S236P1 – The courage of the saints: confident

There are many ways by which the world defines courage, and then there is God’s definition.  We know that we are not to be of those who shrink back [Heb. 10:39].  We also know that we are to exhibit power under control and be slow to anger [Jam. 1:19].  Some might find it difficult to…

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S235P10 – Intentional Christianity: imitating the godly

Phil. 3:17-21 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their…

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S235P9 – Intentional Christianity: pursuing peace

Rom. 14:15-19 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter…

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S235P8 – Intentional Christianity: watching for temptation

1 Cor. 10:9-12 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end…

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S235P7 – Intentional Christianity: the pursuit of knowledge

Rom. 10:1-4 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s…

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S235P6 – Intentional Christianity: looking out for one another

Col. 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the…

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S235P5 – Intentional Christianity: the prayerful watch

Lk. 21:34-36 But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may…

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S235P4 – Intentional Christianity: watching for wolves

Mt. 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit,…

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S235P3 – Intentional Christianity: living to give life

Jam. 1:26-27 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. She had first professed…

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S235P2 – Intentional Christianity: mourn over sin

Jam. 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to…

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