Tag Archives: love

Speaking the Truth; July 27, 2024


Amos 5:10 They hate him who reproves in the gate,    and they abhor him who speaks the truth. Prophets and truth-speakers often get a rough reception! Of all the Old Testament characters I like Isaiah the best, but reliable legend has it that … Continue reading

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Loving God; July 26, 2024


Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,    the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Many English translations say “mercy” here, following the Septuagint, but the ESV (quoted here) and the Japanese go with “love.” This passage as a whole … Continue reading

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Depraved Minds; June 12, 2024


Revelation 9:20-21 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood–idols that cannot … Continue reading

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Faith and Love; June 6, 2024


1 John 3:23-24 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And … Continue reading

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Obeying God; June 5, 2024


1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. When John has just been writing beautifully about how Jesus’ sacrifice covers all our sins, it’s important that he follows with this statement. … Continue reading

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God’s Invitation; February 17, 2024


Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. This magnificent invitation, right … Continue reading

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Practical Love; February 11, 2024


1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. Theology can seem … Continue reading

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Favoritism; January 8, 2024


1 Timothy 5:21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. In the middle of various detailed instructions about pastoral … Continue reading

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Families; January 5, 2024


1 Timothy 3:5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) This parenthetical comment, stuck into an exposition on Church leadership, could hardly be more timeless and timely. As … Continue reading

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Practical Religion; December 22, 2023


1 Thessalonians 1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I know I’ve written on this before, doubtless … Continue reading

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