Category Archives: dependence upon God
Jesus: the true vine
John 15:1-17. If I wanted to talk about predestination and election, this passage provides a good proof-text. Jesus told his disciples that they did not choose him, but he chose them (16). If I wanted to talk about free-will, this … Continue reading
Jesus: the true light
John 9. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day believed that they had received light through the writings of Moses. they had codified a system of spiritual teaching that explained the world around them, and helped them to understand it. Jesus came … Continue reading
Jesus and the teacher
John 3:1-21. Jesus called Nicodemus “the teacher of Israel” (19). That title reflected back on what Nicodemus had called him – a teacher come from God (2). At that point in his life, Nicodemus could be called a success. He … Continue reading
after faith: no rat race
James 4:11-5:12. James is warning his churches not to try to get ahead in the rat race by… speaking evil against one another (4:11). boasting in arrogance (4:16). laying up treasure by defrauding their workers (5:1-6). swearing falsely for gain … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, dependence upon God, faithfulness, humility, suffering, will of God
Tagged James 4, James 5
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evangelism: perspective on potential
Romans 9:1-29. If the doctrine of God’s sovereignty over the salvation of the lost has application concerning evangelism it is this: everyone you meet is a potential child of God. Background, pedigree, – even present lifestyle – neither of these … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, ethnic Israel, evangelism, grace, Holy Spirit, will of God, witness
Tagged Romans 9
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the self-righteous need evangelism
Romans 2:1-16. Even those who look down on the blatant sins of the self-condemned need evangelism, because their righteous acts cover up a sinful nature that is just as repulsive to God’s holiness. That is why God’s grace sends the … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, evangelism, faith, gospel, Jesus Christ, witness
Tagged Romans 2
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silence from the Holy Spirit
Luke 22:47-23:25. It is hard to understand when the Holy Spirit seems silent. Everything within you expects some kind of power display because God and his word are being ridiculed, yet nothing happens. At least you expect God’s people to … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, suffering, the cross, will of God
Tagged Luke 22, Luke 23
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insight from the Holy Spirit
Luke 19:45-20:44. Jesus’ teachings and the answers he gave to those who were purposely trying to “catch him in something he said” reveal an insight that goes beyond education. This insight is available to believers as well. We need merely … Continue reading
The Holy Spirit and spiritual clout
Luke 18:1-30. How much spiritual maturity does it take to enter the kingdom of God? Jesus told his disciples not to rebuke the parents who brought even infants to him for his blessing. He said “to such belongs the kingdom … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, humility, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, pride, worldview
Tagged Luke 18
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The Holy Spirit and tomorrow’s kingdom
Luke 6:17-49. By this time, a “great crowd” of disciples had joined the usual multitude seeking healing and deliverance. They recognized their need for Jesus, so came to him as poor, hungry and weeping (20-21). Jesus taught them that their … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, future, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God
Tagged Luke 6
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Devotions 