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The incredible power of the crucifixion
The irony of Jesus’ crucifixion is often lost in a couple of poorly translated words. We often just don’t know what to do with the words in that context, so it ends up being that Jesus was crucified with a couple of thieves. Actually, Barabbas, along with the two crucified with Jesus, were probably terrorists. They threatened the Empire. Jesus…
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How to astonish the world as the church
As Jesus prayed for the church in John 17, he prayed a HIGH OCTANE prayer for us! We need to hear this call in our lives. As the church bears the Spirit, it also bears the “call of God to the world” because we are to live out the manifestation of the love and glory of God in the world.…
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The root of discipleship
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) Thoughts on discipleship come to mind every time I study John 15. “The growing disciple in whom the Father and Son live through the Spirit is…
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The Political Jesus
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it was a time the crowd decided to boldly make a play for his leadership. They laid out palms, as symbols of Jewish nationalism. They cried out for their King to save them… from the Roman oppression. Jesus wants our praise and celebration. “But too often we only see him through the issues…
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Jesus will always divide the house
As I work my way through John, and Gary Burge’s commentary in The NIV Application Commentary, I am struck by Burge’s notes on the alienation Jesus will create. Jesus will ALWAYS divide. We can make our claims about “if Jesus were here he would obviously take up MY view and thus all sides would have to agree with me,” but in…
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Loving religion more than God
A sentence from Gary Burge’s commentary on John (The NIV Application Commentary) hits hard. It is a reflection on John 5 and Jesus’ accusation toward the religious leaders: They love the religious life, but they have forgotten how to love God. Ouch. A lot of things can be more of an, “Oh me!” rather than an “Amen!” God, help me!
Tag: Gary Burge
