Happy Resurrection Day!
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!He has conquered sin and death!He has made a way for us to be made right with a Holy God.
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Giving, Praying, and Fasting the Right Way
Jesus tells us the right way to give, pray, and fast in today’s Bible reading. He summarizes his instructions in Matthew 6:1, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (CSB) He lists three Spiritual Disciplines —…
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The Temptations of Jesus
In today’s Bible reading from Matthew 4, we see a familiar passage on Jesus’ temptations. In the first two temptations (Matthew 4:3, 6), the devil begins with, “If you are the Son of God….” There are three ways that the Greek language conveys conditional (“if“) statements. It would be accurate to translate these two temptations,…
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A Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire
In today’s Bible reading, John the Baptizer arrives on the scene, calling everyone to repent of their sins and produce works consistent with their repentance. (Matthew 3:8). Note the order: Repent –> Works. Nowhere in the Bible is anyone called to an order of Works –> Repent. John warns his hearers that God is already…
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I’m Not There Yet
Today’s Bible reading is James 3. Like I said a few days ago, James is one of the most applicable books in the Bible. And this chapter is one of those that — if you let it — will “get all up on your business”, showing you that you aren’t all that you think you…
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Receive the Crown with Joy
James is one of the most practical books in the Bible. And yet, it is one of the hardest books in the Bible. In fact, Martin Luther didn’t think it belonged in the Bible. He felt some of James’ teaching seemed to contradict Paul’s assertions that we are saved by grace alone. We begin reading…