Category: Christian Spirituality
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The Things We Get for Free: Looking Again at the Gospel of Grace
You have received free of charge; give free of charge. (Matthew 10:8) Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about consumerism and commodification, and as I work my way through Matthew 10, I find I can’t let go of Jesus’s words here in verse 8. To be clear, I’m not against buying and selling (and neither,…
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Freely You Have Received, Freely Give: Grace, Love, and Following Jesus Beyond Transactional Thinking
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8, NKJV) Back in 2017 I was in the throes of a three-pronged crisis. My finances and health were simultaneously collapsing; codependent as they were, neither was willing to go on without the other. At the same time I was trying to keep my online business afloat. In…
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A Man in a Tent: Abraham and the Simplicity of Knowing God
NOTE FROM RACHEL: I am on hiatus this week while I attend a conference and study for the next stage in our journey through Matthew. This week’s post comes from the newly released bestselling book Winning God’s Heart: A Biblical Path to Intimate Friendship with God, by my dear friend Carolyn Currey. The record of those who…
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Sheep Without a Shepherd: Jesus’s Mission and the Rescue of Israel, Part 2
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36) “I am the Good…
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The Tragedy of the Pharisees: How Good People Become Enemies of God
When the demon had been driven out, the man spoke. And the crowds were amazed, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!” (Matthew 9:33-34) The plot of Matthew’s gospel involves two parallel tracks, rising up alongside one another…
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A Strange Note in the Symphony: Jesus’ Secrets and the Summons to Seek
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus warned them sternly, “Be sure that no one finds out!” But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that whole area. (Matthew 9:29-31) Having challenged the blind men to…
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“Do You Believe That I Can Do This?”: Faith, Love, and the Endless Possibilities of Knowing God
When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they answered Him. Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!” And their eyes were opened. (Matthew 9:28-30) When the blind men…
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The God Who Cares: Appealing to the Rule and the Mercy of God
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” (Matthew 9:27) For several weeks we’ve been looking at Jesus’ encounters with different individuals and groups after launching his ministry. He has taught, healed, delivered, and challenged. Now, he is simply “going on”—traveling, literally walking the…
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Living in the Public Eye: How Jesus Related to the Masses and Why We Can’t Remain in the Crowd
When Jesus came to the leader’s house, He saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. “Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.…
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Contents, Containers, and Covenants: How the Coming of Jesus Changed Everything and Why We Should Care
Note: Did you know that you can become a supporter of this blog for any amount per month, in Canadian or US dollars? If you do, you will make it possible for me to keep writing month after month (and you’ll get access to some exclusive content as well). You’ll also win my undying thanks.…