Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 16, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Source of Confidence

Remember the bulldog, Spike, from the old Looney Tune cartoons? He was a massive dog who always had a little companion running around him. Remember the little dog? As long as Spike was nearby, the smaller canine thought he was as big and mean as Spike. Just the presence of the massive bulldog gave the little one incredible confidence.

This is the image I get when I consider Paul's words to the Philippians. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

In Philippians 3:4-6, Paul describes himself as, essentially, a bulldog among men. "I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless" (ESV).

But Paul goes on to say that all this counts for nothing. "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (3:8, ESV). As great as his physical stature may have been, Paul recognized someone greater. Compared to Christ, Paul was the little dog. And just like the little dog in the cartoon, Paul drew incredible confidence from his relationship with Jesus.

Paul's desire now was to be, "found in him [Jesus], not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends of faith" (3:9, ESV).

On our own we can do very little in this world. But partnered with Christ, in a living, intimate relationship, we will find our worth and a source of confidence that we never knew before. If you want to make a positive impact on your world, you'll find no better place to stand than in the shadow of the Almighty.

My Thoughts

As you read the verses for today, think about the following questions:

1. Why did Paul consider his Jewish pedigree "as loss"?
2. What was Paul's ultimate goal in life?
3. What would you say motivated Paul to serve God even through hardships?

My Part

A relationship with God always starts with humility. We must recognize that we are sinners, that we're not as great as we sometimes think we are. We have to recognize that Jesus is the superior Savior. But the Bible also promises that if you humble yourself before the Lord, He will exalt you. (See James 4:10.) If you'd like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the new life He brings, check out our Jesus Who? and Now What? resources.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 17, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Hidden Things God Sees

Marie wrote a letter to her ex-fiance:

"Dear Jimmy,

No words could ever express the great unhappiness I've felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you'll take me back. No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me. I love you! I love you! I love you!

Yours forever,

Marie

"P.S. And congratulations on winning the state lottery."

Marie's apparent motive for writing seemed honest, and if Jimmy had stopped reading before the "P.S.," he would never have known what her real motivation was for wanting to go back to him!

Just as it is impossible for you to know all the thoughts of another, so it is beyond your scope to know a person's motives for doing something. Therefore, God told us that, though you may be able to see the fruit of a person's actions, you are never able to discern the motives that led to those actions. There are times when you know your own motives, but there are also times when even you can't explain yourself. Only God knows human motives intimately and correctly, so He gives the following warning to us all:

What Does God Say?

First Corinthians 4:5 (ESV) "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."

In that Bible verse:

    * What does God order you not to do?
    * What is the "time" that God is speaking about?
    * What two things is God going to reveal?

Read Matthew 6:1-9 in your Bible. Jesus, the Judge of every person's motives, warns the Pharisees about practicing religion with wrong motives.

    * In Matthew 6:1, what warning does He give about "righteousness"?
    * In 6:2, what was the motive for giving?
    * In 6:5, what was the motive for praying publicly?
    * In 6:7, what was the motive for repeating prayers over and over?
    * In 6:1-9, how many times does Jesus mention "rewards"?

My Thoughts

God doesn't simply appraise actions; He evaluates the works a person does in light of the motives he or she had in doing them. Therefore He warns believers that they are not to pass judgments on people and, in particular, other believers. Romans 14:10-12 (ESV) says, "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,

"'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

    * Who will stand before God's judgment seat?
    * What be required of those who are there?

My Part

Think about the motives you have for (1) going to church; (2) giving a contribution; (3) praying; (4) teaching a Bible class; (5) reading the Bible.

Do you detect any motives in your life that might be less than honorable?

Jesus saves us and gives us one supreme motive in life. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says a Christian's motive should be to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Do you have motives that need to be discarded and replaced by the pure objective of glorifying God? Ask Him to give you the faith to make that true in your life.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 18, 2010
Topic: God's Care


God In Your Life

All of us go through dark days in our lives. And many of us who are familiar with God's Word turn to a Bible verse like this one for comfort:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4, ESV).

But did you know that God walks with you in the good times too?

What Does God Say?

You read verse 4 above and saw one instance when God walks with you. If you look at verses 1 through 3, you'll see other situations when God's presence is apparent.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1, ESV).

A good shepherd never lets his sheep just wander. He guides them; He knows when the sheep need food or water and leads the flocks to places where that need can be met.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2, ESV).

There is hardly a more idyllic scene than a green field under a crystal blue sky. It's a place of peace and happiness. And it's a place you'll only find while following the Good Shepherd.

"He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2-3, ESV).

In John 4, Jesus met a woman whose soul was in desperate need of restoring. She had been with five husbands, and those relationships had not relieved her dissatisfaction with life. Jesus said, "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14, ESV).

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us to the still, deep waters which will restore our soul. He leads us to Himself and to a relationship that will satisfy our deepest longings.

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Psalm 23:3, ESV).

God wants to see you succeed in life, not just because it's best for you but because it brings Him glory as well. He does this by leading us on the paths of righteousness--where we meet the challenges of this world God's way--where we live by godly virtues and not by the world's wisdom.

My Thoughts

With God as our shepherd, we are the sheep. But we're sheep with a choice. Every day you have numerous opportunities to plot your own course in life or to follow the Shepherd's leading. What choice will you make today?

My Part

Tonight, set aside half an hour and look back over your day. Take a pen and a piece of paper and write down every instance you can think of when God was leading you. Were there any times you fought Him? Were there any times you choose to follow God? Were there any times God may have been leading and you weren't even aware of it at the time?

Let God remind you today that He's always walking with you, always ready to lead you to those green pastures and still waters, not just in the dark times but every other time as well.

[nChrist]

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Date: Jun 21, 2010

Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational, Joy

Title: Hope & Friends

If you're a fan of the Peanuts comic strip, you recognize certain partnerships like Linus and his security blanket, Snoopy and Woodstock, Charlie Brown and that reluctant kite, Peppermint Patty and the patient Marcie, Pig Pen and a cloud of dust or Schroeder with his piano, Lucy and her psychiatrist's booth or a football, depending on the season...well, you get the picture. Some things just "go together." Even in the Bible you find partnerships like love and truth, faith and trust or hope and... Well, hope has several friends.

What Does God Say?

One of hope's partners is joy. In Romans 5:1-2, we read "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (ESV). When you have hope, you have a reason to rejoice. In fact, having hope--in this case hope in Christ, the glory of God--produces joy in our lives.

Hope is not wishful thinking but a confidence in God. A lack of hope produces fear, anxiety, worry; and it eats away at our joy. But when our hope is found in Christ, it produces joy, gives us peace and builds our faith.

Faith is another close friend of hope. Romans 4 talks about Abraham's faith and hope in the promises of God. Look at Romans 4:18-21, "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (ESV). Abraham placed his confidence in God for the future fulfillment of the promised son. That was faith built on hope in God's character.

My Thoughts

If you want hope, you need to know where to find it. See what the Bible says in the following verses.

Psalm 42:5,11
Lamentations 3:21-24

  Where does hope come from?
  What examples have you seen of hope?
  What does hope produce in your life?


Take a look at hope and its partners. After each verse below, indicate what partner you find there.

Proverbs 10:28
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 15:13
1 Corinthians 13:13
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Titus 3:7

  Which of these partners do you need most right now?
  How have you seen these partnerships evident in your life?


My Part

We said earlier that hope is confidence placed in God. It's based on who He is and what He can do today and in the future. When do you struggle with hope? Is it when you look at the future or is it a confidence issue? Does hope produce some other benefits in your life, like joy or peace? Or do you have trouble seeing past the circumstances, the worry and the anxiety?

Take time today to consider hope and its place in your Christian life; then ask God to help you to live in hope and enjoy the benefits of joy, peace, faith, security, etc.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 22, 2010
Topic: Hope


Hope

Seven months ago today, the 22nd of December, you would have heard the word hope thrown around a lot by little kids in toy stores. You may have used it once or twice yourself. But, coupled with that hope, there was a measure of uncertainty: would they really get what they longed for when they opened their presents. I imagine we've all experienced, at one time or another, disappointment on Christmas Day.

The Bible also talks about "hope." Is it the same hope that boys and girls, moms and dads hold onto until the gifts are unwrapped Christmas morning? Let's see what God says.

What Does God Say?

We probably all understand the concept of hoping for one thing and planning for another. We know that life is uncertain. So, while we hope for good weather for our weekend vacation, we pack the rain gear as well. But what would hope look like if it was placed in something--or Someone--who was 100 percent reliable?

Paul has an answer for us. "Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant....Since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (2 Corinthians 3:4-6,12, ESV).

Confidence, competence, sufficiency, boldness--these aren't words typically associated with hope. But when our hope is placed in the immortal, unchanging God, we can live with uncharacteristic boldness.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, God demonstrates His trustworthiness. Page after page tells us of wonderful deeds done by men and women acting in confident boldness because of hope in God.

The more you and I get to know God by spending time in prayer and reading His Word, the more our hope in Him will be strengthened.

My Thoughts

Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-12 and think about the following questions:

1. What does Paul see as deficient in the old Law given by Moses?

2. How has the person of Jesus Christ affected the ministry of the New Covenant?

My Part

There are many believers who like to keep a hymn book next to their Bibles. If you're one of them, turn to the hymn "The Solid Rock" by Edward Mote. Reflect on the hope the hymnist has in Christ. Where does your hope in Christ stand in comparison? If you don't have a hymnal, the lyrics can easily be found online. But here are the first two stanzas and chorus:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 23, 2010
Topic: Hope, Faith/Trust


Faith and Hope

Sometimes a result cannot be achieved without a combination of factors. For example, water requires that two molecules of hydrogen lock onto one molecule of oxygen or the desired results will never be obtained. Neither the hydrogen nor the oxygen by itself can produce water.

Enjoying the promises of God requires a combination of factors as well: faith and hope. Hope needs to lock arms with faith to fully realize all God promises us. Abraham is a good example.

What Does God Say?

"In hope he [Abraham] believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead ( since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness'" (Romans 4:18-22, ESV).

    * What hope did Abraham have?
    * What circumstances might have destroyed this hope?
    * What saved him from losing hope?
    * What was the end result of Abraham's faith and hope?

My Thoughts

Sometimes we use the word hope to describe something we desire, but we're not sure whether we'll actually ever get it. That's not the way the Bible use this word. Because hope is always combined with faith in God's Word, biblical hope is never an uncertainty.

It is said that as Winston Churchill lay critically ill, he reflected on the conditions in the world he had helped to rescue. His dying words were: "There is no hope. There is no hope."

As believers, we never have to reach such a level of despair. Because we know what God promises both for us and this world (the Bible tells us), we can by faith look forward to the fulfillment of those promises. This gives us hope.

My Part

Do you have biblical hope? Make a list of the things you hope for. Then turn to God's Word to see what it says about these hopes. If the Bible confirms your hopes, then, by faith, lay hold of them. When you combine faith with hope, the results are always a certainty.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 24, 2010
Topic: Hope


Genuine Hope

Many of us use the word hope as a synonym for wish. We say, "We hope this or that will happen," but in reality we have little confidence or certainty that it will. What we hope is what we'd like to see occur.

On God's terms, however, hope is a far stronger word. This genuine hope looks forward with confidence; it holds on with certainty; it believes without faltering. It is rooted in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God.

What Does God Say?

Hope is something we usually need when life is rough. It's what keeps us going when everything in us says, "Give up." When trouble, uncertainty, chaos, disaster, depression or any other problem comes into our lives, from outside forces or of our own making, that's when we need hope.

And genuine hope has to begin with God. In Psalm 42:11, the writer pours out his troubles and then says,

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (ESV).

Only God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--provides the hope we need because He can be trusted. He is sovereign, and He knows where things are going. He is faithful to His promises and will never fail. He is unchangeable, an anchor that never falters. This is why hope is so tightly tied to faith or trust: You can't enjoy the hope God offers if you don't trust Him or put your faith in Him.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (ESV). God is the source; faith or believing is essential; joy and peace are hope's companions; and with the Holy Spirit's power, you can live in abundant hope. Or, as one translation puts it, "That God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (NLT, emphasis added).

My Thoughts

How do you tap into this hope? Through Christ. Without Him, there is no hope. Take a look at Ephesians 2:11-13.

    * What was it like for the Gentiles or those without Christ (2:11-12)?
    * What changes at verse 13?
    * How did this happen in your life?

See what Hebrews 6:17-20 says about tapping into hope.

    * What makes God trustworthy to provide your hope (6:17-18 )?
    * What does this hope bring to our lives (6:18-19)?
    * Where does Jesus fit into this picture (6:19-20)?

My Part

The Bible has much to say about hope: hope for the future, the hope of salvation, etc. Use a concordance to do a word study for yourself and see what you discover.

While hope is often one of those intangibles like peace or joy or faith, there is something very concrete about it too. You see, Jesus not only offers hope, He is our hope. By coming and dying as our Savior, He became our hope (see Titus 2:13). Through Him, we have the opportunity to know God; to be forgiven of our sins; to live in faith and obedience; to serve with a joyful, peaceful heart; and to experience hope at its best. If you're looking for hope--or if you know someone who is--you only need to look at Jesus.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 25, 2010
Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational


Real Hope

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. So said Martin Luther King Jr. And the Bible echoes that hope for the Christian. It is a hope not based on finite "Pollyanna" wishes but a reality rooted in Easter Sunday.

What Does God Say?

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5, NASB).

1. List the words/phrases which are the basis for hope.

2. In these verses, what truth is the most significant to you?

3. Write out what you think the meaning of "a living hope" is.

My Thoughts

Hope is only as reliable as the basis for that hope. What does Peter tell us is the basis for living in hope? Before you answer, read the following verse and then re-read the above verses. Now, write down your thoughts.

"Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory" (1 Peter 1:21, NLT).

My Part

If, for the Christian, our hope is a living hope (and it is), then what is the application of this truth? We who are Christ-followers have placed our hope for now and eternity in the God who is the God of the present ("I Am," see Matthew 22:32) and the Jesus who is always with us ("Lo, I am with you always," see Matthew 28:20).

Take time to pray and ask God to show you and help you to live daily in the hope that is yours in Jesus.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 28, 2010
Topic: God/Jesus


The Real God

There are some shaky and inaccurate beliefs about God in our world today. Many people don't have any idea who God is or how to relate to Him. They might believe God is distant and unconcerned. Or that you and I are on our own in the universe. Some might even insist that God didn't create men and women--that we just evolved.

But instead of listening to what some people say, let's listen to what God says. If you want to know the real God, the God who is in charge of everything, you need look no further than the Bible.

What Does God Say?

The whole Bible, all 66 books of it, is God's Word given to us. So all of it is useful for finding out about who God is and what He desires of us. But let's look specifically at Hebrews 1:1-3.

'Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets'
(Hebrews 1:1, ESV). God speaks to us. This verse specifically talks about the prophets that relayed God's messages. Many of those prophets also wrote down God's words and those writings form much of our Old Testament. God's words given to the prophets were meant first for the Jewish people--but then for us also.

'But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom he also created the world' (Hebrews 1:2, ESV). More recent than the prophets, God spoke to us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the creator of the world and the heir of all things. Jesus speaks to us the words of God.

'He [Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high' (Hebrews 1:3, ESV).

Not only is Jesus the creator of the universe, He is also the forgiver of our sins. Jesus 'upholds the universe by the word of his power.' And later in Hebrews we see that Jesus is 'able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them' (Hebrews 7:25, ESV).

He is the Lord of all creation and Savior of our souls. He is the One who scattered the stars in the heavens and has numbered the hairs on our heads. He is God, the second Person of the Trinity, and a friend we can draw near to. Why would we need anything else?

My Thoughts

As you read Hebrews 1:1-3, think about the following questions:

Knowing that God is creator of all things, what does that say about human origins?

What does God do in these verses to demonstrate His love for us?

Why is it important to you and me that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father?

My Part

God has used the words of Psalm 139 to comfort and encourage many people since David wrote it nearly 3,500 years ago. This psalm is one of the most beautiful descriptions of God's intimate care and involvement in our lives. Read through Psalm 139 and pick out a couple of verses that really speak to you. Take those verses and write them out on paper in big letters. Decorate it and hang it up where you will see it often. If you prefer, use a computer and word processing program.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 29, 2010
Topic: Jesus


Jesus Above Angels

Angels are popular today. Nearly every major newspaper and magazine over the last few years has run a story about angels. And, of course, many stores offer angel statues, angel jewelry, angel pictures, etc. In fact, a few years back a survey discovered that there are more than 140 stores in the United States that specialize solely in angel paraphernalia.

While angels are certainly a reality, do they deserve all the attention they're receiving these days? Let's look at what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16, ESV ).

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen"

(Romans 1:24-25, ESV).

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, ESV).

    * Who created the angels?
    * What happens when people focus on that which was created rather than the Creator?
    * What is the true purpose of angels in their relationship with humans?

My Thoughts

Today's fascination with angels borders on worship. Do you find yourself more attracted to angels than Jesus? Memorize Hebrews 1:4. The next time you're tempted to buy another "angel item," remind yourself who is better--angels or Jesus.

My Part

Take a look around your home and garden. You may also want to consider the jewelry you wear. Is there any indication that angels may be holding a more prominent place in your life than Jesus? Consider removing items that might distract you or others from the Person who should be the primary focus of your attention and adoration.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 30, 2010
Topic: Jesus



Better Than Angels

Americans are fascinated with angels. Seventy to 80 percent of Americans believe in angels--including guardian angels. The TV series Touched by an Angel was watched by 24 million people during its nine-year run.

Unfortunately, the same enthusiasm doesn't hold true when it comes to a biblical view of Jesus. Only about nine percent of adult Americans understand the true significance of our Savior.

This lopsided view becomes especially important when we see what the Bible says about Jesus and angels.

What Does God Say?

Read the following verses from the Book of Hebrews and indicate how Jesus differs from the angels.

    * Hebrews 1:1-4
    * Hebrews 1:5
    * Hebrews 1:6
    * Hebrews 1:7-8
    * Hebrews 1:13

My Thoughts

While it may be appropriate to appreciate the ministry of angels, keep in mind they are only doing what God has instructed them to do (Hebrews 1:14). Jesus, on the other hand, chose to take on human flesh, to live among us and, finally, to die for our sins. No one forced Him to do any of those things against His will. As He told His disciples:

"The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded" (John 10:17-18, NLT).

Be aware, as well, that angels can be deceptive. Paul warns us that Satan can disguise himself as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). In Galatians, the apostle implies that angels (those who fell with Satan) are capable of perpetrating a false gospel (Galatians 1:8 ). As a result, those claiming their teaching comes from an angel should be treated with caution.

My Part

Take some time today to think about the superiority of Christ over the angels. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving and praise that it was God, not an angel, who purchased your salvation.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 1, 2010
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Better Than the Law

The law for a child might be, "Don't run into a busy street, even to get your favorite ball." Now, that law was not meant to keep your little one from having fun but to protect him or her.

God gave us the Law. But Jesus gave us something much better. First, let's look at why God gave the Law.

What Does God Say?

Why did God give us the Law in the first place? The Bible tells us simply and clearly.

Look up Galatians 3:19 and Romans 5:20 (NLT) and answer the following questions.

    * Who gave the Law?
    * To whom was the Law given?
    * How long was the Law designed to last?
    * What became more and more abundant as people sinned more?

So, then, what was the problem with the Law God gave us? Nothing. The problem was our disobedience, our inability and unwillingness to obey.

"Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, 'You must not covet'" (Romans 7:7, NLT).

So, trying to be good, trying to follow all the rules and regulations of religion, was a losing battle. Because the Law showed us how sinful we were, what was originally intended to be a guide and a help, now condemned us.

"So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good (Romans 7:10-12, NLT).

My Thoughts

So, God's Law which is holy and right showed me how sinful and disobedient I really am. I fool myself anytime I think I can be good enough to please God by trying harder not to sin or I can be okay with God simply by following the rules.

"For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will" (Romans 8:7, NLT).

What, then, is better than the Law? What does the Bible reveal that is wonderful news?

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:21-22, NLT).

"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God--something the law of Moses could never do" (Acts 13:38-39, NLT).

    * What difference does Christ make in our lives, in living in a way that pleases God?
    * Write out the differences and star those that are cause to praise God.

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." (Romans 8:3, NLT).

"But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit" (Romans 7:6, NLT).

My Part

Memorize Galatians 2:20. Ask God to help you live this out daily in your life.

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 2, 2010
Topic: Faith/Trust


Who's Better Than Jesus

You know, my first thought when I looked at the title of today's study (Who's Better Than Jesus) was of Abbott and Costello's classic comedy routine, Who's On First? In that routine, the comedy was built around a misunderstanding: The first baseman had the unusual nickname of "Who." Now, there may have been very few men like "Who" when it came to playing first base (or Abbott and Costello when it came to comedy). But when it comes to restoring our relationship with God, there's no one like Jesus. Nothing and no one is better than Jesus. And when we put our trust in anything other than Him, the results will be disastrous.

What Does God Say?

In Hebrews we've seen how Jesus is better at providing everything you and I really need.

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6, NKJV).

Jesus is the author of a better covenant--essentially the terms of our relationship with God. Under the Old Covenant, yearly sacrifices were required to cover the sins of the people. But Jesus died once to pay for sins once and for all time. All of us can now have a relationship with God knowing that when we trust Christ, He washes away our sins forever. Apart from Jesus, a relationship with God would be impossible.

Jesus also provides hope. "On the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:19, NKJV). A lot of movies and novels will make much of the fact that hope will sustain a person in even the darkest times. But in those stories the hope is usually for family or a return home. How much more powerful is the hope Jesus brings! "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19, NKJV).

Many people make promises to us, but only Jesus can supply everything we really need. He's the only One we can truly trust.

My Thoughts

So, what are your thoughts? Is it easy or hard to believe that Jesus is better than anything we can put our trust in? What have you seen that makes it easy? What makes it hard? What is one specific thing you can do today to show Jesus you trust Him?

My Part

Take an inventory of how trusting Jesus has made your life better. As you think of these blessings, turn them into praise. Thank God for everything He's done for you. Let the memory of God's faithfulness in the past fuel your trust in the future.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 5, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation


Satan's Lies

One afternoon the members of a health club assembled for a meeting on nutrition and exercise. The dietitian leading the discussion asked each member to describe his or her daily routine. The first participant admitted to a number of excesses, including overeating. Others joined in agreement. But one seriously overweight member reported, "I eat healthfully and moderately; I drink moderately and I exercise frequently."

"I see," said the dietitian. "Are you sure you have nothing else to tell us?"

"Well, yes," said the man. "I also lie extensively."

So, does Satan! Jesus called him a "liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Unless we know God's Word, we can fall victim to those lies. Look what happened to Eve.

What Does God Say?

Look at Satan's first words to Eve in Genesis 3: "He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, "You shall not eat of any tree in the garden"?'" (v. 1, ESV). Satan surely knew what God had said. But he was testing Eve to see what she knew.

Eve's response, unfortunately, indicated her knowledge was faulty. Genesis 3:2-3 (ESV) tells us. "And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, "You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die."'"

That was not what God had said. But it gave Satan a green light to tell the biggest lie ever told. "'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil'" (vv. 4-5, ESV). In other words, "Eve, God doesn't have your best interests at heart; He's just trying to protect His own turf." Eve believed his lie, and you and I are living with the consequences to this very day.

My Thoughts

1. How could Eve have responded differently to the serpent's challenge?

2. Read through chapter 2 of Genesis. How does Eve's memory of God's words compare to what God actually said?

3. How can you respond to the lies that Satan slips in every now and then? What can you do to prepare yourself ahead of time?

My Part

Satan is still lying about God. And many people believe those lies. What lies might Satan be telling you today?

Our one sure defense against Satan's lies is the truth of God's Word. If you aren't regularly reading the Bible, you're leaving yourself open to believe Satan's lies. Begin today to spend a daily time in the Scriptures. If you would like a daily Bible reading guide, please visit backtothebible.org.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 6, 2010
Topic: Pride/Humility


Problem of Pride

Pride is a hazardous condition. The side effects are definitely unpleasant; it can result in anger, disappointment, humiliation and even the judgment of God. The problem with pride is--we all have it. And because of pride, we can't be the people God wants us to be.

What Does God Say?

Pride begins with how we see ourselves. And it essentially says, "I know better than anybody else, and even better than God." It was this attitude that led Satan to fall from the angelic hosts of heaven to become the enemy of God.

It also appeared when Eve sinned. Look at Satan's subtle appeal to Eve that she would know better than God in Genesis 3:4-6, "But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate" (ESV).

You find another example of the "I'm better than God" attitude in Exodus 5. Pharaoh responded to Moses' plea to free the Israelite slaves with this arrogance, "'And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don't know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go'" (Exodus 5:2, NLT). In the following chapters in Exodus, you see the hardness of Pharaoh's heart as he refused to submit his own pride to the greatness of God. Yet God was working this for His own purpose. Romans 9:17 tells us, "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth'" (ESV). But pride was also Pharaoh's downfall; it brought great heartache both to him and his people (see Exodus 7-12).

When we set ourselves up against God's supremacy; when we think we know better, can do a job better or that our way is preferable, when we let pride direct our choices, we're walking a destructive path.

My Thoughts

God has a lot to say about this troublesome problem. In the following verses, what does pride lead to? What's the antidote or cure?

Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 13:10
Proverbs 16:5,18
Proverbs 29:23

Jesus told a parable about pride in Luke 18:9-14. What's the biggest difference between these men? Who had the better relationship with God in the end?

Pride is at the heart of many sins. How do you see pride at the root of jealousy, anger, coveting or greed, sexual immorality, unfaithfulness, lying, gossip, etc.? What part has it played in your life and struggle with temptation?

My Part

So, what's the solution? Well, a little healthy humility doesn't hurt! However, one core concept can make a difference, and it's found in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (ESV).

The idea that "you are not your own" changes everything. You are not in charge; you belong to God and were bought with a price--the life Jesus Christ gave up for you on the cross. It's God who is in charge. He is the Master, the Father, the Creator, the Supreme God--not us.

    * What can you do today to acknowledge, even rejoice in the fact "you are not your own"?
    * How will you express the appropriate humility before Him?
    * What needs to change in your life if you're to set aside your pride?
    * How do you think it will affect your relationship with God and with others?

You'll want to start with prayer--if you need to, borrow from Luke 18:13.