Category Archives: Holy Spirit

when Christ comes, the glory will be obtained

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.  Paul had just assured the Thessalonian believers that Christ had not come yet – that there remained a “strong delusion” to come that would produce an apostate church.  He now tells them that they are among the … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, will he find us blameless?

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28.  Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians here is that God would completely sanctify them by his grace. He prays for a church whose whole body, soul and spirit would be ready for her bride when he comes in … 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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When Christ comes: more and more

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.  Paul knew that the believers in Thessalonica were living the Christian life, and that because of that witness many others were coming to Christ. Or, to put it another way, Christ was coming to the city and … Continue reading →

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Christ, our substance

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Colossians 2:6-23.  Christ is our substance, we do not need to grasp at the shadows that others seek. Christ is the reality that has set us free from dependence upon the philosophies of earth and false allegiances of the heavenly … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, discernment, genuineness, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, sanctification, the cross | Tagged | 1 Comment

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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the stewardship of God’s grace

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Ephesians 3.  Preaching to the Gentile Ephesians the gospel of God’s grace was a great privilege for Paul. He gladly accepted the dishonor of being imprisoned and mistreated for that cause. He considered the work a gift of God’s grace … Continue reading →

Posted in church, commitment, gospel, grace, Holy Spirit, ministry, perseverance, suffering | Tagged | 1 Comment

being led by the Spirit

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Galatians 5:16-26.  Paul tells the Galatians to walk by the Spirit. That means letting the Holy Spirit be the controlling power in their motivations, and the deciding influence in their actions. That is being led by the Spirit (18), which … Continue reading →

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choosing God on his terms

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Galatians 4.  You and I have to make the same choice as the Galatians did. We can decide to do our best, and hope that God accepts it. That is the choice of Hagar, of Ishmael, of the letter, of … Continue reading →

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the gospel of redemption

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Galatians 3:10-14.  Remember that Paul is dealing with the challenge of a false teaching in Galatians. The “troublers” from Jerusalem have convinced the Gentile Galatians that they need to add obedience to the Mosaic law (as defined by Jewish tradition) … Continue reading →

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