Tag Archives: hope

Arrested!

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:47-56 As Jesus was saying the words of 26:46, the party sent to arrest Him is entering the scene with Judas in the lead. In the events that follow, there are a few actions that have an almost comical … Continue reading →

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Human Custom, Tradition, and God’s Promises

Posted on December 27, 2024 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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In the Garden

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:36-46 Matthew shifts the scene to the Garden of Gethsemane (which means “oil press”). This is another scene that is no doubt a familiar one for most all of us, a scene that has an odd feel to it, … Continue reading →

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God Makes a Covenant

Posted on December 26, 2024 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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My Christmas Wish

Posted on December 25, 2024 by Don Merritt

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you who drop in and read this blog from time to time. May God richly bless you and your loved ones today, and every day throughout the coming year as you serve … Continue reading →

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Jesus IS Born

Posted on December 25, 2024 by Don Merritt

Luke 2:1-21 In due course the time came for Mary to give birth to her son; they named him Jesus, just as the angel had told them. There really is no point in my retelling of the story since it … Continue reading →

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The Night When God was Naked Before Man

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Don Merritt

I like nativity scenes; they are the one thing we see around us this time of year that actually have something to do with what we are supposed to be celebrating. Yet sadly, even most nativity scenes, whether sculpted or … Continue reading →

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“I Am He”

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Don Merritt

John 18:1-11 This text is not actually one of the seven “I Am” statements of John’s Gospel, but it does make an interesting study nonetheless. It takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper at the time … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: Having a Candid Conversation

Posted on December 23, 2024 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 is Eliezer … Continue reading →

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I Am the Way

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Don Merritt

John 14:5-14 In essence, this is Jesus‟ “final briefing” to His disciples. Judas is gone, they were shaken by his betrayal and Jesus opened this chapter with words of comfort, followed by Him telling them that He was about to … Continue reading →

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