Not in vain.

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Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

The perplexing battle for righteousness.

1. Christians fight sin knowing ultimately the battle has already been won.
2. Christians don't fight trying to earn victory, but living up to the victory we have already attained in Jesus. 

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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

Favourite quotes:

The moment you turn to look again is when you've committed the sin with your eyes.

—Probably Ed or Sham

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Don't lust in your heart for her beauty. 

Proverbs 6:25

Weirdos at church.

So, 'church' consists of some pretty cool, wise and awesome people, right?

Then there's those people we don't often talk to—maybe they're too geeky or seemingly arrogant; maybe too introverted or extroverted; maybe they're just poles apart from us in culture or generation. Why be part of this club? There's too much diversity!

Yet, what brings us all together but the gospel? Jesus paid the penalty for all sin by his death, that whoever puts their trust in him receives not only forgiveness, but eternal life and a glorious inheritance with him—there is not a hint of discrimination. Being united as one body, we have also been called to encourage one another daily so that none of us may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness and so drift away from such a great salvation.

When we learn to love one another like this, this diversity becomes glorious for the name of Jesus.
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The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.. so that the world may know that you sent me.

John 17:22-23

The vicious bite of sin.

The scariest thing about sin is not knowing you're in it.
And even when you do know, it keeps telling you it's not a problem.

What a way to die. 
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Be clear-minded and alert! Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
1 Peter 5:8

A call for resistance.

As intimacy increases, control, communication and purpose collapses. 

Keep dating holy and pure.

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Treat younger women as sisters in absolute purity.

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Weapons of mass reflection.

1. How have you chosen to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in this last week?

2. What have you done in the last week for your present comfort and/or security?

3. How have you chosen to be mistreated with the people of God in this last week?

4. How have you made friends / stored up treasure in heaven in the last week?

5. What are the weight/s and sin/s that are clinging closely that you need to lay aside? How are you going to do that? What needs to change?

6. What is the single obstacle/issue that is stopping you from considering vocational ministry?

7. What does the bible say about this issue?