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What is the Point of Philemon?

2 Timothy 3:16 is very clear: ALL Scripture is inspired by God, and ALL of it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, and for correction in righteousness. 99% of the time, I have exactly zero problem believing that. Romans talks about the nature of grace. 1 and 2 Corinthians both talk about carnality and it’s …

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Looking For Jesus Beyond the Manger

Today is Christmas, which means everywhere around the world, people are looking for Jesus in a manger. There’s nothing wrong with that. The shepherds and magi both looked for Jesus there, so why can’t we? The Virgin Birth is pivotal to our understanding (and glorification) of Jesus, just like the Resurrection is. But we shouldn’t …

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How Important is Church Attendance?

Church attendance is a lot like fitness. We all know that it’s important, and something we should probably do, but for whatever reason, we “just don’t get to it enough.” Churches have different mechanisms for how to respond when you’re not there. Some send out text messages, some have the elders call absentees, while others …

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And Who is My Neighbor?

“Who is my neighbor?” It’s less of a question and more of a desperate attempt to make himself look good, but the question is asked of Jesus nonetheless. You could argue that the lawyer knew the answer all along. After all, Luke 10:25-37 clearly states that the man was trying to “justify himself.” In that …

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I’m Just a Sinner Saved By Grace…Or Am I?

I get accused a lot of not believing in grace, and I mean…A LOT. Allow me to clear the air here for a second: I’m just a sinner saved by grace. I can make that statement without zero hesitations, zero apologies, and zero second-thoughts. As a matter of fact, I feel like it’s really, really …

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What Does God Require From Me?

As we try to live our lives for God, the question can be daunting: What does God require from me…really? The easy answer is that He requires everything. He wants our lives. He wants our hearts. He wants our perfect obedience. That’s not wrong, but wouldn’t it be better if we could just ask Him …

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If Gratitude Leads to Generosity, How Do I Develop a Gratitude Mindset?

By all accounts, the holiday season is one of the most charitable times of the year. According to at least one report, volunteerism typically increases by nearly 50% this time of year.  That’s different from charitable giving, which can be skewed by people wanting to lower their tax hit. Volunteerism means people are giving their …

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Traditional vs. Progressive Christianity: Which One Should I Choose?

How we approach the Bible is of eternal importance. And in today’s world, most people have a traditional vs progressive Christianity mindset. You’re either a progressive Christian who views the Bible through a lens that changes with the culture, or you’re a traditional Christian, who holds fast to the Bible as it is — maybe …

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Three Practical Questions About Forgiveness

People have lots of questions about forgiveness.  Rightfully so, considering Jesus explicitly says that our own forgiveness hinges on it. In Matthew 6:15, Jesus says “If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” No exceptions. Full stop. If you don’t forgive other people, you should absolutely, without question, brutally …

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The Power of Josiah’s Reforms…and Mine

By anyone’s estimate, Josiah is one of the top five kings of Judah. His youth, his devotion to God, and his aggressiveness in reforming the nation is impressive — even more so, considering he had virtually no examples to look to for guidance. His father Ammon was an incredibly wicked king — one of the …

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