Category Archives: forgiveness

Jesus is alive!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

John 20.  Jesus was raised from the dead and lives today.  The Scripture predicted it, but even those who experienced his resurrection did not understand it (9).  We cannot see him today, because he has gone back to his Father … Continue reading →

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evangelism: an offer of peace

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Romans 5:1-11.   Everyone’s life manifests an inner struggle with God himself.  The evangelist offers reconciliation.  This is the message of the gospel.  God has reconciled us to himself through the atoning death of his Son.  No one has to know … Continue reading →

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the Holy Spirit: power to proclaim the gospel

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Luke 24.  Luke tells three final stories before briefly mentioning the ascension (which he describes in more detail in Acts).  These stories emphasize that Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures by his death and resurrection (46), and that believers will fulfill the … Continue reading →

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only Jesus: securer of God’s redemption

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Hebrews 9:11-10:18.  Jesus has done for us what no other could do.  He recognized that he was born to die on that cross, and that his death could do what all the prayers, ceremonies and sacrifices could never do.  By … Continue reading →

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only Jesus: guarantor of God’s better covenant

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Hebrews 7.  The new covenant put into effect by Jesus is so much better than the old instituted by Moses.  The author of Hebrews proves this by showing why Jesus has “become a high priest forever after the order of … Continue reading →

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only Jesus: assurance of God’s hope

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Hebrews 5:11-6:20.   The author of Hebrews challenged his readers to live up to their profession.  To him, it was not enough for a person to claim to be a Christian, then live a life of arrested development.  The Christian life … Continue reading →

Posted in commitment, discipleship, faith, forgiveness, growth, Jesus Christ, judgment, perseverance, scriptures, witness | Tagged , | Leave a comment

only Jesus: source of God’s grace

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Hebrews 4:14-5:10.  Jesus is one of us.  He understands us.  He knows what makes us tick.  When we fail, he knows why.  We can come to him, pleading for mercy and grace again,  because he is able to sympathize with … Continue reading →

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the source of heaven’s king

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 21:28-22:14.  Jesus had been confronted by the chief priests and elders at Jerusalem. While he was teaching in the temple courts they demanded that he reveal the source of his ministry.  He would not tell them outright, but he … Continue reading →

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humility and heaven’s king

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 18.  The disciples had just asked a stupid question.  They wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus called a child, and presented him as an example to the disciples.  He told them that … Continue reading →

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religion and heaven’s king

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 6:1-18.  Jesus did not oppose practicing acts of religious piety, but he warned his disciples not to practice them to gain a present “reward” (1,2,4,5,6,16,18).  There will be rewards in the future, but disciples should focus their attention on … Continue reading →

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