Tag Archives: Encouragement

Five Ways God's Kingdom Is Different #4

No, Really. It is Backwards From childhood, I remember a nice diagram of how the Armor of God relates to the armor of a Roman soldier: helmet, breastplate, belt, shoes, sword, shield. So I was surprised, reading Timothy Gombis's Drama … Continue reading

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Five Ways God's Kingdom Is Different #3

It Is All Backwards Timothy Gombis, in his book The Drama of Ephesians, talks at length about how completely different the Kingdom of God is. Power demonstrated through weakness. Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus has opportunities to assert himself and conduct … Continue reading

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Five Ways God's Kingdom Is Different #2

Poor in Spirit I have been reflecting lately on the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the poor in spirit. . . ." I have read that "blessed" is translated "happy," or, more properly, "in your happy place." As in, you are in … Continue reading

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Five Ways God's Kingdom Is Different #1

The message I want you to hear is this: God's kingdom is different. And if you've plunged into that difference, and you're sinking more than you're swimming . . . I'm sorry. I grieve with you, because I know how … Continue reading

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The School Year Begins #5

Just What Is a Smoking Flax? The Gospel of Matthew says of Jesus, "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench. . . ." Than A teacher said, "The smoking flax would be like … Continue reading

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The School Year Begins #4

Hold These Two in Tension Jesus has a beautiful invitation to his followers: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am … Continue reading

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The School Year Begins #3

Subject: Joseph Actually Had to Be in Prison In Sonlight's World Literature program, there's a book that I wish all believers would read: The Insanity of God. A missionary, crushed by the tremendous need, and the seeming ineffectiveness of believers … Continue reading

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