Monthly Archives: December 2016

Father Abraham: Human Custom, Tradition and God’s Promises

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Don Merritt

Genesis 16 The Christmas Story would never be complete without an examination of the friction between human customs and traditions and the promises and ways of God. In our text, Sarai is getting old, yet she has never conceived a … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: God Makes a Covenant

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Don Merritt

Genesis 15:7-21 In this passage, the conversation of our last post continues, this time Abraham asks God how he can be sure that God will give him the land of Canaan, an amazing question all things considered. God’s reply is … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: Having a Candid Conversation

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Don Merritt

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate … Continue reading →

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I AM the Gate

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Don Merritt

John 10:1-18 Introduction This passage is figurative. (John 10:6) There are 8 components of the extended metaphor in this section: The shepherd is the caretaker and owner of the sheep. The sheep (flock) are the animals that the shepherd loves … Continue reading →

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Random Ramblings: December 10, 2016

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Don Merritt

The “Christmas Season” is in full swing now. Everyone is holly and jolly, sleigh bells are jingling; the whole bit. Of course that means we’ve had the “all Christmas music all the time” station on the radio for a couple … Continue reading →

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A Child is Born

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Don Merritt

Isaiah 9:1-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace … Continue reading →

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Joel and Ephesians Added to my “Reflections” Series

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Don Merritt

For those of you who are interested, I have added both Joel and Ephesians to my “Reflections” series and they are now available for download on my website. As always, they are entirely free of charge, as is everything on … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: Warrior

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Don Merritt

Genesis 14 Abram remain conscious of God’s promises; he remained in Canaan and prospered. Lot saw a financial advantage and left Canaan to live on the Jordan plain, taking up his headquarters in Sodom, a town filled with wickedness against … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: High Ground Reclaimed

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Don Merritt

Genesis 13 After leaving Egypt Abram and his party returned eventually to Canaan where they settled and tended to their herds of livestock; Abram became quite wealthy. After some time it became clear that the herds had grown to the … Continue reading →

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God’s Vineyard

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Don Merritt

Isaiah 5:1-7 Here is another Messianic Prophecy, although it really isn’t one that’s often mentioned because it isn’t the most pleasant, dealing as it does with God’s judgment. Even so, it too is an important part of the “Christmas Story”. … Continue reading →

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