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.

The Temple of God

The Temple of God: Past, Present, and Future

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Under the Old Covenant the temple, and the tabernacle before it, served to symbolize God's presence among the people. It was the focus of their worship. But the need for a separate physical structure disappeared at Pentecost when God's Spirit took up his dwelling with a living temple made up of all believers.

guard over my mouth, speech and words

Set a Guard Over My Mouth – Psalm 141:3

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How often do we speak careless words? The psalmist's prayer that God would set a guard over his mouth should be echoed by all of God's people.

known by love

Known by Love: The Distinguishing Mark – John 13:35

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Jesus tells us that we are to be known by our love. Not by how good we are, or any other human measure. But by our love for each other.

Hebrews: Superior to the Angels (1:5-14)

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This passage uses seven quotes from the Old Testament to demonstrate that Christ, the Son, is superior to the angels.

Known by God

The Joy of Being Known by God – Psalm 139:1-6

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God knows me. He is protecting me. And he is near. That is so comforting. And it is more than I can comprehend. God is truly amazing!

Are you known as a disciple of Jesus?

Are You Known as a Disciple of Jesus? – Acts 19:15

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Do the people, and evil spirits, around you know you as a disciple of Jesus? Or is your life no different than that of the rest of the world.

Four responses to Jesus' arrest

Four Responses to Jesus’ Arrest – Matthew 27

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Matthew 27 records 4 responses to Jesus' arrest & sentencing. Remorse, indifference, avoidance, & conformity. Choose instead to follow him.

Obey the Bible

Carefully Study and Obey the Bible – Ezra 7:10

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We do not know a lot about Ezra. But he was careful to study and then obey the words of the Bible. And God blessed him because of it.

Faith without works is dead

Faith Without Works is Dead – James 2:17

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James calls on us to test our faith. Is it active and fruitful? Or is it only an intellectual acknowledgement. Faith without works is dead and useless.

a light on my path

The Bible: A Light On My Path – Psalm 119:105

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As a headlamp illuminates my path in the dark of night, so the Bible is a light on my path through the spiritual darkness of this world.

Put off the old self

Put Off the Old Self – Ephesians 4:22-24

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Paul calls on us to do a complete makeover. To put off the old self that is corrupted. And to put on a new self. A self created by God to be holy.

The supremacy of Christ

Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ (1:1-4)

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In the prologue to Hebrews the author identifies the supremacy of Christ over the prophets and angels as well as summarizing his Christology.