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James 1:1-18: Count it ALL Joy!

Have you cross-stitched it? Etched it into wood? Have you colored it? Is it on a plaque in your house? James 1:2 is one of those common phrases, “Count it all joy!” What does James mean by “All?” Strong’s defines “all” as the maximum amount or the highest degree. Jesus said, “‘All’ authority has been…

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Romans 8:17-30: Suffering and Future Glory

As I noted in my post on Romans 8:1-17, Paul is wrapping up this section of his letter that began in Romans 5. In my previous post, I noted the bookends on condemnation. In this post, I want to explore the bookends on suffering. Romans 5:2b-3 And we boast in the hope of the glory…

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What is a disciple?

A friend asked this question on Facebook recently: Is it possible to be a Christian while not truly being a disciple? (Looking for thoughtful answers) Friend on Facebook The responses were interesting — several wanted a definition of Christian, of a disciple. Some suggested it might simply be semantics, that there is no difference. At…

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Aging in the present!

Yesterday, I read a book by J.I. Packer, entitled Finishing Our Course with Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging. It was a concise book and convicting. Packer’s main point was that as we grow old, we must continue growing, learning, and ministering, living in the present, not getting lost in the nostalgic…

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