Jesus Christ, ministry, scriptures
Tagged Acts 13, Acts 14
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