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Minding the Gap (Philippians)

June 6, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

One of my favorite places to ever visit was the Tube in London.  I have a fascination with trains, and this century old subway system is simply incredible.  Of particular interest to me are the painted signs all along the station landings that read, "MIND THE GAP."  The concern is that a person might get his or her foot stuck between the ... [Continue Reading]

June 6, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

Walking Wisely (Ephesians 4-6)

June 5, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

I really appreciate the Apostle Paul's challenge to the Christians at Ephesus to walk wisely in Ephesians 5:15-17.  After all, isn't it true that when we mess up in life it's because we're not walking wisely?  I know that's true for me.  It's not that I don't know what the right thing to do is; it's that I choose not to do ... [Continue Reading]

June 5, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

Do vs. Done (Ephesians 1-3)

June 4, 2008 By Seth 2 Comments

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2 that there is nothing we can do to earn our way into heaven.  In fact, that's the uniqueness of Christianity: everything that we need to do has been done for us through Jesus Christ.  Every other world religion falls into the "do" category: do this, and you'll make it to the afterlife.  Christianity ... [Continue Reading]

June 4, 2008 10:00 pm Seth 2 Comments

You can ‘ t force right (Philemon)

June 3, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

There is an important lesson in Philemon that we all need to learn: you can't force people to do what's right.  Paul wanted Philemon to set his slave free, but Paul couldn't force Phi lemon to do so - he could only appeal to Philemon and leave the choice up to him.  This Biblical truth has huge application to our lives, and it hits me dead on ... [Continue Reading]

June 3, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

An act of the will (Colossians)

June 2, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

In Colossians 3:2, Paul challenges the people to set their minds on things above instead of things on earth.  What's important to notice in this challenge is that it's our responsibility to choose what we set our minds on.  The truth of the matter is that we could set our minds on all kinds of different things, but Paul says we should choose to set our ... [Continue Reading]

June 2, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

He who numbers our days (Acts 27-28)

June 1, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

Paul’s life is a testimony to the fact that God, not man, is the one who numbers our days. On countless occasions Paul should have been dead, but he survived. Why? Because God still had work for him to do. That begs the question of why are you and I still alive. Perhaps we have work to do, too. Perhaps you haven’t fulfilled all that God desires for you to do during your ... [Continue Reading]

June 1, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

How far? (Acts 20:4-23:35; 24-26)

May 31, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

I find it fascinating just how far Paul was willing to go as it came to sharing His faith so that others would have an opportunity to come into a relationship with Jesus.  He was willing to face imprisonment, flogging, and even death for the sake of Christ.  Ultimately what Paul exhibited was a virtue that we often fail to mention in the Church: courage.  ... [Continue Reading]

May 31, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

Don ‘ t be a stumbling block (Romans 14-16)

May 30, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

Paul gives us a new filter through which we should evaluate our actions: avoid participating in activities that are stumbling blocks to others, whether they draw you from Christ or not.  Ultimately, this isn't any different than Jesus' reminder of the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.  When we love other people, we avoid actions that cause ... [Continue Reading]

May 30, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

Becoming unnatural (Romans 11-13)

May 29, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

I have to fight urges sometimes that can get me into trouble.  For instance, last fall I was driving and I had a driver behind me who was being a total jerk.  My temptation was to slow down and drive under the speed limit so he would get off my tail.  I had to fight my urge to be a jerk back, and I settled at driving just at the speed limit.  Still ... [Continue Reading]

May 29, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

All things for good (Romans 8-10)

May 28, 2008 By Seth Leave a Comment

Paul tells us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.  JB Phillips paraphrased this concept as, "everything that happens fits into a pattern for good."  I think that's a good way of explaining this important truth.  For the person who believes that Jesus' death is sufficient for his or her salvation, there is ... [Continue Reading]

May 28, 2008 10:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

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Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have a daughter, Madelyn.

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