As I have said often, especially in studying the prophetical books, it will help you to understand the message of those books if you get an understanding of the context…
There is a fascinating description in Ezekiel 2 & 3 of how God prepared Ezekiel to carry out his God appointed assignment. Let’s do a 4S study of these chapters:…
When you read Ezekiel chapter 3, beginning at verse 16, you’ll find these challenging words, “At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me, ‘Son…
One of the most tragic and terrifying scenes in the Bible is found in Ezekiel. The place where God promised to dwell and manifest Himself to His people was being…
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 18, you have a statement made two times and then the emphasis of that statement is amplified. This is truly an Impact Statement that…
As I pointed out in our last visit, a consideration of Tyre’s tragic end resulting from her pride is a clear warning that the same principles apply to individuals as…
Being called to shepherd God’s flock is an awesome responsibility. Listen to what God expects of those who shepherd his flock as found in God’s prophecy against the shepherds of…
A few years ago I visited the area described in the prophecy against Edom found in Ezekiel 35. We visited the remains of the famous city of Petra. Throughout this…
In the Ten Commandments, the 3rd command declares, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” As you read the Bible there are many ways in which…
Does your faith waiver at times in the face of some of the questions God asks you? Ezekiel was shown a valley full of very dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14. …
As you come to the close of Ezekiel in your reading you will be faced with a tremendous turnaround. Remember, God had departed from the temple and city of Jerusalem. …
I’m intrigued by the description in Ezekiel 47 of the river flowing eastward from the temple in Jerusalem. It says it will flow eastward into a sea and it will…
We’ve spent the last few months reading and studying the major prophetical books of the Old Testament; Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel. As a change of pace, let’s now read…
Sometimes it’s hard to outline a book in order to better understand and remember it. Acts, however, is rather easy. Acts 1:8 presents a clear outline with a title all…
What we studied yesterday about Spirit directed and empowered witness is seen best, I believe, in the book of Acts in the life of Barnabas. Let’s do a biographical study…
In our last visit we began a biographical study of Barnabas, a man who made a significant impact on the development of the church in her first years. If you…
In our biographical study of the life of Barnabas as seen in the New Testament we first collected all the information we could find about his life. Then we correlated…
In our last visit we looked at Acts, chapter 15. The focus of this chapter was presented as decision-making. This focus was amplified by pointing out that initially there was…
I would like to do a chapter study of Acts 20 today. Read the chapter over a few times, possibly in different translations. Then go through it verse by verse…
Let’s continue our study of Acts 20. I trust you have taken time to read this chapter and reflected on what I already shared. I identified a title, key verse,…
Let’s go back now to the Old Testament section of the Minor Prophets as we continue reading through the Bible by the end of this year. These are relatively short,…
As you are reading in the book of Daniel you’ll find in chapter 2 that Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He called in the astrologers and wise men in his court…
Some events recorded in the Bible stand out and are easily remembered because of the vivid picture they imprint in one’s mind. Daniel in the Lions den is one of…
As we continue reading through the Bible by the end of this year I trust you are finding this project helpful and enriching. The Bible declares over and over again,…
An impact statement that every follower of God should keep in mind is found in Hosea 13:6. Listen, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they…
When accused of rubbing the fur the wrong way because of the way he preached, Billy Sunday responded, “I do not. Let the cat turn around!” That’s what repentance is…
Does it pay to earnestly repent and seek God’s face? Joel the prophet would answer, “Unequivocally Yes!” He was given the task of describing the coming destruction. Listen to Joel…
As you read the book of Obadiah in the Old Testament, just one chapter long, you will see the “Law of the Seed” presented very vividly. “Be not deceived; God…
Let’s continue our project of reading through the Bible in two years. We’re on target to finish our reading by the end of this year. Today we begin reading the…
When teaching on the book of Jonah I’ve often been asked, “Whatever happened to Jonah?” It seems like the book ends abruptly and leaves you hanging with regard to Jonah’s…
The cause of some illnesses can only be removed by the knife of the doctor. When he operates he does not cut to hurt, but to heal. Similarly, when God…
One of the great Messianic prophecies is found in the book of Micah, 5:2. There is no question as to its fulfillment. You find the fulfillment in Matthew 2:6. After Jesus was…
If you have never read Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God,” then read Nahum. The same basic point is made in both, even though the particular…
Asked how she could sleep amid troubled times, an old Christian said, “God is always watching, so there is no point in two of us staying awake!” At first Habakkuk…
The focus of the book of Habakkuk is the essence of God’s answer to the prophet’s quandary: Live by Faith in the Faithful One. The first lesson of living by faith…
We have been reading through the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Today we come to Zephaniah, who speaks about God’s Day of Judgment. Around the dial of a church clock…
Today we are looking at the book of Haggai. I’ve titled it: “The First, First”! It is wise to put first things first. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” Jesus…
In our last visit we looked at the prophet, Haggai. Today we’ll look at Zechariah. Both of these prophets were contemporaries and essentially had the same message. In Zechariah you have a propelling…
There are two powerful statements found in Zechariah 4:6 and 10. I call them, Impact Statements! They have a message in themselves, but that message must be supported by the context in…
Fulfilled prophecy has always intrigued me and encouraged my faith in God and His word. Zechariah makes some statements that uniquely point to Jesus Christ and some experiences He had during…
Today we’re going to look at the last of the Minor Prophets, Malachi, who gives a future focus for life. It’s been said, “Only one life ‘twill soon be past; only…
We’ve come to the conclusion of the Old Testament now in our reading project. What was anticipated in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. The New Testament is built…
We’re coming down the stretch now in our project of reading through the Bible by the end of this year. We’ve completed the Old Testament, the Gospels and Acts of the…
We begin our reading and study of the Epistles in the New Testament with the book of Romans. It was St. Augustine who long ago said, “You have made us for…
In our last visit we briefly introduced the important N.T. Epistle to the Romans, written by Paul. We’ve done focus and amplify studies in the past. Since Romans is such an important…
We’ve started a focus and amplify study of the New Testament book of Romans. The focus I identified was: The Key to Abundant Living. In the introduction, the first 17…
As we continue to read the book of Romans we’ll be able to amplify the focus of the book and the 5 main points. Let’s begin that process by amplifying the…
In our last visit we amplified the first main point under the focus of the book of Romans: The Key to Abundant Living. Now let’s amplify the second main point: The…
In recent studies we’ve amplified the outline that enhances our understanding of the focus of the New Testament book of Romans. The focus is, The Key to Abundant Living. Paul’s first point…
As we’ve read and studied the book of Romans we identified the focus of this book as: The Key to Abundant Living. Today we come to the third main point that…
In our focus and amplify study of the book of Romans we come today to chapters 9-11. Here Paul gives an historical perspective to salvation. In chapter 9 he explains…
The last main point that amplifies the focus of the book of Romans is found in chapters 12-16, the practical outworking of salvation. Paul begins this section with the word,…
In our last visit we introduced the last main point in the book of Romans, the practical outworking of salvation. Now let’s amplify that further by seeing what Paul says in…
Let’s look closer at the section in Romans 15:14-32, which emphasizes how to win the world to Christ. Paul shares 3 management principles all Christians should keep in mind. The first…
Paul maintained perspective in his life and ministry as we saw in Romans 15 in our last visit. He also found a way to maintain discipline to do what God wanted…
In our last two visits we have seen in Romans 15:14-33 how Paul maintained perspective and discipline in his life and ministry. In those same verses you can discover how he…
Today we move on to the next book in our project of reading through the Bible by the end of this year. I trust you benefited greatly from our study of…
When Paul went to Corinth he confesses he shook in his boots or sandals. He writes in 1 Corinthians 2:3, “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much…
There are some things you really need to know if you want to please God and live for His glory. That statement is based on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not…
Do you have a life’s verse? I’ve talked to a lot of people who have identified one verse that seems to have been deeply imbedded into their hearts and minds. What is…
I can still remember one of the neatest experiences in Bible study I ever had. I was working my way through 1 Corinthians and came to the well-known chapter 13, the…
Some years ago, while preparing some comments for my daughter’s wedding, I put together some thoughts based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Here they are: “You have chosen to get married because…
Paul placed the importance of love in every area of life, 1 Corinthians 13, in the midst of a discussion about exercising spiritual gifts. He points out in 1 Corinthians…
In our last visit we discussed the way we are to understand spiritual gifts and their expression or use in and through the church as described in 1 Corinthians 12. The…
In our last few visits we have been studying what is found in 1 Corinthians 12&13 regarding spiritual gifts and their place in the life and ministry of the church. Chapter…
Is the New Testament authentic and trustworthy? I believe it is. I recently read that 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 was part of a creed dating back to within a few years after…
Let’s today do a chapter study of 1 Corinthians 15. The title I gave it is: He lives, Believe it! I would choose verse 20 as the key verse; “Christ has indeed…
Peter Marshall once said, “It is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed, than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.” These words of Peter Marshall…
If you’re feeling down and discouraged let me encourage you to reflect with me on 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. Paul says he is almost despairing of life. How did he cope under those…
Let’s look at an insight word found in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Paul is writing about the difference between the letter of the law and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He…
Many of you listen to this program daily. Maybe you have never heard this program before and just happen to be listening today. What Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 is very…
The Bible has much to say about money. In 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Paul teaches on stewardship. Let’s do a “4S” or four step study of these chapters. First spread the…
We began a “4S” or 4 step study of stewardship based on 2 Corinthians 8&9 in our last visit. Let’s continue to spread out what we find in these chapters. Paul…
In our last few visits we’ve been doing a “4S” or 4 steps study of 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 on the subject of stewardship. After spreading the information in these…
Listen to these words in the last chapter of 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ…
In our reading of the New Testament, we’re now at the book of Galatians—a book that emphasizes spiritual liberty. Let’s read through the book, one chapter per day. I believe…
I’ve often been challenged by what Paul shares in Galatians 2:1-10 about an experience he had in Jerusalem. Using the 6 interrogatives let’s study these verses. In answer to the question,…
In the introduction to my book, A Call To Responsible Freedom, I point out that every Christian has “been called to a life of responsible freedom. ‘Responsible Freedom’ is a most…
Today I would like to do an inductive study of the first 10 verses of Galatians 6. In this study you answer the questions, What does it say? What does it mean? And…
A young, non- believing wife once confided to me, “My husband’s life has been changed quite drastically since he received Jesus Christ as his Savior and I like him far…
Studying what Paul writes about prayer in the book of Ephesians will help you in your prayer life. His heart concern for the Ephesians is evident in chapters 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. He…
As I read the book of Ephesians again in preparation for this program I noticed something I’d not seen before, in spite of the many times I’d studied it. Paul…
As I mentioned when introducing the book of Ephesians, its theme is spiritual loveliness. But the loveliness God wants to create in and through us is a loveliness that is…
Today we are looking at the book of Philippians. “Living in Christ” is the theme I have chosen based on what I found in this book. Listen to Philippians chapter 3:10 where…
As you read Philippians you’ll notice Paul mentions joy or rejoice about 10 times. Let’s do a topical study on Joy as found in Philippians. First, collect all the references where…
In our last visit we began a topical study of “Joy” as found in the book of Philippians. First, we collected all the references on the topic and wrote down…
As we continue to read through the Bible by the end of this year we now come to the book of Colossians. Bobby Richards, famous American athlete, manifested a clear…
As I mentioned in my last visit let’s study Paul’s prayer in chapter 1 verses 3-12. In verses 3-8 Paul lists all the things that are true in the experience…
In our last visit we studied the prayer of the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:3-12. Today let’s look at the life of Epaphras, a guy mentioned twice in Colossians and once…
I trust you are enjoying slowing down some in our reading project in order to concentrate more thoroughly on what Paul has to say in his letters. Today we will introduce…
Let’s do a focus and amplify study of 1 Thessalonians 2. I determined the focus is, A Passion and Plan for Discipling others. Whatever you’ve experienced in the past, dare to…
In our last visit we looked at 1 Thessalonians 2 and identified the focus of this chapter as being the passion and plan for discipling others. Then we saw how that…
Many ask the question “Why?” in the face of tragedy and death. Another question that troubles many is “What’s happened to the deceased?” Paul addresses these questions in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In studying…
In our visit today we will see how Paul in 2 Thessalonians built on what he said in 1 Thessalonians. Both books make reference to the return of Christ. They emphasize the…
I found great encouragement in what Paul prayed for in 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12. Let’s do an inductive study of it. Start by asking what does it say? Paul prayed that they would…
Do you ever find while reading your Bible that a statement jumps out and grabs your attention? I keep my eyes open for such statements. When I find one, I stop and…
In our last visit we studied the impact statement in 1st Timothy 4:16, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself…
As we continue reading the Epistles in our goal of reading through the Bible by the end of the year we come today to 2nd Timothy. Paul, the Apostle, made a…
In our last visit we focused our attention on 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men…
In a church, those in leadership need to be on the lookout for reliable, faithful participants in their church. They need to find ways for such people to enlarge the sphere…
While reading the book of Titus I noticed Paul had a recurring theme running throughout the book. That theme is “doing what is good.” It is mentioned 8 times in these three…
Do you remember the popular slogan used to address the drug problem, “Just say no”? The problem most drug addicts had was they were impotent to do that. For those tempted to…
As we continue reading our way through the remaining books of the Bible before the end of this year keep your heart open for God to speak to you. Pray for…
Is it not arrogance to say, “Jesus Christ is the Light of the world?” Or for a Christian to say, “We only have the light”? Dr. Radhakrishnan, the Hindu philosopher…
As you read the book of Hebrews notice that the writer emphasizes that Jesus is greater than all who went before Him. There’s been a significant emphasis on angels…
There are a number of statements about God’s Word made in Hebrews 4 and 5. In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double…
There are a number of statements about God’s Word made in Hebrews 4 and 5. In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double…
When facing trials and temptations we can overcome if we keep in mind what is stated in Hebrews 4:14-16. Let’s do a focus and amplify study of these verses. The focus…
There is so much in the book of Hebrews that I would like to touch on. The format of this program, however, doesn’t allow for that. For example, chapter 7 speaks…
You will notice as you read the book of Hebrews how often the writer encourages you to respond to truth by using the two words, "Let us.” In chapter 10 verses…
In our last study I mentioned how the two words, “Let us,” are found throughout the book of Hebrews. We meditated on those two words found in Hebrews 10:19-25. Today let’s…
As we come to the close of reading through and reflecting on the book of Hebrews let’s pause for a moment and consider the benediction found in chapter 13 verses…
In our project of reading through the Bible we now come to the book of James. As you read this book you will recognize its similarity to Proverbs in the Old…
In our last visit we introduced the book of James. Today let’s begin a biographical study of the author. To do this, collect all the references to him in the Bible. Use a…
In our last visit we were doing a biographical study of James, the author of the epistle named after him. We first collected information about him. You will find a concordance helpful…
It’s been said, “What you are speaks so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying.” It’s also true, “What you say and how you say it reveals more about your true…
As we conclude our study of the book of James let’s do a study on the subject of patience. You’ll find James discussing this in James 1:3-4 and 5:7-11. Patience is…
In our project of reading through the Bible by the end of this year we now come to the first of two books written by the Apostle Peter. He had experienced…
In our last visit we looked at I Peter 4:7-11 to learn how we might discover what our spiritual gift or gifts might be. Prayer, love, hospitality and doing what you…
We often say, “Life is full of surprises.” This is most often said when facing an unexpected bad event. But the Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 4:12 that we should “not…
If you aspire to leadership in your church Peter has some important things to say to you in 1st Peter 5:1-8. He speaks as a leader to leaders. Listen to what he…
Robert Moffat understood the reason for the Savior’s longsuffering. He exhorts us, “We have all eternity to celebrate our victories, but only one short hour before sunset in which to win…
One thing I noticed when reading 1st and 2nd Peter is the frequent references to the Bible. I counted about 20 times. As I thought about organizing this material on the…
We come now, in our project of reading through the Bible by the end of this year, to three Epistles that John the apostle wrote late in the first century. He…
If you have started reading 1st John you have no doubt noticed that John refers to “eternal life” or “life” quite often in this letter. If you collect each reference…
In our last visit we looked at the book of 1st John in the New Testament and studied what John said about eternal life. We saw that Jesus Christ is the…
In our last two visits we’ve studied what John says about eternal life in his first epistle. God wants us to know that we have eternal life when we believe in…
If you have been reading 1 John with us did you notice what he says in chapter 3:21-22, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence…
In reflecting on the little letter of 3 John I concluded that an appropriate title for the book would be, Against Self-Love. It’s true, there is a healthy love of…
Spurgeon once warned, “Error oft rides to its deadly work on the back of truth.” As you read Jude you will see how this can happen within a church. You also will…
In doing a focus and amplify study of the book of Jude I determined the focus was, Facing the forces opposing Christianity. The first half of the book identifies the…
You must know the man who said, “We shall go on to the end…we shall never surrender,” before you can really understand England’s part in World War II. It was Sir…
The last book of the Bible is best identified by the opening words, “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” If you find the book hard to understand let me encourage you to…
As you read through the last book of the Bible, Revelation, look for every reference to Jesus Christ. Ask God for a deeper spiritual insight into the person of Jesus Christ. …
In our last visit we began looking at the various titles and descriptions given to Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation. Let’s continue that study by looking at 1:5-6. It…
In our last visit we looked at titles and descriptions referring to Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation. Let’s now look at 1:5-6. It points out that Jesus loves…
When John saw the glorified Christ, as described in Revelation 1:13-16, it says in verse 17 he fell at his feet as though dead. That’s not surprising when you understand something…
The focal point of the Book of Revelation is Jesus Christ. In our previous studies we have been looking at the various titles and descriptions of Jesus as found in the…
Today we’ll look at Christ’s titles as related to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13. He is the holy and true one who holds the key of David. When the…
We have been looking at how Jesus identifies Himself in the letters to the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. In Chapter 3:14 He is “the Amen, the faithful and…
As we read on in Revelation we find that Jesus Christ is referred to as “The Lamb” in chapter 5 verse 6. This title would be familiar to Jewish believers because…
In our last visit we began a study of the references to the Lamb of God in the book of Revelation. We considered the sacrifice, sovereignty and marriage supper of the…
In our study of the Lamb there were three verses in the book of Revelation that made reference to the blood of the Lamb. In 5:9 the heavenly chorus declares, “You…
The book of Revelation is filled with statements of faith as well as declarations of judgment, followed by the actual dreadful judgments. There is social upheaval beyond description. The suffering of people…
Chapter 12 is a fascinating interlude in the description of events during the tribulation. You have a pregnant woman who cries out in pain, as she is about to give birth. Then…
In our last visit we studied what I called the Cosmic Christmas story found in Revelation 12. You’ll recall when Jesus was born there were wise men from the east who…
As we have reflected on the various names and descriptions of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation it is clear that He is depicted as having received the answer…
Christmas is a time when we remember the gift of eternal life offered to us through Jesus Christ. He is God’s love gift to us, and when we receive Him…
In our last visit we looked at some of what Revelation had to say about heaven. Today, let’s look at what it says about hell. Hell is a place God prepared…
The book of Revelation closes with a repeated promise by Jesus, “Behold, I am coming soon!” Verse 7 is followed with the promise, “Blessed is he who keeps the words of…
As we come to the end of 2008 and anticipate the opportunities and challenges of the New Year, 2009, I would like to leave a challenge with you. Take some…
Let me begin today’s program by wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year. I don’t know how your last year went, but I’m sure you had many experiences. Some of those…
God encourages the faithful reading of His Word in 1st Timothy 4:13. He promises to bless those who read and listen to it in Revelation 1:3. It’s interesting to note throughout…
Whenever you study the Bible you should realize the first step is to observe what is being said in the text. Note the actual facts or statements. Then you need to try…
When reading the Bible it’s important to interact mentally with what you are reading. Then try crystallizing in your mind what you understand is being said. Sometimes this process just happens. …
In our last visit we considered an impact thought. Let’s review what I mean by an impact thought: Before reading your Bible, pray that God would enable you to mentally interact with…
Reflecting on the parables in Mark chapter 4 is so encouraging. Let’s look at verses 30 – 32. Here Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. It is the smallest…
We’ve been looking at Mark 4. The parables are designed to encourage faithfulness even when outward results seem to be discouraging. In one sense parables are theoretical. The last few verses of…
We need to remember that getting the message is not merely an intellectual exercise. It is a spiritual discipline. The Word of God will not make sense to you, no matter how…
As I mentioned in our last visit, it is important to take the step of faith, asking in prayer for God to forgive you, based on Jesus Christ’s death for…
Sometime ago I was faced with an important decision. I thought about it and prayed about it for a long time. I worked out some solutions but they never seemed to fully…
In our last 2 visits we have seen how God turned nightmares into night miracles that spilled over into the next day’s experience. An even better example of this is described…
Often we are so preoccupied in the challenges and emotions of the moment we have a hard time maintaining objectivity. We might under such circumstances find it hard to make decisions,…
Paul was falsely accused when he went to Jerusalem to deliver a love offering to the church there from churches in Turkey, Macedonia and Greece. When this resulted in a riot…
One final nighttime episode in the book of Acts reminds me of what the late Dr. Edman said in a WheatonCollege chapel service: “Never doubt in the night what God…
Looking at the many times in the book of Acts when God turned nightmares into nighttime miracles or provided guidance in the night-watch, there are some lessons we can learn. …
Haggai was assigned by God to light a fire under the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem from exile to rebuild the temple. The building project got stalled so the people…
In our last visit we saw the importance of doing first things first. When we do, God blesses. Until we don’t do first things first, we in fact work against ourselves and…
When does God promise to bless our obedience? Is it when our obedience and diligence accomplish a project? Is it when we fulfill a promise made? If we promise to tithe our…
At the church I serve as Minister at Large we are in the process of searching for a new Sr. Pastor. We’re all praying for the search team as they review…
Let’s continue to amplify the focus of 23rd Psalm on the kind of person God desires in leaders within the church. It’s what we all should aspire to in our own…
We have seen in our study of Psalm 23 that maintaining a healthy relationship with our shepherd, Jesus Christ, leads to stability and strength in coping with life’s challenges. We…
Jesus always had time for the person who was going through the “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). We need pastors and other spiritual leaders, serving as under-shepherds of…
Optimism in the life of a believer is the by product of faith. It is not at all surprising, following the assurance of God’s presence as we go through valleys…
We have been studying Psalm 23 and using it as a template for discovering qualities, experiences and disciplines that equip a person to function effectively in leadership. Actually, all believers should…
In recent visits I have been sharing from Psalm 23 my prayer regarding God’s provision of the kind of man I would like to see become the next Pastor of…
During the time we have been studying Psalm 23 and 1 Peter 5:1-11 an impact thought developed in my mind. It came together in a discussion my wife and I were…
In our last visit I illustrated, using Joseph’s life, the impact statement: God wants me to walk, work and worship with divine clarity while living in the midst of human…
In our last two visits I introduced an impact thought and illustrated it by looking at the life of Joseph in the Old Testament. The impact thought is: God wants me…
In our last visit I introduced Jonathan, son of Israel’s first king, Saul, as an example of one who lived out this impact thought: God wants me to walk, work…
In our last few visits we have looked at two examples from the Old Testament that illustrate how to live out this impact thought: God wants me to walk, work…
In our last visit we reflected on how Jesus lived with divine clarity about His mission while living in the midst of human ambiguity and ambivalence around Him. The way…
We have been looking at individuals who lived their lives in a way that demonstrated the impact thought: God wants me to walk, work and worship with divine clarity while…
Let’s look at another example of one who lived out the impact statement we have been focusing on in recent visits: God wants me to walk, work and worship with…
We have been reflecting on an impact thought during our visits this week. When reading God’s Word sometimes a thought develops in my mind based on what I’m reading. I usually stop…
I was on vacation while preparing scripts for this program. In addition I read a book by Charles Swindall, Intimacy with the Almighty. As I reflected on what his book said I realized…
In our last visit I introduced an important addition to the impact statement we have been studying together. As important as it is to walk, work and worship with divine clarity…
In our last two visits we pointed out that both Joseph and Jonathan exhibited having an intimate relationship with God. This illustrated an important addition to the impact statement we have…
We’ve emphasized in recent visits the importance of an intimate relationship with God if we want to walk, work and worship with divine clarity as we live in the midst…
As we conclude our study of the impact statement: God wants us to walk, work and worship with divine clarity and a growing relationship with Him while we live in…
Sometimes when reading a book of the Bible there is a phrase which keeps popping up and grabs your attention. When that happens take note of it, write down what you…
In our last visit we found the phrase “doing what is good” or something close to it mentioned 8 times in the book of Titus. We decided what each reference says…
Christians should be examples of doing what is good, and they should be encouraged to do what is good. No one would argue that, especially if you reflect on the…
Would you consider your church to be a seedbed for producing what is good in the lives of your members? According to the book of Titus, it should be. It will…
We’ve been studying the Book of Titus on recent programs. Let’s continue using a different study approach: a devotional study. After reading Titus try answering the following questions: 1. What does this…
In the devotional study I introduced in our last visit we tried answering questions like, What does this portion of the Bible teach about God the Father, the Son,…
We’ve been doing a devotional study of the book of Titus. So far we have answered the questions, What does this book of the Bible teach about God the Father and…
Let’s look at what we can find in the book of Titus about another question in the devotional study we have done on recent programs. What does Titus say about man? …
We’ve been studying the book of Titus using questions to get at the facts. A good question to keep in mind as you read the Bible is this, Are there any…
Consider with me two final questions we can answer from our study of the book of Titus. We’ve looked at the questions: What does this portion teach about God and about…
When reading the Bible, don’t be surprised if certain topics jump out at you. Often the writer of a given book wanted to highlight a given topic. Paul obviously had freedom in…
In our last visit we began a topical study focusing on joy and rejoicing as found in the book of Philippians. After I collected information on this topic I correlated it…
On this program I try introducing you to a variety of Bible study methods to help you get the message in God’s Word. The Psalmist wrote about hiding God’s Word in…
One of the most important disciplines in Bible study is to memorize phrases, verses, paragraphs, and even chapters. Let me encourage you always to learn the reference where what you’re memorizing…
In our last visit we focused on the importance of memorizing the Word of God. There are many benefits that come from memorizing Scripture. For example, as I read verses 13…
As I’ve pointed out in recent visits, memorizing God’s word is very important. We’ve seen that a good place to start memorizing is finding key verses that capture the truth of…
As I’ve pointed out in recent visits, memorizing God’s word is very important. We’ve seen that a good place to start memorizing is finding key verses that capture the truth of…
Do you have a hard time understanding the Word of God, the Bible? If you do, consider this. The Word of God will not make sense to you, no matter how diligently…
God has spoken. What He said is recorded in a book that He guided holy men of old to write. We know it as the Bible. Because He oversaw and inspired all that…
In our last visit we discussed the importance of getting the tools together for doing Bible study. When you have the tools you need to make time for the task. Jesus…
In our last visit we began what I call a chapter study of the Bible, focusing on Acts 20. To start with I identified a chapter title: A Faithful Ministry. Key verse:…
During the Mexico City Olympics a number of years ago Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia won the 26 mile marathon. One hour later, after the crowd had dispersed, John Akjwari of Tanzania…
In our last visit we considered Paul’s conviction that he had some more running to do in order to finish the race God had called him to run. That was spelled…
Have you ever had an encounter with the Living God? Do you have such encounters on a regular basis? Do you desire such an experience? If not, why not? As I was thinking…
In our last visit we became familiar with what Acts 10 described. Now let’s try to understand what it means. One significant thing in the account is the importance of prayer. Cornelius…
If you’ve read and studied Acts 10 as we have in recent visits, you no doubt noticed that nothing would have happened if God didn’t make it happen. God organized…
In our study of Acts 10 we discovered how to have an encounter with the living God. Prayer is a pre-requisite because only God can make such an encounter happen. What He…
Listen to these words in the last chapter of 2 Corinthians, chapter 13 verse 5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize…
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational truth to the Christian faith and the Christian’s life. If you take the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His resurrection away you do…
Recently I was asked to speak on the theme, “Standing at the crossroads.” All of us stand at crossroads from time to time. Sometimes crossroads spell opportunity. At other times danger. Sometimes there is…
In our last visit I introduced the phrase, “Standing at the crossroads,” taken from Jeremiah 6:16: “Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good…
In our last visit we looked at the big picture, background context in which Jeremiah did his prophetic work. To get a fuller picture you would need to read the whole…
In recent visits, while studying the impact statement in Jeremiah 6:16, we looked at the big picture, background context and the immediate context. Let’s consider the context we bring to the…
Do you ever miss seeing the forest because you are preoccupied, focusing on a tree? There is great danger in doing this when studying the Bible. Getting interested in a statement without…
In our last visit we began a focus and amplify study of the New Testament book of Philemon, written by the apostle Paul. It is the shortest of his books, just…
We have been looking at the book of Philemon in the New Testament and doing a focus and amplify study of it. We identified the focus as being: Forgiveness is a…
As we continue our study of the book of Philemon in the New Testament let’s reflect on the heart of what Paul says, found in verses 8-20. Every element of his…
In studying the book of Philemon in the New Testament Paul focuses on Forgiveness as a test and testimony of Christian love and faith. He amplifies this theme by first confining…
We have been doing a focus and amplify study of the book of Philemon in the New Testament. The focus we identified was: Forgiveness is a test and testimony of Christian…
Here’s a good verse to pray to God for your church. Paul the apostle prayed it and then wrote it out in his letter to the church in Rome. It’s found in…
In our last visit we looked at Romans 15:5-6, where Paul prayed for the Romans. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves…
We’ve been looking at Paul’s prayer in Romans 15:5-6 in recent visits. Now let’s look at another brief prayer of his in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you…
I would like to share with you some insights gained from doing a focus and amplify study of 1 Corinthians 2. As I read this chapter over a few times I…
In our last visit we tried to amplify what 1 Corinthians 2 says about the Holy Spirit’s part in producing God’s Word. First, He knows the thoughts of God. He then…
We have been studying 1 Corinthians 2 using the focus and amplify method of study. The focus we identified was this: God wants us to know what He has prepared for…
Now that we have studied what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2 about the Holy Spirit’s part in producing and proclaiming God’s Word, let’s turn our attention to the final…
This is the time of year when we honor mothers. My mother played a significant roll in my spiritual formation. She prayed for me before I was born. While I was still in…
One of the best antidotes to discouragement while going through difficult times is to have others standing with you at your side. If they are fellow believers this also helps to…
It’s always interesting and encouraging to hear how your life has touched others. It’s also a blessing, to hear how others have ministered to one another. Paul touched many lives during his…
You can count on it, during times of transition and testing, God is working in your life to grow and strengthen you. At the same time the enemy will be looking…
If you’re going through a time of transition or discouragement I’m sure you have experienced opposition. Overcoming such opposition can be a real challenge. As we continue our study in Romans 16,…
In our last visit we considered God’s ability to establish us no matter what we might be facing. As we continue to amplify God’s provisions and promises by which we can…
We began an inductive study of John chapter 9 in our last visit. Let’s continue the study. We noted the miracle of giving sight to the man born blind. People began asking if…
In recent visits we began an inductive study of chapter 9 of the Gospel of John. After observing what is said in the chapter you then need to interpret what it…
It was the poet Whittier who wrote, “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.” You find a number of individuals described in…
In our last visit we began to consider those who missed their golden opportunity to meet Jesus as a result of the witness of the man born blind who was…
As we’ve studied John 9 we saw how the neighbors of the blind man who was healed missed their opportunity to meet Jesus. The Pharisees also missed their opportunity. Now let’s…
We have been doing an inductive study of the 9th chapter of John. We started by observing what is described in the chapter. Then we worked at interpreting what we had observed. Now…
In recent visits we have done an inductive Bible Study of John 9. I gave the study the title: Don’t Miss The Opportunity! The three points illustrated in the chapter would be:…
In our last visit we began a study of Psalm 119. I suggested that the first 8 verses were introductory. You will notice that the Psalm is divided into sections with…
We’ve been considering some preliminary thoughts based on the Psalmist’s strong but very honest statement on the significance of God’s Word in Psalm 119. After making it clear that he…
As we have studied Psalm 119 we determined a title for the Psalm might be, The Significance of God’s Word. We saw the nature of God’s Word provides confidence to trust…
In our last visit we found God’s unfailing love for those who call out to Him, trusting in His promise. Once you’ve taken this step you’ll find according to Psalm 119…
If you weren’t convinced of the importance of studying God’s Word in our previous visits focusing on Psalm 119, our study today should convince you. We’ve considered the nature of God’s…
As I’ve read and studied Psalm 119 with you I’ve become convinced I should devote myself more to the mastery and meditation of God’s Word. I must make time for this…
My wife and I are having the joy of attending graduations for some of our grandkids. Thinking about this milestone in their lives I remember reading about a graduation address given…
In our last visit I shared some thoughts based on a well known speech given by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the graduation ceremonies of a prestigious school. His speech…
Let me continue amplifying my reflections on Winston Churchill’s famous graduation speech: “Never. Never. Never give up!” We amplified the first point in our last visit: Never try to go forward without a…
Now that we have amplified the first two points I developed based on Churchill’s great graduation speech let’s consider my third point: Never stop short of finishing what you believe…
I’m going to make a point that departs from what we have been reflecting on based on Winston Churchill’s speech to a graduating class: “Never. Never. Never give up!” If we follow his…
Some years ago, while preparing some comments for my daughter’s wedding, I put together some thoughts based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Here they are: “You have chosen to get married because…
In our last visit I shared some thoughts based on 1 Corinthians 13 that I presented at my oldest daughter’s wedding. Let me share what I presented at my youngest son’s…
I’ve known Christians who imagined God to be an ever-ready source of gifts and goodies. Others have sourly decided He’s unresponsive; no amount of pleading, pulling, banging or even kicking will…
In our last visit we began a study on prayer using a modified “three C” approach to Bible Study. Using as a guide the suggestions of a time management consultant I…
We have been looking at what I’ve called Category A prayer requests – that is, requests that have definite Biblical support. By “definite” I mean requests that are based on statements…
In our last few visits we have considered what I called Category A prayer requests – that is, requests based on definite Biblical statements. Now let’s consider what I would call…
We’ve been studying what the Bible says about prayer in recent visits, trying to undrstand how to have reasonable expectations regarding answers to our prayers. We’ve looked at Category A type…
Today let’s study what I consider to be Category C prayer requests – When my request expresses something I desire and the Bible doesn’t disapprove it. Some things that are important…
As we have been studying what the Bible says about having realistic expectations about answers to our prayers one issue has come up a number of times. That issue has to…
Today I would like to introduce you to what I would call a Category D request. Let me describe it for you. Many times in our lives we feel a strong desire…
We have been studying a way in which we might categorize prayer requests based on the degree of Biblical support for them. Category A – When the Bible clearly promises…
In recent visits we have been doing a rather analytical study of prayer. I trust you have found it helpful, and not complicated and confusing. My fear is that you might get…
Recently I felt drawn to study the book of 2 Peter. I’m somewhat familiar with the basic contents of the book, but to start I read over the book a few…
In our last visit we began a study of the second letter of Peter. We noted in answer to the “Who” question, Peter and believers down through the centuries, including us,…
There are three more questions in the study approach we are using to begin our study of 2nd Peter. First, where was Peter as he wrote this letter? There are a…
In our last visit I pointed out, Peter makes it clear that having knowledge of Jesus Christ’s person, plan, provision and promise is very important. I noted in the opening 11…
The first reference to experiential knowledge is found in the opening verses of 2nd Peter. Peter identifies himself as a servant, or more correctly, a slave of Jesus Christ. In addition he…
In our study of 2nd Peter 1:1-11 we noted there are four references to “knowledge.” Three refer to knowledge that is clear and precise, experienced in an intimate, personal relationship. We considered…
In our last visit we reflected on what 2nd Peter 1:3 promised: God’s “divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” Now let’s discover how what God…
We discovered in our last visit the key that opens the floodgate to release God’s power so that everything we need for life and godliness will be provided for us. That…
In recent visits we have discovered in our study of 2nd Peter 1:3-4 the key to experiencing God’s power and promises in our lives. Power to give us everything we need…
In our last visit I shared a summary of my reflections on what I know about Jesus Christ and how He relates to us. Let me unpack those thoughts and share…
Let me continue to unpack my thoughts based on the phrase in 1st Peter 1:3, “through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” My…
As we continue to reflect on some thoughts I came up with while studying 1st Peter 1:3 consider the couplet: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God the Son, is…
In our last visit we considered a couple of the couplets I put together while reflecting on what I know about Jesus Christ. This is part of our study of 1st…
The next couplet I would like to share with you based on our study of 1st Peter 1:3-4 is this: Jesus is authoritative in his word and authentic in his…
I trust you are finding these reflections on what I’ve come to know about my Savior Jesus Christ a source of encouragement and inspiration. Another couplet is this: He is august…
We come now to the final couplet in my reflections on what I’ve come to know about my Savior Jesus Christ: He is universal in His appeal, but exclusive in…
I said in our last visit I was sharing my last couplet of truth about my God and Savior Jesus Christ. Well, I thought of another. It grew out of the point…
In our study of 2nd Peter we’ve been introduced to what God provides in our relationship with Him. He’s the one who provides Salvation, which is the first step in our…
In our last visit we reviewed what I believe is foundational for what Peter encourages in 2nd Peter 1:5-11. He says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add…” In other…
In our last visit we introduced what our part is in the equation of growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Dr. Wuest says…
I trust you have been reading and meditating on 2nd Peter 1:5-11. I would encourage you to review Galatians 5:22-23 periodically while we study the qualities Peter encourages us to cultivate. …
In our study of 2nd Peter 1:5-11 we began discovering what Peter meant when he instructed us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness.” Ordering your life…
I shared in our last visit that growth in any area of your life usually demands a certain amount of adjustment, pain and sacrifice. It also demands self control or personal…
As we continue to unpack the list of qualities in 2nd Peter 1:5-11 that Peter encourages us to add to our faith we now come to perseverance. Once you determine to…
We come now to a very important quality in the list enumerated in 2nd Peter 1:5-11. Why should we add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self control and perseverance? Peter says, so…
We have been studying 2nd Peter 1:1-11 for some time now. In our last visit we began to understand the quality of agape love as seen in the love demonstrated toward…
Now that we have studied in 2nd Peter 1:5-11 the qualities Peter encourages us to add to our faith two considerations emerge. Should we work hard on any one of these…
In our study of 2nd Peter 1:1-11 there are a couple of words that caught my attention and peeked my interest to go deeper in what Peter was sharing. The words…
Looking at the sentence I focused on in our last visit there is another emphasis I would like to reflect on today. The sentence is 2nd Peter 1:8, “If you possess…
As we continue our study of 2nd Peter 1:1-11 we come now to the punch line in verses 10-11: “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your…
Let’s look together again at 2nd Peter 1:10 where we are strongly challenged to make our calling and election sure. Actually, our calling and election are actions God takes. When He calls…
Today we come to the final point Peter makes in his 2nd epistle, chapter 1, verses 1-11. He has pointed out that if you as a Christian trust in God for…
With the substantial foundation Peter laid in the first 11 verses of 2nd Peter 1 he immediately gives his reason for saying what he said. He writes like a parent to…
In our last visit we pointed out how Peter amplified the focus of what he was sharing in chapter 1 of 2nd Peter: he wanted them to understand what goes…
Peter’s purpose for writing 2nd Peter was to remind his readers, refresh their memory, so they would always remember what they already knew and were established in. He further amplifies his…
After declaring he saw with his own eyes the magnificence of Christ’s transfiguration Peter goes on to say in 2nd Peter 1:17-18, Christ “received honor and glory from God the…
In our study of 2nd Peter it is clear that Peter had a good grasp of where his readers were in their faith journey. He wanted to affirm them, warn them…
When Peter talked about his experience in 2nd Peter 1 he made it clear his description of what happened was not the result of a fertile imagination. Then, referring to the…
After reflecting on 2nd Peter chapter 1 for almost two months now I came up with the following outline for what we have shared on this program. The focus I…
With chapter 1 of 2nd Peter under our belts let’s move on to the rest of this book. Peter wanted his readers to have a firm foundation for their faith because…
In our last visit we began to look into chapter 2 of 2nd Peter. We saw that there is always a danger of believers being led astray by false prophets. This is…
To do a more thorough study of 2nd Peter 2 let me suggest we do what I call a ‘4S’ study. The four S’s stand for spread, sort, structure and summarize. …
In our last visit we began doing a “4S” study of 2nd Peter 2 by spreading and sorting into groups information found in this chapter. After reflecting on these groups of…
In our last visit we didn’t finish listing the things Peter says in 2nd Peter 2 to describe false prophets and teachers. We listed what is said about their character and…
We have been studying 2nd Peter 2 to discover the dangers associated with the influence of false teachers and prophets in the church. One of the things Peter talks about in…
As we’ve been studying about false teachers and prophets described in 2nd Peter 2, Peter not only warns us about the devastating impact they have on those who follow them. He…
In our last visit I shared how Peter encouraged those he was writing to scrutinize the conduct and communication of their spiritual leaders and visiting teachers who might be asked…
We now move to the third chapter of 2nd Peter. To study this portion let me suggest we use what I call the chapter study. The primary objective with any study is…
As we continue doing a chapter study of 2nd Peter 3 I’d like to share with you some cross references that would be good to read to broaden our understanding. I…
In our last visit we began to outline 2nd Peter 3: Skeptics, God, His Promises, and His expectations. Let’s amplify point one by doing some wholesome thinking on what Peter says…
In our last visit we began to consider one topic in 2nd Peter 3 about which we need to do some wholesome thinking, that is, what Peter said about scoffers…
In our study of 2nd Peter 3 we began to amplify the outline in recent visits. Let’s continue doing that. Under the first point we focused on what Peter wrote about skeptics…
In our last visit we began to amplify what Peter says about God in 2nd Peter 3. Let’s continue to expand on that. God promised that Jesus Christ would return. The skeptics…
In our consideration of what Peter says in 2nd Peter 3 about God we have seen that His promises are sure. We can count on Him fulfilling His promises. We must…
In our study of 2nd Peter 3 we’ve considered what Peter said about skeptics, God and God’s promises. Now let’s look at what he says about what kind of people we…
In our last visit we pointed out some things Peter encourages us to be about in 2nd Peter 3. The time of Christ’s return is approaching. God wants us to be…
Today I’d like to begin a study of the short book of Jude, a companion thematically to 2nd Peter. You’ll find it just before the final book in the Bible, the…
In our study of the book of Jude we’ve considered who the author was. We also identified a title and a key verse. The title I suggested was, Prepped and Kept for…
In our last visit I suggested that cross-references often enrich our understanding of any portion of the Bible we might be studying. As we study the book of Jude there are…
In our last visit we began developing an outline for the book of Jude which we have been studying together. Under the title, Prepped and Kept for the Presentation, we identified…
In our last few visits we developed an outline for the book of Jude, the next to the last book of the Bible. We amplified the purpose Jude had in mind…
As we come to the conclusion of our study of the book of Jude there are some practical applications we can make based on our study. When you are feeling…
In our last visit we began to look at the application of sharing what you have experienced in your faith journey and what you understand about the Gospel with others…
After studying 2nd Peter and Jude, both addressing issues we face in our contemporary society, I felt I should share an experience I had. I was asked by a church in…
In my last visit I introduced a study I did on homosexuality in preparation for a presentation I was asked to give in a church that was considering becoming open…
In our last visit we began the study of homosexuality as presented in the Bible by first considering the creation order, that is, the union of man and woman in…
In our study of homosexuality as found in the Old Testament we have seen that it causes cultural disorder when there is a disregard for creation’s order. In the book of…
When you study the topic of homosexuality in the New Testament you find Jesus Christ starts by focusing on the Creation Order as well. John Stott writes in his commentary…
In the New Testament you find Cultural Disorder similar to what you find in the Old Testament. Paul expounds on this in Romans 1:18-32. He first points out the problem of…
John Stott continues in his commentary: “What does Paul mean by ‘nature’ in Romans 1:26-27? Some homosexuals argue that their relationships are not ‘unnatural’, since they’re perfectly natural to them. John Boswell has…
We have been looking at what Paul says about homosexual behavior. He concludes his argument in verse 32 of Romans 1, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do…
We have been studying what Paul says about homosexual relations and the consequences that eventually follow such behavior. In case you think what Paul said in Romans 2:4-5 is too…
I have reviewed in the past two weeks what the Bible says about engaging in a homosexual relationship. In every portion that specifically addresses homosexuality it is clear that God disapproves…
I have been sharing on this program recently a presentation I gave on what the Bible says about homosexuality. Now let me share four scripts I did on this program during…
When men suppress the self evident truth about God through what God created, the consequences come in waves of devastation. If you refuse to bow before God and worship Him…
As we have considered the devastating moral regression promised in Romans 1 when men suppress the truth about God, there is a troubling phrase that I want us to look…
As I prepared this study of Romans 1:18-31 and reflected on Paul’s pointed words about the fate of those who suppress the truth they have about God, I was convicted…
If we are Christians we should be experiencing God working in our lives in a way that others will notice. Over a period of time this should cause at least some…
We’ve been studying 1 Peter 3:15-16 using the focus and amplify study method. I gave the focus as being prepared to give a persuasive answer about our hope in a…
As we continue to study 1 Peter 3:15-16 let’s amplify the third point under what we said was the focus of these verses: being prepared to give a persuasive answer…
In our last visit we studied 1 Peter 3:15-16 to see how we should give a persuasive response to those who ask questions about our Christian hope. There is always a…
In recent visits I have shared the importance of being ready to share the good news that gives us hope in a troubled world. This is the last command Jesus gave…
We have been studying in recent visits what is involved in witnessing for Christ. This is not theoretical. It is practical. I remember being asked to meet with a woman in distress. Her…
I mentioned in our last visit a time when I was asked to meet with a woman in distress. Her mother had a stroke and was in failing health in Europe. Her…
When I got up this morning to read some scripture and pray I thought of reading through the book of Proverbs this month, one chapter a day. Being the third day…
In our last visit we began a focus and amplify study of the book of Proverbs chapter 2. The focus we identified was acquiring the prize of life. For you to acquire…
As we continue our study of Proverbs 2 let’s build on what we have already discovered. The focus of this chapter is acquiring the prize of life. This will require a diligent…
I’m excited to share with you, based on Proverbs 2, a description of the person God wants you to become. If you pursue the truth as described in the first four…
We’ve been studying Proverbs 2 using the focus and amplify study approach. Now that we identified the focus, “Acquiring the prize of life,” and amplified it in an outline, we need…
As we approach Thanksgiving I’d like to focus our study this week on that topic. I noticed in studying Paul’s prayers he often starts his prayers with thanksgiving. Notice Ephesians 1:15, “For…
In our last visit we began a series of visits focusing on Thanksgiving. Paul would often begin his prayers with thanksgiving. In Ephesians 1:15 he thanked God repeatedly that the believers…
Thanksgiving is a theme found throughout the book of Psalms. Have you ever written a psalm to God? Let me share a psalm I wrote some time ago. “God of truth –…
Thanksgiving is a theme found throughout the book of Psalms. Have you ever written a psalm to God? Let me share a psalm I wrote some time ago. “God of truth –…
We have been focusing our thoughts this week on the theme of Thanksgiving. I trust you not only listened to the study’s we have done but have taken the time to…
Every once in a while I go back to Acts 6:1-7 to remind myself as a minister what my priorities should be. It is clear, the Apostles’ top priorities are found…
In our last visit we began studying Acts 6. Rather than try to fix a problem themselves the Apostles had the church choose qualified men to handle the problem so they…
We have discovered in our biographical study of Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr, he was a man of far greater qualities and giftedness than at first recognized. Once chosen to…
In our last visit we began correlating into an outline the information we gathered from Acts 6 and 7 on the life of Stephen. To complete the outline I put…
As we studied the life of Stephen we saw how enlisting him and assigning him to a rather mundane task of serving tables God had far bigger things in mind…
We have seen in our study of Stephen’s life that the outcome of his impact appeared to be nothing but negative. Acts 9 begins with this negative perspective. But beginning in…
The first Christian martyr, Stephen, mentioned in Acts 6-7 didn’t see the good God was working out through his life and witness. He died before it was evident. In fact, things got…
We saw in recent visits how God uses many individuals in preparing people to respond to the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stephen was mightily used to impact Saul’s…
As mentioned in our previous visit, Stephen never saw the fruit of his witness in the life of Saul. Ananias saw the fruit of his obedience instantaneously. It is good to keep…
I don’t know if you have noticed. I started this series of studies by referring to one of my disciplines as a servant of God. Periodically I turn to Acts 6:1-6 to…
After Saul escaped death in Damascus it says in Acts 9:26 that he went to Jerusalem. There “he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not…
There is no question that the synergy from Saul and Barnabas they teamed up to spread the good news of Jesus Christ resulted in a new wave of outreach, still…
As I mentioned in our last visit, Paul penned a principle in 2 Timothy 2:2, that I believe he learned from Barnabas: “The things you have heard me say in…
We have been studying how various individuals were used by God to impact the life of Saul, the man who became known as the Apostle Paul. Some were used in pre…
In our last visit I introduced you to Dr. Luke, Paul’s personal physician. Whenever needed he was at Paul’s side, ministering to his physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. By this I…
There are many others I could mention who had a part in Paul’s life from before he became a Christian until his martyrdom. But I would now like to turn to…
Paul had a deep appreciation for all who were a part of his life and ministry. In Romans 16 he lists some by name. One was Phoebe, whom he commended to the…
In our last visit we looked at two women listed in Romans 16 who ministered to Paul. Among others listed in that chapter he made special comments about Priscilla and Aquila. They…
We’ve been studying about pre-evangelism, evangelism and post-evangelism in recent visits. We did this by evaluating how Paul’s life was impacted by others. A good thing to do this Christmas would…
As I mentioned in our last visit, my parents, especially my Mother, had a profound impact on my life. It was the environment they created in our home that set the…
As I mentioned in our last visit leaders in Youth for Christ had a positive influence in my growth as a Christian, and in my preparation for ministry as an…
In recent visits I have been sharing how God used people in preparing me to receive the Gospel, in helping me take that step of faith, and in growing as…
As I mentioned in our last visit on January 1, I’m committed to help you get God’s message through encouraging you to read and study His Word, the Bible. I…
I’m excited about the opportunity through this program to encourage and help you become the person God wants you to be. He has inspired the writers of Scripture to describe the…
I would like to share with you over the next few weeks some principles I learned and then applied to my life based on 2nd Thessalonians1. Beginning with this year…
In our last visit we began a 4 “S” study of 2 Thessalonians 1. The first step in this study is to spread out before you the information you discover in…
In our two previous visits we started a 4 “S” study of 2 Thessalonians 1. We noted and spread out before us many of the details found in this chapter. The next…
In our last visit we considered one possibility for outlining the material found in 2 Thessalonians 1. Now let’s look at another possible outline. The title could be, A fulfilling and…
In our last visit we began to study what Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 1 about having a worldview that gives confidence in the face of trials and hope for…
In our last visit we discovered in studying 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10 the power of a Biblical worldview. Understanding who God is and how He operates in our world is cause for…
In our last visit we considered the importance of our walk being worthy in God’s sight based on 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Today let’s consider what Paul says in the same verse…
In our last visit we began to study what Paul prayed for in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Let’s consider first how to determine what would qualify as a good purpose. The danger…
In our last visit we considered how to determine a good purpose. This is important if we want to understand what Paul prayed in 2 Thessalonians 1:11: “We constantly pray for…
There is one final point that needs to be made in our study of Paul’s prayer recorded in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. He prayed that their walk would be counted worthy by…
We have been doing a 4 “S” approach in studying 2 Thessalonians 1. We started by spreading out as much information as we could find in these verses. Then we sorted it…
In our last visit I encouraged you to always remember the essence of a Christian worldview. Review it when the going gets rough. It will encourage and comfort you and inspire you…
When God sets out to fulfill His promises it’s exciting to watch. To get a glimpse into an example of this let’s turn to the Old Testament book of Ezra. This…
We have been studying the opening chapter of Ezra in recent visits and discovered this impact thought: God fulfills His promises on time and uses anyone or anything to do…
We looked at what I call an impact statement in our last visit. Ezra 3:3 declares: “Despite their fear of the people around them, they built the altar on its foundation…
As the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem began there were mixed emotions evident among the people. Ezra 3:10-13 describes this. As the foundation was laid there was a time of praise…
Whenever you attempt to do something for God, don’t be surprised if you encounter opposition. At first it might not seem to be opposition, but be alert. Ezra 4 describes the…
In our study of Ezra 4 we saw how enemies of God attack and wear down God’s people, causing them to be frustrated and fearful. If we allow them, our enemies…
In our last visit we saw in Ezra 5 the impact two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, had on the people. They provided that spark needed to reignite vision, passion and obedience. These…
In our last visit we saw that the first thing must be doing first things first. That’s when God blesses. Until we do that we in fact work against ourselves and God…
When does God promise to bless our obedience? Is it when our obedience and diligence complete a project? Is it when we fulfill a promise made? If we promise to tithe our annual…
In our last visit we looked at the prophet, Haggai. Today we’ll look at Zechariah. Both of these prophets were contemporaries and essentially had the same message. In Zechariah you will find a…
There are two powerful statements found in Zechariah 4:6 and 10. I call them, Impact Statements! They have a message in themselves, but that message must be supported by the context in…
Fulfilled prophecy has always intrigued me and encouraged my faith in God and His word. Zechariah makes some statements that uniquely point to Jesus Christ and some experiences He had during…
In our last few visits we studied Ezra 4-6. We saw how the enemy tries to frustrate God’s people into stagnation. We also saw how God’s servants, confronting His people with His…
As we have studied the first 6 chapters of Ezra we’ve found the road to success is fraught with many bumps, twists and turns, unexpected challenges and above all God’s…
In our last visit we introduced what is involved in doing a biographical study of the life of Ezra. I suggested you collect as much information about him as you can…
In our last two visits we have been doing a biographical study of Ezra the priest and scribe. We collected information about him as found in Ezra 7-10 and Nehemiah 8-12. After…
In our last visit we began to amplify the basic outline we developed in our biographical study of the life of Ezra. He was well prepared, anointed by God and proven…
Now that we have collected information on the life of Ezra and correlated it into an outline we are ready to take the final step in doing a biographical study…
In recent visits we have done a biographical study of the life of Ezra. Today I would like to look at an incident described in Ezra 8:21-23 and do a “4S”…
In our last program, we began studying Ezra 8:21-23. After spreading out the information found in these verses, we sorted it and structured it into an outline. 1. Ezra’s testimony: He…
A true man of prayer puts feet to his prayers. He has learned that God doesn’t do for us what He has already given us the ability to do for ourselves. God…
In our last visit we began a study of the topic of prayer as seen in Nehemiah. We first collected all the information we could find on prayer in the Book…
How does revival start? If you read extensively about revival you will find it starts in many ways. Often conditions are so bad people desperately cry out to God until God answers. …
In our last visit we considered what goes into revival. One thing for sure, you can’t box God into a formula and expect revival to come on our terms. There are basic…
Have you or a group you’re a part of recently celebrated an accomplishment? If you think this is self serving, think again. We’ve been studying the book of Nehemiah which recounts the…
Reading Nehemiah 13 could be quite discouraging for anyone in leadership, especially one who has been successful with others in accomplishing a significant task. I’ve always considered Nehemiah to be…
Sometimes when reading the Bible issues you might be working on in your mind come into sharper focus. What you need to be careful of when this happens is to be…
In our last visit we looked in an introductory way at the benefits of being a part of a small group. You might feel you don’t need a small group experience. You’re…
In our last two visits we saw how Job experienced the dynamic of a small group when his friends came to him in his time of need. They had been separated…
Job was a remarkable man. He’s described as being “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” When he was totally wiped out by robbers, murderers and natural catastrophes it…
In our last visit we concluded with the observation that many small groups never get to where a member feels safe enough to share his heart. They’re satisfied with a safe…
In our study in the book of Job we have seen that the dialogue between Job and his three friends that covers most of the book wasn’t very helpful. At the…
We’ve been doing a study of Job trying to understand some dynamics that often emerge in small group experiences. In spite of the serious nature of the subject matter in the…
In our last visit we saw that though most small groups don’t function well consistently, God chooses to work in lives when people do get together. This is especially true when…
In our last visit we introduced what is involved in doing a biographical study of the life of Ezra. I suggested you collect as much information about him as you can…
In our last visit I encouraged you to read Job’s confession in Job 42:1-6 and ponder what he said. Notice in verse 2 he affirmed truth about God’s awesome wisdom and…
Beginning today I would like to do a study of one of Paul’s first epistles, 1st Thessalonians. As I read this brief book over a number of times and reflected on what…
As we study the book of 1st Thessalonians I would like to introduce you to some Bible study methods I have found helpful in my own study over the years. One…
In our study of 1st Thessalonians 1 we found that the first Reality Check we can make regarding our Christian experience is to ask ourselves the following question: Am I…
The Christians addressed by Paul in 1st Thessalonians passed the Reality Check: Is your Christian experience real?. Paul was so impressed with their testimony and life that he writes in 1st…
In our last visit we discovered two powerful truths that initiated the life transforming experience of salvation in the believers described in 1st Thessalonians 1: God loved them and chose…
Thus far in our study of 1st Thessalonians 1 we discovered this: for a genuine experience of Salvation to take place God must be involved and the message and messenger…
There was a television program some years ago that presented three people, all of whom claimed to be the same person. After many questions the host would ask, “Would the real…
Before concluding our study of 1st Thessalonians 1 let’s look at the first verse. “Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord…
Before going on in our study of 1st Thessalonians to chapter 2 let me share a few personal thoughts. Since I’ve been in ministry all my adult life I’ve tried to…
As we approach Easter let’s focus on Christ’s great mission for a few days. There are many who have seen the passion of Jesus Christ in the film produced by…
Jesus knew what He was doing as He approached the time when He would be crucified for our sins. He knew all the Old Testament had predicted. He shared the details with…
Today I would like to continue our study of 1st Thessalonians chapter 2. As we previously pointed out the reality check presented in this chapter deals with the question, “Are you…
In our last visit we began a chapter study of 1st Thessalonians 2. We titled the chapter, “Personal Encouragement,” or “Getting the Right Help.” The key verse we chose is v. 4. …
Early in this study of 1st Thessalonians 2 I raised questions about the authenticity of the company add touting its product as “The Breakfast of Champions.” Integrity and authenticity are difficult…
As I read over 1 Thessalonians 2::3-6, I noticed Paul gives us a list of contrasts between what he would consider to be false teachers over against God appointed and…
In our last visit we made a list of character flaws exhibited by false teachers as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. In contrast let’s make a list of character strengths to…
In studying 1 Thessalonians 2 we’ve considered Paul’s encouragement to finding and following teachers who demonstrate good character. Now let’s consider what he says about teachers who exhibit compassion. To focus…
As mentioned in our last visit, we need to be sure our Christian teachers and mentors show their commitment by the way they live. In 1st Thessalonians 2:10-11 Paul reminds them…
In our study of 1st Thessalonians 2 we’ve discovered what kind of input we need if we are going to grow and mature in our Christian life. We need a spiritual…
We have been considering the kind of input we need if we are to grow and mature as Christians based on what Paul wrote in 1st Thessalonians 2. As I was…
As we continue our study of 1st Thessalonians the next section begins with verses17-20 of chapter 2 and continues through chapter 3. When I first reflected on this section of…
In our last visit I suggested we look at the next section in our study of 1st Thessalonians to see how Paul coped with discouragement. Also, to see how feeling connected…
In our last visit we discovered some of the things that brought Paul to the point of discouragement, if not despair. Now let’s look at 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 to see the…
In our last visit we tracked with Paul the steps he took to overcome his discouragement as described in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. He first took some positive action steps. Then he affirmed…
We have been studying the steps Paul took to overcome a bout of discouragement he was going through as described in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. He was tremendously helped when he received…
We have studied in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 how Paul worked at overcoming discouragement in his life and work. When he got word through Timothy about how well these believers were doing…
Are you allowing discouragement to get the best of you? Do you have a relationship with a friend that provides support and accountability when you experience discouragement? Are you taking steps that…
The apostle Paul broke out of a time of discouragement described in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. He was helped by his close friends, Silas and Timothy, and by some good news Timothy…
In our last visit we looked at Paul’s prayer of blessing in 1st Thessalonians 3:11-13. I pointed out there is a progression in his prayer. He starts by asking God the Father…
Today we move on in our study of 1st Thessalonians to chapter 4. As I read this chapter I found it addresses two basic areas of life: the routine, normal challenges…
In our last visit we began studying 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12. I pointed out two impact statements that help motivate us in the normal, routine challenges of life to live in such…
In 1st Thessalonians 4:3 Paul reminds us, “It is God’s will that (we) should be sanctified.” This is a process continuing throughout our lives. Daily we are tempted to compromise and conform…
In our last visit I answered the question about making the right choice regarding sex in the life of a Christian based on what Paul said in 1st Thessalonians 4:3-5. I…
We have been studying 1st Thessalonians 4 where Paul addresses the issue of being sanctified, especially in the area of your sexuality. In verses 3-5 he is focusing on sexual purity…
In our study of 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 we have seen that to live in a way that pleases God we need to be sanctified sexually and socially. Permeating what Paul says…
Paul is graphic and direct in his teaching in 1st Thessalonians 4. In our study of verses 1-8 we have seen what our responsibility to God is in the areas of…
We have discovered in studying 1st Thessalonians 4:11 that God wants us to quietly be involved in selfless industry. If you do that he says in verse 12, “you will not…
We have been doing a reality check regarding how we are coping with the normal challenges of life based on 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12. We studied what God wants to see in…
The good news of salvation has come to us because God is love. Understanding this is foundational to grasping what God has taught us about loving each other. The phrase, “taught by…
We have studied 1st Thessalonians 4:9-10, trying to understand how we can love one another more and more. Remember, Paul says in verse 9, “Now about brotherly love we do not…
We’ve been studying 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 for a few days now. What Paul teaches us here is that we should live in such a way that we please God, verse 1,…
We have answered in recent visits the question, “How are you coping with the normal challenges of life?” using 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 to help us. Now let’s use verses 4:13-5:11 to…
In our last visit we introduced the next section of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, 4:13-18. Let’s do an inductive study of this portion. To start with we’ll try answering the…
We have read over and reflected on what Paul said about the death of a believer in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18. Now let’s try to understand what he articulated. It is clear…
We saw in our last visit, as Christians we have a blessed hope. If we’re alive at the coming of the Lord we will be raptured. If we die in Christ we’ll…
As we saw in our last visit “We are to encourage each other with these words.” Which words? The words found in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-17. Thus far we answered the questions, “What do…
I still remember an experience I had when I was still a young boy. I had a basic knowledge of what we’ve studied in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18. I had been at a…
In recent visits we’ve studied how to cope victoriously when faced with the special challenge of death. Death is no respecter of persons. But Christ offers hope beyond the grave. Trust Him. …
As we evaluate how well we have coped with special challenges we’ve faced in our lives most of us realize we have not been as well prepared as we thought. In…
In our last visit we found that to live victoriously in difficult times we need to know the truth, be awake and have our armor on. What Paul says here…
In our study today we come to a verse that is used by those who believe the church will be raptured before the tribulation. 1st Thessalonians 5:9 say, “For God did…
Paul closes his discussion about God’s provision for our preparedness when unexpected tragedies or tests come our way in the same way he closed his discussion on death. In 1st…
We’ve been doing a study of 1st Thessalonians using what we learn as a reality check for how we are doing in our Christian experience. We now come to the closing…
In our last visit we began answering the question, Are you making progress in your church life? We pointed out that if you are a Christian you are a member of…
I have to share something with you that fits one of the things we studied in our last visit, “helping the week.” In an issue of Christianity Today a few years…
In our last two visits we focused on what Paul said about leadership within the church. Today let’s focus on what he said to followers. In 1st Thessalonians 5:12-13 he writes,…
Before leaving our study of 1st Thessalonians 5:12-15 let me highlight some additional instructions Paul includes in this discussion. Thus far we’ve reviewed Paul’s instructions to leaders and followers in a…
Today, let’s study what Paul says in 1st Thessalonians 5:15, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to…
Beginning with verse 16 of 1st Thessalonians 5 Paul gives some poignant directives. Each one is an impact statement: easy to remember but not so easy to implement. They are personal to…
As we concluded our last visit we were looking at the account in Acts 16 of Paul and Silas in the Philippian prison. After promptly responding to God’s call to proclaim…
We have been trying to understand 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 by reflecting on Paul and Silas’ experience in Philippi described in Acts 16. Following their obedience to go and proclaim the Gospel…
In studying 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 we started at the end and worked backwards. We noted that everything we experience is to be seen as God’s will. Since that is true we should…
I have found over the years that many of us get preoccupied with trying to discern what God’s will is for our lives. It’s not as complicated as it might seem. God…
Before we move on in our study of 1st Thessalonians 5 let me point out one more thing based on verses 16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in…
In our recent studies of 1st Thessalonians 5:12-18 we have encouraged you to answer the questions – Are you making progress in your church life and in coping with the…
In our last visit we began studying 1st Thessalonians 5:19-22. We reflected on verse 19, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” I pointed out that one way to put out the…
In our last visit we considered Paul’s challenge in 1st Thessalonians 5:20 to not treat prophecies with contempt. Having given that challenge he immediately follows it with another in verse 21,…
When God tells us something He has a reason. We’re wise if we take note. Why do you think He encourages the following in 1st Thessalonians 5:19-21, “Do not put out…
In our last visit we looked at the encouragement Paul gave in 1st Thessalonians 5:21, “Hold on to the good.” We saw that this means to hold on to the good…
In recent visits we’ve studied 1st Thessalonians 5:12-22. Now let’s study verses 23-24 and ask how we are doing in our relationship with God? Paul expresses his desire for believers as…
Today I’d like to study the final few verses of 1st Thessalonians. As we do let’s answer the question – are we making progress in relating to the church beyond our…
Today we close our study of 1st Thessalonians by reflecting on the last verse of the book, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” The book started…
Do you have a life’s verse? By that I mean, do you have a verse from the Bible that captures your passion? Your marching orders? Your vision, for your life? I believe Paul’s…
In our last visit I discussed my life’s verse, 1st Corinthians 9:19, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win…
In our last visit I introduced you to the book of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament. The prophet Malachi’s name means “my messenger.” What a message he delivered to…
As we continue to study the book of Malachi, let’s review what we have found. I suggested we use the “4S” study approach: spread, sort, structure and summarize. I suggested as the…
Almost anyone reading the opening verses of Malachi would question God loving Jacob and hating Esau. When you read about these two brothers in Genesis there is no mention of…
As you look further into Malachi chapter 1 you’ll find God described as a father and a master. As a loving Father God provided for them and protected them over…
We have been studying Malachi 1 and considering truths about our God for which we should be appreciative. Now let’s look at the same chapter and take note of things we…
In our study of Malachi chapter 1 we’ve discovered what we should appreciate and what we should avoid in our relationship with God. Now let’s consider what we should appropriate. In…
In our study of Malachi chapter 1 we have discovered what we should appreciate in our relationship with God, what we should avoid, and what we should appropriate. Now let’s consider…
For our study today let’s turn to Malachi chapter 2. We will use the same 4 points to organize what the prophet presents in this chapter. Let’s focus on what we should…
In our study today of Malachi 2 we will see a whole list of things we should avoid in our lives. Though the prophet was primarily addressing the priests, what they…
In our last visit we looked at some things to avoid based on what we found in Malachi 2. I would like to camp on one item a little longer. Malachi confronts…
We have been dealing with some heavy issues in our study of Malachi 2 by looking at things we should avoid. In our last visit we focused on the issue of…
In our study of Malachi 2 let us now turn to things we should appropriate. We have looked at things we should appreciate and things we should avoid. By appropriate I mean…
In our last visit we were considering what Malachi 2:5-7 says about God’s expectations of spiritual leaders, things we should appropriate by faith and obedience. Let’s look again at verse…
We have been considering some things Malachi encourages us to appropriate and make a part of our lives based on chapter 2 of his prophecy. In the midst of his indictment…
We have been studying Malachi 2 in recent days. We’ve considered what we should appreciate, avoid and appropriate. Now let’s look at what we can anticipate. Most of the chapter is a…
In our visit today we will continue our study of the prophetic book of Malachi. We have used the study approach I call “4S”: spread, sort, structure and summarize. We came up…
In our last visit we considered some things in Malachi 3 we should appreciate. Now let’s focus our attention on things in this chapter we should avoid. Malachi lumps some of…
In our study of Malachi 3 we will focus in this visit on things we should appropriate. No matter what we have done to others to hurt or take advantage…
In our last study in Malachi 3 we were considering what the prophet encouraged related to the giving of tithes and offerings. The whole issue of testing God in this…
In our visit today I’d like to focus on Malachi 3:16, which introduces something else we should appropriate. Malachi wrote, “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and…
There are many promises found in Malachi 3 that were given for God’s people to anticipate. The chapter opens with the promise, “‘See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare…
In our last visit we began looking at some things God’s people should anticipate because God promised them in Malachi 3. Jesus Christ is going to return. Mark that down. When…
In our last visit we concluded our discoveries in Malachi 3 of what to anticipate with the promise that God won’t forget you. You will be His treasured possession in that…
Today we come in our study of Malachi to chapter 4. Again we’ll look for what to appreciate, avoid, appropriate and anticipate. Verse 1 assures us of the certainty of God’s…
In our last visit we considered what we should appreciate as found in Malachi 4. Now let’s focus on what we should avoid. The prophet is clear: Avoid the arrogance…
Though you will find some repetition from previous studies in what we will be discussing today from Malachi 4, it is important to note what we can anticipate as we…
Now that we have studied the book of Malachi using the 4S (step) approach we come to the final “S” (step) – summarize. This is the application step where we define…
The summary application I would like to make today from our study of Malachi is to set our heart to honor God. Five times he refers to this. In chapter…
I feel constrained, based on our study of Malachi to call upon God’s people to seek God’s face in prayer in behalf of all those who are leaders in Christ’s…
Today I want to share one final application based on our study of Malachi. To do the things we have already mentioned it is important to realize we need each other…
In our last visit I shared how my mother lived out Psalm 78. She taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren principles and truths from God’s Word and shared her “faith…
The most basic forum for evangelism and discipleship is the family. When God gave the Law, He commanded Israel’s forefathers to teach it to their children “so the next generation would…
It takes the wisdom and grace of God to learn how to grow old and stay useful! God never planned for Christians to vegetate beyond a certain age. Read Titus 2:1-8…
I have been sharing recently about the importance of passing on a spiritual legacy to the next generation and subsequent generations. I shared some thoughts about family life that I learned…
Being a pastor, I normally take note of references in the Bible that refer to shepherds. Pastor means shepherd. So it’s not surprising when I came to verse 72 of Psalm 78…
When someone serves God as a married person they have divided loyalties and interests. Balance and creativity are needed to deal with this tension. God must come first, before our work for…
There are a number of Bible portions I turn to from time to time for encouragement in my walk with God and worship. Psalm 139 is one of these. I would…
In our last visit we started to study Psalm 139 using a devotional approach, seeking to answer a series of questions, like, what does this Psalm tell us about God? We…
We have been studying Psalm 139 using a devotional approach in which we tried to answer the question, what can we learn about God from this Psalm. We have learned God…
In our last visit we began to answer the questions: What does Psalm 139 teach us about man? We discovered that the psalmist presents man as a rational being who can…
We have been doing a devotional study of Psalm 139 in recent visits. We’ve now come to the question: Are there any promises to claim in this portion of God’s Word? Though…
As we continue our devotional study of Psalm 139 we now try to answer the question: Are there any commands to obey? As was true with the question of promises there…
The final question to answer in a devotional study is: Are there any warnings to heed? In reading over Psalm 139 I concluded one warning to heed is inferred in verses…
As we saw in our last visit Paul loved and affirmed Timothy over and over again in his letters. His confidence in Timothy’s character, gifting and faithfulness enabled him to send…
In our last visit we developed an outline, giving an historical sketch of the life of Timothy based on the information we gathered from the New Testament. Now let’s amplify the…
In our last visit we amplified what we found in the Bible about Timothy’s early life in Lystra. Now let’s amplify the second point in our outline: His call and gifting…
In continuing our biographical study of Timothy by developing an historical sketch we come to point four: His effective ministry with team members and by himself. As already mentioned I…
In our study of Timothy in which we have been developing an historical sketch of his life we now come to the final point in the outline: His imprisonment, release…
In our last visit I mentioned that Timothy faced the same fate as Paul and many other faithful servants of God have experienced – he ended up in prison for…
We have been doing a biographical study of the life of Timothy. We started by collecting information about his life from the New Testament and then correlated it into an outline…
As we continue our study of Timothy and develop a character portrait of his life let’s look at how this well grounded young, Christian man grew. It is clear that he…
In our last visit we saw that Timothy grew in his walk with God by experiencing the highs and lows of traveling with Paul and Silas. I’m sure his questions were…
In our study of Timothy as found in the New Testament one character trait emerges as his strongest asset. Paul described it this way in Philippians 2:19-22: “I hope in the…
In reading the book, The Apostle: a life of Paul, by John Pollock I came upon a paragraph that captured what we’ve discovered in our study of the life of…
In our last visit I introduced the third step in doing a biographical study: crystallize what you have learned into some applications you can make to your own life. Until truth…
Now that we have done a biographical study of the life of Timothy to whom Paul wrote two letters, let’s take a look into those letters to learn more about…
The challenge Paul gave Timothy in the opening verses of 1st Timothy to deal with false teachers in the church at Ephesus was significant. Paul knew young Timothy might think the…
In our last visit I introduced Paul’s brief, poignant testimony recorded in 1st Timothy 1:12-17. He shared it with Timothy to encourage him in carrying out his assignment to deal with…
We have been looking at 1st Timothy 1 over the last few days. Paul is writing Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus, urging him to deal with false teachers. Knowing…
Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer in 1st Timothy 2. I believe this emphasis is to be applied in both our private praying as well as in public worship. Prayer is to…
In our last visit we discovered the importance of prayer in the life of the church and of each believer for creating the setting where evangelism can take place effectively. Paul…
In our study of 1st Timothy I would like for us to consider some points Paul makes in helping Timothy pastor the church in Ephesus. We have seen that prayer should…
Being an effective leader in Christ’s church takes work. There are no shortcuts. There are many obstacles. And it would be easy to throw in the towel and give up. Notice how Paul puts…
In our last visit we noted in 1st Timothy 4:8 the importance of endeavoring to stay healthy physically so we can apply ourselves to godliness and God’s work. That is to…
We have noted in recent visits on this program that being an effective leader in Christ’s church takes work. There are no shortcuts. There are many obstacles. And it would be easy to…
In 1st Timothy 5:1-2 Paul elaborates on the importance of healthy relationships in the life of a servant of God. As a young man Timothy would likely experience times when…
In our last visit we looked at 1st Timothy 5:1-2 and discovered the importance of treating one another with a view of maintaining healthy relationships. We need each other, so we…
We emphasized the importance of relationships in our last visit, basing our thoughts on 1st Timothy 5:1-2. The servant of God can’t afford to have unhealthy relationships, but what do you…
As we continue our journey through the book of 1st Timothy we encounter what Paul says about caring for widows in Chapter 5:3-16. He amplifies what James says in his letter,…
Spiritual leaders live in a fishbowl. They are first and foremost accountable to God for how they live. Then, they are accountable to the church in which they serve, and if they…
The closing chapter of 1st Timothy focuses on contentment. In our materialistic society it is easy to become discontent with things as they are in our lives, so what advice does…
In our last visit we began a chapter study of 1st Timothy 6. We gave the chapter the title: Godliness with Contentment, and chose verses 6-7 as key to understanding what…
In our last visit we began to amplify the points in the outline we developed to understand how to experience godliness with contentment. Let’s now turn to the second point based…
We have been studying 1st Timothy 6 seeking to amplify a three point outline under the title, “Godliness with Contentment.” We amplified the first two points in previous visits. Now let’s turn…
We have been doing a chapter study of 1st Timothy 6 for some time now. We identified a title: “Godliness with Contentment.” We chose verses 6-7 as key verses. After summarizing the chapter…
As we worked our way through 1st Timothy in recent weeks I noticed three times as Paul was sharing important information with Timothy on leadership he spontaneously broke into a…
In our last visit I noted that periodically in the midst of his teaching very practical things in 1st Timothy Paul would spontaneously break out in a song of praise. I…
In our last visit we noted that Paul couldn’t give his testimony without bursting forth in praise to the one true, unique God, our Savior (1st Timothy 1:17). This happens…
As we saw in our last two visits, though 1st Timothy is a practical book on how to lead a church aright, Paul periodically, in the midst of his instruction,…
We have been studying the life of Timothy and then the book of 1st Timothy. That book was written by Paul after his first incarceration in Rome. 5-6 years later Paul was…
In recent visits we began to do a “Focus and Amplify” study of 2nd Timothy. I suggested for the focus the title: “Passing the Baton in the Relay Race of Life.” And…
We have been doing a “Focus and Amplify” study of 2nd Timothy. In our last visit we pointed out something of the power of remembering. Paul remembered things about Timothy that prompted…
In our last visit we began to consider God’s antidote to the debilitating feelings of being ashamed – ashamed to stand up and testify about our Lord, or to stand…
In our last few visits we amplified the power of remembering and the debilitating drain of being ashamed, as we endeavor to keep the faith. Paul continues to encourage Timothy in…
In 2nd Timothy 2:1 Paul makes it clear that we cannot effectively run the race God has assigned us apart from relying on the grace found in Christ Jesus. He amplifies…
In our last visit we discovered in 2nd Timothy 2 that you can’t expect fellow teammates in the relay races of life and service to run their laps with sacrificial…
Let’s continue our study of 2nd Timothy 2 by amplifying the point of running the race to win. We noted that Paul wanted Timothy and us to reflect on what he…
In our last visit we began looking at the hymn of encouragement and praise Paul referred to in 2nd Timothy 2:11-13. I encouraged you to memorize it and reflect on it…
In reading 2nd Timothy 2:14-26 it is clear that perseverance is essential for anyone who wants to win while running a race. Paul demonstrated this throughout his years as an apostle. Now…
There are two positive ways to look at running a race. One is to run to win. The other is to better your previous best time. If you keep bettering your time…
In our last visit we began to study 2nd Timothy 2:22-26 using the 4S study approach. I encouraged you to read these verses over a few times and spread out the…
In our last visit we began to amplify the first point in our outline: there are things to flee. We should flee the evil desires of youth, even if we are…
We come now in our 4S study of 2nd Timothy 2:22-26 to the final “S” – summarize. In this summary the focus is on developing some practical applications that can be…
We have been doing an inductive study of 2nd Timothy 3. We’ve considered what Paul says in the chapter. Then we began to interpret what Paul said, that is, what he meant. We…
We have been doing an inductive Bible study of 2nd Timothy 3 in recent visits. We have answered the questions, what does this chapter say and what does it mean? Now let’s…
As we continue in our inductive study of 2nd Timothy 3 let me suggest another application. Let God’s Word be an active change agent in your life. Both Timothy’s mother and…
As we conclude our inductive study of 2nd Timothy 3 let me suggest one final application. We should always love God and others. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment…
In our study today we come to the 4th chapter of 2nd Timothy. We indicated the first three chapters capture the essence of 2nd Timothy 4:7, the verse I chose as…
In our last visit we began to do a devotional study of 2nd Timothy 4 seeking to find answers to the questions: Who? When? Where? Why? What? How? We answered the…
In recent visits we’ve considered the audience Paul describes in 2nd Timothy 4. Jesus Christ is watching and listening to what we do and say, and we are accountable to Him. There…
As we continue answering the interrogatives in our devotional study of 2nd Timothy 4 I want us to focus on the “What?” Question now. If I’m to discharge all the duties…
In our last visit we listed some of the duties Paul told Timothy and us to discharge in our ministry for Him. Let me share some more duties found in 2nd…
We have been doing a devotional study of 2nd Timothy 4 in which we answer the Who? What? Why? When? Where? and How? questions based on the context of the…
In our devotional study of 2nd Timothy 4 we now come to the final interrogative, How? How do we “discharge all the duties of our ministry”? Or put another way, How do…
We are winding down our devotional study of 2nd Timothy 4, discovering how to discharge all the duties of our ministry. There is one final point I would like for us…
We have been studying 2nd Timothy for some time now, considering it as a manual to help us run the race well. We visualized Paul and Timothy being members of a…
Isaiah gives us a wonderful promise concerning what took place on the first Christmas. It’s found in Isaiah 9:6. Listen: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is…
I’ve always been fascinated by the way God often uses small, insignificant things and places to do some of His greatest work. In Micah 5:2 the prophet makes a prediction:…
We’ve been looking at how God put together a lot of seemingly small, insignificant things to set the stage for the big event of sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into…
During these days we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. We look back over 2000 years to that great event. Matthew starts his gospel…
If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, then this Christmas should be for you a day of Thanksgiving and Worship and Praise. Let Him know how much you love and…
Revelation, Chapter 12 is a fascinating interlude in the description of events during the tribulation. You have a woman appearing who is pregnant. She cries out in pain, as she is about…
In our last visit we studied what I called the Cosmic Christmas story found in Revelation 12. Let’s amplify that a little more. You will recall that when Jesus was born…
Christmas is a time when we remember the gift of eternal life offered to us through Jesus Christ. He is God’s love gift to us, and when we receive Him…
“I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city” (Acts 21:39). I am excited about the study adventure I’m beginning with you today. Let me introduce…
“Saul began to destroy the church” (Acts 8:3). In our last visit I began to introduce you to the apostle Paul by starting a biographical study of his life. There are…
“Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers” (Acts 22:3). If you have started reading in the book of Acts about the life of Saul, better…
“Saul was there, giving approval to (Stephen’s) death” (Acts 8:1). In our last visit we amplified the information gathered about the apostle Paul before his conversion experience on the road…
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). We have been looking at Paul’s life pre-conversion. Many people touched his life as he violently went around “breathing out murderous threats…
“I went immediately into Arabia” (Galatians 1:17) In our last visit we considered how God used Christians to impact the life of Paul until finally He was confronted by Jesus…
“After three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter” (Galatians 1:18). There are some things we can learn from others and other things we can learn…
“God…set me apart from birth and called me by his grace…to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16). We have been…
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). Earlier in our biographical study of Paul’s life I suggested another outline…
“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:39). As mentioned in our last visit I raised the question of whether Barnabas and Paul were ready to…
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). In our last visit we discussed the heated blow up Paul and Barnabas had as they…
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2nd Timothy 2:2). One key…
“He was accompanied by” 7 associates (Acts 20:4). Over the years of his ministry Paul never forgot the lesson he learned from Barnabas. It was a hard earned lesson and he…
"Paul and his companions (were) kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (Acts 16:6). As Paul pressed forward on his second missionary journey…
“Come over to Macedonia and help us!” (Acts 16:9). As mentioned in our last visit, though hindered by the Holy Spirit from proclaiming the Gospel in Asia and Mysia, there…
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). As mentioned in our last visit Paul and…
“While Paul was waiting…in Athens, he was greatly distressed” (Acts 17:16). It’s encouraging to see Paul continuing to grow as he pressed on to new territories, taking the Gospel to…
“Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them” (Acts 18:2-3). Paul concluded his first visit to Athens with…
“They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila” (Acts 18:19). In our last visit we began to see a new strategy develop in the mind and heart of…
“All the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). As mentioned in our last visit, Paul refined his strategy…
“Your faith is being reported all over the world” (Romans 1:8). In our last visit I concluded by pointing out that Paul’s new strategy of focusing on major cities worked…
“If the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 15:27). As we’ve been studying Paul’s…
“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6). …
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2nd Timothy 2:2). The ministry…
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). It is hard to fully comprehend the legacy of the apostle Paul. Probably the best way to understand the…
‘May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy…
“I will show you the most excellent way…The greatest of these is love” (1st Corinthians 12:31 & 13:13). On Paul’s 3rd Missionary journey he wrote two books to the church…
“Love never fails” (1st Corinthians 13:8). In our last visit I made reference to 1st Corinthians 13, what I might call his “legacy of love.” In officiating at my daughter’s wedding…
“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Paul’s prison epistles are…
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). In our last…
“Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask” (Philemon 21). Paul wrote one other book while a prisoner in Rome…
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2nd Timothy 4:7). After Paul was released from his first imprisonment in Rome it’s…
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2nd…
“In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1st…
“I am convinced…that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind…
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). In our last visit we started a…
“We received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith” (Romans 1:5). In our last visit we developed an outline…
“In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” (Romans 1:17). As we began our more detailed study of Romans…
“Paul, a servant (bond-slave) of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1). In our last two visits we’ve discovered what Paul shared in the introduction to Romans about his mission and message. It is…
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In recent programs we’ve studied the introduction to the important book of Romans in the Bible. Now let’s…
“Men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). In our last visit we began looking at the first point Paul makes in the book of Romans, the universal need of salvation. All of us…
“Men…suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). In our study today let’s amplify further what Paul says in Romans 1. He says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven…
“They did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God” (Romans 1:28). When men suppress the truth about God that is self evident through what God created, the…
“God gave them over…” (Romans 1:24). As we continue to consider the devastating moral regression promised in Romans 1 when men suppress the truth they have about God, there is…
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” (Romans 9:2). As I prepared this study of Romans 1:18-31 and reflected on Paul’s pointed words about the fate of…
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). After Paul clearly presented his case for the pagan being lost and without excuse he tackles the culpability…
“God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). If you were to select a key verse for Romans 2 it likely would be verse 11: “For God does not show favoritism.” …
“You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” (Romans 2:22). In the last half of Romans 2 Paul presents two hypothetical assumptions claimed by…
“Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Romans 2 began with the affirmation that the religious person has no excuse. He knows better because he has received…
“All have sinned and fall short of glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Paul concludes his point of the universal need for salvation by turning to the revealed Word of God. The…
“We have already made the charge, that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin” (Romans 3:9). As we wrap up the first devastating point Paul makes in the first…
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). …
“He did not waver through unbelief” (Romans 4:20). Let’s continue our study of the topic of faith as found in Romans 3:21-6:23. If you were to collect what is said about…
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed” (Romans 4:18). In our last visit we found that the essence of faith as presented in Romans 3:21-6:23 is to accept that what God…
“You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1st Thessalonians 1:9). We have been looking at the topic of faith as found in Romans 3:21-6:23. In…
“God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16). There is one final observation I would like for us to focus on in relation to the action of faith…
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was…
“The form of teaching to which you were entrusted” (Romans 6:17). There is one final point related to the object of our faith that is important for us to consider. It…
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him” (Romans 4:7-8). As we continue reflecting on…
“He forgave us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). We have been looking at the outcome of putting faith in Jesus Christ as seen in Romans 3:21-6:23. Today I would like to…
“For he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). In our study of the outcome of faith we now turn to Romans 5. Notice the 5 times the phrase, “we have,” is…
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38). In our last visit we reflected on the privilege and…
“Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13). We concluded our last visit referring to Romans 5:5, “hope does not disappoint us,…
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). I hope that as we are working our way through…
“The gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15). In the last half of Romans chapter 5 Paul presents the contrast between the…
“Grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20). Paul is leading up to a grand conclusion to his second point in the book of Romans; God’s provision of salvation. He has shown…
“We too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). Have you ever wanted to live a new life? Paul says that “we too may live a new life” in Romans 6:4. Paul ends…
“Anyone who has died has been freed from sin” (Romans 6:7). In our last visit I was talking about our freedom not to sin as presented by Paul in Romans 6. I’ve…
“We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2). In our study of Romans we’ve looked at the first two major points: Sin and Salvation. Now let’s…
“No longer… slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6). Building on what Paul said in the beginning of Romans 6 about baptism and what it signified, he goes on to talk about the…
“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness” (Romans 6:12-13). …
“Offer yourselves to God…and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). In our last visit we saw in Romans 6 that to experience the…
“The benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” (Romans 6:22). Let me summarize for you again what Paul says in Romans 6. It is a pivotal chapter…
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Let me review briefly what I said in our last visit, based on Romans 7. Paul encourages us to be…
“Is the law sin?” (Romans 7:7). Paul raises another question about the law of God in Romans 7:7. He asks, “What shall we say, then? Is the law sin?” That question was raised no…
“Once I was alive apart from law” (Romans 7:9). I mentioned in our last visit that Paul was “a happy sinner.” He put it this way in Romans 7:9, “Once I was…
“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin” (Romans 7:14). As we work our way through Romans 7, and consider what Paul…
“I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin” (Romans 7:14). In our last visit we looked at how the insight word “I,” which is found 25 times in verses 14-24…
“Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). In our last visit we found that there is a wonderful answer to Paul’s dilemma described in his agonizing cry…
“Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). We have been looking at the practical dynamics that…
“What the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son” (Romans 8:3). As we begin the study of…
“Predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Romans 8:29). Let’s consider the first point under what Paul teaches about God the Father in Romans 8: God’s plan determined. This…
“The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). In our last visit we considered what Paul said in Romans 8 about God’s plan determined. Now let’s consider…
“We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). In considering what Paul teaches about God the Father in Romans 8 we now come to the third point:…
“We have a great high priest…who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:14-15). Let’s continue our study of Romans 8 by…
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world…Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:17-18). I would like to focus on two statements in Romans…
Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with yu forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). As we continue our study…
“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3). In our study of Jesus Christ in Romans 8 we have seen that He died for our sin. In His death He dealt…
“He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:18). …
“Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). As we have studied what Paul teaches about Jesus Christ in Romans 8 we’ve seen that he…
“Overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13). In our last visit we discovered that Jesus suffered not only for our redemption but also for righteousness sake. Now let’s consider the…
“Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34:14). According to Romans 8 Jesus Christ’s present ministry for the believer is twofold. He indwells us…
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life” (Romans 8:34). When Paul builds his case for our encouragement in Romans 8 he…
“He now showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:1). As Paul comes to the conclusion of Romans 8 he presents his most powerful point about Jesus Christ: His…
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). As I mentioned when we started studying Romans 8 it is one of…
“Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free” (Romans 8:2). Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, anyone who trusts in Him has the…
“We have an obligation…by the Spirit… put to death the misdeeds of the body” (Romans 8:12-13). In the battle that rages in most believers between the law of the mind and…
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). We have been studying Romans 8 to find out what Paul teaches about God…
“Predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Romans 8:29). In our last visit we considered what Paul said in Romans 8 about man in his unsaved state. We concluded…
“Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). In our last visit we studied how an…
“Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Galatians 4:6). I like what Paul says in Romans 8:15,…
“Why am I still being persecuted?” (Galatians 5:11). In our last visit we considered the blessing of being God’s children once we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior. In Romans 8:17…
“We shall be like him” (1st John 3:2). In our last visit we considered what often happens when you lift up and honor the name of Jesus. His name is a stumbling…
“The righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us” (Romans 8:4). As we continue our study of what Paul says in Romans 8 about man, let’s look at…
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 21). As we saw in our last visit,…
“Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1st John 3:3). It’s interesting to study Paul’s teaching about all of creation in Romans 8 as…
“Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ” (Romans 9:5). As we continue our study of the book of Romans in the New Testament we…
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” (Romans 9:2). In our last visit I suggested we reflect on what Paul shares about his passion for his brothers, the…
“They pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works” (Romans 9:32). In our last visit we looked at the Apostle’s passion for his brothers, the people of…
“A time is coming…when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23). As I read and…
“It is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring” (Romans 9:8). As we continue our study of Romans 9-11 let’s focus on Paul’s teaching in chapter 9…
“Not by works but by him who calls” (Romans 9:12) In our last visit we began looking at what Paul said in Romans 9 about what will not contribute to the…
“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use” (Romans 9:21). In recent visits…
“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people” (Romans 9:25). In our last visit we discovered, according to Romans 9, if you are a believer and have a…
“A righteousness that is by faith” (Romans 9:30). In our study of Romans 9 we’ve seen that God is sovereign in bringing His redemption to whomever He will. We have no right…
“Who are you, O man, to talk back to God?” (Romans 9:20). If you’ve found it difficult to process and accept what Paul says in Romans 9 about the Sovereign Rule…
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15). After wrestling in Romans 9 with the role of God’s sovereignty in redemption, Paul addresses some issues related…
“They are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Romans 10:2). In our last visit we began doing a focus and amplify study of Romans 10. The focus…
“Did they not hear? Of course they did” (Romans 10:18). In our last visit we began looking at some of the problems Paul describes in Romans 10 that cause people to resist…
“My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). We’ve been studying the problems that hinder faith described in Paul’s letter to…
“God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20). In our study of Romans 10 we…
“Offer yourselves to God…and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). Some people are drawn to God by what they see in the beauty,…
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). Let’s look again at Paul’s argument in Romans 10:14-15. When God sends one of His own children to…
“Many…who heard him believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). We’ve been studying what Paul wrote in Romans 10:14-15 about the process of reaching the lost through the proclamation of the good…
“The word is near you” (Romans 10:8). In our last visit we actually transitioned from proclamation to personal response as seen in Romans 10. We’ve been amplifying the focus of this chapter,…
“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me” (Romans 10:20). In recent visits we’ve looked in Romans 10 at the journey of those who believe. We’ve focused on man’s…
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2nd Timothy 2:15 KJV). I pointed out as we began…
“The mystery made known to me by revelation” (Ephesians 3:3). As I mentioned in our last visit the title I gave for Romans 9-11 was, The Sovereign Rule of God in…
“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). As we began our study of Romans 11 we gave the…
“I will harden Pharaoh’s heart” (Exodus 7:3). “Pharaoh…hardened his heart” (Exodus 8:15). As we continue to do a chapter study of Romans 11 let’s focus on finding some cross references that will…
“For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all” (Romans 11:32). When doing a study like we’ve been doing in Romans…
“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24). During the past week we have been doing a study of Romans 11. Thus far we’ve given the chapter a title,…
“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees” (Psalm 119:171). In our last visit we began developing an outlining for Romans chapter 11. Under the title, The Mystery…
“At the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Romans 11:5). As we’ve studied Romans chapter 11 for a number of days now we have developed an outline that…
“God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). In our last visit we concluded by making the point that God isn’t through with Israel as a nation yet. He has…
“Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in” (Romans 11:19). In our last visit we saw in Romans chapter 11 that when the Israelites rejected the Gospel of…
“Until the full number of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). One of the intriguing aspects of what Paul presents in Romans chapter 11 is the hope that the response…
“At the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Romans 11:5). In recent visits we’ve focused on God’s dealings with the Israelites and the Gentiles as seen in Romans…
“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Matthew 21:16). We’ve been working our way through the theological maze of Romans 11. Every time you think you…
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17). We have been working on an outline of Romans chapter 11 for a while and now come…
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) In our last visit I shared with you one of the most moving, beautiful and…
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. (Habakkuk 2:20) I shared my experience of Biblical worship which had some similarities to what Paul…
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (Romans 11:33) This is how Paul expresses his worship of God. Being infinite the riches of the wisdom and…
Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? (Romans 11:34) In Romans 11:33 Paul is humbly worshiping God. “Oh, the depth of the riches of…
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36) In recent visits we’ve looked at Paul’s burst of praise and humble worship expressed at the close of Romans 11. Let’s continue by…
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (1st Chronicles 16:29) We’ve concluded our study of Romans 11 and the doxology with which Paul closes the chapter. I was ready to…
Cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature. (Romans 11:24) We’ve been studying Romans 11 for some time now. It’s time for us to consider some practical applications that…
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith. (Ephesians 28 In our last visit we considered the need to humble ourselves before God and trust in His grace if…
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5). In our last…
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. (Psalm 95:6) To this point in considering some applications based on our study of Romans…
This is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) We closed the last program by summarizing what we learned from our study of Romans 11. Romans 12, begins the final section of…
In view of God’s mercy. (Romans 12:1) In our last visit we began to look at the final section of the book of Romans. Romans 12, verses 1-2 are foundational for beginning…
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. (Romans 12:2) Let’s continue our study of Romans 12:1-2. In verse 2 the verbs are in the present tense, which means…
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) We’ve seen in our study of Romans 12:1-2 that after making a once for all commitment of our lives to God…
Test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) We have been studying Romans 12:1-2 in recent visits. Paul calls us to make a once-for-all…
His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) In our last visit we saw according to Romans 12:1-2 that God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect. God wants us to experience His…
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) In recent visits we have studied Romans 12:1-2 which is a transitional statement between what Paul taught in…
Overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) In our last visit we started a focus and amplify study of Romans 12. I pointed out that the last half of verse 21 states the…
Think of yourself with sober judgment. (Romans 12:3) In our last visit I pointed out that we are to make an honest judgment of how God has gifted us, and then…
In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5) Paul practiced what he preached in Romans 12. Notice how he begins his…
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:6) In amplifying the focus of Romans 12, overcome evil with good, we’ve seen how God wants us to use…
We have different gifts. (Romans 12:6) Let’s read together what Paul says about spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is…
If it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:8) In our last visit we studied what Paul said in Romans 12:6-8 about spiritual gifts and how to exercise…
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35) As we conclude…
Love must be sincere. (Romans 12:9) In our last visit I pointed out that in each of the major portions of the Bible where spiritual gifts are mentioned love is presented…
Love never fails. (1st Corinthians 13:8) Let me share with you today what I believe genuine love looks like as described in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8. In times of stress love…
Let those who love the Lord hate evil. (Psalm 97:10) When our love is sincere we will “Hate what is evil; (and) cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). This is in…
Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9) We are told in Romans 12:9, “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” In our last visit we focused on hating whatever is…
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Romans 12:10) Paul understood well how hard it is to stand up for what is good when standing alone. That is why he encouraged…
Patient in affliction. (Romans 12:12) In our study today we will look at Romans 12:12 where Paul gives three powerful, succinct statements: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in…
Faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) We looked at Romans 12:12 in our last visit: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” To persevere in the face of…
Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13) We’ve been studying what Paul says about the importance of love in overcoming evil with good, the focus of Romans 12. Let’s continue this study by looking at…
Bless those who persecute you. (Romans 12:14) We have been amplifying the focus of Romans 12 in recent days. We identified the focus of the chapter as being, “overcome evil with good.” We…
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15) Grace not only blesses others, even those who persecute them, it identifies with others. Listen to Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with…
Be willing to associate with people of low position. (Romans 12:16) As we continue our study of Romans 12 to see how Paul amplifies the topic of grace as a means…
Do not be proud. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16) In our last visit I shared an experience I had as a young man. I noticed how a prominent preacher showed partiality toward…
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand. (1st Peter 5:8) Have you ever heard in a discussion on leadership that if you want to be a winner, “Surround yourself with winners”? Is…
Live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) The instructions Paul gives in Romans 12 get tougher with each new verse. We have seen how our spiritual gifts and love play a significant…
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) In our last visit we studied the command in Romans 12:18, “If it…
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. (Romans 12:20) Paul wrote in Romans 12:19: “It is written: ‘It is mine to avenge;…
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. (Romans 12:20) I was fascinated by an illustration that throws a whole new light on what Romans 12:20 means: “If…
The Lord will reward you. (Proverbs 25:22) As we come to the conclusion of our study of Romans 12 I would like to make one final observation about Paul’s quote of…
Being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Today we begin a study of Romans 13. I would like to introduce you to the inductive Bible study approach. …
Love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8) In our last visit we reviewed what is involved in doing an inductive Bible study of…
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. (Romans 13:1) Let’s continue with our inductive study of Romans 13. We’ve observed what was said in the text of the chapter. Now we need…
Do what is right. (Romans 13:3) Yesterday we tried to understand Paul’s statement in Romans 13:1-2 that we should submit to those in authority because they are there by God’s appointment. His…
He (that is, the government authority) is God’s servant to do you good. (Romans 13:4) Let’s continue trying to understand what Paul wrote concerning our civil responsibilities in Romans 13. Paul…
Because of conscience. (Romans 13:5) In our last study of Romans 13 we considered what actions are legitimate for Christians who live under unjust authorities. Multitudes of Christians do. Should they simply submit…
If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7) Paul emphasized in Romans 13:5 that we should live in the…
Let no debt remain outstanding. (Romans 13:8) Let’s continue our inductive study of Romans 13. Paul broadens his challenge to “Give everyone what you owe him,” in verse 7, to “Let no…
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. (Romans 13:8) When talking about debt, the challenge of getting out of debt and staying out of debt,…
Do this, understanding the present time. (Romans 13:11) We have been doing an inductive study of Romans 13, trying to understand what Paul is saying. Thus far we’ve seen that our civil…
Put aside the deeds of the darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12) We have been doing an inductive study of Romans 13. First we read, observed and noted…
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:14) In our last visit we began interpreting Paul’s description of “the deeds of darkness” as described in Romans 13:13, “orgies and drunkenness…sexual…
Since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (Hebrews 4:1) We’ve been doing an…
We are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15) Before closing our inductive study of Romans 13 there…
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this…
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1) As we begin our devotional study of Romans 14:1-15:13 let me…
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope. (Romans 15:13) As mentioned in recent visits…
The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations. (Romans:15:12) In our last visit we studied what Paul said about God the Father in…
Anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Romans 14:18) Thus far in our devotional study of Romans 14:1-15:13 we answered the questions, What…
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. (Romans 15:4) As we continue our devotional study of Romans 14:1-15:13 let’s consider what Paul says about the…
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7) In our study today let’s find out what Paul says about man…
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:2) It is important to understand what Paul’s focus is in Romans 14:1-15:13. He is not…
We live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8) In our study today we will look for promises to claim in Romans 14:1-15:13. Whenever you feel as though you…
We will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:10) In our last study we considered promises to claim in Romans 14:1-15:13. Now let’s look for warnings to heed. The…
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. (Romans 14:20) In our last visit we studied what Paul said in Romans 14:1-15:13 about our being responsible before…
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. (Romans 14:21) We’ve been studying what Paul said in…
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters, (Romans 14:1). We’ve been doing a devotional study of Romans 14:1-15:13. In this study we tried answering some questions. …
I have been longing for many years to see you. (Romans 15:23) Paul Harvey, the well known radio personality, is known for sharing "the rest of the story!" Many who read…
After I have completed this task. (Romans 15:28) If you are going through a time of transition you don’t need to get discouraged. You can make it through the transition and…
I have finished the race. (2 Timothy 4:7) After visiting missionaries on a number of fields a few years ago I came away concerned because far too many of them only…
I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.(Romans 15:18) Paul knew how to manage his life and ministry so he could finish the…
So after I have…made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain. (Romans 15:28) In our last visit we began amplifying the focus of Romans 15:14 through…
I plan to do so. (Romans 15:24) We have been studying Romans 15:14 through chapter 16 to find out some secrets Paul utilized to stay on target in his work for…
It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. (Romans 15:20) In studying Romans 15:14 through chapter 16 we found that Paul was organized…
That my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there. (Romans 15:31) Do you find it hard to keep being productive while going through transition? Is it hard to…
I have written you quite boldly on some points. (Romans 15:15) In recent visits we have seen that the apostle Paul maintained discipline in his life by establishing a purpose or…
Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. (Acts 18:3) It’s always helpful to see something you’re working on…
Though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself a servant to all, that I might save the more. (1 Corinthians 9:19) Times of transition can be unsettling. …
Brothers, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25) In our last visit we considered the importance of having a Biblical basis for doing what we do in life with our time and…
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) One of the best antidotes to discouragement while going through transition is to have others stand with you at your…
They risked their lives for me. (Romans 164) It is always interesting to hear how your life has touched others. It’s also interesting to hear how others have ministered to one another. Paul…
They risked their lives for me. (Romans 16:4) In a recent study we noted all of the people Paul refers to in Romans 16. I’m sure he considered each of them as…
All the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. (Romans 16:4) In our last visit we began a biographical study of the life of Priscilla and Aguila mentioned in Romans…
They invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26) In our biographical study of Priscilla and Aquila we have gathered information…
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of…Rufus. (Mark 15:21) Let’s continue doing a biographical study of another person mentioned in Romans 16. In Romans 16:13 we read, “Rufus, chosen in…
Rufus, chosen in the Lord. (Romans 16:13) In our last visit we were working on a biographical study of the man Rufus, mentioned in Romans 16:13. When we correlated the information we…
I commend to you our sister Phoebe…she has been a great help to many people, including me. (Romans 16:1&3) Today I’d like to do a biographical study of another person mentioned…
He sent two of his helpers. (Acts 19:22) Let’s look at another person mentioned in Romans 16:23, “Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works.” We find two other references to…
The ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. (Revelation 12:9) You can count on it, during times of transition, God will be working in…
Now to him who is able to establish you. (Romans 16:25) If you’re going through a time of transition I’m sure you have experienced opposition of one sort or another. Overcoming such…
God is able to make all grace abound to you. (2 Corinthians 9:8) In our last visit we considered God’s ability to establish peace in our hearts no matter what we…
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude…
See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. (Revelation 3:8) On the same trip I mentioned in our last visit I was flying from Prague…
What I received I passed on to you as of first importance. (1 Corinthians 15:3) Paul lived to share with anyone and everyone God brought his way what he had experienced…
By your words you will be acquitted. (Matthew 12:37) In our last visit we discovered the first step people need to know and accept if they want to know God personally. No…
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (1 Corinthians 9:15) The good news about Jesus Christ is that He is a gift from God the Father to be received by…
You are going to receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you must be witnesses for Me. (Acts 1:8 The New Testament, Charles B. Williams, MBI, 1949) In…
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19) There are…
I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me. (Romans 15:15) I’m sure I would be…
As we begin the new year, 2012, let’s prepare ourselves to make the most of this year for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Better yet, let’s…
In our last visit we discovered that God’s agenda after saving us by His grace is to place us into His workshop and begin the process of conforming us into…
Today I would like to begin a study of the short book of Jude. You will find it just before the final book in the Bible, the book of Revelation. Jude,…
In our study of the book of Jude we have considered who the author was. Then we identified a title and a key verse. The title I suggested is, Prepared and…
In our last visit I suggested that cross-references often enrich our understanding of any portion of the Bible that we might be studying. As we study the book of Jude there…
In our last visit we began developing an outline for the book of Jude which we have been studying together. Under the title, Prepared and Kept for the Presentation, we identified…
In our last few visits we’ve been developing an outline for the book of Jude, the next to the last book of the Bible. We amplified the purpose Jude had in…
See, I have placed before you an open door. (Revelation 3:8) We were reminded in our study of the book of Jude to be ready to help those God brings our…
I always find it interesting to see how God sets the stage for our being used to help others. On another flight to Europe I was sitting in an isle seat…
When reflecting on what Jesus had to say about love as found in John 13-17 it is obvious God the Father is a loving God. He loved Jesus. This is a theme…
In our last visit we studied what is said in John 13-17 about God the Father’s love. Let’s now organize what is said in these chapters about Jesus Christ’s love. He and…
We have been studying the topic of “love” as presented in John 13-17. First we collected what is said about love in the thirty references to it in these 5 chapters. Then…
In our study of love as found in John 13-17 we’ve considered the Father’s love, Jesus’ love and our love as believers. Now let’s look at love as experienced and expressed…
We’ve almost finished correlating into an outline the information we collected regarding love as found in John 13-17. The final point I would like to reflect on is the quality of…
We’ve been doing a topical study on “love” as found in John 13-17 using the 3 “C” approach: collect, correlate and crystallize. We’ve collected what the 30 references to “love” in…
We started this study of “love” as found in John 13-17 by pointing out that God wants us to be “love driven” or “love directed” in our lives. Let’s expand what…
In our last visit we saw that our motive for loving God and others is His love for us. This is clearly stated in 1st John 4:19-21. We also saw that when…
We’ve been studying how to experience a love driven or directed life. We’ve considered Jesus as our model. Then we looked at our motive and our mandate for being love driven or…
We’ve been learning that to be love driven or directed in life we need to get self out of the way. We can’t produce “agape” love by sheer effort. Only God through…
Your life will be love driven or directed when the Holy Spirit is in control and producing His fruit in and through you. This is seen in Galatians 5:22-23. And this is…
We’ve been studying what a love driven or directed life looks like and how it operates. The reason for doing such a study is to understand what Jesus had in mind…
In our last visit we concluded by alluding to the experience recorded in John 21. Remember, Peter and a couple of other disciples spent the night fishing. They didn’t catch any fish. Early…
In our last visit we reviewed John 21 and discovered that Jesus probed into the heart of Peter to see whether his answers were authentic. When He asked Peter if he…
In recent visits we have considered the importance of our love for Jesus and for one another, beginning with what Jesus taught in the upper room just before His crucifixion. …
In our last visit we began to look at how Jesus Christ ordered His life in a timely fashion. Jesus left for the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem described in John…
When Jesus knew that His time had come He was ready for the moment. He was ready intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It says in John 13:1, “He knew that the time…
We have been considering how Jesus managed His life in relation to an awareness of time. He didn’t allow the pressures of life and circumstance to determine His schedule. He ordered His…
In our recent studies we have considered how Jesus lived His life with a keen awareness about how to use His time wisely. We have also begun to consider what He…
In the light of our study about wisely using our time I would like to share some thoughts I discovered while meditating on Psalm 19. I did an inductive study of…
In our last visit we began doing an inductive study of Psalm 19. We reviewed what is said in this Psalm. Now we need to determine what it means. In other words we…
As we continue trying to understanding what Psalm 19 means let me go back to what I noted in our last visit. When thinking about natural revelation the Psalmist lets his…
We concluded our last visit by referring to the benefits of the inspired Word of God. The Psalmist, reflecting on these benefits, says in Psalm 19:10, the Scriptures “are more…
Praise God for revealing truth about Himself through natural revelation, as stated in Psalm 19:1-6. Praise Him even more for revealing truth about Himself and His will for us through special…