Tag Archives: Expository Teaching

Spiritual Nuggets 4/16/2024

The Real Reality John and Ezekiel open their prophetic books in a similar fashion—to prepare us for an unexpected view: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his slaves the things which must take place … Continue reading

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Why So Much Evil and Suffering? – 2

Too Much Evil Though the words sound shocking, we can reasonably say that the quantity of evil expressed on earth exceeds by far what atheistic evolutionary explanations can account for. Only the real existence of God and of His adversary, … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/15/2024

Key Players and Main Narratives The book of Acts ends on a somewhat unsatisfying note. After all that Paul has been through—imprisonment, trial, shipwreck—we expect a showdown with Caesar or mass conversions of the Jews. Instead, the plot seems to … Continue reading

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Why So Much Evil and Suffering? – 1

If a non-Christian were to ask us about any of the controversial topics that face many non-believers today, we probably would be ready to converse. Many, if not most of us, would be thrilled at the chance to discuss our … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 6

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 The New Birth – Continued Because they are partakers of the divine life, Peter states some practicalities that Christians should put away once for all, namely the following unloving acts: Malice—the harboring of evil thoughts … Continue reading

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Faith From The Beginning 4/13/2024

Abraham’s Desire LET us return to the narrative of Abraham: After God has promised to protect Abram and reward him, Abram begins to question God emphatically. He reminds the Lord that he is not primarily interested at all in the … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 5

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 The New Birth Once again Peter takes his readers back to their new birth, and this time he expounds on the source of our new birth, the seed being the Word of God. The exhortations … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/12/2024

Rebuilding Is Not Always Wise Who can rebuild what Yahweh tears down? The prophets articulate this message again and again. Yahweh tears down evil things; evil people rebuild them; the prophets insist that He will just tear them down again. … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 4

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 Love One Another Now the Apostle Peter urges his readers to have a mind suited for loving others (1 Peter 1:22-2:3). First, he describes the new birth and points out that one of the changes … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/11/2024

Turning the Tables When Paul presents the gospel before King Agrippa, we expect him to be defensive. But Paul is ready to shift the spotlight. He offers a surprisingly simple explanation of recent events and a testimony of his faith, … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 3

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 Breaking With the World – Continued Christ’s work for us was no afterthought on God’s part. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/10/2024

The True Source of Leadership When leaders latch onto power, considering it their right, it’s destructive. God holds leaders to a higher standard because their words and actions cause others to rise or fall. When leaders of corporations, churches, or … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 2

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 A Heart of Reverence Peter continues on and exhorts believers in the fact that we are not only commanded to holiness but also to a reverent mind. This means a respectful fear, one based in … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/09/2024

Unexpected Opportunities When we are busy doing the work of the kingdom, how do we respond to obstacles that get in our way? Do we expect God to blast a path straight through so that we can proceed? We might … Continue reading

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Called to Be Holy – 1

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 In previous verses before our text, Peter had been dealing with the glories of our salvation. At this point, he launches into a series of exhortations based on what is to follow. At the outset, … Continue reading

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Spiritual Nuggets 4/08/2024

Visions, Revelations, and Questions The prophets of old had visions and dreamed dreams. They experienced apocalyptic nightmares and witnessed breathtaking scenes of beauty. Perhaps most fascinating, though, is how they reacted. Zechariah provides us with an example of both the … Continue reading

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Faith and Generosity – 3

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The Scriptural Argument – Continued. James now observes that faith and actions (deeds or works) can’t be separated. Faith which is only in the mind is not yet complete; faith starts there, but doesn’t finish there. … Continue reading

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Faith and Generosity – 2

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The Theological Argument. Such a strong example as James has given the readers, calls for a defense. James then proceeds to give it. He brings in an imaginary person to argue with him. This opponent treats … Continue reading

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Faith From The Beginning 4/06/2024

Genesis 15 CONCERNING Abraham’s faith then we have to ask the question, therefore, what did Abraham believe? What was it that God said, which Abraham believed, and which saved him and was counted to him for righteousness? We have the … Continue reading

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Faith and Generosity – 1

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The term for ‘mercy’ referenced in the verse preceding our text is often related to that for giving to the needy. One form of mercy I’d like to discuss in relation to faith and works, is … Continue reading

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