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(Read Philippians 1:19) Once in college, I faced extreme opposition from inside and outside a church for which I was preaching a revival and leading worship. A group of guys from college found out I was preaching and singing at the church and began to make fun of me in the school cafeteria. It almost made…
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(Read Philippians 1:15-18) Not everyone preaches the gospel with the right motivations. As you read this, allow the Holy Spirit to check and change (if necessary) your intentions. I know I have, and I think about these verses often. Ashamedly, I have had wrong motives when preaching the gospel. Sinfully, I desired my church to grow…
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(Read Philippians 1:13-14) While on a vision trip in India with missionaries, I heard several stories of persecution from Indian believers for sharing the gospel. Some had been arrested, beaten, lost employment, and even ousted by their families. I heard one report of a husband setting his wife on fire because she turned to Christ. We ate…
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(Read Philippians 1:12) I was looking at a large magnolia tree in our backyard and wondering when it would bloom (it’s late March). We moved in last summer, and we’ve never seen it bloom. Many factors, like soil conditions, can affect blooming, but my best guess is that we missed it last year. Flowers are resilient…
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“Up From the Grave” “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” -Luke 24:7 It’s Easter Sunday. It’s the day the Spirit has been preparing us for during Lent. The past week has been filled with a myriad of emotions…
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“In the Silence” “Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.” -Luke 23:56 Silence can be deafening. We don’t like it, so we fill it with meaningless noise. Anticipation is agonizing. We aren’t good at waiting, so we busy ourselves with pointless activities.…
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“On the Cross” “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.” -Luke 23:33 Luke’s Gospel records three of Jesus’ seven last statements on the cross. Those words convey Jesus’ forgiveness, grace, and trust. Let the Spirit and the…
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“At the Table” “When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.’” -Luke 22:14-15 One of the most intimate times of fellowship we can have with anyone is sharing a meal with them. Twenty-four…
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“Behind Closed Doors” “And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” -Luke 22:4 Betrayal is a hurtful action. It typically involves deceit but is more than that. Deception can come from anyone, but betrayal can only happen from someone you…
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“Among the Rich” “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” -Luke 21:4 Holy Tuesday of Passion Week (Holy Week) was an eventful day. The Pharisees and Sadducees challenged Jesus about marriage in heaven, taxes, and his authority (Luke…
stephen R Harrison 