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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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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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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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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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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Have you ever read John 15:4-5 and wondered what it really means for Christians today? Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in…
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It is the dawn before Good Friday. I read this passage with a mixture of sorrow and gratefulness: My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Psalm 22:1 CSB. How many of the redeemed have walked this path – seen the heart of our Savior in this psalm? I don’t know, but as I sit here in my prayer…
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I’ve spoken to many people, one-on-one, and it is interesting to hear them say that if only they could see Jesus, they would believe. If only they could see His signs (miracles) and listen to His teaching, then they would believe. Do you believe? Does it take sight and hearing to believe? Beyond the twelve apostles, Jesus had a substantial…
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Read the events following the feeding of the five thousand: John 6:22-59. These passages are pregnant with meaning and essential wisdom for everyone who calls themself a Christian and lives as a disciple of Christ. What can we learn? We do not have Jewish eyes; Jesus did. Bread is significant to Jewish culture. It represents life, divine sustenance, and community….
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