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One for the Road – “We are the Clay”
When the clay forms the Potter. That’s when man forms God into his own image. This is idolatry at its worst. Here are some examples. The God of accommodation…when people imagine a God who adjusts his requirements to fit their desires. The God of convenience…when people give God the time and […]
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One for the Road – “Stain Resistors”
Stain resistors. They’re used to prevent soiling. How about your soul? Remember Lot? “…that righteous man…was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard…” So it was in Sodom and Gomorrah. And…so it is with you. The mockery of righteousness. The ridicule of divine authority. And…the blasphemy […]
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One for the Road – “Downward Spiral”
Sometimes…things spin out of control. What starts as an insignificant difference of opinion…escalates into an all-out battle. And people get hurt. This downward spiral is illustrated in Samson’s statement: “I merely did to them what they did to me.” Back and forth…each argument more heated than the former. What is […]
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One for the Road – “Nominalist”
Nominalist. A person who claims a name…but doesn’t live up to it. An example would be people who identify themselves as Christians…but have little passion for righteousness. Their devotion is nominal…at best. Here’s a challenge. Use a graph to indicate the highs and lows of your devotion to Christ – from your […]
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One for the Road – “As Things Wax Worse and Worse”
As things wax worse and worse. And…the Bible says they will. How then should the people of God respond? Fight we must. But…how? Paul tells us: “…we do not wage war as the world does.” And further…“the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” Yes…fight we must. […]
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One for the Road – “Spiritual Deafness”
Spiritual deafness. It’s a persistent problem – people refusing to hear the word of the Lord. Jeremiah speaks for mankind…in all times: “…though he has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid attention.” So it is in our day. Many people refuse to […]
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One for the Road – “Power and Wisdom”
God’s power…and God’s wisdom. It takes both. Here’s an example of one…without the other. Jephthah…a mighty warrior…experienced God’s power on the battlefield – but he made a foolish vow to the Lord. “…whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites […]
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One for the Road – “Disneyland or Battlefield”
Disneyland or battlefield. Which metaphor best describes the Christian life? Well…the Bible does declare that the joy of the Lord is our strength – and that happiness is a byproduct of living a righteous life. But…the Bible also makes it clear that the righteous are involved in a battle – light against darkness…truth […]
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One for the Road – “Fuzzies and Pricklies”
Fuzzies and pricklies. One is about affirmation…the other about correction. The challenge is to find a balance. All fuzzies is flattery. All pricklies is cruelty. But…it’s the right balance that matters. For example. If you have never communicated approval…and suddenly you speak correctively – you’ve probable made an enemy. If all […]
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One for the Road – “Keeping Power”
Keeping power. That’s one of the benefits of the gospel. Dramatic conversions later in life…are to be celebrated. But…so is a life faithfully lived for Jesus from childhood. The Apostle Paul speaks to this: “…I…am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” […]
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