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One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Recently I have witnesses renewed sniping between Calvinists and Arminians. I am used to this coming from “radical” Calvinists. (Think: John MacArthur.) But what has happened recently is coming from the Arminian camp. My own denomination called Calvinism a challenge to the gospel. I look at these recent flareups and then read Ephesians 4:1-11. Basically I think that we could…
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Praying Powerful Prayers
If you REALLY want to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayers in Ephesians. I pray these prayers over people in my church, my family, friends, enemies… I want to know God the way Paul knew him! What generous prayers! God’s overwhelming power is at work in each of us. Truly PRAY over your friends this way this week!
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IN Christ
I think of an old hymn when I read through Ephesians 1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand. Go through Ephesians 1…
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Centered in on Christ
Colossians 3 is a great passage for spiritual formation. The “nuts and bolts” of living life in Christ are here. Spiritual formation helps us center in on what is essential. Center to our lives is where we fix our gaze. It is Christ. It is Christ exalted. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ…
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Off to New Orleans
My wife and I are off for a week. We fly to New Orleans where I will attend the Kiwanis International Convention. She will go see our oldest son and his wife in Alabama. I will join them on Sunday and we’ll have a few days together, including the 4th. I have no idea what is available through internet or…
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You are DEAD… and That is Good News!
Before there was a TV show about hoarders, I lived it. Well, I didn’t personally live it. My dad was in business and some customers he dealt with were in that category long before there was a TV show. Too bad those folks died so many years ago, those TV producers would have LOVED them! Before there was the TV show, there…
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Our Cues Need to Come from the Living Word
There are passages of Scripture I could just “camp on” like anyone else. Two of those passages are in this week’s reading for our church. One of the books we’re reading this week is Ephesians. That letter restored so much in my life several years ago. Then, we are reading Romans and Romans 8 is one of the finest chapters…
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Paul, Calling, Servanthood, and Apostleship
Our journey through the New Testament takes us through Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon. Just starting with Romans 1:1, I am struck by how Paul describes himself. A Slave Many translations say “servant” or “bondservant.” The word can also mean “slave.” He is shackled to his Savior in service. “Slave” isn’t a very safe word in our modern world, but…
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White Knuckle Christianity
Growing up in a conservative church was more about what you didn’t do rather than what you DID do. That’s just life. We all have things growing up we need to learn how to adjust. Those things may not need to be tossed overboard. They may just need to be readjusted. But when you grow up worrying about the things…
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So You Think YOU Have Problems?
Over the past several months I have taken part in two blog tours for the Common English Bible. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience because it allowed me to really dig into a new translation. I am a translation junkie, so this was a great exercise for me. I have found the CEB to be really refreshing to read…
