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Category Archives: faithfulness
authenticity: staying in the truth
2 John. John’s second letter was to a church group. Although he addressed it to “the elect lady and her children” all of the commands in it are plural, which suggests he had the group in mind. He encouraged them … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, faithfulness, gospel, grace, heresies, truth
Tagged 2 John
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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
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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after faith: a disciplined tongue
James 3:1-12. James had encouraged the churches to prove their faith by their works. Many people were ambitious and wanted to be teachers like James. He warned them that with such authority came much responsibility. The tongue could do much … Continue reading
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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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 draws the lost
Luke 15. In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners. In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)]. … Continue reading
Posted in evangelism, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, Holy Spirit, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace, self-control
Tagged Luke 15
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enemies of the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:37-12:12. There are two kinds of religious person: friends of the Holy Spirit, and his enemies. The Holy Spirit ministers through his friends – people who stand up for the truth about Jesus Christ – even if they are … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, judgment, suffering, witness
Tagged Luke 11, Luke 12
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the Holy Spirit and real disciples
Luke 9:51-10:24. In this series of stories, Jesus and his disciples begin their journey toward Jerusalem. Along the way, readers learn how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of real disciples. Real disciples are not surprised when their master … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, evangelism, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 10, Luke 9
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Devotions 