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The Christian and Work

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own bread. (II Thess 3:11-12) I made great works.  I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.  I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.  I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees . . . Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended…

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The Christian and Fasting

“When you fast . . .” (Mt 6:16-7) Father, may my life be yours.  Christian disciplines are a normal part of a healthy Christian life.  Time in the Scriptures, prayer, giving, service, and sharing your faith are all disciplines I have already discussed.  And while Christians may not practice these disciplines well, they generally agree that they ought to.  Today, however, I want to deal with a discipline that may be the least practiced of them all, and part of the reason for the lag in practice is that many Christians do not think they ought to practice it.  I…

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Tell Them

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . (Matthew 28:19) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (I Peter 3:15-16) Lord, you have put me on Earth to proclaim your name.  Be gracious to me and grant me boldness and wisdom and clarity as I do…

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Serving

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mk 10:45) Lord, may I love you more.  And may I serve you because I love you.  Not to gain any reward, but because you are worthy.  People who walk with God give their lives to serve His kingdom.  Service to Christ is a basic and normal part of the Christian life.  God’s people work to advance the gospel.   Now I suppose I need to clear up a common misconception about working for the kingdom.  It is this:  working for the kingdom is not works righteousness. …

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Practical Issues of Giving

The previous blog on giving laid a foundation, and that foundation involves a right heart.  Now let’s build on the foundation.  Some principles for practical giving. Give Everything Sometimes when we talk about giving, people think only about money.  This is a mistake.  Some people are merely one-dimensional givers.  They will write a check or tithe online, then wipe their hands and live the rest of their lives for themselves.  They may consider themselves givers because they gave some money, but Biblical giving involves much more.  When your heart belongs to God, you give Him everything.  Don’t give just money. …

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