Category Archives: faith

in retrospect: relationship

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 Moses encouraged the Israelites to obey God and keep the commandments, but that was not the primary challenge.  The first and most important thing was for them to love and fear God – to have a relationship with … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, faith, fear, love, relationship with God | Tagged , | 2 Comments

a realistic walk

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Numbers 23-24 The LORD is faithful to himself.  If he chooses to bless (as he did Israel by Balaam) then all the sacrifices and hired prophets cannot curse.  Sometimes our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears.  It may be … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, faith, prayer, submission | Tagged , | 2 Comments

an obedient walk

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Numbers 13-14     I was tempted to call this section “a courageous walk” because it highlights the courage of Joshua and Caleb.  They did not go along with the majority, and chose to trust God – that he would deliver Israel … Continue reading →

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Exodus: remember

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 12:31-13:22     Every element of their experience in departing Egypt was designed to be remembered. Whenever an Israelite celebrated the annual Passover feast, he remembered what God had done for him and his people. Every time he ate unleavened bread, … Continue reading →

Posted in deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Exodus: reluctance

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 4     In spite of his new experience with the LORD, Moses was reluctant to go on the mission he was being sent on. Zipporah was reluctant to circumcise her son, a sign of commitment to the Abrahamic covenant. Perhaps … Continue reading →

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Abraham: new things

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 17.  Abram was an old man of 99 years, but he was not too old for the LORD to do some new things in his life. God gave him and Sarai new names.  The names reflected the intensity of … Continue reading →

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Abram: competition

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 13:2-18.  Abram and Lot travel back to the promised land with all their people and livestock and stuff.  They stop for a very important prayer meeting at the place where Abram had built an altar before – between Bethel … Continue reading →

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tests of authenticity

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 John 4.    Is your faith genuine?  Here are some tests to determine the authenticity of a profession of faith. Do I confess that Jesus is God’s Son who has come in the flesh?  (2,15) Do I love other believers, … Continue reading →

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authenticity: children of God

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 John 3:4-24.    John agrees with James that confession of faith is not proof of faith.  True children of God are going to stop habitually sinning, and start habitually loving each other.  If we say that the blood of Christ … Continue reading →

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authenticity: abiding in Him

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 John 2:18-3:3.    Some time in the first century, there was apparently an exodus from the Church.  A number of people who were thought to be Christians left, and started their own groups.  Then they sought to convince those who … Continue reading →

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