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Category Archives: suffering
the dragon and the future
Revelation 12. This one gets a bit complicated, but here’s how I see it: There is an enemy. He is the dragon, the serpent, the devil (9). He opposes God’s plan for the future, and has sought to thwart that … Continue reading
pain in the future
Revelation 8:6-9:21. I have not been entirely convinced by the various interpretations of this passage that I have read. This seems like a prophecy requiring a number of clues to get at its interpretation. What I do get is that … Continue reading
In Jesus, we can have peace
John 16:16-33. In these past few chapters, Jesus has been preparing his disciples – not just for the tribulation they would face at his trial and death, but for the extended period of tribulation, sorrow, weeping and lamenting the Church … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, encouragement, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering
Tagged John 16
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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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evangelism: a perspective on suffering
Romans 8:18-39. The world around us is suffering due to the effects of the fall. Christians suffer as well – for the same reason. We are part of the fallen world. we also sometimes suffer because of our relationship with … Continue reading
silence from the Holy Spirit
Luke 22:47-23:25. It is hard to understand when the Holy Spirit seems silent. Everything within you expects some kind of power display because God and his word are being ridiculed, yet nothing happens. At least you expect God’s people to … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, suffering, the cross, will of God
Tagged Luke 22, Luke 23
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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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living witnesses
1 Peter 5. The ESV translates Peter as if he is drawing attention to the fact that he personally observed the suffering of Jesus – and he did. But the Greek has no indefinite article, so Peter probably was not … Continue reading
Posted in church, future, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 5
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living devotees
1 Peter 3:13-4:19. Peter encourages believers to face the times they are in with complete devotion to Christ. God may allow them to face challenges to their faith. As living devotees, them must honor Christ the Lord as holy, and … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, conflict, discipleship, enemies, faithfulness, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4
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a living hope
1 Peter 1:1-12. Peter writes to Christians who are going through “various trials” which grieve them and threaten to steal their hope. He seeks to encourage them by reminding them of God’s sovereign plan. In the past, they were unsaved. … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, discipleship, Holy Spirit, hope, Jesus Christ, suffering
Tagged 1 Peter 1
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Devotions 