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In: Bible and Theology, Forgiveness, Grace, Prayer and Devotions

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” (Ephesians 1:7) In the “take your own devotions seriously” category, the day after my devotions reminded us, among other things, to pray about everything and always ask God for direction and his opinion, I let my husband talk me into going out to some marketing class on Saturday morning when I’d wanted to spend a relaxing day at home.  In a classic, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death” moment, we ran off the way that seemedRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Grace, Legalism

By Adam Graham Since the earliest churches, many believers have thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were like us?” This is opposed to thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were like Christ?” The first group like this was the Judaizers, who sought to make early Gentile converts comply with Old Testament ceremonial laws. The Apostle Paul severely criticized the Judaizers’ legalism in requiring the works of the law for salvation in addition to the cross. Paul’s ire at them may be summed up in Galatians 5:12 (ESV): “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” Paul’s concern with legalism goes further thanRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Grace, Prayer and Devotions, Sin and Holiness

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Sin leads to death: physical death, spiritual death, death of relationship, etc. Any time something dies, it is the wages of sin–Adam’s in the garden at minimum.  But this law no longer has the last word. Oh death, where is your victory? Oh grave, where is your sting? Because the Lord’s tomb is empty, and sin is nailed to the cross, this physical life is not the end, His Spirit can live in us, we are restored to relationship with Him andRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Grace, Prayer and Devotions

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3 Going in, I find myself assuming Peter must have been talking to a brand new church and brand new Christians, since Paul slammed a church for still crawling around in diapers, drinking milk, and not able to digest the meat and potatoes he felt they ought to have been ready for. Perhaps this is meant rather as a reminder to take stock from time to time of the spiritual essentials we think we alreadyRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Forgiveness, Grace, Prayer and Devotions

Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Lev 19:17,18 Quite odd verses to put together. It appears to be saying: Don’t hate your fellow Christian in your heart, but rebuke them openly, for looking the other way at sin makes you complicit in it. Don’t take revenge or bear grudges, but love your neighbor as yourself. It’s odd to us because we have often been led to believe byRead More →