To walk with God takes faith, and walking with God increases our faith. It’s a gift. The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5 NIV. The disciples walked with Jesus daily. They listened to His teaching and spoke with Him. They even asked him questions. So why did Jesus tell them they had little faith? … you…
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Walking with God: The Gift of Faith Explained
The Light of Life: Jesus and Eternal Hope
Engage Holy Scripture: Read John 8:12-20. Did you ask the Lord to open your eyes and clear your mind to receive the words of life written in sacred Scripture? Did you ask for a light to shine on the passages that lead you rightly? Did you notice how the Word is strategically placed there for your encouragement, counsel, and correction?…
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A Woman’s Story of Grace
Engage in Scripture: John 7:53-8:11. Last time we came to this passage, we considered why it was absent in the earliest manuscripts. Through this, we learned how preservation efforts allow us to read the Bible now. The narrative is true to the character of Jesus. We walked away wondering why the Holy Spirit had graciously ensured that our generation would…
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Preservation of Scripture and the Adulterous Woman Narrative
Turn to the narrative of the adulterous woman: John 7:53-8:11. Wait a minute. What’s happening here? Some of you may have found the entire story missing. If your Bible includes it, you might find a note or bracket stating: The earliest and most reliable manuscripts do not have John 7:53-8:11. What’s happening here? The grass withers, the flowers fade, but…
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Understanding the Church: Purpose and Community
What is the church? The New Testament defines the church as the community of Christian believers, known as ecclesia (an assembly called out). It’s not merely a physical building but includes both the universal body of believers worldwide and local congregations. In unity, you will find worship, Bible teaching, gathering in Jesus’ name, and supporting the Great Commission in every…
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Lean in to Listen – Insights from John’s Gospel (John 7:14-52)
There is so much going on in this chapter that it’s hard for me to teach it as a whole. I need to slow down and take a breath. Come, Holy Spirit. Calm my soul and open our hearts to Your instruction. “My teaching is not My own. It comes from Him who sent Me. “John 7:16 NIV. He speaks…
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Understanding the Importance of Water Baptism
God has designed us for an intimate and personal relationship with Him. Baptism is our confession of faith that we’ve received Him. To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12 NIV. It is important in your Christian journey to understand and prepare for water…
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Understanding Jesus’ Words: Truth and Timing
Read John’s Gospel, Chapter 7. Jesus’ signs Jesus showed signs He was the Son of God: the healing of the paralytic and the feeding of the multitude. This should have been enough to make the people believe, but it didn’t. Jesus’ life was in danger. The disbelief, hatred, and downright hostility were real. His opponents wanted to silence Him. As…
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Believe or Not to Believe? (John 6 – John 7:2-5).
Imagine you must warn people they are exposed to a deadly chemical. It’s in the air, soil, and water – invisible and yet very dangerous. The symptoms will not appear for decades. They don’t believe you and continue working, playing, and living in the environment. You warn them, and they still do not listen. They do not believe what they…
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