darkness (48)

Ian

Hope in Death

Isaiah 4:2–6, Romans 6:1–11 (read online ⧉) If you have been steeped in Christian thinking you can read this passage as an obvious foreshadowing of the Messiah (Jesus). Let’s set aside our Christian thinking, and look at this from a beaten and downtrodden people. This…

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Ian

Binding Ties

1 Samuel 2:12–17, 1 Samuel 2:22–36, Matthew 10:16–23, Ephesians 6:10–20 Who or what are the dark powers that Paul talks about in Ephesians? Perhaps they are the family members that oppose believers. Perhaps they are the family members the “dress up” in righteous clothing and…

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Ian

The Mission Vocation

Matthew 10:5–15, 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, Ephesians 3:8–14 What is your mission? What is your calling? In the Christian world, these can be powerful questions. If we let ourselves get wrapped up in them, they can bring us down. However, if we don’t see, or choose…

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Ian

Long Haul Saving

Numbers 21:4–9, Galatians 5:22–24, 2 Corinthians 6:3–13 The story is of the staff is fascinating, and we can see its long-reaching effects even today (look at many ambulances). However, as fun as that might be, we need to talk about one of the underlying causes…

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Ian

Through God's Mercy

2 Corinthians 4:1–6 Ministry. Mercy. Determination. Cleansing. Sharing. Shining. Ministry: each and every one of us is a minister of the Gospel of Reconciliation. Every one of us. Pastor and preachers they have their roles. That does not excuse anyone from being a minister of…

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