Mon, 26 February 2018
When Temptation Knocks at Your Door Luke 4:1-13
Temptation is a fact of life! No matter how old or young we are, all of us are susceptible to temptation. As one person said, “I can resist anything … except temptation!” The Good News is that we can resist temptation … but we cannot resist it in our power and by our own strategies. Jesus has just been baptized and heard the affirmation of God the Father, “This is my beloved Son.” (Lk 3:23) Now the Spirit of God leads Jesus into the wilderness. After 40 days of not eating and subject to isolation, a lonely, tired, hungry Jesus is vulnerable to temptation … and a Fall! I. Three Temptations with Deadly Potential #1 Point of Weakness (Lust of the Eyes) vv1-3, Deut 8:3 II. Dealing with Temptations that can bring us down #1 Get real … temptation is a part of life I Cor 10:12 |
Mon, 19 February 2018
February 18: Living a Lifestyle of Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 |
Mon, 12 February 2018
Colossians 2:1-7
Background Paul traveled through the Middle East and Europe extensively in three different missionary journeys. But, he never visited Colossae. Paul’s presence, however, was felt as Paul’s disciples, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Epaphras, had significant involvement in planting and nurturing this young church. But, as we see from our passage, Paul’s presence was felt through his prayer ministry. He called this ministry a “great struggle.” Paul’s message in Colossians 1 is that believers celebrate the Hope of Glory, i.e. Christ in Us. Yet we tend to settle for less. So he prays. Let us listen and learn from his heart.
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Mon, 5 February 2018
The Story of Glory
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians Background: Paul never visited Colossae but he sent some of his disciples to encourage this small house church (Epaphras, Tychicus, and Onesimus). In this letter he offers encouragement to believers in Colossae to fortify them for a faith-filled life. The message of chapter one is a strong statement of the life of believer as one who bears fruit and increases in the knowledge of God. Then he gives a strong statement about the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. He is God’s image! Then Paul uses the idea of the revealed “mystery” to capture the idea that even Gentiles are a part of God’s redemptive work.
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