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Hiding the Light. I: Conformity

Jesus calls us the light of the world, but sometimes we are likely to hide our light. We might do this by trying to fit in.
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Shining as the Light of the World

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus did not say “You should try to be the light” or “You might become the light.” His disciples shine his light to those around the because He dwells in them.
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Salt of the Earth: Being the Real Thing

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people” (Matthew 5:13).
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Scattering Salt and Shining Light

“You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world.” Our roles as salt and light grow out of our willingness to live the kind of life Jesus described in the Beatitudes.
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Ascension: Seated With Him

Jesus’ ascension into heaven has important implications for our understanding of His divinity and for our life of faith.
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“Blessed Are Those Who Have Been Persecuted”: Persecution and Being “In Christ”

Persecution is a natural part of the Christian life. Because we are in Christ and He is in us, those who oppose Him will resist us.
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Walking Through the Valleys. II: To the Other Side (revisited)

A valley is merely a low point between two high places. You can climb the mountain out of the valley to the glorious summit where the light of the Son dispels all darkness. If you are in the valley, continue to follow God. Praise Him that He wants you to abide on the mountaintop, not…
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Walking Through the Valleys. I: Entering the Valley (revisited)

Psalm 23 reminds us that we may wander into the valley even while we are obeying God. This sheep could say, with all honesty, that the Lord was his shepherd. He was following his shepherd, but he still found himself in a valley. You do not need to sin or lack faith in God to…
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Persecution and Privilege

The apostles rejoiced “that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” The world teaches us to consider ourselves privileged, honored, and worthy when we receive rewards. In God’s kingdom, we show ourselves to be worthy of rewards when we are willing to suffer for Christ’s sake.
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Blessed are the Persecuted… Even Now

Jesus ended the Beatitudes with a “double-blessing” for the persecuted. Is our faith strong enough to withstand attack?