A Bridge Called Credibility, Part Two

Listen to what the Scriptures have to say about keeping your word: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor. (Ephesians 4:25 NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17 NIV) LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless . . .

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Heeding Christ’s Call

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21) Jesus is building the church—authentic believers in Him—to share His […]

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Feed On Solid Food

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11–12) The Word of God is penetrating . . . and poignant . […]

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The Pitfalls of Rapid Growth

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:22–23) Our whole reason for existence as a body […]

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Witch Hunting, Part Two

We’ve been talking about what I’m calling “witch hunting,” the phenomenon affecting our world in which people are eager to find the Devil in every nook and cranny and to blame him for just about everything. While I’m on the subject, the 666 scare stuff is getting downright ridiculous. The fact is that those three digits can be uncovered in almost anybody’s name, if you’re willing to work at it hard enough.

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The Shadow of the Giant, Part Two

Yesterday, we visited David as he faced off against Goliath. Refusing to accept his brothers’ rationalizations or listen to the giant’s threats, David saw through the Philistine strategy and withstood it through sheer, solid faith. You know the outcome. With a well-worn leather sling and a smooth stone, and unbending confidence in his mighty God

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One Grand, Positive Command

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy […]

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How Are We Filled with the Spirit? Part Two

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. (Ephesians 4:1 NASB) The Spirit’s filling is like walking. When we are little children, every tiny step is a conscious effort and a magnificent achievement. Soon, we learn to link two […]

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How Are We Filled with the Spirit? Part One

So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise. . . . Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15, 17–18 NASB) Even though […]

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Growing Up as Grow Older

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more […]

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