Tag Archives: love

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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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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I AM the Gate

Posted on December 22, 2024 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 and cares for. The thief is … Continue reading →

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O Come, O Come… for a Sunday Morning

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Don Merritt

Here’s a great video and a wonderful song to start off the last week of Christmas. I hope it gets your week off to a great start!

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The Last Supper

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Don Merritt

Matthew 26:17-30 This passage opens with Jesus giving instructions to the disciples about the arrangements for the Passover meal that remind us of His instructions to them in 21:1-3 about the arrangements for His entry into Jerusalem. After everything had … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: Abram’s Travel Adventures

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Don Merritt

Genesis 12:10-20 After God called Abram, he packed up everything and everyone in his rather considerable household and set off for a destination God would show him, and as we discussed in the last section, this is one of the … Continue reading →

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