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Conscience

For

September 19, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Conscience

 

  1. Is the inner sense of what is right and wrong; moral sense

 

  1. Nature

 

  1. Romans 2:14,15

 

Commentary:  Conscience establishes the framework of right or wrong and reflects the commandments written in our hearts. The Gentile’s conscience functioned for them as the Mosaic law did for the Jews before the coming of Christ. All men and women have a conscience or moral compass that helps them discern right from wrong. A conscience develops over time and through training. (Proverbs 22:6).

 

  1. Clear

 

  1. 1 Timothy 1:18-19

 

Commentary: Because some have rejected their moral inner voice they have strayed from the truth.

 

  1. Hebrews 13:18
  2. 1 Peter 3:16,17

 

Commentary: A good conscience refers to a clear conscience, which is a conscience devoid of offense.

 

  1. Guilty

 

  1. Matthew 27:3
  2. John 8:7-9

 

Commentary: The two verses show people who are convicted by their own conscience. Judas saw the results of his betrayal and was full of remorse. The crowd that accused the woman had no defense when Christ called them out for their hypocrisy.

 

  1. 1 John 3:18-22

 

Commentary: The heart mention here is the mind. Our own conscience may condemn us, but through grace we can be saved.

     

  1. Conscience & Government

 

  1. Romans 13:1-7

 

Commentary: We are to be subject to higher powers, not because of the punishment that may come, but because it the right action to perform.

 

  1. Purified by Christ

 

  1. Hebrews 9:14
  2. Hebrews 10:22

 

Commentary: Christ purifies sin from our very being. We become new creatures.

 

  1. Respect others conscience

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 10:28-33

 

Commentary: The exercise of one’s personal freedom must be governed by whether it will bring glory to God and not prove to be a stumbling block to a brother or sister.                                                              

  1. Non-functioning

 

  1. 1 Timothy 4:2
  2. Titus 1:15,16

 

Commentary: These verses show people who have stopped listening to their conscience. Their conscience has become corrupted by evil.

 

  1. Conscience guides

 

  1. Acts 23:1
  2. Acts 26:9-11

 

Commentary: Conscience minus the Spirit of God is a false guide. Paul declared that he spoke the Gospel with good conscience once he was met with the truth (Acts 9). As Saul, Paul persecuted the church believing what he was doing was correct.

Quote for Introspection:

 

A conscience without God is like a court without a judge.

 

Alphonse De Lamartine

 

A man's conscience, like a warning line on the highway, tells him what he shouldn't do - but it does not keep him from doing it.

 

Frank A. Clark

 

           

 

 

 

Worldly Amusements and Pleasures

For

September 12, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Worldly

 

Worldly-of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs

 

Amusements-Something that amuses, entertains, or pleases

 

Pleasures-1. A source of enjoyment or delight

  1. Worldly enjoyment

 

  1. Featured Text

 

  1. Isaiah 5:11,12

 

Commentary: People who are consumed by worldly pleasures and amusements think they have no need of God or at best pay lip service to God.

 

  1. Characteristics of

 

  1. Job 21:13-15
  2. Ecclesiastes 2:11
  3. Luke 8:12-14
  4. 1 Corinthians 10:6-10

 

Commentary: The writers in the above verses outline the characteristics of those who love the world more than God. They have picked the master they wish to serve.

 

  1. Engage in

 

  1. Galatians 5:19-21

 

Commentary: People who are caught up in the world engage in the practices that Paul outlines in these verses from Galatians

 

  • Lead to destruction

 

  1. Proverbs 21:17
  2. Amos 6:1-7

 

Commentary: The result of loving this world and all its pleasures and amusements is destruction of the soul. People who engage in lustful pleasures with no regard for the Almighty must one day stand before him.

 

 

  1. Indulgence Is Meaningless

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:4 -6
  2. 1 Timothy 5:6
  3. Titus 3:3

 

Commentary: Worldly pursuit in the end is meaningless. All the pleasures and treasures of the earth pale in comparison to enteral life with God.

 

  1. Result in

 

  1. Proverbs 14:13
  2. Luke 12:16-21
  3. James 5:1-5

 

Commentary: Chasing worldly pleasures results in missing out on the greatest gift ever offered.

 

  1. Shunned by the saints

 

  1. Hebrews 11:24-26
  2. 1 Peter 4:1-4

 

Commentary: The saints are to shun the practices of the world. When a person puts on Christ they forsake the beckon elements of the world. And are not to look back.

 

  • Punishment for

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:12
  3. 2 Peter 2:13-14

 

Commentary: Non-believers who do not leave the beckon elements of the world will be punished for their disbelief. Christians who return to the elements of the world are traitors to God and will be dealt with according to their affront.

 

  • Saints delight in

 

  1. Psalms 1:1-2
  2. Psalms 16:11
  3. Psalms 40:8
  4. Psalms 122:1

 

Commentary: The Scriptures relate what the Christian is to delight in.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. I saw all these blessings God had given me. The way to give thanks is obedience to God.

 

Hakeem Olajuwon

 

 

 

 

 

Evil

For

September 5, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Evil

 

Evil- actions that are against the will of God.

 

Results of evil- Evil causes moral and/or physical damage to ourselves or to others. Evil hurts our relationships with God and others.

 

  1. Featured Texts

 

  1. 1 Peter 3:9-12

 

  1. Beginning

 

  1. Ezekiel 28:11-17
  2. Isaiah 14:12-14
  3. Genesis 3:1-7

 

Commentary: The beginning of evil starts with the pride and fall of Satan. Satan tried to ascend and be equal to God.

 

  • Source

 

  1. 1 John 3:8
  2. 1 John 5:19

 

Commentary: The source of evil and sin is the world and the devil. Satan seeks to devour the Christian and will use any means to turn them from God.

 

  1. Allowed by God

 

  1. Job 1:12-13
  2. Job 2:6
  3. Matthew 26:39

 

Commentary: God allows man to be tempted by the devil to do evil. Temptation is the test of fire to help strengthen the Christian.

 

  1. Used by God

 

  1. Genesis 45:4,5
  2. Jeremiah 25:8-11
  3. Revelation 17:17

 

Commentary: God has used evil men to further his will, purpose and to punish his wayward children.

 

  1. Categorized

 

  1. Proverbs 6:16-19
  2. Galatians 5:19-21

 

Commentary: The Scriptures note some of the evils that God hates.

 

  • Evil prospers

 

  1. Job 21:7-15
  2. Psalms 73:4-12
  3. Matthew 5:45
  4. Luke 6:35

 

Commentary: God’s goodness can rain on both the just and unjust. God not man decides who he will reward or punish.

 

  • Fighting

 

  1. Luke 6:27-:36
  2. James 4:7

 

Commentary: The way to fight evil is by doing well to all that you meet. Christians by submitting themselves to God’s will are equipped to resist the temptations of the devil.

 

  1. Destroyed

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26
  2. Colossians 2:15
  3. Revelation 21:1-8

 

Commentary: All evil will be destroyed. All Christ’s enemies will be trampled underfoot.

 

Quote of Introspection

 


The battleline between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.

 

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

 

 

 

Promises in the Gospels

For

August 29, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Promises

 

Promise-A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Psalm 145:13

 

Commentary: God does not lie (Titus 1:2). Unlike man God keeps his promises.

 

  1. Promise of the Kingdom of heaven

 

  1. Matthew 5:3
  2. Matthew 18:3-4

 

 

Commentary: Christians are promised the Kingdom of heaven if they humble themselves like a little child and are willing to learn about Christ.

 

  • Promise that the righteous shall see God

 

  1. Matthew 5:8
  2. Revelation 22:4

 

Commentary: The pure in heart Christian will see the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in all glory in heaven.

 

  1. Rest for soul

 

  1. Matthew 11:29
  2. Revelation 14:13

 

Commentary: Christians are promised rest for their souls. The condition is that they must take Christ’s yoke upon them and learn about him.

 

 

  1. Promise of the presence of Jesus

 

  1. Matthew 18:20
  2. Matthew 28:20

 

Commentary: When Christians gather together in the name of the Lord he is with them

 

  1. Promised salvation

 

  1. Matthew 24:13

 

Commentary: Enteral life is promised to Christians who endure until the end.

 

  • Promise of God’s love

 

  1. John 14:21

 

Commentary: Christians will receive God’s love if they keep his commands.

 

  • Promised friendship

 

  1. Matthew 12:50
  2. John 15:14

 

Commentary: Christians who take Christ’s yoke upon them will be called the brother, sister, mother, father and friend of Christ and a member of God’s family.

 

  1. Promises to the Seeker

 

  1. John 6:37

 

Commentary:  Those who seek Christ will find him and salvation will be the gift given to them. Those who seek not the truth will be lost in the sea of misinformation unable to discern the truth which will cause their soul to be lost.

 

  1. Promise of forgiveness

 

  1. Luke 6:37

 

Commentary: If we forgive those who treat us spitefully God will forgive us of our sins. We must forgive whether the forgiveness is requested or not. Failure to forgive means that we stand a guilty distance from God.

 

  1. Promise of walking in the light

 

  1. John 8:12

 

Commentary: If the Christian follows Christ he or she will be walking in the light which chases away all darkness.

 

  • Promise of the Holy Spirit

 

  1. Luke 11:13
  2. John 14:15-17
  3. Acts 2:37-38

 

Commentary: The Holy Spirit is promised to all people who obey that form of doctrine that can save their souls.

 

Quote of Inspection:

 

God's promises are all on condition of humble obedience.

 

Ellen G. White

 

 

 

 

The 3W’s of Bible Study

For

August 8, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Bible study

 

 

Bible- the Christian scriptures, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments

 

Study- the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on a subject, especially by means of books

 

  1. Type of student

 

Bible Scholar- A learned person who others believe has gain some mastery in the Bible, but is still a student

 

Bible Student- A person who studies their Bible.

 

Bible carrier-A person who carries their Bible for show. 

 

Bible displayer-A person who has a Bible on show in the home opened to the same page every day.

 

Featured Texts:

 

2 Timothy 2:15

 

Commentary: Paul told Timothy to study the work of God. Studying increases the Christian’s knowledge of the will of God. The Bible is the Christian guide to salvation.

 

 

 

  • Where?

 

  1. Deuteronomy 11:18-20
  2. Acts 8:26-28

 

Commentary: Notice that the eunuch was studying God’s word in his chariot. Moses commanded the children of Israel to constantly study God’s word wherever possible.

 

  1. When?

 

  1. Psalms 1:1-3
  2. Acts 17:10-11

 

Commentary: The word of God can be studied at any time day or night. The Christian should set aside time to study God’s word every day or as often as possible.

 

  1. Why?

 

  1. Commanded

 

  1. Matthew 11:28-29
  2. Acts 17:30
  • Hebrews 1:1-2

 

Commentary: Part of a Christian’s duty is to know the will of God. God’s will is made evident through the teachings of his Son and the apostles.

 

  1. Brings one to Christ

 

  1. John 5:39
  2. John 6:45

 

Commentary: The Bible is our guide to Christ. The Bible teaches all about the Son of God and leads us to Christ and salvation.

 

  1. Helps one to lead a holy life

 

  1. Romans 15:4

 

Commentary: Christians are no longer under the Law of Moses, but the Old Testament teaches that God keeps his promises and rewards those who diligently seek and serve him.

 

  1. Straightens and lights the way

 

  1. Psalm 37:31
  2. Psalm 119:105

 

Commentary: Studying God’s word shows the path one must take. If Christians keep their eye on the prize their steps will not falter, because God lights the way.

 

  1. Gives Insight

 

  1. 2 Timothy 2:7
  2. Philippians 4:8-9

 

Commentary: Studying brings understanding of God’s will and purpose for the Christian. If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask of God. (James 1:5)

 

  1. To be able to answer

 

  1. 1 Peter 3:15

 

Commentary: Studying God’s word allows the Christian to answer questions others may have about the Way.

 

  1. Conclusion of the matter

 

  1. 2 Peter 3:15-17
  2. Proverbs 4:7

 

Commentary: Studying God’s word strengthens our faith and allows us to increase our knowledge and understanding. Studying turns the mystery into revelation.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.  

 

Zig Ziglar

 

 

New Testament Conversions

For

August 1, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. New Testament Conversions

 

Conversion-the act of turning away from sin and self-love to worshipping and serving the true God.

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Matthew 18:1-4

 

Commentary: Conversion involves a complete lifestyle change. The sinful person must give up the old sinful lifestyle and become Christlike. The sinful person must become like a child and be born again in Christ.

 

  1. Requirements

 

  1. Hearing
    1. Romans 10:13-17
  2. Believing
    1. Romans 10:9
  3. Repenting
    1. Acts 2:38
  4. Confessing
    1. Romans 10:10
    2. 2 Timothy 2:19
  5. Be baptized
    1. Romans 6:3-4
  6. Living faithfully
    1. Revelation 2:10-11

 

Commentary: All the conversions described in the New Testament followed these steps. Each step is essential in bringing a person to Christ

 

  • Crowd at Pentecost

 

  1. Acts 2:37-41

 

Commentary: Peter’s sermon on Pentecost pricked the hearts of the people. People in the crowd were moved to act upon what the apostles preached.

 

  1. Men and women of Samaria

 

  1. Acts 8:4-13

 

Commentary: Phillip was mighty in the Word of God. He boldly preached to the men and women of Samaria. Phillip carried the powerful message of the risen Christ. The Word caused Simon the Sorcerer to abandon his profession and take on Christ.

 

  1. Ethiopian Eunuch

 

  1. Acts 8:26-39

 

Commentary: Phillip was directed by an angel of the Lord to go instruct one of the top officials of the Queen of Ethiopia. This conversion saved the eunuch’s soul. The eunuch could spread word of Christ to the souls in Ethiopia.

 

  1. Saul (Paul)

 

  1. Acts 9:1-20
  2. Acts 22:6-16

 

Commentary: Christ directly intervened in bringing Saul to his service. Saul was not going to be allowed to continue persecuting the Lord’s people. Saul was acting out of zealous ignorance. Christ turned Saul into an instrument to bring God’s Word to the Gentiles.

 

  • Cornelius

 

  1. Acts 10:1-8,19-29,44-48

 

Commentary: Paul was Christ’s instrument to preach to the Gentiles, but Peter was the one who kicked off bringing the Word to the Gentiles. Peter answered Cornelius’s request to learn more about Christ.

 

  • Lydia

 

  1. Acts 16:13-15

 

Commentary: Paul was looking for a place to pray in private by the river. Instead he found a group of women. He preached Christ to them. One of the women was Lydia a seller of purple. Her heart was opened to Paul’s message. She and her whole household were baptized into Christ.

 

  1. Philippian Jailer

 

  1. Acts 16:23-34

 

Commentary: God caused a great earthquake to shake the jail releasing all the prisoners from their cells and chains. The jailer was about to commit suicide. Paul stayed his hand because not one prisoner had left the jail. The jailer seeing this miracle knew Paul and Silas had the ultimate ally. The jailer asked what he must do to be saved.

 

  1. Corinthians

 

  1. Acts 18:4-8
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:14

 

Commentary: Paul testimony was rejected by many of the Jews. He tried to reason with them. He dedicated himself to taking God’s Word to the Gentiles. Many of the Corinthians believed on the Lord because of Paul’s message. Some prominent Jews (Crispus and Justus) also believed and were converted.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do.

 

Billy Sunday

 

 

Women Working in the Bible

For

July 25, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Women Working in the Bible

 

Work-mental or physical activity as a means of earning income; employment.

 

Women-an adult human female.

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Luke 8:1-3

 

Commentary: Many people are under the mistaken belief that the Bible prohibits women from working outside of the home. The ideal situation would be for the wife to stay home and take care of the children. The husband would work to provide for the household, but the ideal is not always possible. There is absolutely no probation from women working in any capacity in the secular world.

 

  1. Misinterpreted verses

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:34
  2. Ephesians 5:22-24
  3. Colossians 3:18
  4. 1 Timothy 5:8
  5. Titus 2:5

 

Commentary: Many people point to these verses as meaning a woman should be confined to working at home and have no authority over a man. The context here is clearly meant within the church and should have no bearing on secular employment. Paul in Corinthians is talking about the women’s role within church regarding a specific situation which is not to be generalized to a women’s place in the world.

  • Commercial trade

 

  1. Proverbs 31:16, 24
  2. Lydia
    1. Acts 16:14

 

Commentary: Lydia was a seller of purple (a business women). Purple was the dye used for expensive and royal clothing. She had people working for her in the making of the product. She owned a home large enough to invite Paul and his entourage to stay while preaching. She was a woman of means. The women in Proverbs is shown to be working outside of the home on some endeavors.  She is taking care of her household and bringing no reproach on her husband.

 

  1. Agriculture

 

  1. Joshua 15:17-19
  2. Ruth 2:8

 

Commentary: Ruth gleaned in the fields so that she could earn enough to provide for her mother-in-law and herself. Ascah owned a field and the water necessary to irrigate it.

 

  1. Millers

 

  1. Exodus 11:5
  2. Matthew 24:41

 

Commentary: Women have work as millers grinding grain.

 

 

  1. Shepherds

 

  1. Genesis 29:9
  2. Exodus 2:16

 

Commentary: Women have worked as shepherds.

 

  • Artisans

 

  1. Priscilla
    1. Acts 18:1-3
    2. Romans 16:3-4

 

Commentary: Priscilla worked as a tent builder along with her husband. Paul join himself to them for a time. Paul worked as a tent maker as to not burden the churches he was establishing.

 

  • Perfumers and cooks

 

  1. 1 Samuel 8:13

 

Commentary: Samuel was warning the Israelites about asking for a king because one of the action that the king may do was to employ their daughters as perfumers and cooks.

 

  1. Midwives and nurses

 

  1. Exodus 1:15-21
  2. Genesis 35:8
  3. Exodus 2:7
  4. 2 Samuel 4:4

 

Commentary: Women have acted as midwives and nurses in various places in the bible.

 

  1. Servants

 

  1. Joel 2:29
  2. 1 Kings 1:4
  3. Acts 12:13

Commentary: Women could hire themselves out as servants. All slaves (male and female) had to work.

 

  1. Leader

 

  1. Deborah
    1. Judges 4:4-6
  2. 2 Samuel 20:16-22

 

Commentary: Women can be leaders of men in the secular world as evidenced by Deborah who served as judge. The wise woman’s advice was heeded.

 

  • Town Builder

 

  1. 1 Chronicles 7:24

 

Commentary:  Here is a woman who built three towns.

 

  • Prophetess

 

  1. Exodus 15:20
  2. 2 Kings 22:13-14
  3. Acts 21:9

 

Commentary: Women have also been prophets (spokesperson of God)

 

  • Church Servant

 

  1. Phoebe
    1. Romans 16:1-2

 

Commentary: Phoebe was a helpful and influential servant of the church.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.

 

Margaret Thatcher

 

 

 

Counting the Cost

For

July 18, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Counting the Cost

 

 

Counting-To include in a reckoning; take account of:

 

Cost-An amount paid or required in payment for a purchase; a price.

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Luke 14:25-35

 

Commentary: Christ was telling the multitude that there is a cost to following him. Christ was telling each person to search his or her soul to see if he or she is ready to pay that cost.

 

  1. Bought with a price

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:22-24

 

Commentary: Christ paid the initial cost to provide salvation to all.

 

  • What must be given up

 

  1. Matthew 16:24-25
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:17
  3. Philippians 3:7-9
  4. Colossians 3:9-10
  5. James 4:4
  6. 1 John 2:15-16

 

Commentary: Following Christ requires changing of lifestyle. Christians are called at times to give up family and friends if they become a stumbling block to their salvation. The old man must be put away, because Christians are new creatures in Christ.

 

  1. Standing up for the truth

 

  1. Ephesians 6:19-20
  2. Philippians 1:20

 

Commentary: Part of the cost to be paid is to be ready at all times to stand for the truth and not back down from the truth in times of persecution and adversity.

 

  1. Being faithful to the church

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:13
  2. Matthew 6:33
  3. Acts 2:42-47

 

Commentary: Part of paying the cost is that nothing comes before your duty to God. God is the first, the last. He is everything for a Christian.

 

  1. Being concerned

 

  1. Proverbs 11:30
  2. James 5:20

 

Commentary: Part of paying the cost is becoming a fisher of men. Christians are to be concerned with bringing the lost to Christ. Christians are Christ’s servants and we are to do the will of the Lord.

 

 

  • Willing to sacrifice

 

  1. Romans 12:1-2
  2. Hebrews 13:15-16

 

Commentary: Paying the cost will require sacrifice on the part of Christians. If the Master was not spared from suffering and sacrifice the Christian should not expect to go unscathed.

 

  • Faithful to the end

 

  1. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
  2. Revelation 2:10

 

Commentary: Paying the cost means being faithful to the end. The cost of bill is to be paid until death.

 

  1. Are you willing to pay?

 

  1. Matthew 19:16-22
  2. 2 Timothy 4:10

 

Commentary: Everyone who wishes to follow that form of doctrine that can save souls must ask themselves daily can they continue to pay the cost. A Christian must remember what Christ said in Luke 9:61-62.  A non-believer must ask am I willing to pay the cost and turn my back on my former life.

 

  1. What is received

 

  1. Luke 6:22-23
  2. John 12:25-26
  3. 1 Peter 5:4
  4. James 1:12

 

Commentary: The reward for paying the cost here on earth is eternal life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in heaven.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

My belief in a day of reckoning keeps me on the straight and narrow.

 

Albert Gubay

 

 

 

Confession

For

July 11, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Confession

 

 

Confession-acknowledgment or disclosure of sin or sinfulness

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Proverbs 28:13

 

Commentary: Faithfulness to God is proven by how we endure and confront the trials and tribulations of life. When faced with those trials do Christians abandon the Way or hold firm to it.

 

  1. Confessing Christ

 

  1. Acts 2:37
  2. Romans 10:10
  3. 1 Timothy 6:12
  4. 2 Timothy 2:19

 

Commentary: Being added to the body of Christ requires a public acknowledgement of one’s sins. The person must confess that Christ is Lord and Savior. The confession and baptism is done before witnesses. What about Acts 8:26-39?

 

  • Private Sin against God

 

  1. Psalm 32:5
  2. Psalm 51:4
  3. 1 John 1:9

 

Commentary: All sin is against God. Sin is an affront to God. The Christian must first confess his or her sin to God. If the sin is known to no one else the matter ends here.

 

 

  1. Private Sin against Brother

 

  1. 1 Peter 4:8
  2. Matthew 5:23-24
  3. Mark 10:11-12
  4. Galatians 6:1

 

Commentary: If a Christian has sinned against a brother or sister he or she must go to that brother or sister and ask for forgiveness. If the brother or sister forgives the matter ends there.

 

  1. Semi-Private Sin

 

  1. Matthew 18:15-17

 

Commentary: If the brother or sister will not listen then the Christian offended should bring another with him or her as a witness. If the brother or sister still will not repent the matter should be taken to the elders. The last resort is to take the matter to the whole congregation.

 

  1. Public Sin

 

  1. Acts 5:1-11
  2. Acts 8:18-24
  3. Galatians 2:11
  4. 1 Corinthians 10:32
  5. 1 Corinthians 5:13
  6. 2 Corinthians 2:6
  7. James 5:16

 

Commentary: A public sin requires a public confession. If the sin is known within and without the church the confession must be public, because the knowledge of the sin is wide-spread. Ananias, Peter and Simon sinned in public. The difference is that Ananias did not repent. Peter and Simon repented publicly of their sin. If there is a public consequence there must be a public repentance. Other examples of public sin:

 

Drinking that leads to charges of public intoxication

Adultery or fornication that leads to pregnancy

Sins that result in charges being brought. 

 

  • How to Confess

 

  1. James 5:16

 

Commentary: Christians are to confess their sins to each other. This confession does not mean telling all the sordid details of the sin unless the Christian chooses to reveal the details. The members are to pray for the person. It is sufficient that the Christian has asked for prayer and repents of the sin.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

"To confess your sins to God is not to tell [God] anything [God] doesn't already know. Until you confess them, however, they are the abyss between you. When you confess them, they become the bridge."

 

Frederick Buechner

 

 

Common Sayings with Biblical Roots

For

June 27, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Sayings

 

An old and well-known phrase that people often say that gives advice or information about human life and experience.

 

  1. Featured Text

 

  1. Psalms 78:2

 

Commentary: Many common sayings have their roots in the Bible. We say them without knowing the context from which they arose.

 

  1. Eat, Drink and be merry

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 8:15

 

Commentary: Man labors to earning a living. He should benefit from those labors. His labors allow him to eat, drink and be merry as God sees fit.

 

  1. Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth

 

  1. Exodus 21:24
  2. Matthew 5:38

 

Commentary:  Refers to the Old Testament standard of justice that allowed for exact vengeance and nothing more. Current meaning is a demand for payback.

 

 

 

  1. For everything there is a season

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Commentary: God has appointed a time and a season for everything.

 

  1. He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword

 

  1. Matthew 26:52

 

Commentary: Violence begets violence. Those who use violence as the first method of resolution can expect to have it used against them.

 

  1. Money is the Root of All Evil

 

  1. 1 Timothy 6:10

 

Commentary: The saying is an improper quote of the verse. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil. Money itself is neither good nor evil. Money is simply a tool used as a medium of exchange.

 

  1. Wolves in Sheep’s clothing

 

  1. Matthew 7:15
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:14

 

Commentary: Christians must be careful to try the spirits who spread the Gospel because not all teach and preach in accordance with Christ and the apostles. Some come looking like sheep but seek to win over the weak in the way for their own purposes. They put on the clothing of sheep to deceive. Even the Evil One can appear as an angel of light.

 

  1. Seeing eye to eye

 

  1. Isaiah 52:8
  2. Amos 3:3

 

Commentary: Seeing Eye to Eye means that the parties are in agreement. The matter at hand is understood by all parties.

 

  1. Wash your hands of the matter

 

  1. Matthew 27:24

 

Commentary: Seeing that he could not change the will of the people who cried out Pilate decided to give in to the mases and let them crucify Christ. He washed his hands to show that it was the crowd not him that condemned this just man.

 

  1. Weighed in the balance

 

  1. Job 31:6
  2. Daniel 5:26-28

 

Commentary: Weighed in the balance means to obtain a just judgement that could be favorable or unfavorable. The person being judged can be acquitted or found wanting.

 

  1. There is nothing new under the sun

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 1:9

 

Commentary: Human behavior has not changed since the days of Adam and Eve. How humans react is the same only the times have changed.

 

Quote of Introspection

 

Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away.

 

Arthur Helps

 

 

Why the Testing?

For

June 20, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Why the Testing?

 

 

Why-For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive

 

Testing -A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. Psalm 26:2

 

Commentary: Faithfulness to God is proven by how we endure and confront the trials and tribulations of life. When faced with those trials do Christians abandon the Way or hold firm to it.

 

  1. Purpose
    1. 1 Peter 1:6-7
    2. James 1:3

 

Commentary: Trials of life are to refine our faith. Testing teaches the Christian patience and to lend on the Lord and not their own understanding.

 

  • Proves worth

 

  1. Deuteronomy 13:1-4
  2. Proverbs 17:3
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:13

 

Commentary: Testing is used to see if the Christian will remain true to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or will we backside and forget so great a salvation.

 

  1. Refines

 

  1. Job 23:10
  2. Psalm 66:10

 

Commentary: Job faced the trials thrown at him by Satan. Job keep the faith neither falling to left nor right. Trials prove and refine our faith.

 

  1. Turns us to God

 

  1. Psalm 119:71

 

Commentary: Trials and tribulations should turn the Christian to God because in God Christians have a refuge for their souls.

 

  1. Disciplines

 

  1. Deuteronomy 8:5
  2. Psalm 94:12
  3. Hebrews 12:5-11

 

Commentary: Testing can be a way of disciplining the Christian to remind the Christian to rely on God and not himself/herself.

 

  • Produces patience

 

  1. Romans 5:3
  2. James 1:12

 

Commentary: Trials and tribulations can either strengthen a Christian’s faith or break it. The Christian will either learn patience and wait on the Lord or become impatient and turn from God to other so-called solutions.

 

  • Makes perfect

 

  1. Hebrews 2:10
  2. Hebrews 5:8-9

 

Commentary: Christians enduring trials and tribulations for the Lord’ sake travel further down the road of perfecting their faith.

 

  1. Works for good and glory

 

  1. Romans 8:28

 

Commentary: The trials and tribulations Christians suffer works for their good in strengthening the faith.

 

  1. Passable

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 10:13
  2. 2 Corinthians 13:5-8

 

Commentary: God does not allow the Christian to be tested beyond what the Christian can bear. Testing shows whether the Christian is real or counterfeit.

 

Quotes for Introspection:

 

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.

 

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

 

Biblical Excuses

For

June 13, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Excuse

 

A plea offered in extenuation of a fault or for release from an obligation, promise, etc.:

 

  1. Featured Text

 

  1. Romans 1:20

 

Commentary: People make excuses to why they do not bow to God’s will and accept the gift of salvation. This verse in Romans states they have no excuse.

 

  1. Feel Unqualified

 

  1. Exodus 3:11
  2. Exodus 4:10
  3. Jeremiah 1:6

 

Commentary: Moses and Jeremiah felt inadequate to be God’s chosen deliverer or messenger. They tried to get out of the task by claiming they were poor public speakers. Jeremiah further stated that he was unqualified because of his youth. Many Christians use the excuse of being unqualified to spread God’s word.

 

  1. Buck Passing

 

  1. Genesis 3:11-13
  2. Exodus 32:22-24
  3. 1 Samuel 13:7-14
  4. 1 Samuel 15:20-21

 

Commentary:  Adam, Eve, Aaron and Saul try to past the blame on to someone or something else. They try to deflect blame from themselves for failing to do God’s will.

 

  1. Not the right time

 

  1. Acts 24:22-25

 

Commentary: Felix was not ignorant of what Paul taught. His wife was a Jew and would have some knowledge concerning Christ. What Paul taught shook Felix but not enough to convert. He gave the excuse that the time was not right.

 

  1. Fear

 

  1. Genesis 19:17-20
  2. Numbers 13:31-33
  3. Proverbs 22:13

 

Commentary: Fear causes many people to engage in excuses. Lot gave God an excuse as to why he could not flee to the mountain. The spies feared the giants of the land with their report. Fear can cause Christians to turn from the task of spreading God’s will.

 

  1. Duty

 

  1. Matthew 8:21-22
  2. Luke 9:59-62
  3. Luke 14:16-24

 

Commentary: Each one of the guests that were invited to the great supper gave excuses of duty to why they could not attend. People give excuses to the calling of the Lord to salvation. The call is open to all but many excuse themselves from answering the call. Sometimes Christians put duty to others before God.

 

  1. Almost

 

  1. Acts 26:24-28

 

Commentary: King Agrippa knew and believed the words of the prophets. Paul took this opportunity to try and convince Agrippa to head the call of salvation.

 

  1. Tradition

 

  1. Matthew 15:1-3

 

Commentary: People use the excuse of this is the way it has always been done or tradition. Many Jews rejected the teachings of Christ because they were following the traditions of their fathers and not searching the Scriptures to ascertain the truth.

 

  1. Lack of Social Standing

 

  1. Judges 6:15

 

Commentary: Gideon tried to use the excuse that he lacks social standing to lead and deliver Israel. He may have felt he was qualified, but the people would not listen to him nor follow him, because of his social level.

 

Quote of Introspection

 

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.

 

George Washington Carver

 

 

 

Why the Church of Christ?

For

June 6, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Church of Christ

 

 

Church-The company of all Christians regarded as a spiritual body.

 

Christ-The Messiah, as foretold by the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Son of God

 

Why- for what reason or purpose

 

Featured Text

 

  1. Jeremiah 31:31-34

 

Commentary: The Lord told Jeremiah that a new covenant would come. The new covenant would replace the covenant made with his forefathers. The new covenant would encompass all of mankind.

 

  1. Foretold

 

  1. Isaiah 2:1-3
  2. Isaiah 28:16
  3. Daniel 2:44
  4. Micah 4:1-3

 

Commentary: The Old Testament prophets spoke of the coming of the new dispensation. The Old Testament pointed to the coming of salvation.

 

  • Foundation

 

  1. Matthew 16:13-20
  2. Romans 9:32,33
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:10,11
  4. Ephesians 2:19-22

 

Commentary: Every strong building that wishes to withstand the elements must be built upon a sound foundation. The Church is built upon the strongest of foundations. The Church is built upon the Word of God through his son, Jesus Christ. The apostles added to that foundation by seeing the Word of God spread to the four corners of the world.

 

  1. Head

 

  1. Colossians 1:18
  2. Ephesians 5:23

 

Commentary: Christ is the head of the Church. He is the founder of the faith. Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.

 

  1. Establishment

 

  1. Matthew 16:18
  2. Acts 2:41
  3. Acts 5:11
  4. Acts 8:1

 

Commentary: Christ began the building of the Church while speaking to the disciples. He sacrifices himself for the establishment of the Church. The fruition of that sacrifice occurs on the day of Pentecost.

 

  1. Old gives way

 

  1. Hebrews 10:9

 

Commentary: As told by the prophets the old covenant gave way to the new covenant of grace.

 

 

  • Paid for

 

  1. Matthew 20:28
  2. Matthew 26:28
  3. 1 Peter 1:18,19

 

Commentary: Christ was the blood sacrifice for the sins of the world. Goats and sheep blood was not enough to blot away the sins of ma so Christ suffered the ultimate sacrifice Going through on the cross.

 

  • Admission

 

  1. Romans 10:17
  2. Hebrews 11:6
  3. Luke 15:7
  4. Romans 10:10
  5. Colossians 2:12

 

Commentary: The non-believer must be ready to turn his/her back on the beckon elements of the world and grab hold on salvation.

 

  1. Keeping membership current

 

  1. Titus 2:11-14
  2. Acts 20:7
  3. Hebrews 10:25
  4. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

 

Commentary: Once saved always saved is a myth. If the Christian turns his/her back on Christ all that can be said is that he/she is in the hands of a just God.

 

  1. Spread the Word and try the spirits

 

  1. Matthew 10:32,33
  2. 1 John 4:1

 

Commentary: The Christian is tasked with growing the church by spreading the Word of God. Not every church that says church of Christ is teaching truth and the way to Christ.

 

  1. Going through the motion?

 

  1. Isaiah 29:13
  2. Matthew 15:8
  3. Hebrews 10:25

 

Commentary:  Why are you going to church? Are you going to praise God and be with the faithful or are you just going to be seen? Are you going to please others or to please God?

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

Going to church doesn't make you any more a Christian than going to the garage makes you a car.

 

Laurence J. Peter

 

 

 

Knowledge and Wisdom

For

May 30, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Knowledge

 

Knowledge- facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

 

Wisdom-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment

 

  1. Featured Text

 

  1. Proverbs 4:7

 

Commentary: Jesus used parables to get across a point that common people would understand the comparison and to fulfill all righteousness.

 

  1. Good and evil

 

  1. Genesis 2:9
  2. Genesis 2:16-17
  3. Genesis 3:22

 

Commentary: When Adam and Eve ate of fruit of the tree they gain the knowledge of good and evil. Through one man’s weakness sin entered the world. Adam and Eve both gained knowledge, but the cost was disobedience, exile and punishment.

 

  • Given by God

 

  1. 2 Chronicles 1:12
  2. Psalm 119:66
  3. Proverbs 2:6
  4. 1 Corinthians 1:5

 

Commentary: All wisdom and knowledge flows from God.  Christians need to be like Solomon and ask God to increase our knowledge and wisdom in his word.

 

  1. Lack of

 

  1. Proverbs 1:7, 22
  2. Hosea 4:6
  3. Romans 1:21-22
  4. 1 Corinthians 15:34
  5. Philippians 3:18

 

Commentary: Fools do not seek knowledge and wisdom. Fools prefer to remain in their own ignorance regarding what God commands. They have itching ears that prefer fables to the truth. (2 Timothy 4:3). Christians also have to be aware of other so-called Christians professing the faith.

 

  1. Responsibility

 

  1. Numbers 15:30
  2. 1 Kings 11:4-13
  3. Luke 12:47
  4. John 15:22
  5. James 4:17

 

Commentary: Once knowledge has been presented and obtained a person cannot profess ignorance. In the past God winked at ignorance that is no longer the case. (Acts 17:30) Christians have the responsibility to do good failure to do so is sin. Christians must not be like Solomon who was granted great wisdom, but in his old age turned from God because of his many wives and their heathen practices.

 

 

 

  1. Pray for

 

  1. John 17:3
  2. Ephesians 3:14-19
  3. Colossians 1:9
  4. James 1:5

 

Commentary: Christians should ask for wisdom and knowledge in prayer. Christians still have to study God’s word, but are asking God to grant the ability to understand and/or the courage to seek that understanding.

 

  • Study to gain knowledge and happiness

 

  1. Proverbs 3:13-14
  2. Matthew 13:44
  3. 2 Timothy 2:15
  4. 2 Peter 1:5-10

 

Commentary: Studying God’s word is essential to Christian growth. Studying grants knowledge. Putting that knowledge into action gives wisdom.

 

  • Imperfect Human Knowledge

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:19
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:19

 

Commentary: The wisdom of the world is foolishness in the eyes of God. Human knowledge is imperfect. Perfect knowledge and wisdom comes from God and is written in his word.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.

 

Benjamin Franklin

 

 

 

Soul Winning

For

May 23, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Soul Winning

 

Soul-Is the immortal essence of a human

 

Winning-Beating the opposition

 

Soul winning –helping a lost soul establish or re-establish a connection with God through Jesus Christ.

 

Featured Text

 

  1. Psalms 51:13

 

Commentary: The task of a Christian is to do bring more souls to Christ. Christians are the workers in the vineyard bringing forth the fruit for the Master’s harvest.

 

  1. Fishers of men

 

  1. Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17, Luke 5:10

 

Commentary: Like the apostles Christians are tasked with being fishers of men. Christians must cast the net of the Gospel to bring in the catch.

 

  • Harvest

 

  1. Matthew 9:37-38
  2. Acts 15:3

 

Commentary: A Christian is like a farmer. One may plant. Another may water and God gives the increase, but all Christians must work to bring in a successful harvest.

 

  1. Value of a lost soul

 

  1. Matthew 18:12-14
  2. Luke 15:6-10
  3. 1 Timothy 2:4

 

Commentary: All souls are precious to God. God would have all men to repent and not be subject to the second death. There is joy in heaven over finding of a lost sheep and the recovery of a lost brother or sister.

 

  1. Acceptance and Refusal

 

  1. Matthew 13:3-9

 

Commentary: The Christians task is to sow the word. It is upon the hearer to accept or refuse what has been offered. You cannot save a person who chooses not to be saved. Remember Christ cane first to the lost sheep of Israel and they rejected him.

 

  1. Why?

 

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:11
  2. 1 Peter 3:15

 

Commentary: Christians spread the word out of reverence for the Lord and to be ready to give an answer to those who seek knowledge of Christ.

 

  • How?

 

  1. Psalms 96:2
  2. 1 Corinthians 3:5-10
  3. Jude 21-23

 

Commentary: Christians are to proclaim the good news of God’s plan of salvation. Christians are to go forth and be messengers for Christ. Christians must lead a life that glorifies the Father. This may cause an observer to wonder and ask why we can be happy in adversity and calm in a sea of trouble.

 

  • Winner’s Joy

 

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

 

Commentary: A Christian’s joy is to be in the presence of Christ at his second coming with all the other saints. A Christian’s joy is in knowing that the gospel was spread and a life was led that exemplified God bringing others to Christ.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

"The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”

 

 Carl F. H. Henry        

 

 

Miracles

for

May 9, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Miracle

 

  1. Is any event or experience that defies natural order and is clearly the result of supernatural intervention.

 

  1. Nature

 

  1. Miracles depend on God’s will and his power. The one who does the miracle does so through God’s power.
  2. God allowed Satan and others to performed miracles.

 

  1. Purpose of

 

  1. Mark 16:20
  2. John 5:36
  3. John 20:30,31
  4. Hebrews 2:3,4

 

Commentary: The purpose of miracles was to verify the Son’s message, bare witness of the Son, glorify God, so that people may believe and affirm their faith.

 

  1. Types of Miracles

 

  1. Healing the Sick

 

  1. Matthew 8:1-13
  2. Luke 17:11-19
  3. Luke 22:49-51

 

Commentary: Christ had the power to heal both near and far. Christ had the power to heal both believer and unbeliever. Those who believed on Christ were healed because of faith. The unbelievers were healed because of Christ’s mercy.

 

  1. Casting out demons

 

  1. Mark 1:23-27
  2. Mark 5:1-20
  3. Mark 9:14-29

 

Commentary: Christ had power over Satan and his angels. No demon could resist the power that was granted to the Son of Man.

 

  1. Miracles that help others

 

  1. Matthew 17:24-27
  2. John 2:1-11
  3. John 6:5-13

 

Commentary:

 

  1. Raising the dead

 

  1. Luke 7:11-15
  2. Luke 8:40-56
  3. John 11:17-44

 

Commentary: Christ showed his power over death by bringing the dead back to life. Christ showed that he had the power to convey life.

 

  1. Stupendous

 

  1. Matthew 14:24-33
  2. Mark 4:35-41
  3. Luke 5:4-10
  4. Matthew 28:7

 

Commentary: Christ showed that he had the power to defy the natural laws of the universe. The greatest miracle is Christ rising from the dead.

 

  1. Power given to:

 

  1. Jesus
    1. Matthew 28:18
    2. John 11:47
  2. Apostles
    1. Matthew 10:7,8
    2. Acts 2:1-11
  3. Apostles laying of hands
    1. Acts 8:14-18
    2. 2 Timothy 1:6

 

Commentary:  The power to perform miracles was given by the Father. Christ being equal to the Father passes on the power to perform miracles through the Holy Spirit to the apostles. The apostles were able to pass on that power to others. Those people were unable to pass the ability on. The age of miracles ended with the apostles.

 

  1. Satan’s Miracles (Allowed and not allowed)

 

  1. Exodus 7:9-12
  2. Exodus 8:17-19
  3. Matthew 24:24
  4. 2 Thessalonians 2:9
  5. Revelation 13:11-18

 

Commentary: God allowed Satan to perform miracles so that God could show his dominion over all. God allows Satan to test the faith of believers. God allowed Satan to use miracles to deceive.

 

  1. Miracles Now?

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
  2. Ephesians 4:11-13

 

Commentary: Has the age of miracles passed? Miracles are no longer necessary for Christians because the Word of God (written down by inspired men in the Bible) is available of all to believe. There are no apostles to pass on the gift by laying of hands. Satan can still use signs and wonders to deceive.

 

Quote of Introspection

 

That we must love one God only is a thing so evident that it does not require miracles to prove it.

 

Blaise Pascal

 

 

 

Defending the Faith

For

May 2, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Apologetics

 

Apologetics- means to give a defense or reply.

The objective, as Clark Pinnock puts it, "strives at laying the evidence for the Christian Gospel before men in an intelligent fashion, so that they can make a meaningful commitment under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit."

 

Faith- A secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will based on the knowledge gained from studying his Word.

 

Defense-the act of resisting attack to protect from harm or danger.

 

Featured text:

 

    1. 1 Peter 3:13-15

 

Commentary:  The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia which means to give a defense or reply. Christians must be ready to defend the faith and give an answer to people who ask about or question the faith.

 

  1. Preach and teach Christ

 

    1. Philippians 1:12-18
    2. 1 Peter 2:9

 

Commentary: The Christian task is to preach and teach the Gospel. Christians are to defend what Christ and the apostles taught and preached. Christians must be ready to reason with the nonbeliever why they believe in Christ.

 

  1. Study

 

    1. 2 Timothy 2:15
    2. Matthew 11:28-29
    3. Acts 17:11
    4. Acts 17:30
    5. Hebrews 1:1-2

 

Commentary: Christians must know the Word of God to be able to defend it. Study is required of the Christian both for his or her well being and to be able to instruct others by providing answers based on the Bible. A Christian cannot defend the faith if he or she knows little about it. Christian do not blindly believe.

 

  1. Persuade Men

 

    1. Isaiah 1:18-20
    2. Acts 17:2-4
    3. Romans 10:17
    4. 2 Corinthians 5: 11-12
    5. 2 Corinthians 4:2
    6. Hebrews 11:1
    7. John 6:40
    8. Romans 4:18-22

 

Commentary: Christians are to persuade men what Christ and the apostles preached and taught is true. Christian are attempting to persuade others to believe in a God they cannot see and the hope of eternal life.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Defend and confirm

 

    1. Philippians 1:7
    2. Matthew 28:18-20
    3. Acts 8:4
    4. Acts 26:24-25
    5. Titus 1:9

 

Commentary: Christians are to defend and confirm that the Bible is right. Christians are to defend the faith like Paul did before King Agrippa.

 

  1. Meek and with reverence

 

    1. 1 Peter 5:5
    2. Ephesians 4:15
    3. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
    4. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

 

Commentary: Christians are to defend the faith but must be careful in the manner that is chosen. Christians are to defend the faith with humility and love. How you defend the faith can either attract another to it or repel the person from it.

 

  1. Love the Truth

 

    1. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
    2. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

 

Commentary: Christians who love the truth will be ready to defend the truth always by preparing themselves by putting on the whole armor of God. Christians will test what they hear and see.

 

Quote for Introspection:

 

"The heart cannot delight in what the mind rejects as false."

 

Clark Pinnock

 

 

 

Biblical Contradictions?

For

April 18, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Biblical Contradictions

 

Contradiction-Inconsistency; discrepancy

 

Featured Text:

 

Number 23:19

Genesis 3:1-4

Matthew 4:1-7 (see Psalms 91:11,12)

 

Commentary: With God there are no contradictions. Man attempts to trip up God’s messengers by trying to find contradictions. Did not the devil try to use Scriptures to tempt and trip up Christ? Did Satan not use God’s words to trick Eve?

 

  1. Creation

 

  1. Genesis 1:31
  2. Genesis 6:6,7

 

Contradiction:  Is God satisfied or dissatisfied with his creation?

 

Commentary: Both statements are true. The difference lies in the events that occurred between the two statements, Man’s fall from grace.

 

  • Where God lives

 

  1. 2 Chronicles 7:12,16
  2. Acts 7:48

 

Contradiction: Does God live or not live in the temple?

 

Commentary: God can be everywhere at the same time. God can be in the temple and everywhere else because God is a spirit that does not have mortal limitations.

 

 

  1. God lives in Light and Darkness?

 

  1. Psalm 97:2
  2. 1 Timothy 6:16

 

Contradiction: How can God live in both light and darkness?

 

Commentary: These two verses are metaphors that express the same idea the unsearchableness of God.

 

  1. God tires and rests?

 

  1. Exodus 31:17
  2. Isaiah 40:28

 

Contradiction: Does God get tired and needs rest?

 

Commentary: The Exodus verse means that God creased from the work of creation and took delight in his work.

 

  1. God is not all seeing and all knowing?

 

  1. Proverbs 15:3
  2. Genesis 11:5

 

Contradiction: Why did the Lord have to come down to see the city?

 

Commentary: The verse from Genesis does not mean God did not know what was happening. The verse means that God is turning his attention to the matter.

 

  • God knows the heart?

 

  1. Acts 1:24
  2. Deuteronomy 8:2

 

Contradiction: If God knows the heart why must God test?

 

Commentary: God is not ignorant of the people’s minds. God was showing the people that he knew all about them by the tests. Testing works in two ways it allows the Christian to show his or her faith in God. Testing also allows other Christians to show their faith (through works) by helping the Christian who is being tried.

 

  • How did Judas die?

 

  1. Matthew 27:1-5
  2. Acts 1:18

 

Contradiction: Did Judas hang himself?

 

Commentary: Are Matthew and Luke contradicting each other. Matthew records that Judas died by hanging which is correct. Luke who is a physician is also correct. Luke sates what happens to the body after the hanging. Judas’s body hung in the hot sun. The body started to decay and gas from the decomposition accumulated in the body causing it to bloat. The body was probably cut down from the tree or the rope or branch broke. The bloated body hit the ground and exploded.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

“The bible is so simple you have to have someone else help you misunderstand it.”

 

Harmon Okinyo

 

 

 

 

Resurrection of Christ

For

April 11, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Resurrection

 

Resurrection: the event of a dead person returning to physical life

 

Featured text

 

Luke 24:1-5

 

Commentary: The women who went to the tomb were greeted by two figures in white that told the women what Christ had told about the resurrection had occurred. God’s power had fulfilled the prophecy concerning Christ.

 

  1. Predicted

 

  1. Genesis 3:15
  2. Psalm 16:9-10
  3. Psalm 49:15
  4. Matthew 17:9
  5. Mark 14:28

 

Commentary: Christ’s death and resurrection were predicted from the beginning. God set a plan in motion for the redemption of mankind. Christ told the disciples of his death and subsequent resurrection by the Father.

 

  • The Event

 

  1. Matthew 28:1-7

 

Commentary: All the gospels have an account of the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection is also referenced by Paul and Peter in their writings to the faithful.

 

  1. The Cover up

 

  1. Matthew 27:62-65
  2. Matthew 28:11-15

 

Commentary: The Jewish and Roman officials had to cover up the fact that Christ as he stated would rise from the grave. The Jewish officials could not let the populace know that they had participated in the killing of the Son of God. The Roman officials could not allow the spreading of a power greater than Caesar and the Roman Empire.

 

  1. The Proof

 

  1. Acts 1:3
  2. Acts 2:22-31
  3. Romans 1:1-4

 

Commentary: Christ appeared to many witnesses, so that they could testify to his resurrection from the dead and the power of the Almighty.

 

  1. Not Believed

 

  1. Luke 24:11-12
  2. John 20:24,25
  3. Acts 17:32
  4. Acts 25:19

 

Commentary: The reports of Christ’s resurrection were not believed partly because of the Roman and Jewish cover up. Another reason is because people find it hard to believe that someone could overcome his own death. Christ had raised others from the dead, but people thought it was beyond his power to raise himself. The people failed to consider the power of God the Father.

 

  • God’s Power

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 6:14
  2. Romans 8:11
  3. Ephesians 1:18-21

 

Commentary: Christ did not raise himself from the dead. God the Father fulfilled the prophecy. God’s power brought forth his Son and gave him victory over death.

 

  • Impact

 

  1. Acts 17:1-4
  2. Romans 6:4
  3. 1 Corinthians 15:12-17
  4. 1 Peter 1:21
  5. Revelations 1:17-18

 

Commentary: If Christ had not risen we Christians would be worshipping in vain. We would still be a guilty distance from the Almighty cloaked in our sin. Christ has been given all power in heaven and on earth. Christ is our mediator who came in the flesh to understand us.

 

  1. Other Resurrections

 

  1. Matthew 9:18,23-25
  2. Luke 7:11
  3. John 11:42,43

 

Commentary: There were other resurrections in the Bible. The power of God works though earthly vessels to bring about the raising from the dead to prove that there is no other god. Christ’s resurrection is unique. No earthly vessel rose Christ. The Father performed the action for his Son.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

The Resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it, our faith is meaningless.

 

Joseph B. Wirthlin

 

 

 

Absolutes

For

April 4, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Absolutes

 

 

Absolute-without doubt; unquestionable; fundamental

 

Featured Texts

 

Psalm 9:7-10

 

Commentary: God is our refuge in a time of storm. God is the rock that we can cling to in troubled waters. He will never forsake those who truly love him.

 

 

  1. Physical Death

 

  1. Ecclesiastes 3:2
  2. Hebrews 9:27
  3. James 4:14

 

Commentary: Christians are born into the world and eventually we must leave it. No one will live forever in his or her present body.

 

  • Eternal Life or Death

 

  1. Romans 6:23
  2. Titus 1:2

 

Commentary: God has given us a choice. We can choose to live with Him eternally or be eternally separate from Him. We will either follow the straight and narrow path to salvation or the broad and wide path to destruction.

 

  1. One Way

 

  1. John 10:1-5
  2. John 14:6
  3. Ephesians 4:4-6

 

Commentary: Christ is the only way to salvation and eternal life. There is no other door or path that we can take to heaven.

 

  1. Message

 

  1. Mark 1:14-15
  2. 1 John 2:24-25

 

Commentary: There is only one message that Christ and the apostles delivered to mankind that can save our souls.

 

  1. Undying Love

 

  1. John 3:16

 

Commentary: God’s love for his creation is absolute. He loves us so much that he sent his Son as a sacrifice to bring us back into relationship with Him.

 

  • Truth

 

  1. Romans 15:4
  2. Hebrews 6:17-20
  3. 1 Timothy 3:15
  4. 2 Timothy 2:19

 

Commentary: God’s Word is truth because God cannot lie. What is written will come to past just as it did for the patriarchs of old.

 

  • God cares

 

  1. Psalm 37:25

 

Commentary: God will never forsake the righteous. He may not give us what we want, but he will provide for our needs.

 

 

 

  1. Changeless

 

  1. Isaiah 40:7-8
  2. Malachi 3:6-7
  3. Hebrews 13:8
  4. Revelations 1:8

 

Commentary: Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. God is the same God then, now and forever.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

When you find your definitions in God, you find the very purpose for which you were created. Put your hand into God's hand, know His absolutes, demonstrate His love, present His truth, and the message of redemption and transformation will take hold.

 

Ravi Zacharias

 

 

 

 

Repentance

For

March 28, 2018 Bible Study

 

 

  1. Forgiveness

 

 

Repentance-sorrow for sin. The act of turning from sin to serve God and do what is right.

 

Featured Texts

 

  1. 2 Peter 3:8,9

 

Commentary: Christians must have patience. God does not work on our time clock. God works his will on his schedule. God is giving man and woman time to come to know Him, repent of sin, take on Christ and serve him before it eternally too late.

 

  1. Source of

 

  1. Gift of God
    1. 2 Timothy 2:25
  2. Gift of Christ
    1. Acts 5:31
  3. Goodness of God
    1. Romans 2:4
  4. Tribulation
    1. Deuteronomy 4:30-31
    2. Deuteronomy 30:1-6
  • 2 Chronicles 6:36-39

 

Commentary: Repentance is a gift from God. God’s goodness is allowing man and woman a way back to him through his Son. Man and woman need only to accept the gift and change his or her heart seeking out the Son.

 

  • Condition

 

  1. Of forgiveness
    1. Luke 13:1-5
    2. 1 John 1:9
  2. Of divine favor
    1. Leviticus 26:40-42
    2. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

 

Commentary: Repentance is a gift from God’s divine favor. If we repent after doing wrong God will restore us to the family. Sin separates us from God, but Christ died to give us a chance at repentance and admittance to the family.

 

  1. Reward

 

  1. Isaiah 59:20
  2. Proverbs 1:23
  3. Acts 11:15-18

 

Commentary: God will reward those who repent of their sins and turn their lives over to Him. Christians are to be Christ-like following the teachings of the Master and the apostles. After repentance comes confession and baptism. After the change of heart, one must follow through. Repentance alone is not enough for salvation, but without repentance there can be no salvation.

 

  1. The truly penitent

 

  1. Psalms 51:9-12
  2. Acts 26:19-20
  3. Acts 20:21
  4. Luke 15:17-20
  5. 2 Corinthians 7:10
  6. Colossians 1:21-23

 

Commentary:  A person must be truly penitent. The change in heart must lead to a lifestyle change. Christians must model the life that Christ led. Christians must dedicate themselves to the Word.

 

  1. Repentance without change of heart

 

  1. Matthew 27:3-4

 

Commentary: Judas saw what happened to Christ and repented of the sin he did. Judas did not have a complete change of heart because he went and committed suicide. If Judas was truly penitent, he would have gone to Christ and the disciples asking for forgiveness. Judas could have re-dedicated his life to serving the Master.

 

Quote for introspection:

 

God is not looking for repayment, but repentance. What heals a broken relationship is sincere love and contrition.

 

Frederica Mathewes-Green

Study to show thyself approved unto God
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. 

II Timothy 2:15