grace (197)

Ian

Sacrifice of Living

Isaiah 1:10–18, Psalm 50, Romans 5:20–6:11 The problem with the Law was the human ability to think out the payment schedule, particularly the wealthy. What the wealthy did, it seems, was to commit the sin, then pay the penalty. In other words, the payment for…

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Ian

Remember the Gone

Matthew 22:23–33, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Romans 8:26–30 All Saints Day was established to honor the saints of the church. As we talked about yesterday, it is also a good time to reflect upon those that helped shape your faith. By so doing these people were…

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Ian

Power of Service

Mark 10:42–45, John 21:15–17, 1 Peter 4:7–11 Power to control. That’s what Jesus is talking about in the passage in Mark. The Gentile “rulers” (though the same applied to many of the Pharisees and scribes, as well) lorded their power, influence, and wealth over others,…

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Ian

Work to Death or for Life

Acts 6:1–7, James 2:14–26 In his book, With Unveiled Faces, Kieth Drury writes, “Serious Christians get into lifesaving boats and go to sea to rescue people in need, refusing to sit in our warm lighthouses waiting for the shipwrecked to wash up on shore.” As…

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Ian

Maturing Change

Psalm 55:1-19, Romans 7:18-25 It’s likely you’ve heard this bad joke, but… How many psychologists (or psychiatrists or counselors) does it take to change a lightbulb? None, because the light bulb has to want to change. (yes, it’s a bad joke) The reality is that…

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