Category Archives: works

win – win

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 2 The building projects imagined by David and launched by Solomon were more than just personal dreams.  They were a political success because they solidified trade agreements between the nations.  They were a social success because the provided … Continue reading →

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here shall be the house

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19 After David had purchased the threshing floor of Ornon and averted the plague, he builds an altar there and sacrifices to God on the site.  Then, he gets the idea that the site could serve as the … Continue reading →

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God helps those…

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

1 Chronicles 12 This chapter shows the strong support David received from the tribes of Israel after it became clear that he was God’s choice for king.  Thousands came to him, even from Benjamin – Saul’s tribe.  It was obvious … Continue reading →

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waiting for Jesus

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 13 Saul’s mistake was in assuming that he had the authority to set aside God’s revealed will because time was of the essence.  He was losing the confidence of the people because Samuel delayed.  So, he decided to … Continue reading →

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mission and limits

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 15 Joshua’s mission was to lead the people of Israel on a conquest of the land.  Many of the cities listed in this chapter attest to the success of that mission.  But there were limits to that success.  “But … Continue reading →

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Joseph: out of the pit

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 41:1-36.   Joseph had been retrieved from a pit and sold to slave traders.  That is how he wound up in Egypt.  He was  wrongfully accused by his master’s wife, and thrown into another “pit” – a prison.  Years later, … Continue reading →

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Jesus and the teacher

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

John 3:1-21.  Jesus called Nicodemus “the teacher of Israel” (19).  That title reflected back on what Nicodemus had called him – a teacher come from God (2). At that point in his life, Nicodemus could be called a success. He … Continue reading →

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after faith: proof

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

James 2:14-26.   After faith comes into a person’s life, there will always be things that the person does that demonstrate the validity of that faith.  These works could never be the basis of that person’s salvation, but they can prove … Continue reading →

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disciples: contributions to the kingdom

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

  Mark 12.  Jesus continues to teach his disciples by drawing attention to spiritual realities they are observing in the physical Jerusalem.  He points out a poor widow and her offering of two leptas – about 1/64th of a day’s … Continue reading →

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only Jesus: way to God’s coming city

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Hebrews 13:1-19.  Jesus is the only one who has finished the race.  He now stands at the finish line, encouraging us to endure the race, so that we can get to the goal: the city that is to come (14).  … Continue reading →

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