Category Archives: divisions

after faith: impartiality

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

  James 2:1-13.  James continues to show what it is supposed to look like after faith in Christ has come into a person’s life.  One of the differences is that believers see each other differently.  They do not judge by … Continue reading →

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The Holy Spirit of disunity

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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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: be devoted to discipling

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 2.  False teaching had infested Ephesus, so Paul warned Timothy to avoid its “irreverent babble” because it would “lead people into more and more ungodliness” (16).  He instructed Timothy not to debate these teachers, because their “foolish, ignorant … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, what will he find?

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 5:1-22.  When our Lord bursts through the clouds at his second coming, what kind of church will be here to meet him?  It should be a church who respects the leaders and equipping ministers who labor on her … Continue reading →

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joy from unity

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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grace given to each one of us

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Ephesians 4:1-16.  Jesus made all believers one. We have the unity of the Spirit, and are called to one destiny. Walking in a manner worthy of that calling requires: Keeping the peace by bearing with one another: accepting our differences … Continue reading →

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aiming for restoration

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14.  Paul had visited Corinth two times: once to plant churches there, and then for a “painful visit” in which he had to make judgments and set right wrong behavior.  He is planning a third visit, and wants … Continue reading →

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proof of commitment

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Corinthians 10:13-12:13.  Paul’s opponents in Corinth probably boasted that they were more committed to Christ and the churches than Paul was.  After all, he was only a part-time itinerant missionary, but they demonstrated their commitment by staying among the … Continue reading →

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mighty weapons

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Corinthians 10:1-12.   Paul has been attacked and his ministry maligned by some within the churches at Corinth. He is careful not to respond in kind, because that would be waging war according to the flesh.  Instead, he writes this … Continue reading →

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