In this passage we come to the last of the seven I am statements. Jesus says, “I am the true Vine.” Jesus uses this illustration to teach his disciples what the only way of bearing fruit comes from. Here are two things to notice....
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I am found, WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE. In December of 1772 John Newton started to write the song that is so well known, Amazing Grace. I am not aware of every verse that inspired John Newton to write this song, but I do suspect that John 9 could have been used. If it wasn’t, it is still a very fitting line for the chapter we are studying today. Here are some points....
Today we come to one of the celebrations of Israel that holds much significance for us today. Let’s dive in....
It is highly probable that when Paul wrote this he was actually chained up to a Roman soldier. That means that Paul was able to carefully study the soldiers gear, armor, and weaponry and to use it to describe how we as Christians should gear up. We will take a very very brief look at each piece of equipment mentioned because there can be long studies on each piece of gear....
Keep ReadingIn verse one, Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called. In other words, Paul is telling us to lead a life that is in step with God’s grace, to be governed by the Spirit, and to lead a life that is consistent with the implications of the gospel. This may sound simple to do, but in reality, we fight every day to walk in such a ma...
Keep ReadingEphesians 2 - June 23rd In biblical history there has always been a dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles are those who are everyone of different nations, people, language, tribe, that are not Jews. That means that all of us who are not Jewish fall into that category. So, if you and I lived in the era of the Old Testament, we would not be able to take part in ...
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