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Defining the Kingdom of God
“The kingdom Jesus proclaimed was neither Christianity, church, nor Christendom (words that carry all kinds of unhelpful associations in the minds of many people…). Above all else, Jesus understood the kingdom to be a community — that amazing divine and human community of loving friendship that God had envisioned from the beginning of all creation, and that has remained his constant…
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Why do we have to keep asking for miracles?
Reading and praying through the Gospel of Mark, I am interested in 2 stories: the feeding of the 5,000 then the feeding of the 4,000. Two miracles where each time the disciples are baffled as to what to do. Why can’t they remember what Jesus did the last time?
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The peace in the storm
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on…
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The Kingdom of God isn’t about huge beginnings
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in…
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Increasing our spiritual capacity
Growth in the Kingdom of God is possible, and it is beyond our imagination most of the time. The Spirit is longing to increase our capacity for living out Kingdom power in this world. “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more;…
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Spiritual Leadership — Imparting gifts
Paul had the leading of the Spirit to see Timothy and invite him to come alongside in ministry. Paul had watched Timothy develop. He could see the potential and the gifts flowing in Timothy’s life and ministry.
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The way forward as the church
In our American culture, the church should be leading a new way forward. This passage helps me focus on the way in which to lead: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as…
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The goal of a powerful life in Christ
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him…
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Anchors for Living
All I need is mine… because I am HIS. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the…
Tag: Spiritual Formation
