Robert Smelser
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Christianity & Self Control
Opening in Proverbs 25, the author makes several comparisons through this chapter, like in verses 11, 14, and 28. It is this last comparison we are going to be examining in this lesson, in which the author brings up the subject of self control – comparing such an individual to an ancient city lacking its… Continue reading
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A Quick Gospel Primer
In John 19:19, we read about Pilate’s proclamation on Jesus’ cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It was recorded in Hebrew (the language of the land), Latin (the language of nobility), and Greek (the language of the masses). In a similar manner, we have four accounts of Christ’s life recorded in our… Continue reading
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Soldiers & the Gospel
As we study the life of Christ, we study his interaction with various individuals – children, the sick and needy, the woman at the well, the scribes and the Pharisees. This lesson is going to focus on some soldiers in the New Testament and how they responded to Christ or his message. Four Soldiers and… Continue reading
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From Death to Life
During this time of year, it’s common for congregations to talk about the resurrection and the meaning it has for us. This topic is central to our Christian theology. Romans 4:17 calls this power of resurrection as unique to deity, and, if we say we believe in the message and life of Christ, then we… Continue reading
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The Gospel in Five “Seconds”
In this lesson, we are going to look at five seconds that are part of the gospel message – the second covenant, the second, birth, the second coming, the second death, and a second chance. Five Seconds The Second Covenant In II Corinthians 6:15-16, the question is asked what God has in common with idol,… Continue reading
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Temples of God
In studying the Old Testament, one cannot ignore the role of and the importance of the temple. From David’s desire to build a temple, to the temple of Solomon, to its destruction, to the efforts to rebuild that temple. In I Corinthians, the temple is referred to but it is used two different ways: our… Continue reading
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Finding Our Spiritual Way
When we are lost, we need a way to find our bearings, and this often comes from simply asking for directions. Combine this with technologies that allow us to map out trips or even tell us directions while we are driving (MapQuest, OnStar, a compass), and we are likely to find our way. Even with… Continue reading
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The Inward Struggle
In Romans chapters 7-8, there are some verses that can be very challenging to us as Christians. Beginning in Romans 7:15, Paul expresses an idea that he does not understand his own actions and that he follows behaviors that go against his desire. He is describing a struggle between good and evil within himself, and… Continue reading
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New Ground
Many of us are resistant to change in general. We like the patterns and the habits we live in, and we resist efforts to shake things up. Though we may feel opposed to change, the Christian life is all about changing. Our priorities, our speech, our priorities – all aspects of our lives change when… Continue reading
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Jesus at the Pool
In John 5, we read the story of a paralyzed man healed by Jesus. He is pictured as waiting by the pool of Bethesda (from beth zeda – house of mercy) on the Sabbath, waiting for a chance to be miraculously healed. This pool would have several injured and people gathered around, and numerous individuals… Continue reading
Simply Gospel 