Category Archives: perseverance

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 →

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the lonely night of heaven’s king

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 26:30-75.  Jesus and his disciples had barely any time to reflect on the significance of the Lord’s Supper.  they went to the Mount of Olives, and Jesus predicted again his betrayal, and the fact that his disciples would deny … Continue reading →

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three questions for heaven’s king

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 24.  In verse 3, the disciples asked Jesus three questions about the future.  Each section of the eschatological discourse answers one of those questions. Matthew 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him … Continue reading →

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disappointment and heaven’s king

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Matthew 11.  The tone of Jesus’ preaching ministry changes a bit in this chapter, as he adjusts to a time of disappointment.     John the Baptist had been violently taken by force.  Even John was beginning to question whether … Continue reading →

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mission: do not go quietly

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 4:9-22.  Paul’s final words written to Timothy are not the words of someone resigned to rest upon his accomplishments.  He knows that he will soon die for his faith, but he will not go quietly. Many of his … Continue reading →

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mission: continue in what you have learned

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 3:10-4:8.  Paul knew that he was “already being poured out as a drink offering” and it was time for him to depart this life (4:6).  He expected to be raised to life again, and to get his reward … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, our work will be vindicated

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18.  Some among the Thessalonians had apparently stopped working their “day jobs.”  Either they were convinced that Christ had secretly already come (2:2), or they felt that secular work was beneath them.  That attitude was not part of … Continue reading →

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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: judgment, destruction, and glory.

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul continues to encourage them (and us) with the hope of the second coming of Christ. When Christ comes, he will inflict his judgment upon those who have afflicted the church.  Paul praises … Continue reading →

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joy from confidence

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Philippians 1:1-26.  Things were getting bleak for the apostle Paul. He had been arrested and imprisoned in Rome with no knowledge of when — or if — he would ever go to trial. Even if he went to trial, the … Continue reading →

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