A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Christianity

This is an upper-level category for A Clay Jar. It encompasses all of the posts that are related to Christianity. This includes small Bible devotionals, longer book and topic studies, and larger theological posts.

On This Rock I Will Build My Church – Matthew 16:15-18

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Jesus said that on this rock I will build my church. What is this church that Jesus will build on the rock. And what is the purpose of that church?

church ordinances

Church Ordinances

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Jesus left his church with two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper. As we participate in these, we can remember what he has done for us

Foot washing

Foot Washing As an Act of Discipleship – John 13:1-15

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One of the last things Jesus did with his disciples was to wash their feet. And then instructed them to do likewise. How should we respond to this today?

a beautiful tree

A Beautiful Tree

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Some people have been battered and bruised by life. Yet they continue to get back up and shine. Like a beautiful but gnarly old tree.

what does God require

What Does God Require? – Micah 6:8

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What does God require of me? Salvation is by faith, not by works. But God does expect me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

why I believe in God

Top 10 Reasons Why I Believe in God

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This post is a light-hearted look at 10 reasons why I believe in God. They are likely not convincing but may help in understanding why I do.

what makes for a healthy church?

What Makes a Healthy Church

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What makes for a healthy church? There are a number of factors to look for. And they are mostly similar to what makes a healthy person.

responding to insult

Responding to Insult – 1 Peter 2:18-25

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Responding to insults, especially because of our faith in Christ, is hard. No one likes to be insulted. But we should follow Christ's example.

honor governing authorities

Honor the Governing Authorities – 1 Peter 2:14-17

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It is easy to criticize our President. But Peter makes clear that we are to honor our governing authorities, even if we disagree with them.

a royal priesthood, a chosen people

A Chosen People and a Royal Priesthood – 1 Peter 2:4-10

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As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. That is a tremendous privilege and responsibility.

a life of love

Living a Life of Love – 1 Peter 1:22-2:1

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Having a sincere love for others within the body of Christ is good. But go beyond that, and live a life of love that comes from the heart.

New birth into a living hope

Born into A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:3-9

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We have a living hope, the salvation of our souls. And that should impact every part of our life. Live for eternity, not just today.