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Category Archives: preparation
being ready for heaven’s king
Matthew 25. Jesus had taught his disciples that they “must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (24:44). He concludes his eschatological discourse with three parable illustrating the need for that … Continue reading
three questions for heaven’s king
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
Posted in discipleship, faithfulness, perseverance, preparation, second coming
Tagged Matthew 24
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the future and heaven’s king
Matthew 13. This chapter consists mostly of parables and is directed towards the crowds – not the disciples. The disciples were privy to insider information that served as a key to interpreting the parables (10-17). In two passages, Matthew records … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, destruction in hell, discipleship, future, kingdom of God, plan of God, preparation, second coming
Tagged Matthew 13
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preparing for heaven’s king
Matthew 3. The life of John the Baptist was consumed with one task: preparing Israel for heaven’s king. His call for repentance was directed not toward the pagan masses, but toward a nation whose heart had forgotten that their God … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, destruction in hell, discernment, ethnic Israel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, preparation, second coming
Tagged Matthew 3
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when Christ comes, will he find us blameless?
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
Posted in church, grace, Holy Spirit, integrity, love, prayer, preparation, sanctification, scriptures, second coming, submission
Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5
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good news and bad news
Isaiah 2. The prophet has good news and bad news. First, the good news. The light of the LORD will some day bring peace between the nations, ending the need for swords and spears. The prophet calls on God’s people … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, deliverance, faithfulness, integrity, judgment, kingdom of God, preparation
Tagged Isaiah 2
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fireproof buildings
1 Corinthians 3. Paul describes the Christian life as both God’s field and God’s building. As a field, the life is planted in us by God through one worker, and watered through another, but but workers answer to God — … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, divisions, future, Holy Spirit, preparation, scriptures, works
Tagged 1 Corinthians 3
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preparing for the mission
Exodus 2:23-3:22. All the while Israel was groaning because of their slavery and crying out to God, the LORD was preparing Moses for the task of leading them out of Egypt. The LORD taught Moses by having him raise a … Continue reading
Posted in leadership, ministry, patience, plan of God, preparation, trust
Tagged Exodus 2, Exodus 3
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conditioning prayer
Luke 22. Jesus could see beyond the time of trial that he was facing to the victory and the celebration in his kingdom. That awareness did not lessen the anguish he felt as he approached the cross. His was an … Continue reading
Posted in faithfulness, kingdom of God, perseverance, prayer, preparation, suffering
Tagged Luke 22
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the days of vengeance
Luke 21. In this eschatological sermon Jesus mixes some predictions of immanent “days of vengeance” upon Jerusalem (22) with a description of the long age preceding his second coming (8-9). He does this intentionally because the two events are related. … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, discernment, future, judgment, kingdom of God, perseverance, preparation
Tagged Luke 21
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Devotions 