Category Archives: witness
the Holy Spirit helps us wait
Luke 20:45-21:38. Luke’s rendering of the eschatological discourse has Jesus predicting two major events: the days of vengeance that will lead to the desolation of Jerusalem (20-22) and the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great … Continue reading
Posted in future, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, second coming, witness
Tagged Luke 20, Luke 21
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the Holy Spirit, the law, and the gospel
Luke 16:1-17:10. The rich men of Jesus’ day had created a religion that mocked the purposes of God. They narrowly defined the law into traditions amenable to the rich alone, then forced strict obedience to that narrow tradition. But Jesus … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, witness
Tagged Luke 16, Luke 17
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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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the Holy Spirit and real disciples
Luke 9:51-10:24. In this series of stories, Jesus and his disciples begin their journey toward Jerusalem. Along the way, readers learn how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of real disciples. Real disciples are not surprised when their master … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, evangelism, faith, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 10, Luke 9
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the Holy Spirit at the Jerusalem temple
Luke 2:22-52. These stories highlight how the Holy Spirit was manifesting himself at the temple in Jerusalem. He was not in the greatness of the buildings nor the glory of the worship. It was the humble faithfulness of an old … Continue reading
Posted in church, evangelism, faithfulness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, witness
Tagged Luke 2
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words from the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:57-80. The message of a prophet burns in his spirit. He cannot wait to say what God has revealed to him. Zechariah had been made deaf and mute because he would not believe Gabriel’s message. He was not free … Continue reading
Posted in evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, missions, witness
Tagged Luke 1
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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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living examples
1 Peter 2:11-3:12. Peter encourages believers to demonstrate their faith in Christ by good deeds, through which they show the world around them that Christ can change lives. They must keep their conduct honorable. They must submit to every human … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, genuineness, holiness, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 2, 1 Peter 3
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disciples: appointment with Jesus
Mark 16. One must be cautious of commenting on the content of verses 9-20, since it is unclear whether these verses were part of what Mark originally wrote. If we regard verse 8 as the true ending of the Gospel, … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, gospel, Jesus Christ, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Mark 16
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Devotions 