god
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Paul’s Summary of Grace
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives particular attention to the grace of God. God, through his eternal purpose in Christ Jesus, has blessed us with great spiritual blessings. The epistle focuses on giving God the praise for all these blessings—“to the praise of his glorious grace.” Thus, it provides an excellent summary of grace. Grace Continue reading
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Answer Me When I Call
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1). The circumstances of life can be distressing. They challenge our faith. They upset our peace. Psalm 4 is about such a time in David’s life. Continue reading
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The Lifter of My Head
“O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1-3). The way of discipleship is the way of the few, Continue reading
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I Have Set My King on Zion
“I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you’” (Psalm 2:7). The second psalm summarizes the confrontation between worldly concerns and the plans of the Lord. It is presented somewhat like a drama in which the characters speak and respond. The psalmist expresses astonishment Continue reading
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An Exemplary Case of Conversion
“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:9-10). Continue reading
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Imitating Christ
Of the Imitation of Christ is the title of a book that was published in the Netherlands in the early fifteenth century, and is generally attributed to Thomas à Kempis. It was intended to serve as a handbook for spiritual life and discipleship. The book’s theme is set forth in the opening paragraph: “By the Continue reading
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