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Ponder with me some of the things Paul reminds the church about when encouraging them to stay faithful. Much of the New Testament letters are designed to help Christians stay true to Christ, and such is the case in Colossians 2. The things Paul reminds them of might come as a surprise, but let's think about them as the reason they were originally written - a reason to stay true to Christ. To God be the glory!

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Ponder with me about what James means when he says that God does not tempt anyone (1:13). This is a statement about God's intentions, so we're going to dive into the mind of God a bit to think about HIs purposes. Also - what happens if my trials are not creating their desired effect? What if they are hurting more than helping? James will step on our toes a bit here. To God be the glory!

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Let's ponder the rest of the story in Daniel 1. Last week we talked about resisting temptation and used Daniel as a case-study about what it means to be resolved against temptation. This week let's look at the results of his uncompromising faith while also thinking about the attitude he did it with. This balance between a strong stand and lovingly respecting others is so vital. To God be the glory!

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Ponder James as a whole with me. We're in a series about Blue-collar Christianity, which is a study of James. I want to throw this into the series to help us not lose sight of the entire book as a whole. It's a reading from James, start to finish, no interruptions. Without a doubt, it's how the early church listened to these letters...and with James, it might even be more helpful than other books. More on that in the introduction of this episode. Hope you'll join. To God be the glory! 

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Let's ponder the battle against temptation. We all are battling it, although some of us may not be engaging the fight like we ought. Daniel, on the other hand, was full of resolve in his fight against it...even though he was in a position of such easy compromise! What was he thinking and how can we think like him? To God be the glory?

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Let's ponder our wealth and comfortability seriously. Are these legitimately helping us spiritually? The way we pursue them, you would think so. James makes a startling comparison - the exaltation of poor Christians vs the humiliation of the worldly rich. Given their historical situation, why this comparison? How can this help prioritize our wealth correctly? To God be the glory!

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Ponder with me the spiritual benefit that can come from trials. James 1 says they can create steadfastness, but Jesus mentioned people falling away in the midst of their faith being tested (Luke 8:14). So, which is it? It's up to us, and whether we have the wisdom to think through this correctly. And if we lack this wisdom, we need prayer...otherwise trials have the opportunity to bully us. To God be the glory!

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Please ponder a new series about Blue Collar Christianity with me. It's all about the book of James. In this lesson we introduce the book by emphasizing how it is different from most other N.T. Scripture. It is tremendously applicable and down to earth...or is it? I tease with that question because this 'down to earth' book has nothing to do with the wisdom of this world. Let's get started...to God be the glory!

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Ponder with me about how we can investigate to excel in building the church up. Paul says to do this in I Corinthians 14:12. Most translations say "seek" or "strive", but the original Greek term can mean "investigate". In other words, Paul wants us to really give careful, thoughtful consideration about how to build up the church. If singing is one way we can do that, then let's ponder it. To God be the glory!

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Let's ponder how we can show the world what God is like. It's not easy but it is powerful - forgiving others. We all know how serious God is about forgiving others. There were few things Jesus spoke so seriously about. Perhaps God knew just how much spiritual influence we could wield through it. This is a sermon I did in a church in Fort Wayne, IN as a part of a series about taking time to be holy and primarily focuses on forgiving each other in the church. To God be the glory!

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