Category Archives: church
when Christ comes, a crown of boasting
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. Satan had hindered Paul from personally visiting the Thessalonians by means of some affliction (2:18; 3:3, 7). So, Paul sent another member of his team – Timothy – to find out if the gospel was taking root … Continue reading
Posted in church, gospel, Jesus Christ, ministry, missions, second coming, witness
Tagged 1 Thessalonians 2, 1 Thessalonians 3
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when Christ comes through sharing the gospel
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16. When Christ comes into the lives of people in a community he comes through sharing the gospel. Believers who are called to spread the gospel are willing to suffer whatever it takes to share the truth of … Continue reading
Posted in church, courage, gospel, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged 1 Thessalonians 2
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when Christ comes: faith , love, and hope
1 Thessalonians 1. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is a celebration of what happens when the Lord Jesus Christ comes. When he first comes into the lives of people in a community… they become people of faith – repenting … Continue reading
Christ, our Lord
Colossians 3:18-4:18. Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by reminding them how the lordship of Christ should affect them. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, an attitude of submission and consideration is called for (3:18-22; 4:1, 5-6). Since … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, gospel, Jesus Christ, leadership, prayer
Tagged Colossians 3, Colossians 4
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Christ, our hope
Colossians 1:21-2:5. Paul wanted the Colossians to understand that (providing their faith was real) what Christ has done for them had changed their status before God, and changed them from the inside out. He expected them to show maturity for … Continue reading
Posted in church, hope, Jesus Christ, suffering, truth
Tagged Colossians 1, Colossians 2
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joy from peace
Philippians 4:2-23. Paul’s final words to the Philippians warn them of the things that can rob them of the peace with God which is theirs in Christ. Personal conflicts (like the disagreement that had developed among two prominent women in … Continue reading
joy from others
Philippians 2:12-30. Paul was no lone ranger. He was blessed by those who ministered the gospel because of him, those who served alongside him in his team, and those who were sent to support him and provide for his needs. … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, grace, mercy, ministry, prayer, witness, works
Tagged Philippians 2
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joy from unity
Philippians 1:27-2:11. Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to complete his joy by fulfilling his expectations: He expected them to unite together in their stand for the gospel, in spite of the suffering it would cause (1:27-30). He expected them to … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, gospel, humility, suffering, the cross, unity
Tagged Philippians 1, Philippians 2
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grace for love and war
Ephesians 6:10-24. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer for grace to all who read it, that they might love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. The warfare that they face will challenge that love. His concluding words to … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace, peace, perseverance, prayer, scriptures
Tagged Ephesians 6
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relationships that reflect grace
Ephesians 5:22-6:9. The grace walk requires voluntary submission in all relationships. This is a means of obeying the command in 5:18, being filled with the Spirit. It is accomplished by submitting to one another. So, what follows should not be … Continue reading
Posted in church, equality, family, grace, love, obedience, peace, sanctification, submission, witness
Tagged Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
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Devotions 