Welcome to a new Bible study series! This is a concise study, suitable for the busy believer. Naturally, there are lots of extensive studies available elsewhere, if that is your preference.
However, I hope you'll find the subject/context matter here interesting and inspiring enough to fit into your active schedule. Either way, thank you for checking it out. Let's jump in!...
Have you ever wondered what the early New Testament Church might have been like? On a piece of paper, try listing several attributes or features you think may have set it apart from the Synagogue, or other religious or social groups touched upon in the Bible.
I. Read 1 John 1:1-4 slowly and carefully one time. Repeat once more before proceeding to the following questions:
1. What types of evidence were laid out or presented to the disciples that convinced them about the nature and message of the Lord Jesus? (1 John 1:1,2)
2. What was the basic (fundamental) message that John and the other Disciples received from the Lord? (1 John 1:2b)
3. In (1 John 1:4), John gives a strong, emotional and/or spiritual acknowledgement to the message of Jesus. What does this tell us about John's outward emotional demeanor? How might it have revealed itself in John's life?
II. Read Romans 14:13-19. Again, read these verses slowly and carefully as many times as you feel the need to. Just make sure that you have a good idea of what is being said there before attempting the questions.
1. In Romans 14:17, Paul makes the Kingdom of God sound like it undeniably is at the heart of the Church. According to this passage, what is the Kingdom of God like?
2. The Christian is a part of the Kingdom of God, which entails with it some responsibilities. According to Romans 14:18, 19, what does he "do" in response to this fact?
3. Read Romans 14:17, 18, then briefly describe what you think would be the sacrifice involved, and the benefits given by God (sacrifice, rewards/benefits), if a church were wholeheartedly dedicated to making this passage a reality.
III. Let's examine some other passages of interest. As you read through them, think about some ways in which the Holy Spirit helps or serves believers? And, what does He help them do? Read:
1. Ezekiel 36:27 (a prophecy concerning the work of the coming Holy Spirit).
2. Acts 1:8
3. 1 John 3:24
4. John 14:16, 26
5. 2 Timothy 1:14
IV. When the members of the New Testament Church wanted to secure the full effects of the Holy Spirit's ministry in their life, what did they believe God desired for them? Read:
1. Ephesians 5:18
2. Galatians 5:13-17
Summary: In your own words, what must one do to make room for the Holy Spirit's full effect in his/her life?
Pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life, and that it may arrive in all its mighty completeness.
Brightest blessings,
Jonna
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Thursday, October 17, 2019
But As for Me, I Choose the LORD
"Nothing harms or destroys us but the wrong use of that liberty of choice which God has entrusted to us." - William Law
Some find themselves stuck in a cycle of actions or habits, of which they believe they can stop or quit whenever they want to. This line of thinking, more often than not, can lull one's conscience into a false sense of control.
Erroneous ideas, such as this, also tend to suppress good principles and values. They may promote a cheerful, easy-going attitude within, as one continues down the wrong path, disregarding right from wrong, and neglecting responsibilities (Mark 7:20-23).
Some find themselves stuck in a cycle of actions or habits, of which they believe they can stop or quit whenever they want to. This line of thinking, more often than not, can lull one's conscience into a false sense of control.
Erroneous ideas, such as this, also tend to suppress good principles and values. They may promote a cheerful, easy-going attitude within, as one continues down the wrong path, disregarding right from wrong, and neglecting responsibilities (Mark 7:20-23).
The belief that bad habits are not dangerous, because we can change them at any time, appears to be grounded in an undersupply of love for God, and a lack of devoted compassion that, without either, anything we carry out is unfruitful (Psalm 106:25).
For example, the nation Israel dealt with this in the Old Testament; finding just how difficult it is to break bad habits. They struggled with obedience to God for a time, then fell back into disobedience; repeating the sequence many times (see Book of Judges).
Although God will help us (Deuteronomy 31:6), should we choose inappropriately and refuse to listen to His voice, He will grudgingly turn us loose to follow our own desires, whatever they might be (James 4:17).
The late Baptist pastor Curtis Hutson said, "When the believer is faced with a decision regarding a questionable matter, he should never proceed unless he has complete peace about it. If there is nothing wrong with it, then God is able to give complete peace."
Our lives here on earth are but a series of trials, proofs, and preparation for an everlasting placement of good standing following our passing. God placed in our hands the power to make our own decisions; but we must choose wisely (Romans 6:16).
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; Revelation 2:10; Proverbs 16:1; Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 32:8
Prayer: Dear God, You gave me a spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. May I demonstrate this in all that I say and do. Amen.
Bless you always,
Addison
Although God will help us (Deuteronomy 31:6), should we choose inappropriately and refuse to listen to His voice, He will grudgingly turn us loose to follow our own desires, whatever they might be (James 4:17).
The late Baptist pastor Curtis Hutson said, "When the believer is faced with a decision regarding a questionable matter, he should never proceed unless he has complete peace about it. If there is nothing wrong with it, then God is able to give complete peace."
Our lives here on earth are but a series of trials, proofs, and preparation for an everlasting placement of good standing following our passing. God placed in our hands the power to make our own decisions; but we must choose wisely (Romans 6:16).
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; Revelation 2:10; Proverbs 16:1; Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 32:8
Prayer: Dear God, You gave me a spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. May I demonstrate this in all that I say and do. Amen.
Bless you always,
Addison
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Video - "Jesus Loves and Forgives"
When it comes to loving and forgiving others, what better teacher to show us "how-to" than Jesus? This animated lesson, though basic, demonstrates the merciful nature of Jesus in a simple, yet informative way. You may find the sources of this lesson in Matthew 26:31-35, John 18:15-27, and John 21:15-17. ~Eve
Friday, October 11, 2019
Friday Faith Focus: Where To Lose, Means To Win!
"The blood of the cross is the amazing secret of understanding, spiritual change, and living a holy life." - Anonymous
"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)
Consider the abundance of truth in these words spoken by the One who said them! No one had ever spoken or lived like he had. Even so, his ministry didn't reap the benefits it should have.
"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)
Consider the abundance of truth in these words spoken by the One who said them! No one had ever spoken or lived like he had. Even so, his ministry didn't reap the benefits it should have.
Large, curious crowds hung on his every word, but they were mostly uncommitted listeners. When Jesus was eventually prosecuted, only a few to none supported him. Like the single "kernel of wheat," he was alone.
However, following Jesus' death, at Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41), roughly three thousand souls joined the Church. But, it didn't stop there. Something interesting happened!
However, following Jesus' death, at Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41), roughly three thousand souls joined the Church. But, it didn't stop there. Something interesting happened!
During the days that followed, even "more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number" (Acts 5:14), making the Crucified Savior more effective than the living Jesus.
Clearly displayed to the followers of Jesus Christ, is the message of the necessity of sacrifice in order to succeed. One must voluntarily deny himself/herself in order to claim victory.
Keep in mind that, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39). Those who grasp this law of the divine economy will be all the better for it.
Scripture: Romans 12:1; John 3:16; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:17
Prayer: Dear Jesus, may I never forget Your sacrifice for me; and in return, I gladly give my heart in faith and love to You, amen.
May your weekend be blessed!
Raelynn
Clearly displayed to the followers of Jesus Christ, is the message of the necessity of sacrifice in order to succeed. One must voluntarily deny himself/herself in order to claim victory.
Keep in mind that, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39). Those who grasp this law of the divine economy will be all the better for it.
Scripture: Romans 12:1; John 3:16; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:17
Prayer: Dear Jesus, may I never forget Your sacrifice for me; and in return, I gladly give my heart in faith and love to You, amen.
May your weekend be blessed!
Raelynn
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Pride: The Grand Illusion
"All human force is nothing without God, worse than nothing against him." - Matthew Henry
It is quite clear that there is an obvious tendency for individuals to value themselves on account of their wisdom. I'm not talking about the occasional patting oneself on the back for a job well done. No, it goes much further and deeper than that.
We have seen, first hand, various forms of blatant and unashamed self- aggrandizement, where a man glories in his own wisdom, strength, or riches. Outright boastfulness and shaming seemingly know no boundaries.
Where does this come from? It doesn't take much investigation to find the source is our ancient antagonist: sinful pride. Time and time again we have seen the end result of the foolish belief that we can successfully master this adversary on our own.
There is no amount of wisdom, strength, or riches that will allow us to outwit, conspire against, or evade it. It is far more intelligent, infinitely stronger, and more profound in wealth of resources than we could ever dream.
It is quite clear that there is an obvious tendency for individuals to value themselves on account of their wisdom. I'm not talking about the occasional patting oneself on the back for a job well done. No, it goes much further and deeper than that.
We have seen, first hand, various forms of blatant and unashamed self- aggrandizement, where a man glories in his own wisdom, strength, or riches. Outright boastfulness and shaming seemingly know no boundaries.
Where does this come from? It doesn't take much investigation to find the source is our ancient antagonist: sinful pride. Time and time again we have seen the end result of the foolish belief that we can successfully master this adversary on our own.
There is no amount of wisdom, strength, or riches that will allow us to outwit, conspire against, or evade it. It is far more intelligent, infinitely stronger, and more profound in wealth of resources than we could ever dream.
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches," we are warned in Jeremiah 9:23 (ESV).
In essence, wisdom may fail when it is needed most; victory is not always to the strong; and riches or wealth can be taken or lost. These are finite objects and have no infinite value.
Natural wisdom, strength, and riches are gifts from God and should be embraced and made use of to promote kindness, justice, and righteousness. These are what God delights in. The praise and glory of it all belongs to Him, and not ourselves.
Scripture: Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6; 1 John 2:16; Galatians 6:3; Obadiah 1:3
Prayer: Dear Lord, keep me humble, vigilant, and grounded in You so that I may not fall into the enticing trap of pride and conceit, amen.
Stay blessed,
Becky Lynn
Stay blessed,
Becky Lynn
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
The Unhumbled Heart Is Not Heard
"God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart be dumb, God will certainly be deaf." -Thomas Brooks
"Why doesn't God answer me?" This is not an uncommon question. Some feel that even though they have satisfied certain religious practices, God has not noticed any of it.
"Why doesn't God answer me?" This is not an uncommon question. Some feel that even though they have satisfied certain religious practices, God has not noticed any of it.
We can sense that there's a definite problem here, but what could it be? Something is amiss between ourselves and God. Perhaps the trouble lies internally rather than externally.
This is discussed in verses 1-14 of Isaiah 58. Here, it revolves around Israel and hypocritical fasts. They were concerned that even their compliance with the Law brought no relief from troubles.
Israel, following the same flawed logic as some today. They thought that they would be alright with God if they just performed some rituals according to the Law (e.g., fasting, ceremonies).
However, know this! God will not be cheated by those who think that only things like external services of religion will bring acceptance from Him. Merely going through the motions of religion won't do!
Unhumbled hearts that perform "external" services of religion only serve to cheat God. Cheated out of what? We are cheated out the acceptance God has promised only to the sincere and obedient.
If we do these things, yet continue to sin and mock Him, in other words, without any inward reality of faith, they are worthless. The Lord points out Israel's confusion with rituals and relationship, outward acts and obedience in verses 3-14.
When God does not answer, we have no reason to lay the blame on Him. The blame lies squarely on us. If you're not hearing from God, the answer rests in your own heart.
Scripture: James 4:3; John 15:7; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18
Prayer: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2
Blessings always,
Cyndy
This is discussed in verses 1-14 of Isaiah 58. Here, it revolves around Israel and hypocritical fasts. They were concerned that even their compliance with the Law brought no relief from troubles.
Israel, following the same flawed logic as some today. They thought that they would be alright with God if they just performed some rituals according to the Law (e.g., fasting, ceremonies).
However, know this! God will not be cheated by those who think that only things like external services of religion will bring acceptance from Him. Merely going through the motions of religion won't do!
Unhumbled hearts that perform "external" services of religion only serve to cheat God. Cheated out of what? We are cheated out the acceptance God has promised only to the sincere and obedient.
If we do these things, yet continue to sin and mock Him, in other words, without any inward reality of faith, they are worthless. The Lord points out Israel's confusion with rituals and relationship, outward acts and obedience in verses 3-14.
When God does not answer, we have no reason to lay the blame on Him. The blame lies squarely on us. If you're not hearing from God, the answer rests in your own heart.
Scripture: James 4:3; John 15:7; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18
Prayer: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2
Blessings always,
Cyndy
Friday, October 4, 2019
Love for Others, and Not Oneself
During Paul's second missionary journey he visited Philippi. Shortly after, a church was formed there. He wrote the Book of Philippians while in bondage, around 61 or 62 A.D., to recognize them for their assistance.
While he was at it, Paul also took the opportunity to call attention to some of the problems in their church. One of the things he didn't like was the self-centeredness they were exhibiting.
Obviously, the problem of self-centeredness is nothing new. It was as evident in Paul's day as it is now. He saw that it posed problems for living the Christian life then, as it still does today.
When one is self-centered there's no room for Him in their life. "It's all about me" becomes the driving force in one's heart and thoughts. This is bad enough for anyone, but it is especially destructive to the Christian.
Paul was well aware of this. He knew that the only way to correct this way of thinking was to press them toward conforming to Jesus' example of humility and love, not of oneself, but of one another.
He talked about being "like-minded" or having the same love (Philippians 2:2). When we have the same love, we tend to be of the same mind, or on the same wavelength.
When a person is self-centered they are concerned only with their own desires, needs, or interests. It doesn't take much to see that this attitude can be problematic in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
This Christian love, or mutual love for others, is what Jesus taught (John 15:12). When we place ourselves first in line above Jesus Christ, we are crowding Him out of our our lives.
Jesus never once did this during His life and ministry here on earth. Even up to his death on the cross He was thinking of others, in love, over Himself (Luke 23:34; Luke 23:40-43).
There's no room for self-centeredness when your heart is filled with Christ. Follow His example all the days of your life. What a wonderful model of humility and love we have in the Lord Jesus!
Scripture: John 13:34; John 15:17; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 2 John 1:5
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me focus on Your example of love for others and not of oneself. Fill my heart to the brim with Your loving and compassion, that I may share it with the world, amen.
Stay blessed,
Kate
While he was at it, Paul also took the opportunity to call attention to some of the problems in their church. One of the things he didn't like was the self-centeredness they were exhibiting.
Obviously, the problem of self-centeredness is nothing new. It was as evident in Paul's day as it is now. He saw that it posed problems for living the Christian life then, as it still does today.
When one is self-centered there's no room for Him in their life. "It's all about me" becomes the driving force in one's heart and thoughts. This is bad enough for anyone, but it is especially destructive to the Christian.
Paul was well aware of this. He knew that the only way to correct this way of thinking was to press them toward conforming to Jesus' example of humility and love, not of oneself, but of one another.
He talked about being "like-minded" or having the same love (Philippians 2:2). When we have the same love, we tend to be of the same mind, or on the same wavelength.
When a person is self-centered they are concerned only with their own desires, needs, or interests. It doesn't take much to see that this attitude can be problematic in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
This Christian love, or mutual love for others, is what Jesus taught (John 15:12). When we place ourselves first in line above Jesus Christ, we are crowding Him out of our our lives.
Jesus never once did this during His life and ministry here on earth. Even up to his death on the cross He was thinking of others, in love, over Himself (Luke 23:34; Luke 23:40-43).
There's no room for self-centeredness when your heart is filled with Christ. Follow His example all the days of your life. What a wonderful model of humility and love we have in the Lord Jesus!
Scripture: John 13:34; John 15:17; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 2 John 1:5
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me focus on Your example of love for others and not of oneself. Fill my heart to the brim with Your loving and compassion, that I may share it with the world, amen.
Stay blessed,
Kate
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