Category Archives: Bible

Alive!

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Don Merritt

Ephesians 2:1-10 Beginning here in chapter two, Paul reminds us of how we have been made alive in Christ. It’s a funny thing, but I nearly added the word “again” to that sentence, but Paul’s point is not that we … Continue reading →

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Prayer, Power and Potential

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Don Merritt

Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul continues his opening of this letter by moving on from the glorious things he has been saying about our redemption into giving thanks for it. Yet as we continue reading this section, I’m sure that you, like … Continue reading →

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A Guarantee

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Don Merritt

 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for … Continue reading →

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Sunday Sermon Notes: November 11, 2018

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Don Merritt

Title: Vineyards, Tenants and the King Text: Mark 12:1-12 Mark 11:1-11 Parallel Texts: Matthew 21:1-12, 14-17; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19 As we have come to expect, Mark gives us the simple facts of the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem … Continue reading →

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Off to a Fast Start

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Don Merritt

To a large degree, chapter one is an introduction to the letter. In the first two verses, Paul identifies himself and addresses his recipients in his usual style, and then he jumps into his introduction beginning in verse 3. These … Continue reading →

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Introduction to Ephesians

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Don Merritt

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was probably written sometime between 58 and 60 AD and closely parallels Colossians. It is both encouraging and challenging, for it paints a picture of a victorious Christian life that might at first seem too … Continue reading →

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The Closing

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Don Merritt

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to … Continue reading →

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God Cannot be Mocked

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Don Merritt

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in … Continue reading →

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Sunday Sermon Notes: November 4, 2018

Posted on November 4, 2018 by Don Merritt

Title: To Be the Greatest Text: Mark 10:32-52 Mark 10:32-45 Parallel Texts: Matthew 20:17-28; Luke 18:31-34 This interesting passage begins with Jesus predicting what his fate would be again, and then takes an odd shift when James and John ask … Continue reading →

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Live by the Spirit

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Don Merritt

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law … Continue reading →

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