Shayne on January 24th, 2009

In today’s study, Selwyn describes what it means to care for others by being willing to put ourselves in another person’s place, so that we might be able to better understand and respond to their needs. It should also be remembered that our ability to love each other comes from God; it’s up to us to [...]

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Shayne on January 23rd, 2009

I’ve read that a number of people don’t think too highly of James’ letter: perhaps because his advice is so practical, there is little room for misunderstanding. Take, for example, the verses set for reading and meditation, James 1:19-27 (NLT), what he says is blunt and to the point, I especially like the bits, I’ve highlighted: “Understand this, my dear [...]

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Shayne on January 22nd, 2009

There are many organisations in today’s world that are involved in providing assistance to the poor and disadvantaged. Consequently, there are many non-Christians who provide their time or money in the support of good causes; usually, there’s a ‘feel-good’ emotion associated with this activity.  Often those who are financially secure, give, on the basis that they [...]

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Shayne on January 21st, 2009

The words of Paul, in his letter to the Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT), give us the attitude of Christ – an attitude, which we should reflect in our own lives. “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then [...]

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Shayne on January 20th, 2009

Selwyn’s message is especially important. Consequently, I’ll reproduce much of today’s study. The key point is that we MUST willingly self-sacrifice; not out of duty, not because it’s expected of us, but because of our love, for our one and only God, Jesus. Selwyn writes: “… How do we surrender ourselves to Christ?  Paul, in the text [...]

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Shayne on January 19th, 2009

One of the hardest things to do in my western culture is self-surrender (to the authority of Jesus, our God). The verses selected by Selwyn for reading and meditation contain an important message for all those who follow Christ. That is, not to depend on our own abilities to follow Christ, but to surrender ourselves [...]

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Shayne on January 18th, 2009

Selwyn has picked, Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians,  5:11-21 (NLT), to support his key point in today’s study: ” … one of the chief ends of Christ’s atonement is to deliver us from self-centred preoccupation.” Here are verses 5:14-21 (NLT), from Paul’s letter: ” … Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died [...]

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