Olive Tree Staff, Author at Olive Tree Blog

New Testament

Not Recognizing Jesus

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But…

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New Testament

Resurrection, Reconciliation, Restoration

I can’t think of any bigger understatement than saying what we celebrate during Easter is ‘significant’. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus absolutely changed everything! When Jesus died and rose again – three days later – it reversed the centuries old curse of sin and death that was…

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Where is Joy?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – The Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 The very nature of joy makes nonsense of our common distinction between having and wanting. – C.S. Lewis in…

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What Does Amen Mean?

There are quite a few words that you’ll only ever hear in church. For instance, you’ll often hear invitations to a ‘fellowship’ activity announced on a Sunday morning. But the chances are you won’t use the word fellowship to invite your friend over for a BBQ or to watch the Super Bowl. Congregations all around the…

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Where is Patience?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) If we’re honest, most of us would admit that one of our least favorite words is patience. In a ‘me first’ western culture we can…

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Gospel-Powered Parenting

The gospel is the most important tool for Christian parenting. For many parents this statement is surprising. When most Christians hear the word “gospel” they think of soul-winning. The gospel saves unbelievers. While this is true, the gospel is much more than a message for the lost. To the apostles…

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In Desperate Need of Hope

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – The Apostle Paul giving encouragement to those in need of hope in Philippians 1:6 (ESV) “I have said these things to you, that…

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Bible Study Tips

Study the NIV Better in 3 Ways

You have the NIV, and you read it faithfully. But what’s the next step in your Bible study? Here are three ways you can study the NIV better. #1: NIV STUDY BIBLE NOTES A study Bible is an easy to use and very powerful tool in guiding you in your…

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