Category Archives: commitment

the easy way and heaven’s king

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 7:13-29.  Jesus concludes his instructions to his disciples in his sermon on the mount with four figures of speech – all having to do with the dangers of counterfeit Christianity.   He talks about two ways of trying to … Continue reading →

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treasures and heaven’s king

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 6:19-24.  Jesus did not oppose his disciples having personal possessions, but he did warn them not to lay up treasures on earth.  He wants to prevent his followers from being possessed by their possessions.  There are three very practical … Continue reading →

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religion and heaven’s king

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 6:1-18.  Jesus did not oppose practicing acts of religious piety, but he warned his disciples not to practice them to gain a present “reward” (1,2,4,5,6,16,18).  There will be rewards in the future, but disciples should focus their attention on … Continue reading →

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the scriptures and heaven’s king

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 5:17-48.  Jesus taught his disciples to have a different attitude toward the Law and the Prophets (that is, the Old Testament scriptures)  (17).  He particularly warned them not to follow the path established by the scribes and Pharisees (20).  … Continue reading →

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preparing for heaven’s king

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 3.  The life of John the Baptist was consumed with one task: preparing Israel for heaven’s king. His call for repentance was directed not toward the pagan masses, but toward a nation whose heart had forgotten that their God … Continue reading →

Posted in commitment, destruction in hell, discernment, ethnic Israel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, preparation, second coming | Tagged | 2 Comments

it’s who you know

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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growing in our areas of strength

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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mission: avoid distraction

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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mission: do not go quietly

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 4:9-22.  Paul’s final words written to Timothy are not the words of someone resigned to rest upon his accomplishments.  He knows that he will soon die for his faith, but he will not go quietly. Many of his … Continue reading →

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mission: continue in what you have learned

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 3:10-4:8.  Paul knew that he was “already being poured out as a drink offering” and it was time for him to depart this life (4:6).  He expected to be raised to life again, and to get his reward … Continue reading →

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