tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44336692158245396532012-01-22T17:04:58.730-08:00When we open ourselves to wonder, God can speak...gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.comBlogger2141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-62526696844327577152012-01-22T16:54:00.000-08:002012-01-22T17:00:32.365-08:00

(Sometimes my faith-related blog can't help but intertwine with my aviation-related one. Today's such a day ...) This video is an especially good reminder that computers do not fly aircraft. Computers can of course, be used to guide an aircraft along a pre-programmed pathway that was selected and authorized by a human being, provided the computer's progress is continually monitored and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-45491670779696802792012-01-18T08:17:00.001-08:002012-01-18T08:17:22.350-08:00

Psalm 6:1 (NLT)O Lord, don't rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage.The image of God rebuking us in anger is common in the Old Testament. This has caused people to think of the OT God as an "angry old man," and we can have difficulty reconciling that image with Jesus who began his ministry with these words: (Matthew 12:20)"He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-17636769861179131242012-01-04T07:38:00.001-08:002012-01-04T07:54:43.723-08:00

Psalm 5:10 (NLT) Drive them away because of their many sins,[ ] for they have rebelled against you. Some of the worst attitudes and confused points of view that sometimes arise in Christians are expressed in this Psalm. That's the trouble with Psalms. When followers of Jesus read these ancient songs and poems, without fully appreciating the great reversals Christ made to our view of who is a

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-32783718891196124312012-01-03T08:48:00.001-08:002012-01-03T09:12:56.903-08:00

The earliest Christians taught that Jesus was the Christ, using the OT scriptures, which are replete with prophecies about Messiah (Hebrew)/ Christ (Greek). It's fascinating how many messianic references are obvious only after Jesus' ministry and crucifixion/resurrection. This opening verse of Psalms 4 is like that. Imagine the "aha!" moment Jesus' disciples must have experienced, when they

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-10669900157795801472011-12-19T05:55:00.001-08:002011-12-19T05:55:59.060-08:00

A Christ-follower reading the Psalms has to contend with Jesus' command in Matthew 5:44-48 (NLT) "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-3557272584660371652011-12-15T07:39:00.001-08:002011-12-15T07:39:16.618-08:00

Psalm 2:1Why are the nations so angry? ... Wars are continually waged throughout history by nations. Why?Psalm 2:3 (NLT)"Let us break their chains," they cry, "and free ourselves from slavery to God."... Ultimately it seems that war is really a rejection of God's supremacy and authority.Psalm 2:12 (NLT)Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-48972607320132385412011-12-05T10:14:00.001-08:002011-12-05T10:14:51.119-08:00

Psalm 1For Christians the Old Testament becomes an entirely different book because we are required (and enabled) to read it through a new lens. This is seen immediately in the first Psalm. At first glance it is a poem about the great chasm that exists between "the wicked," and "the righteous." The original readers would interpret it as a warning to make sure we are on the right side of the line,

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-72321914097015305002011-08-14T07:32:00.001-07:002011-08-14T07:32:23.095-07:00

Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 (NLT)... So I said to myself, "Since I will end up the same as the fool, what's the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!" [16] For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten...."- Apart from a transendent worldview, that includes some sort of life after death, all our

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-2584138258413439982011-08-07T18:18:00.001-07:002011-08-07T18:18:00.584-07:00

Ecclesiastes 1:10-11 (NLT)Sometimes people say, "Here is something new!" But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don't remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now."-- In keeping with the economic and social turmoil of last week, and looking ahead to another week that promises more of the same, I wonder if it might be a

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-89590814054854835442011-08-05T09:49:00.001-07:002011-08-05T09:49:06.450-07:00

If we live in a culture of entitlement and self-indulgence, then hardships are devalued, useless and even an affront to what we believe the universe "owes" us. Hard times are only negative.By contrast, if we live within a context of service and self-sacrifice, hard times, when they inevitably arrive, become opportunities for growth, strengthening of character and deeply positive experiences.--

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-19753570334736754322011-07-16T12:21:00.000-07:002011-07-16T12:21:16.678-07:00

That word "repentance" doesn't mean to merely be sorry for what we've done.  Rather, it refers to a lifelong process of turning away from previous choices and beliefs and ideas towards a new way of living that we have come to believe is truer and better. A holy way if you will.   That word "holy" also carries many misapprehensions.  Holy is not intended to convey a snobbish, I'm-better-than-you

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-37540790017039124812011-07-08T07:17:00.001-07:002011-07-08T07:17:20.162-07:00

3 John 1:11 (NLT)... Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.Our actions never win our salvation... We cannot "do" our way into eternal life. But our choices in life reveal who we have chosen to follow.-- gmc --

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-9207881962691815182011-06-30T06:34:00.001-07:002011-06-30T06:34:18.389-07:00

2 John 1:1 (NLT)This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, ...An alternate translation of this phrase: " the chosen lady and to her children, ..." is: "the church God has chosen and its members."This coded language is used throughout this short letter, so I suspect it is written to a church meeting secretly under dangerous circumstances. If the

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-9523544639653785132011-06-24T07:13:00.001-07:002011-06-29T11:54:06.214-07:00

1 John 5:1 (NLT) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. ... - It's a popular turn of speech to refer to humans as a children of God, which is true in the sense that the life within all of us originates from the CreatorSource - aka God. What I think John is saying here is that when we believe that Jesus is the messiah, and come to understand what that means

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-41845781982059124062011-06-19T05:16:00.001-07:002011-06-19T05:16:43.723-07:00

1 John 4:16,19 (NLT)We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. [19] We love each other because he loved us first.- This chapter on God-as-Love and our relationship with God and one-another because of Love, is one of the most profound passages in the bible. If we can deeply understand just this

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-49901932892199953132011-06-17T04:59:00.001-07:002011-06-17T04:59:48.584-07:00

1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion-how can God's love be in that person? [18] Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-79101752195300397572011-06-11T03:50:00.001-07:002011-06-11T03:50:35.522-07:00

1 John 1:2 (NLT)This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. ...- I try to imagine what it must have been like... To hold Jesus by the hand, look into his eyes and to know that I am looking into the eyes of God. Staring into the source of my life, holding onto his infinite form as he expresses himself into existence as flesh and blood. To see God and be fully seen... Wow.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-75216454722101550782011-06-06T07:40:00.001-07:002011-06-06T07:40:08.070-07:00

2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ...After dealing with certain issues surrounding the question of Christ's return, Peter returns to the bottom line for believers. It is the one thing, the only thing that any of us can do anything about - growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-65662807869535109472011-06-03T06:16:00.001-07:002011-06-03T06:16:25.701-07:00

2 Peter 2:19 (NLT)They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.- I don't know who Peter is outing here so vehemently. I'm sure a good bible commentary will have some ideas. There are certainly false teachers around today who come to mind.Buried in this powerful condemnation is an important little parable: "You are a slave

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-59613569705302201162011-06-02T07:12:00.001-07:002011-06-03T05:56:13.273-07:00

2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)... to share his divine nature...- That the divine nature forms within human beings is mind-boggling.2 Peter 1:16,18 (NLT)...We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes [18] We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.- Peter is referring to the event where he and two others winessed Jesus' transfiguration, and heard the voice of God

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-48288126812909951592011-06-01T05:52:00.001-07:002011-06-01T05:52:52.911-07:00

1 Peter 5:9 (NLT)... Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.1 Peter 5:12 (NLT)... My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.- It's hard to grasp that suffering can actually be a redemptive process - evidence

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-86884942852813292352011-05-31T06:14:00.001-07:002011-05-31T06:14:05.005-07:00

1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.- Peter, in agreement with Paul, affirms the primacy of love.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-82551057107867234512011-05-30T05:49:00.001-07:002011-05-30T05:49:43.706-07:00

1 Peter 3:1 (NLT)In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. ...- The key words in this admonition are "in the same way." He's just been discussing the importance of doing good and living what is right, even if it causes suffering as a result of doing good. Just as we are to live this way before our authority figures in the surrounding state, so too we are called to do

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-88061480692039672202011-05-26T08:07:00.001-07:002011-05-26T08:09:55.492-07:00

1 Peter 2:13 (NLT)For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority-whether the king as head of state,...1 Peter 2:18...You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you-not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. - These verses certainly rule out armed insurrection as viable activities for Christians. In the old

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-67924868930943241812011-05-25T06:01:00.001-07:002011-05-25T06:01:40.780-07:00

1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT)Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, [3] now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.- After the premise set in the first chapter, that all our sustenance is from God and all our hope is in God, it is easy to picture ourselves as babies totally dependant upon God

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-9518790979071570482011-05-24T07:58:00.001-07:002011-05-24T07:58:26.593-07:00

1 Peter 1:4 (NLT)... we have a priceless inheritance-an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.- Paul wrote about how we can look forward to a spiritual body that we are becoming. Here Peter refers to an inheritance that is pure and undefiled, beyond change and decay. Sounds good. Sounds really good!1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)So be truly glad.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-23637507465823130112011-05-23T07:46:00.001-07:002011-05-23T07:46:19.943-07:00

James 5:14-15 (NLT)Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.- This is one of the many verses in the bible that can cause a lot of confusion and pain, for

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-74218670245688715202011-05-21T07:16:00.001-07:002011-05-21T07:16:49.777-07:00

James 5:7-8 (NLT)Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. [8] You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.- This is perhaps the most encouraging news of all. Despite self-declared prophets who set

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-75625105373021225452011-05-16T07:08:00.001-07:002011-05-16T07:08:42.409-07:00

James 5:2-3 (NLT)Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. [3] Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment.- I think it was Mark Twain who said something like: "It's not the parts of the bible that I

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-23614486480356967592011-05-15T06:42:00.001-07:002011-05-15T06:42:52.988-07:00

James 4:17 (NLT)Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.- Sin is usually thought of as "bad" we should avoid, but here James says rather it is "good" that we should constantly seek, but don't.When you think about it, this is a much higher and more positive approach.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-15952765032163789342011-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:54.743-07:00

James 4:7-8 (NLT)So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.- These passages remind me of Paul's admonitions to differentiate between being in the world, but not of the world. Our identity must be found in

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-14892431860618203552011-05-11T06:51:00.001-07:002011-05-11T06:51:50.498-07:00

James 4:1 (NLT)What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you?- "World Peace" begins as peace in human hearts. It sounds like such a simple thing.Here's a song lyric I like that touches on our need and only true hope for inner peace:"Walking on water was the easier partTaking darkness out of every heartInto His own this is aloneKeeping

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-77825991810131622262011-05-10T06:58:00.001-07:002011-05-10T07:00:24.445-07:00

James 3:17 (NLT)But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.- This kind of wisdom is rarely seen or heard from in our current media-saturated, sound-bite, sensationalized, "news"-soaked public forum.Surely this is our own fault. The

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-84507455893691653472011-05-09T07:48:00.001-07:002011-05-09T07:48:24.956-07:00

James 3:2 (NLT)... For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.- Somewhere else in the bible, it is written that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Here James is making a similar point. What we say (and do) are reflections of our inner being.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-80326619529286669272011-05-07T07:42:00.001-07:002011-05-07T07:42:44.036-07:00

James 2:17 (NLT)So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.- it is always true that merely knowing something and claiming to "believe it" is completely useless if this belief doesn't translate into action. For example, If a pilot says he is a safe operator, but does not follow through by "grounding" his plane when a defect is found during his

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-41450084367356017302011-05-06T07:49:00.001-07:002011-05-06T07:49:47.492-07:00

James 2:8-9 (NLT)Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." [9] But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.- Which is more challenging? To not give favor to a rich person based on their wealth, power and influence, or to give favor to someone who lacks all these, and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-18550660799577774082011-05-05T07:36:00.001-07:002011-05-05T07:36:51.247-07:00

James 1:22 (NLT)But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.- There are so many gems of wisdom in this first chapter, and each paragraph is worth an in depth study.But finally if we don't put what we learn into practice, letting it change our inner being, then it's worthless.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-1550958068802268802011-05-04T06:47:00.001-07:002011-05-04T06:47:20.368-07:00

James 1:2 (NLT)Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.- Now that's a lifelong challenge! Somewhere we're told that "for the joy set before him" Jesus endured death on the cross. Now when I stop and think about Jesus' struggles during his prayers in Gethsamane, I think we can let ourselves off the hook if we don't go skipping, jumping and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-48649710112389966252011-05-03T07:51:00.001-07:002011-05-03T07:51:44.110-07:00

James 1:1 (NLT)... I am writing to the "twelve tribes"- Jewish believers scattered abroad. ...James is using an expression that represents the descendants of Jacob who became the biblical nation of Israel. This article (linked below) discusses the origins of the biblical nation of Israel:http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0020_0_20039.html(This name has also been

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-90712353599387799612011-05-02T07:37:00.001-07:002011-05-02T07:37:10.268-07:00

DeAnn suggested James as the next book to read through together - which works great for me. Here goes:James 1:1 (NLT)This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. ...- Wikki encyclopedia has a detailed article suggesting various authors of this book:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_of_JamesRegardless of the specific purpose and identity of the author the book is

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-46277139917126770682011-05-01T06:12:00.001-07:002011-05-01T06:12:23.213-07:00

2 Corinthians 13:7,9 (NLT)... I hope we won't need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come-even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. ... [9] We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong.- Paul's willingness to look weak, for their sake, is instructive. No ego problems with Paul.2 Corinthians 13:14

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-84627895974544826212011-04-30T06:32:00.001-07:002011-04-30T06:32:03.844-07:00

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (NLT)I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. - Apparently in the worldview of the time, the lower sky of wind and weather was the first heaven, the stars and planets, moon and sun occupied the second heaven, and the third heaven was the invisible world of God and the heavenly beings which exists above all and is hidden from our normal perception.2 Corinthians

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-84720219872987966302011-04-29T06:41:00.001-07:002011-04-29T06:41:29.915-07:00

2 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT)Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. [24] Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-37273496548708580072011-04-27T07:10:00.001-07:002011-04-27T07:11:06.015-07:00

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT)We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. [4] We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.- I wonder specifically which weapons Paul has in mind. Prayer? I'm sure. Love? Grace? Compassion? Most likely. What else, I wonder...

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-57381059135139698782011-04-23T07:02:00.001-07:002011-04-23T07:02:38.296-07:00

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."- Giving & Offering in the new covenant is completely different than tithing.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-69669841078449026392011-04-22T08:50:00.001-07:002011-04-22T08:50:13.900-07:00

2 Corinthians 8:4 (NLT)They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.- Apparently the church in Jerusalem is experiencing some very tough times and the far-flung churches to whom Paul is ministering want to help out.2 Corinthians 8:12-14 (NLT)Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-79084060681855514942011-04-21T06:25:00.001-07:002011-04-21T06:25:12.069-07:00

2 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT)... in Macedonia,... We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.- It's instructive to see the famous apostle admit to fear. Despite our "head knowledge" telling us that with God we have no need to fear, actually achieving a faith so deep as to banish all fear is a lifetime goal.2 Corinthians 7:6 (NLT)But God, who encourages

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-80096107762950143342011-04-19T07:02:00.001-07:002011-04-19T07:05:07.018-07:00

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NLT)And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [17] Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. ...-

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-59241129519606095092011-04-17T07:06:00.001-07:002011-04-17T07:06:00.284-07:00

2 Corinthians 6:1,2 (NLT)As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.- This paragraph seems like a closing thought to the preceding topic in chapter 5. (The chapter divisions and verse

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-50657149904609007862011-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:002011-04-17T05:00:05.173-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. ... (16) So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. ... (19) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.- Over the centuries, and certainly in the last few decades, this true and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-73140172960179423022011-04-16T07:28:00.001-07:002011-04-16T07:29:48.924-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:1,3 (NLT)For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. ... [3] For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.- This is a fascinating passage to wonder about. Paul's statement that "we

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-72401948757848786252011-04-15T07:46:00.001-07:002011-04-15T07:46:22.713-07:00

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.- This one paragraph contains four of the most fascinating statements in the bible: 1. Satan is the god of this world... How can this

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-217282700386815462011-04-14T10:33:00.000-07:002011-04-14T11:05:21.983-07:00

I've been having an interesting discussion with an online-friend about human relationships with animals.  He maintains that they are given by God for human use and enjoyment.  I thought I'd post this explanation and see if anyone else wants to respond. My friend writes this summation of what he believes I am saying: ... if you say eating animals came out of sin, then you must say that eating

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-49251866711108245872011-04-14T07:02:00.001-07:002011-04-14T10:25:08.763-07:00

2 Corinthians 3:9-11 (NLT) If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! ... - Obviously, Paul is a big fan of God's new covenant of life-giving grace! 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-49570183421531982892011-04-12T06:32:00.001-07:002011-04-14T10:25:57.870-07:00

2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NLT) Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. [16] To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. ... - This is an interesting analogy that I have not heard expounded

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-39984753309596977572011-04-11T07:26:00.001-07:002011-04-11T07:26:03.118-07:00

2 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT)But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.- More sage advice about getting along with fellow believers.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-90259381628141783932011-04-10T07:35:00.001-07:002011-04-10T07:35:47.381-07:00

1 Corinthians 16:21 (NLT)Here is my greeting in my own handwriting-Paul.- Most of us use computers but don't know how to program them. In previous eras people used words, but didn't necessarily read or write. They used scribes just as we might hire someone to create a website.At the end of this letter to the church at Corinth, Paul adds his name in his own handwriting, to personalize this

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-89166923475064249262011-04-08T08:13:00.001-07:002011-04-08T08:13:21.387-07:00

1 Corinthians 16:1 (NLT)Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.- Paul is responding to a previous communication from the believers at Corinth. It's too bad we don't have that message as it might help understand the context of some of Paul's instructions in this letter.1

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-14525462568877666712011-04-06T07:46:00.001-07:002011-04-06T07:50:08.527-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (NLT)And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. [18] In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! [19] And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.1 Corinthians 15:20 (NLT)But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-24321690450040076322011-04-03T07:49:00.001-07:002011-04-03T07:49:22.225-07:00

1 Corinthians 14:20 (NLT)... Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind....- Good advice!1 Corinthians 14:34 (NLT)Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says....- This verse is a strange one, especially in light of other verses relating the huge role of

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-24238293443825284822011-04-01T07:43:00.001-07:002011-04-01T07:43:45.017-07:00

...1 Corinthians 13:2 (NLT)If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing.- After two thousand years do we get it? Do we understand that to love is the ultimate call of Christ on our lives? This is not a shallow, self-serving counterfeit love

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-19445326314158650562011-03-31T07:17:00.001-07:002011-03-31T07:17:55.218-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:6 (NLT)God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.- Most important point to remember - Who it is that is at work.1 Corinthians 12:28 (NLT)Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: ...- This list is not meant to be comprehensive. Basically, I'd say each person's spiritual gifts are the things they most love doing, when

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-32823644035412170022011-03-30T08:55:00.001-07:002011-03-30T08:55:40.220-07:00

Chapter/Verse markings were added...- I see that the New Living Translation editors view the opening line of this chapter as part ot the conclusion of the previous topic. The New American Standard Version places this first line into the context of the upcoming discussion. - This serves as a reminder that the original manuscripts do not contain chapter and verse designators, or topical headings.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-55511826634396011992011-03-28T09:10:00.001-07:002011-03-28T09:10:38.913-07:00

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NLT)So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. [32] Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. [33] I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.- Although this advice was given within a particular context of time and

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-20964088301000565742011-03-26T07:31:00.001-07:002011-03-26T07:31:01.483-07:00

1 Corinthians 9:20 (NLT)When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.1 Corinthians 9:21 (NLT)When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-23568008702408487782011-03-24T07:36:00.001-07:002011-03-24T07:36:01.184-07:00

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NLT)... while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. [3] But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.- important thought to the life of the church!1 Corinthians 8:6-7 (NLT)But we know that there is only one God, ... there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ.

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-70046796039788655142011-03-23T07:34:00.001-07:002011-03-23T07:34:26.975-07:00

1 Corinthians 7:26 (NLT)Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. ... (28) those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.1 Corinthians 7:29 (NLT)But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. ...1 Corinthians 7:31 (NLT)Those who use the things of the world should not become

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-73169579263738624672011-03-21T06:27:00.001-07:002011-03-21T06:27:50.097-07:00

1 Corinthians 6:4 (NLT)If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church?...1 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT)But instead, one believer sues another-right in front of unbelievers!- This is another statement that shows that the oft-idealized image of the "saintly" First Century church is inaccurate. Even today various Christian groups or denominations

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-54666720371153994002011-03-20T06:54:00.001-07:002011-03-20T06:54:10.689-07:00

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT)When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. [10] But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.- An ironic mistake many Christians have made is to separate themselves from the population

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-88022220622509920892011-03-19T05:52:00.001-07:002011-03-19T05:52:06.263-07:00

1 Corinthians 4:10-13 (NLT)Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. [11] Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don't have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. [12] We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-63980579490355135422011-03-18T08:54:00.000-07:002011-03-19T06:58:38.655-07:00

1 Corinthians 3:15 (NLT)... The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.- I like the imagery used here to describe how, in the end, only that which is of true value, that which is really founded on Jesus Chirst, will survive.Someone I knew was dying from Lou Gherig's disease, so he had lots of time to think about what he was facing. One day he remarked, "

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-68625493192553182162011-03-17T07:10:00.001-07:002011-03-17T07:10:28.979-07:00

1 Corinthians 2:1,3-4 (NLT)When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan.... [3] I came to you in weakness-timid and trembling. [4] And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.- Paul would not have much of a career

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-16927749087039273652011-03-14T07:59:00.000-07:002011-03-14T07:54:05.559-07:00

Romans 16:1-3 (NLT)I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon...Give my greetings to Priscilla ...Greet... Junia, ... highly respected among the apostles ...- Paul's commendations of these three prominent women challenges the vestiges of the patriarchal thinking that still grips many churches two thousand years later.Romans 16:20 (NLT)The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-27583753970790150282011-03-12T09:30:00.000-08:002011-03-12T09:25:07.049-08:00

Romans 15:5-6 (NLT)May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. [6] Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.- A lofty goal for any group of believers.Romans 15:31 (NLT)Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-21909504695208181302011-03-11T06:26:00.000-08:002011-03-11T06:21:19.631-08:00

Romans 14:1 (NLT)Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.- Obedience to Paul's admonitions in this chapter would make our churches much more peacful... We still struggle with issues like this today. We might sustitute worship music and prayer styles, or baptism rites, or frequency of communion traditions, for the specific

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-79200682500566057682011-03-10T07:52:00.000-08:002011-03-10T07:47:24.057-08:00

Romans 13:1 (NLT)Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.- The concept that authority itself, as a concept, originates in god, is something we need to be aware of. Rebellion against authority is very possibly related to rebellion against God.In this context, remember when God rescued the

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-85602783458448618462011-03-09T06:44:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:39:58.141-08:00

Romans 12:2 (NLT)Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think...- I'm currently reading 'Myth of a Christian Religion' by Greg Boyd. He has a lot to say about this, describing how much of modern Christendom reflects the image of decadent, self-centered, politically savvy, power-hungry, western culture more than Jesus

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-25996238836436181302011-03-08T07:34:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:30:15.252-08:00

Romans 11:11-12 (NLT)Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! ......Romans 11:29,32 (NLT)For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.- This long discourse has been explaining the mystery of why some within Israel were responding to Paul's message, while others were very hostile. And meanwhile the "outsiders" - the Gentiles, were responding.This made no sense to a

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-38895021324353040882011-03-07T06:50:00.000-08:002011-03-07T06:45:28.335-08:00

Romans 9:2-3 (NLT)My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief [3] for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters....- Paul starts on a new track here... But perhaps the previous passage about how nothing can separate us from Christ's love has set the scene for this upcoming discussion of his struggles with his fellow Jews.Romans 9:8-10 (NLT)This means that Abraham's physical

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-25942667579477252152011-03-06T06:58:00.000-08:002011-03-06T06:54:33.807-08:00

- This eighth chapter of Romans is like a goldmine where we discover some precious realizations of our life with Jesus. For example:1) Romans 8:26 (NLT)And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.- We all feel helpless to even know what to pray for in the

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-75317949416047115632011-03-05T05:44:00.000-08:002011-03-05T05:39:51.494-08:00

Romans 8:18-22 (NLT)Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. [19] For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. [20] Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, [21] the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-55758340146254236302011-03-04T10:56:00.000-08:002011-03-04T10:51:45.096-08:00

http://www.extremelysmart.com/humor/666.phpI just hope The Beast has a sense of humor or someone's gonna get a beating!

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-62348874237736232912011-03-04T07:20:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:16:05.054-08:00

Romans 8:1 (NLT)So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.- this is one of the most hopeful and joyful statements in the entire bible. It is possibly one of the most misunderstood. I now see this as closely related to the story of Jesus and the woman caught in the act of adultery. (John...something). The "righteous ones" want her stoned to death, but Jesus instead

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-58620805732609270582011-03-03T06:38:00.000-08:002011-03-03T06:34:36.313-08:00

Romans 7:4 (NLT)So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.- I think what Paul is trying to get at in this section is how Jesus' followers are now free of the contractual obligations of the Sinaiatic

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-44553860022726014472011-03-01T07:18:00.000-08:002011-03-01T07:14:14.303-08:00

Romans 6:1,23 (NLT)Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? - Paul deals with concerns that are often raised about salvation by grace. Here he takes on the argument that people will use it as an excuse to keep living in their sinful practices.[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-23090875150998707832011-02-25T12:14:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:11:07.386-08:00

Romans 5:1 (NLT)Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.- Christians today may have heard this message so often that we are in danger of losing the meaning - like a word that is repeated so often it just becomes a meaningless sound.What is this "faith" all about? How do we know we really "have"

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-36643200372264569662011-02-24T07:11:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:07:26.491-08:00

Romans 4:1 (NLT)Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?- Paul goes back to the very beginnings of their national identity to make his point about faith as the basis of a relationship with YAWEH.Romans 4:5 (NLT)But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives

gmchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09588569724644515868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433669215824539653.post-32221684661356320692011-02-23T07:12:00.000-08:002011-02-23T07:08:40.088-08:00

Romans 3:2 (NLT)Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.- it occurs to me that this is referring to Jesus Christ himself (not just the written scripts and history, etc.), born as a Jew bringing God's whole revelation first to the Jews and then through them to the entire world.This raises the concept that if Jews have the whole

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Romans 2:1 (NLT)You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things....... Wow! Clobberama! Talk about a direct frontal assault on our ingrained human tendency to see the shortcomings of others while over-looking our own.Paul

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Paul's Letter to the Roman church was written in the mid-to-late 50s C.E.. It was probably written at Corinth and is considered to be one of his strongest theological annunciations of the gospel (good news!) message of Jesus the Christ (Messiah).Romans 1:10 (NLT)One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.- Knowing as we do, how Paul's trip to

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Acts 28:15 (NLT)The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, ...- I wonder how they heard? It's not like someone received a phone call or telegram. I guess because Paul's journey had taken longer than expected, a letter or traveller from Jerusalem had arrived by land?Acts 28:21-22 (NLT)They replied, "We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come

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Acts 27:1 (NLT)When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment.- So begins Paul's last journey to his fate in Rome. It has been almost thirty years since the crucifixion of Jesus and Paul's life-changing encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus. He has already suffered

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Paul appeal to King Agrippa:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvV20hn39Bs&Acts 26:8 (NLT)Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?- The basic questions, doubts and issues surrounding life and faith haven't changed much.Acts 26:16 (NLT)... I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. ...- Jesus certainly knows how to make an impact - bringing about a

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Acts 25:3 (NLT)They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way).- When I read this detail - that there was another plot to kill Paul - I am impressed by the level of knowledge and research that Dr. Luke displays. I wonder how closely he was associated with these events himself? Was he among the friends that lived with Paul at Caesarea and

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Acts 24:5 (NLT)... He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.- Interesting to find another name used to identify early followers of Jesus.Acts 24:14 (NLT)"But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.- Paul is not a bad lawyer himself. He knows the charge

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Acts 23:10 (NLT)As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.- Now that's a "lively" meeting!Acts 23:12 (NLT)The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.- I recall when Jesus was

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Acts 22:18 (NLT)I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, 'Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won't accept your testimony about me.'"'But Lord,' I argued, 'they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.- This is an interesting testimony from Paul. It re-emphasizes just how deeply ingrained in the synagogues and Judaism the early believers

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Acts 21:4 (NASB)After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.- Interesting warning in light of the fact that before long, we know, Paul ends up going purposefully down to Jerusalem...Acts 21:13 (NASB)Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound,

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Acts 20:6 (NASB)We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days.- The Days of Unleavened Bread is the week long period preceding Passover, so we know this is springtime. Jewish followers of Jesus (Messianic Jews; Jews For Jesus, etc.) still keep these traditionals feasts today, but see them as symbolic of

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Acts 19:2 (NLT)"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them. "No," they replied, "we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."- This is not the first time that we've seen this... Belief and baptism without evidence of the Holy Spirit being present... Acts 19:6 (NLT)Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and

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