Category Archives: will of God

Jacob: envy and manipulation

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 29:31-30:43.  The Israelites in Moses’ day would look back upon today’s text and see how God orchestrated the events to produce Jacob’s family and prosperity.  Yet they would also see that their own existence was the result of human … Continue reading →

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Jacob: grace with consequences

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

  Genesis 29:1-30.   God is at work in the background of Jacob’s life, making sure that he stays with Laban long enough to cool down the anger of Esau, and so preserve Jacob’s life by his grace.  But God has … Continue reading →

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Jacob: a wife for the master’s son

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 27:41-28:9.   Rebekah did not want her son, Jacob, marrying like Esau did.  The Hittite women Esau married had made life bitter for her and Isaac.  But the real reason she wanted Jacob to move back to Paddan-Aram to stay … Continue reading →

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Isaac: a wife for the master’s son

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 24.   Abraham gave his servant specific instructions that he should travel the long distance back to Paddan-Aram and find a wife for Isaac there.  She should not come from the Canaanites.  The servant found Rebekah, who demonstrated the qualities … Continue reading →

Posted in church, commitment, evangelism, Isaac, Jesus Christ, love, relationship with God, submission, will of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

Abraham: casting out the slave and her son

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 21:1-21.  Isaac had been born, and laughter filled Abraham’s house.  But some of the laughter appears to have been mocking from Ishmael, who is about 16 years old by now.  Sarah is indignant, and orders that he and his … Continue reading →

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after faith: no rat race

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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after faith: humble yourselves

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

James 4:1-10.    The same apostle who advised us to count it all joy when we face trials now tells us to “be wretched and mourn and weep” – to humblle ourselves “before the Lord and he will exalt” us.  Remember … Continue reading →

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evangelism: perspective on potential

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Romans 9:1-29.   If the doctrine of God’s sovereignty over the salvation of the lost has application concerning evangelism it is this: everyone you meet is a potential child of God.  Background, pedigree, – even present lifestyle – neither of these … Continue reading →

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silence from the Holy Spirit

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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baptism with the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Luke 3:1-22.  John came proclaiming a baptism (in water).  Those who submitted to John’s baptism signified that they have repented from their sins.  god’s wrath is coming to destroy all sinners and he will not spare sinners who happen to … Continue reading →

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