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[pastorhogg]

Jesus On Sin

There are various texts within the Gospels where our Lord highlights man’s inner and outer depravity. Perhaps the clearest example is recorded in Mark 7:15–16, 18–23, where he taught: “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. . . . Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot…

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Out of the Text of John 6:15-21

Walking On Water John 6:15-21 not only narrates a miraculous event but also encapsulates themes of divine authority, trust in God, and the transcendence of Jesus over natural and human constraints. These themes reverberate through the tapestry of the Bible, creating a rich dialogue between this passage and the broader scriptural narrative. In the Old Testament, the theme of God’s sovereignty…

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Into the Text of John 6:15-21

The Gospel of John, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, is believed to have been written between AD 90 and 110. This period was marked by significant religious and political tension within the Roman Empire, particularly for the burgeoning Christian community. Jews had recently faced the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70, which not only devastated Jewish religious life but…

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Conviction, Not Candy

Let me state up front that I’m quite aware of my own shortcomings as a pastor. We all struggle with something, but do we humble ourselves, repent, and return to the “power of the Spirit,” or do we continue to quench and grieve the Spirit? The difference is life-changing! Offering Candy When We Need Conviction Please consider sharing this with the pastors and Christian leaders you know. Even…

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Our Teens In a Sexualized Culture

“I know where babies come from!” Those were the words my eight-year-old son blurted out in the midst of a conversational lull during a family dinner back in 1994. Before asking him what he had learned on the topic, I awkwardly swallowed my mouthful of food and asked him about where he had received his information. With genuine enthusiasm, he answered, “Donnie told me. . . on the…

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As the Day Begins

 John 6:15-21 (NIV): Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four…

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As the Day Ends

An Evening Reflection Inspired by Luke 9:10-17 As the day draws to a close and the world around us settles into the quiet embrace of night, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound truths found within the narrative of Luke 9:10-17. In this passage, we witness Jesus’ compassionate response to the physical hunger of the multitude, as He miraculously provides an abundance of food with just a…

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Don't Be So Ignorant

Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or understanding. Ignorant people are either unaware or uninformed. Sometimes we are ignorant because we did not know there was a need to learn something. Other times, we are ignorant because we have chosen not to learn something we need to know. In Hosea 4:6, the Lord says, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I…

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It's That Simple

These are crazy times. How does one retain sanity in these tumultuous days? Read the world’s bestseller — and read it often — and it will give a great deal of comfort. Indeed, many of our great American leaders have found comfort and solace in the Word of God. Change Your Life Want to change your life? Here’s a simple practice, which I have engaged in fastidiously for the last four years or so.…

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Out of the Text of Luke 9:10-17

Biblical Reflections: Luke 9:10-17, the account of Jesus feeding the multitude, resonates deeply with broader biblical themes of God’s provision, compassion, and the invitation to participate in His redemptive work. Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter instances where God miraculously provides for His people in times of need. For example, in the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1…

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Exploring Luke 9:10-17

In order to fully grasp the significance of Luke 9:10-17, it’s imperative to delve into its historical context. This passage is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus’ ministry, occurring during a period of intense political and social upheaval in ancient Palestine. At the time, the region was under Roman occupation, and the Jewish people were longing for liberation and the restoration of…

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A Mother's Call to Worship

When we feel that our environment must be “just so” in order to have fellowship with God, any wild-card elements inherit the name “Interruption.” A toddler’s plea for help with a game is an interruption. The children’s early bedtime is an interruption. The baby who refuses to settle down is an interruption. What if God wants to fellowship with us right where we are—even in the commotion of…

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What's the Hurry?

“Hurry up, kids! Get dressed and ready to go!” “Where are we going, dad?” “John, put your shoes on. Mary, grab your purse.” “Ok. Ok. But dad, where are we going?” “Good. Now everyone, get to the dining room. It’s time to eat.” Happy Passover! Last Monday night began the seven days of Pesach, the Hebrew name for Passover. It was during this week more than 3,000 years ago that God delivered…

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As the Day Begins

Luke 9:10-17 (ESV): 10 On their return, the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to…

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As the Day Ends

Evening Reflection on Matthew 5:27-30 As evening falls, we reflect on the profound teachings of Jesus regarding sin and temptation. The passage from Matthew calls us to consider not only our actions but the purity of our thoughts. It challenges us to confront our inner weaknesses and compels us to take decisive actions to avoid sin, symbolized by the hyperbolic command to remove what causes us…

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Understanding Adultery

In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus intensifies the traditional understanding of the commandment against adultery. He teaches that it’s not only the physical act of adultery that’s sinful, but also the harboring of lustful thoughts. Here, Jesus is elevating the importance of inner purity over mere external compliance with the law. Jesus states, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit…

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Biblical Insights to Adultery

Matthew 5:27-30 presents some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings on the subject of adultery and the purity of one’s intentions. This section is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus extends the interpretation of the Law given to Moses, deepening its application from mere external adherence to encompassing internal motivations and thoughts. In verses 27-28, Jesus recalls the commandment,…

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