word ⁽¹⁵⁶⁾

Colossians 3:1–11 Paul’s list of idolatrous tendencies to be put to death seems pretty straightforward. Sexual immorality is (basically) sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman. Impurity continues the sexual theme, but it is less specific. Lust is lust. Evil desire is…

Rom 2:25–29, Revelation 3:7–13 The struggle between Jew and Christian has long been the case. Initially, there was a mix of those with good motives (e.g., preserving the “true” faith, protection from apostasy) and bad motives (e.g., pride, influence). Then there were those who regularly…

Isaiah 30:8–17, 1 Thessalonians 2:2–12 “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”—Church of the Nazarene Mission Statement “Iron sharpens iron and one person sharpens another.”—Proverbs 27:17 Discipleship is not a program, nor is it a class. It is a lifestyle. If we are not careful,…

Matthew 15:10–20, Luke 6:39–42, Ephesians 6:12–18 In our current political and cultural climate, there are plenty of sharp barbs being thrown out. If we wanted to, we could say flaming arrows, which is metaphorically accurate. It’s pretty nuts, and certainly unloving, unpeaceful, impatient (i.e, doesn’t…

Exodus 23:3, Deuteronomy 21:15–17, James 2:1–9 Favoritism generally does not result in good things. By good things, we don’t mean financial gain. The normal “benefits” of favoritism is gaining influence or wealth to the detriment of another, usually by showing preferential behavior to an individual.