Sometimes, in an effort to save space or time, writers (or someone texting you on the phone) can use two- or three-letter abbreviations for books of the Bible.
The desire for approval is so ingrained in us (and our culture), that it largely goes unnoticed. And when it is noticed, it is quickly dismissed as harmless or irrelevant.
During my detailed studies, going through the book verse by verse, I continually compared what I was finding with my outline. Now, I need to consider making any necessary changes to the outline, because the outline will help me decide how to teach Colossians.
Compassion that is not rooted in the gospel will ultimately and inevitably lead to assuming and eventually even denying the gospel in the name of caring for people in this life.
If you've looked around our site, you'll probably notice that we don't have a way to select a "default" version of the Bible. Maybe you thought we didn't have a way to do that. Actually, we do, and it's very easy.
Having been saved by grace through Christ's Word to him on the Damascus road, mercy received enabled Paul to trust God's method of bringing the same message of mercy to others: preaching the gospel.
It is critical that we remember that prayer is not a power by which we force God to act according to our will. Rather, by communicating with God, His passions can become our passions.
I know in my head that God works all things for good, and that I am supposed to rejoice always. But deep down, I suspect God somehow enjoys seeing me suffer.
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