Tag: Bible study
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Rooted in the Resurrection
The Corinthian congregation was riddled with problems. Paul had to address numerous things that would be repugnant, even to our morally depraved society. A sectarian spirit permeated this group (chs. 1-4). Sexual immorality “of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles” (1 Cor. 5:1b). Folks were eating with no regard for…
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Lessons from I Corinthians
The gospel calls us to do things that seem ignorant compared to the “enlightened world” around us. This may be more evident in Paul’s first Corinthian epistle than in other places. In chapter one Paul argues, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being…
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Lessons from Acts
God works through His people. One of the greatest truths as a reader passes from Luke’s gospel to Acts is that Jesus started something (Gospel) and His people continue it (Acts). Consider Peter’s comments when he begins his sermon to Cornelius: The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus…
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Lessons from Romans
If every Christian would regularly read chapters one, two, and three and remember they fit in there with everyone else, Christianity would be better for it. Paul seems to write every epistle with a deep awareness of who he once was and who he would still be were it not for the gospel of Jesus…
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Lessons from Galatians
There is only one gospel. Within the framework of salvation, the Bible story, and certainly any discussion of theology, we must hold the viewpoint of no compromise. The gospel is a singularity, just like God who orchestrated it, the Bible that reveals it, and the cross of Christ that initiates it. Paul admonished his readers…
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James on Practical Christianity
The practical admonitions of the epistle of James have lost none of their potency over the last two thousand years. Perhaps the most intriguing one is the first one James mentions: “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials” (Jas. 1:2). While Paul nowhere states the truth as clearly…
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Be Discerning
Mt. 7:15-20 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good…
The Preacher's Desk 