Category Archives: church
evangelism: ministry and fellowship
Romans 15:14-33. We have seen that the whole of Romans has to do with evangelism. As Paul begins to conclude his letter, he describes that work using two metaphors. Paul’s work of bringing the gospel to the Gentiles … Continue reading
evangelism: perspective on differences
Romans 14. Paul encourages believers in Rome to get along with each other by refusing to let differences be a cause for division. There will be differences among believers, but we dishonor our mutual Lord when we use those differences … Continue reading
The Holy Spirit of disunity
Luke 12:49-13:9. The Holy Spirit does not always bring peace and unity. Because he answers to the Son, whose kingdom he is setting up in this universe, he assists in dividing families and bringing discord. His goal is not peace … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, divisions, Holy Spirit, relationship with God, unity
Tagged Luke 12, Luke 13
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enemies of the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:37-12:12. There are two kinds of religious person: friends of the Holy Spirit, and his enemies. The Holy Spirit ministers through his friends – people who stand up for the truth about Jesus Christ – even if they are … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, judgment, suffering, witness
Tagged Luke 11, Luke 12
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The Holy Spirit loves much
Luke 7:36-8:3. Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus into his house. He respected Jesus as a teacher, and was curious to know what he had to say. He had problems with the people that Jesus hung around with. He probably tolerated … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, genuineness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, love
Tagged Luke 7, Luke 8
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the Holy Spirit at the Jerusalem temple
Luke 2:22-52. These stories highlight how the Holy Spirit was manifesting himself at the temple in Jerusalem. He was not in the greatness of the buildings nor the glory of the worship. It was the humble faithfulness of an old … Continue reading
Posted in church, evangelism, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, witness
Tagged Luke 2
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living witnesses
1 Peter 5. The ESV translates Peter as if he is drawing attention to the fact that he personally observed the suffering of Jesus – and he did. But the Greek has no indefinite article, so Peter probably was not … Continue reading
Posted in church, future, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 5
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living devotees
1 Peter 3:13-4:19. Peter encourages believers to face the times they are in with complete devotion to Christ. God may allow them to face challenges to their faith. As living devotees, them must honor Christ the Lord as holy, and … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, conflict, discipleship, enemies, faithfulness, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4
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living examples
1 Peter 2:11-3:12. Peter encourages believers to demonstrate their faith in Christ by good deeds, through which they show the world around them that Christ can change lives. They must keep their conduct honorable. They must submit to every human … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, genuineness, holiness, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 2, 1 Peter 3
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the living stone
1 Peter 2:4-10. Peter encouraged the Christians reading his words by comparing them with those who had opportunity to accept Christ, but had rejected him. They had a temple made with dead stones. Christ is the living stone, rejected by … Continue reading
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