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James 3:13-18: Godly Wisdom Leads to Harmony

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.  … 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…

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Living in Community

Introduction There have been times when I longed to be a “lone ranger” Christian. I tend to be shy, something of a wallflower in groups of people, often feeling awkward and out of place. Introversion defines me. I am energized by spending time on my own and having my best conversations with myself. I am…

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Romans 14:1-15:13: Diversity in Convictions, Unity in the Church

What practical issues are disrupting unity in the church today? In Paul’s day, unity between the Jews and non-Jews was challenging; the issues were most often about the Mosaic Law, circumcision, allowable foods, and holy days. They held strong convictions over these topics. Because these are not our issues, sometimes the passage in Romans 14:1…

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Romans 12:9-21: One Another!

In Romans 12:9-21, one small phrase is repeated three times. That phrase is “one another.” That phrase is significant because it is used about 100 times in the New Testament, many of those in Paul’s writings. Interestingly, the “one another” statements almost always fall into three categories. Let’s look at these three commands in Romans…

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Trinity Sunday

Introduction Yesterday was Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost. The Trinity is a complex concept; the Word itself is not mentioned in scripture. Instead, we have multiple scriptures about the community that is our God. Recently, my husband wrote a statement about the Trinity, and I’m sharing much of his work here. What is…

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Hebrews 12:12-17: Make Level Paths

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that…

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