Category Archives: discipleship
Jesus: the resurrection and the life
John 11:1-54. This magnificent story from the life of Jesus has much to teach us about reality. Death is real. It is not some mysterious departure into another world. Death for Lazarus was a cold, hard, unconscious sleep in the … 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
after faith: body life
James 5:13-20. James shows that faith in Christ is more than a personal conviction. It leads to body life. Genuine faith in a community means that the whole body of believers: prays for one another (14). confesses to one another … Continue reading
Posted in church, confession, discipleship, genuineness, giving, prayer, reconciliation
Tagged James 5
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after faith: humble yourselves
James 4:1-10. The same apostle who advised us to count it all joy when we face trials now tells us to “be wretched and mourn and weep” – to humblle ourselves “before the Lord and he will exalt” us. Remember … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, humility, submission, will of God
Tagged James 4
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after faith: no wisdom wars
James 3:13-18. James had warned the churches not to produce too many teachers. It seems that the churches were in danger of wisdom wars – where teachers would compete with each other for the loyalty of the other believers. James … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, discipleship, divisions, faith, gentleness, genuineness, kindness
Tagged James 3
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after faith: proof
James 2:14-26. After faith comes into a person’s life, there will always be things that the person does that demonstrate the validity of that faith. These works could never be the basis of that person’s salvation, but they can prove … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, grace, works
Tagged James 2
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after faith: his creatures
James 1. The purpose of James’ letter was to encourage a group of Jewish churches to stay true to their faith in Christ, and allow that faith to control their actions. Faith should produce steadfast living in times … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, perseverance, witness
Tagged James 1
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renouncing all for the Holy Spirit
Luke 14. Genuine discipleship is free to all by God’s grace. It is bought by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, and offered freely to all by those who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom (24). But we … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, genuineness, gospel, Holy Spirit, Uncategorized
Tagged Luke 14
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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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the Holy Spirit empowers kingdom seekers
Luke 12:13-48. Luke had just recorded Jesus’ warning to his followers that they would be brought before the authorities and questioned because of their faith. He told them not to be anxious because the Holy Spirit would give them the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God
Tagged Luke 12
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Devotions 