Tag: Baptist
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A New Tool for Evangelism – Discipleship
Last week I talked about Jesus helping you see your life in a new light. This week I want us to let Him show us how to see reaching others for Him in a new light. Think for a moment how you generally assume people get into the family of God. The way that…
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Troubleshooting 101
When I was a kid, I did a lot of troubleshooting. No, I didn’t call it that back then, but I did it. When I was faced with a problem like a ball stuck on a roof, I would think through possible solutions until one presented itself. Sometimes, I would do foolish things to solve…
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The Mystery of the Resurrection
As we think this week about the resurrection, I want us to consider that the resurrection is God’s declaration about the cross. It is the declaration that the cross is not a failure. It is not a loss. It is victory. First, it is a victory of mystery. What is that mystery? It is the…
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Be Excellent in what is Good
Romans 16:19 I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. It is easy to be lost. I am very good at it. It isn’t being lost that I have trouble with. I have trouble with finding my way. If someone wants directions, they won’t get it from…
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Loving for Real
Over the last couple of weeks, we have been examining Paul’s challenge to the church in Rome regarding love. He calls us to love without hypocrisy. He calls us to commit to loving in a profound way. Love is different from being nice. Love is real. Love is committed. Love rejoices with those who rejoice.…
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Vacation Bible School Conferences
I have a new respect for Vacation Bible School conference leaders. First, they have to work through the stereotype that they are just sales people for the curriculum. Second, they are trying to get excited people who are not ready to think about a summer outreach in the middle of winter! I am serious. I…
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God’s Love Shown
How do we know people love us? Sometimes we know because they tell us. However, most often we know that people love us because of what they do. These actions are pictures of love. One of the great surprises we experience in life is the love of others. We are surprised that others value us. …
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The Needed Mercy of God
I was contemplating mercy this week. Mercy is unusual. It is a reality that can only be accepted by those who need it. And yet, many who need it refuse to admit that they do. Why do we need mercy? We need mercy because of sin. Sin make us lost. Being lost makes us separated…
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Loving the Lost
My wife says often, “If wishes were fishes we would all be in the sea.” We wish a lot of things. As a Christian, I wish often that the people around me all knew Jesus. Sometimes, I even think so highly of them that I avoid thinking about their lostness. I avoid seeing that they…
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I Beg You, Pray
Superman is invulnerable. Pastors are not. Pastors have flaws, temptations, and struggles. Pastors have insecurities. Pastors do not always know exactly what should be done next. Pastors yell or want to yell at their kids. We are clay called to shine the light of Christ. What is the answer? Pastors need prayer. They carry the…
Pastor John D Jakes 