Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 31, 2011
Topic: Salvation

An Eternal Watershed

The Great Divide (also called the Continental Divide) causes the water on one side of this ridge to flow to the Pacific Ocean, while water on the other side flows to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans. It runs from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, through western Canada and then along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. From there, it follows the crest of Mexico's Sierra Madres and extends to the tip of South America. It is the longest continental divide or watershed in the world.

But this is nothing compared to the divide created by the cross of Christ. This divide is measured not in miles but in eternal destinies. Let's see what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:10-12, ESV).

    If we refuse to believe what God says in His Word, what does that mean we think about God?
    What do we have to do in order to have eternal life?
    What happens to those who don't have the Son?

My Thoughts

What does John mean when he talks about having (or not having) the Son? In John 1:12, he says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Christ becomes the watershed of eternal life. Those who receive Him (have the Son) will have eternal life. This means they will spend eternity in the presence of their Savior. Those who reject Christ (do not have the Son) will live for eternity as well, but it will be apart from God in a place called hell. Revelation 20:15 says, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

My Part

So, what side of the watershed are you on? Do you have the Son? Have you received Him as your Savior? Or are you rushing down the other side to a Christless eternity? Unlike the watershed in nature, there is something you can do. Visit the "Meet Jesus" page to find out how you can have the Son.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 1, 2011
Topic: Salvation

Beyond the Facts

Suppose a friend gives you a book about Abraham Lincoln. You're happy to get the book because you've really wanted to learn about such a great man. So, you read the book and devour all the facts that you can about Lincoln. But you feel something is missing. You check other books out of the library and watch some biographical movies hoping that you can get to know Lincoln better. Then, one day you realize you will never perfectly know Lincoln as he really was because he died early in the morning on April 15, 1865. To truly know him, you would have to meet him personally.

Some people read the Bible like that. They search the Scriptures to find the facts about Jesus Christ because they want to know all they can about Him. They learn that the Old Testament foretells His coming and the New Testament reveals Him. They read the book, but they never meet the Savior who, unlike Lincoln, arose from the dead, is living and may be known today personally.

It is possible to know tons of facts about Christ and yet fall short of finding a saving relationship by faith in the Person that the facts point to. You come to know God by trusting Christ, not just by knowing the facts about Him. Read below about some people who knew plenty of facts:

Receive

In John 5:39-40, Jesus was speaking to some Jewish leaders and scholars who didn't believe Him. Look up the verses in your Bible and answer these questions:

    Why were they searching the Scriptures?
    What did they fail to see?
    What did they refuse to do?
    What did they lose sight of because of their unbelief?

Reflect

Philip was one of Jesus' disciples. And he knew a lot of facts about Jesus, even before he met Him, but Philip followed and observed Jesus for a long time before he saw the Lord as He truly is. Only then did he come to the personal relationship with Christ that is necessary for salvation.

Here are a few events in Philip's life. Read about them and answer the related questions.

John 1:43-45(At the beginning of Jesus' ministry)

    What facts did Philip know about Jesus at the time he started following Him (v. 45)?

John 6:5-7 (About a year into Jesus' ministry)

    What was Jesus' question to Philip (v. 5)?
    Why did He ask it (v. 6)?
    What does Philip's answer reveal about his grasp of who Jesus really was (v. 7)?

John 14:1-11 (Near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry)

    Who is able to come to God the Father (v. 6)?
    What do you have to know in order to know God the Father (v. 7)?
    What did Philip want Jesus to do (v. 8 )?
    What essential truth about Christ had Philip missed (vv. 9-11)?

Philip's experience shows us the patience Christ has with honest seekers. We know that Philip came to understand God's truth about Jesus. He found a personal salvation in Him. The Bible tells us that Philip was with the believing disciples in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4).

No one can have a personal relationship with Christ without believing the truth that is written of Him in the Word of God, but it is possible to read the Bible and miss the Person the Bible reveals. It is Him you need to know and love if you are to be saved.

Respond

Memorize the words of Jesus in John 14:24 (ESV):

"Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me."

If you are not certain that you know Jesus as your personal Savior, take time now to read the "Meet Jesus" page.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 2, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

The Christ in Christian

There's a phrase that gets used during the Christmas season, "Keep the 'Christ' in Christmas." It's a call to remember what the season is all about--the birth of Christ, our Savior.

Here's another phrase that's just as important: "Keep the 'Christ' in Christian."

Receive

On the final night before His Crucifixion, Jesus shared with His disciples many things. Among them is this memorable verse: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'

"Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father'" (John 14:6-9, ESV).

Jesus is essential for our salvation. Who He is and what He has done for us provide the pathway to a relationship with God. He is the reason we are called Christians--followers of Christ.

There are people today who say, like Philip, "Show us God, and that's enough." But if we don't appreciate Jesus' person, and we don't appreciate Jesus' words and we don't appreciate the works of God done through Jesus, we can say we're Christians, but are we?

Let's keep the Christ in Christian. Let's not be content with having obtained salvation; let's live like Jesus lived. Let's take that message of love and forgiveness to a world that needs to hear it. And let's model those principles in our own lives. Let's be "Christ"ians.

Reflect

Read John 1:1-14 and think about the following questions:

1. How might Jesus respond to someone who says he can know God apart from Christ?

2. How has Jesus promised to help those who follow His example?

3. How do you keep the "Christ" in Christian? How do you take the message of love and forgiveness to those around you?

Respond

What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Is it just another label or does it define your life? Spend some time today and write out a "mission statement." What do you want your life to be about as a Christian? What are your goals as a Christian? Keep your statement in your Bible or somewhere you'll see it often.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 5, 2011
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Hiding from the Light

Cockroaches are creatures of the night. Turn on a light and they hurriedly scatter to find refuge in some other dark place. The same is true for those caught in the darkness of sin. They fear the light because it will reveal their deeds for what they truly are--at best empty; at worst evil.

When we come to Christ, however, we are no longer part of that darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). As creatures of the light, we should live differently than those who are still in darkness. Let's take a closer look at those differences according to God's Word.

Receive

Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

'Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.'"

    What were we before we received Christ according to verse 8?
    If we walk in the light, what kind of fruit will we produce?
    What are we to do with the works of darkness?

Reflect

Walking in the light brings responsibility. We can see; the rest of the world can't. Those who walk in darkness can't see to make choices, but we who walk in the light can tell the difference between what's pleasing to the Lord and what is of the world. That means we have the responsibility to refuse to participate in "the unfruitful works of darkness."

God's Word clearly tells us what kind of choices we should make as children of the light. Colossians 3:8-9 says, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices" (ESV).

Respond

Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 6, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Fellowship with God's People

On a hot summer day when you've been outside working, there's nothing like a tall glass of cold water to quench your thirst. It does something for your body that a soft drink could never do. And even though a glass of water may seem plain by comparison, when that liquid touches your lips, you know it's exactly what you need.

Fellowship with other believers works in a similar fashion. You get something out of your relationships with fellow Christians that you just don't get from other relationships. Let's look at what John had to say about that in his letter.

Receive

In the first chapter of 1 John, the apostle makes this statement, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another" (1:7, ESV). "Walking in the light" means living like Jesus lived. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are saying that we commit ourselves to living the kind of life that brings honor to Him.

The relationship we begin with Jesus also brings us into a relationship with others who have put their faith in Him. John says this is a sign of our salvation (see 1 John 1:7).

That doesn't mean that we're wrong for having relationships with people who aren't born again. If we don't constantly seek the company of believers, it doesn't mean that we're not saved. But if you've ever spent long periods of time among non-believers and then felt the refreshment and invigoration that comes from fellowship with other followers of Christ, you know how true John's statement is.

Reflect

As you read 1 John 1:5-7, think about the following questions:

    Why is a relationship with God necessary for a relationship with other believers?
    What might prompt a person to claim fellowship with God yet still be walking in darkness?
    Do you have solid relationships with other Christians? How does that help you as you walk with Christ?

Respond

One thing we need to understand is that our salvation is never based on what we feel. If today you don't particularly crave the company of other Christians, that doesn't mean you're not saved. Remember, salvation is based on who God is, not on what you do or feel. If you have given your life to Christ and accepted His redemptive sacrifice on your behalf, then nothing will ever change the fact that you are indeed saved. And secondly, if you're not involved in your local church, why not call today and find out what opportunities are available? Not only will you be helping your local Body, you will likely meet Christians who share some of your interests--people with whom you can enjoy a close fellowship.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 7, 2011
Topic: Sin/Temptation, Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

Bothered By Sin

Do you like the feeling of discomfort you get when you know you've done something wrong? Neither do I. But the Bible tells us that to be bothered by sin, while very uncomfortable, is often an indication of spiritual health--even of our salvation.

Receive

    First, let's get a handle on what the Bible teaches about those who are not bothered by sin.

"And yet you say,
'I have done nothing wrong.
Surely God isn't angry with me!'
But now I will punish you severely
because you claim you have not sinned" (Jeremiah 2:35, NLT).

"And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil" (John 3:19, NLT).

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth" (1 John 1:8, NLT).

    In the Jeremiah passage what did God find so objectionable about the people's attitude toward sin?
    Why do people love darkness more than light (see John 3:19)?
    Who are we deceiving if we say we have no sin?

    Second, notice what the Bible says about the source of conviction.

"And when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment" (John 16:8, NLT).

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:10, NASB).

    Who will convict the world of sin?
    Who are we making a "liar" if we say we haven't sinned?

    Third, notice what the Bible assures us is possible when we honestly acknowledge our sin and deal with it through Jesus.

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17, NLT).

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19, NLT).

"Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?'"

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:37-38, NLT).

    Why did God send His Son into the world?
    How can you have your sins wiped away according to John 3:17?
    What will you receive when you turn to God?

Reflect

    How do you respond when you are bothered by sin?
    What is the right response to sin according to the scriptures we just read?
    Are you bothered by one sin in particular? What is it?
    What besides that important step of confessing that sin and receiving forgiveness for it, can you do so you will bothered less and less by that specific sin?

Respond

What's bothering you right now? Is there any sense of conviction of sin? Then it's a good time to talk to the Lord. Give Him your guilt, receive His mercy and forgiveness, and ask for His help in living His way.

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, NLT).

You can count on that! Guilt and shame will be replaced with gratitude and peace.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 8, 2011
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Obedience Is Proof

So, how do you know you're saved? How can you--or anyone else--tell that you belong to Christ? That you know Him? Well, it's a big question, but the answer couldn't be simpler.

Receive

It's right there in 1 John 2:3: "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments" (ESV). If you know God, if you've trusted His Son Jesus to be your Savior and you're a new creation in Christ, the evidence is in your obedience. You obey--or keep--His commands.

John goes on to say, "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:4-6, ESV).

Knowing God means obeying God. Loving God means obeying His commands. Abiding in the Lord means walking as He walked. When you love and respect someone, you want to do what pleases him or her. In John 14:15 and 21, Jesus says, "'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.... Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him'" (ESV).

Salvation through Christ makes your relationship with the Father possible; obeying His commands makes it visible.

Reflect

So, you belong to Christ and you obey His commands. What are these commands? Start with John 15:10-17.

    What is the foundational command?
    How is that put into action?
    What else should result from obedience?
    What benefits might you find in obedience?

The Word of God is packed with commands or instructions that will reveal our relationship with God when we obey them. Here are just a few; jot down any commands you find:
Romans 12:9-21
Hebrews 13:1-18
Ephesians 5:1-21

Respond

Are you going to keep His every command perfectly? No. When you fail to keep those commands, does that cancel your salvation? No. Your salvation is safe and secure because it's the work of Christ, and it doesn't depend on you.

Keeping the commands of Christ is evidence--outward confirmation that your life has changed. And even when you slip up or don't get it right, God in His grace gives you an opportunity to try again. First John 1:7 tells us "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" and in verse 9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). He cleans us up, sets us back on our feet and renews our desire to obey Him.

So, how are you doing? Can those around you tell that you belong to Jesus because you obey His commands? Do they see that you love like Jesus does? Are there a few commands you struggle with? In what areas have you seen improvement? Obedience is just the evidence or proof. And you not only have God's Word to show you the way but the Holy Spirit to guide and give you power to obey.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 9, 2011
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Nothing but Ashes

As someone said, "It's not what we possess that counts, but what possesses us." When we come to love the world and the things of the world, it comes to possess us. And then we're in trouble.

The apostle John warns us about this in his letter, 1 John. Let's take a look.

Receive

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

    What two things are we not to love?
    What three things are from the world?
    What will eventually happen to the world and everything it desires?

Reflect

When John says to not "love the world," he is not talking about people; he is talking about the philosophy or value system of the world. What does the world value? It values sensuality; it values power; it values possessions. But none of these last. The richest, most beautiful, most powerful people in the world sooner or later pass on. Even the world itself is not permanent; Peter reminds us: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10-11, NASB). All the world values will be gone. Those who love the world and the things of the world will be left with nothing but ashes.

Respond

Jim Elliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." What are you putting ahead of God today that will be gone tomorrow? What could you replace it with that will be eternal?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 12, 2011
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

Looking for His Return

A soldier returning from Iraq appeared at his child's school. When he walked into the classroom, all the children looked up in wonder, but one child's mouth gaped open and his eyes grew wide in surprise. He scrambled from his chair and ran, launching himself into the arms of his parent. Have you seen that video on television or YouTube?

Think about how you'll feel when you, as a child of God, see your Lord return.

Receive

"And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT).

"We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:13, NASB).

    What can you expect on the day Christ returns?
    What makes you personally look forward to that day?
    What does Titus 2:13 mean by "the glory of our great God and Savior"?
    What are some reasons you might not be anticipating that day?

Read the following verse from 1 John:

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2, NKJV).

Dr. Kroll, Teacher for Back to the Bible radio, comments on the verse:

"If you are saved and you want to be like the Lord, you're looking forward to this day that He describes in verse 2--that we'll be like Him. If that's of interest to you, it's probably proof that you are born again, that you're in the family of God."

The apostle Paul adds one other characteristic of those who truly are the children of God.

"For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which comes from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News"(Colossians 1:4-5, NLT).

Reflect

Are you born again? Have you experienced the transforming work of Christ in your life? All those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord have new life, eternal life, life given to them by the Spirit of God. Now, they are the children of God and love the Lord, His Word, His people and His appearing.

Their heart cry is this:

"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, NKJV).

Respond

The early Christians had a unique greeting. When meeting Christian brothers or sisters, they would say, "He is coming again." And the response would be "Maybe today."

Imagine the day the Lord returns. What does it look like in your mind's eye? Now, draw the picture that's in your head.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 13, 2011
Topic: Sin/Temptation

God's Cure for Habitual Sin

The post office in a small town received a letter that was addressed to "Any Sinner." It was undeliverable because every person in the town qualified! The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It also tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8 ).

If you have trusted Christ, you have been saved from your sin by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross (see 1 John 1:7).

Does that mean, then, that you will never have a problem with sin again in your life? No. Like the bumper sticker says: "Christians are not perfect; just forgiven." Every believer is tempted, and may sin against God. If that happens, we're to confess our sin and receive God's gracious forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9). But there is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to practice sin. Let's see what the Bible has to say about "practicing sin."

Receive

1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) says "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother."

    What prevents a Christian from making a practice of sin (v.9)?
    What two groups of "children" do you see in this passage (v. 10)?
    What two characteristics prove that people are "not of God"(v. 10)?

Reflect

The word, "abide," is seldom used in ordinary conversation these days, so when you hear it or read it in the Bible, you may wonder about its meaning. The dictionary says that to "abide" means "to remain in a place, to continue to be sure or firm, or to dwell."

Jesus talked to His disciples about "abiding" in John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

1 John 3:6 (ESV) says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." Now let's put the dictionary definition into the verse to clarify what "abiding in him" means. It would read like this: "No one who continues to be sure and firm in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."

How can you be sure and firm in Christ? Read 1 John 3:24 and answer the questions.

    Who abides in Christ? (Look at John 15:12 for one of Christ's commandments.)
    Who confirms that Christ dwells in the believer?

This verse, joined with 1 John 3:9, tells us that the Holy Spirit plants the seed of God's truth in a believer's heart, so that the transformed believer cannot continue to practice a life of sin, even though he or she can never be totally free from sin in this life.

Respond

Read through the Book of 1 John (it isn't very long) and jot down the reference for each verse where you find a form of the word "abide." Go back over your references and consider how each one affects you.

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17. It clarifies what God has done to enable a Christian to abide in Christ and not practice sin.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 14, 2011
Topic: Love, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Love One Another

"Love one another." You'll see that phrase over and over again in the New Testament. Why? Because it's the new commandment, the law of Christ: love one another. It's visible proof that you've received the gift of salvation and belong to Christ.

Receive

First John 3:14 tells us, "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead" (NLT). You can know for sure that you've passed from death to life (salvation through Christ) because of the love you have for others in the same condition (saved through Christ).

Because this is true, it's also a command. Look at 1 John 4:7: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (ESV). In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples--and us--that "a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (ESV).

Love for others is proof of your salvation. When you obey the command to love, when you follow Jesus' example of love, others will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong to Him. So, how do you do it--how do you love like Jesus loved?

Reflect

Read through these passages with the following questions in mind.

John 15:12-16

    What is Jesus' example of love like?
    What will the result of loving one another be?

Romans 12:9-10; 13:8-10

    What attitudes go with "love one another"?
    What actions does this love take?
    What does this love not do?

Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22

    What attitudes mark our love for one another?
    What actions does this love take?
    How have you shown this love? What else can you do?

Respond

When we talk about love, we often turn to 1 Corinthians 13. It shows us real love, the kind God pours into our hearts when we belong to Him (see Romans 5:2-5). But sometimes we don't understand the actions that should characterize our love.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (ESV).

List each thing that love is or does, and jot down ways you show love. For example:

    How do you demonstrate patience?
    What situations can you think of today that require your kindness?
    What does your relationship with a friend or spouse look like when you "believe all things" or "bear all things"?

This is love in action, not emotion or an impossible goal. This is "love one another" lived out today in you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 15, 2011
Topic: Salvation

Conscience

We all have a conscience, whether we like it or not. It's that little--often irritating--voice inside that tells us we're about to go somewhere or do something we shouldn't. However, our conscience is a gift from God to guide us into the best life we can live and to reassure us of our salvation.

Let's see what the Bible says.

Receive

In his first letter, the apostle John tells us "By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him" (1 John 3:19-22, ESV).

If you're like me, you want to live a life consistent with what Jesus taught. You want to know when you are doing wrong so you can change your course and begin doing the right things, the things that will please God. The surest way to do that is by taking in God's Word on a daily basis.

You see, the Word of God heightens our conscience. It's in the Bible that we learn what does and does not please God. And the more we take in God's Word, the more we'll be reminded to steer clear of the wrong path.

We'll look more into this in the next section.

Reflect

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

1. When was the last time you felt your conscience prodding you to do the right thing?

2. When your heart condemns you, who is greater than your heart?

3. What does John mean by our heart "condemning" us?

4. How does all this relate to what John said about receiving what we ask for from God?

Respond

Our conscience rarely, if ever, gives popular advice; but it does give us good advice. This week, pay attention to what your conscience is telling you. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the reminders He gives you about the path you should walk. And on the days when, despite your conscience, you find yourself in sin, remember Johns words from earlier: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 16, 2011
Topic: Holy Spirit, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Your Best Source

Did you know that you have all the help you need to live the Christian life? When you put your faith and trust in Christ, when you are in an intimate relationship with Him, you have the Holy Spirit as your ally--a limitless resource for living.

Receive

First John 3:24 tells us, "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (ESV). The Holy Spirit is not just present in your life like a shadow looking over your shoulder, He is your power source for every need and your ally for every battle.

Paul addresses the power issue in his prayer in Ephesians 3:16, "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (ESV). The Holy Spirit powers you up; He gives you strength. You don't have to do it on your own.

The Spirit helps us in other ways too. Look at Romans 8:26-27, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (NLT). He helps us pray, and He intercedes for us even when we don't know what to pray.

In John 14:26, the Spirit is our teacher: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (ESV). And He gives us the words to speak up for God, "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:12, ESV).

Reflect

Jesus introduces the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples in John 15:26, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (ESV).

    How does He describe the Holy Spirit?
    What is the mission of the Spirit?
    Where does He come from or get His authority from?

Later in John 16, Jesus explains more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit or the Helper. Take a look at John 16:7-15, with these questions in mind:

    What will the Helper come to do to the world?
    What is the advantage of having this Helper?
    How will the Helper assist those who belong to Christ?
    What is the relationship between the Helper and the Father?

If you have time, read through John 14-17 to see what else Jesus says about the Holy Spirit and what He does for you.

Respond

For most of us, the Holy Spirit is the forgotten factor for living the Christian life. Where do you most need His help? Are you trying to "do it all" in your own strength or have you learned to tap into His power? Do you struggle to know how and what to pray about? Are you looking for comfort in things or other people instead of leaning on the Spirit? When you open your Bible, do you ask for His help and guidance to make it understandable and to live out what you learn?

These are the areas where the Holy Spirit proves to be our best ally. Take a few moments today to evaluate your life and to seek His assistance as you abide in Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 19, 2011
Topic: Other

Spirits You Must Know

When Jesus contrasted the narrow gate that leads to life with the wide gate that leads to destruction, He was warning people that there are only two possible choices open to them when it comes to eternity (see Matthew 7:13). When the Lord talked about men building either on the rock or on sinking sand, He was offering them the same two choices (Matthew 7:24-27).

Today, it is common to talk about one's worldview, which is the way you look at all of reality and how your "view" of reality forms your basis for making decisions about life.

The Bible teaches that you have only two choices for forming your basic worldview--two spheres that are available to you as you travel the brief time in this world until you enter the door into eternity. One of those worldviews is in the sphere of God's truth; the other, in the sphere of Satan's lie. The narrow way is clearly God's only way; the broad way gives the appearance of offering many choices--but all are merely different forms of Satan's deception.

Today, let's look at some of the many scriptures that speak of God's truth and Satan's lie.

Receive

God's truth rests in the very nature of God Himself. It is revealed in Christ and the written Word. Satan's lie came about because of his rebellion against God. It is disseminated by him through false religion, false teachers, demonic activity and every other form of deceit and ungodliness.

The apostle John spoke of two spirits in 1 John 4:6 (ESV): "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

The Spirit of truth is the Holy Spirit; the spirit of error is Satan, who deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with the lie: "You will be like God" (Genesis 3:5). The devil has been telling that lie to mankind ever since. Truth mixed with error will always be error. As someone has said, "Ninety-eight percent of rat poison consists of good food."

Reflect

Following are some Bible statements about the truth and the lie. Look them up and jot down your answers to the questions.

    John 8:44. According to Jesus, what are some of the chief characteristics of the devil?
    John 14:6. What four things does Jesus proclaim about Himself?
    John 14:16-17. What is the world's relationship to the Spirit of Truth? What is the Christian's?
    John 16:13. What does the Spirit of Truth do for the believer?
    John 17:17. In His prayer, what does Jesus say about God's Word?
    Ephesians 4:25. What should a believer put away? What is he or she to do with the truth? Why?
    1 Timothy 2:4. What is God's desire for all people?

Respond

As a believer, you must dedicate yourself to faithfully learning the difference between the teachings of the Spirit of Truth and the lure of the spirit of error. The devil scatters lies all around us in cults, false religions, atheism, materialism, twisted scriptures and a myriad of other ways. But you will find the truth for the right worldview in only one place: the living Word of God, which has been given to us by the Spirit of Truth.

Put away this verse in your heart:

1 John 2:21-22: "I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 20, 2011
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, God

Jesus Is God

Why can't people of all religious faiths accept that one faith may have as much validity as another? That's an insurmountable difficulty for Christians. Why? Because only Christians claim that the founder of their faith, Jesus of Nazareth, while fully human, is also fully God.

And this belief, that Jesus is God, sets Christianity apart from all religions and philosophies and contradicts their teachings. That Jesus is God is one of the most taught and affirmed truths in the Bible

Receive

    The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is God. Read the following verses and answer the questions:

        Colossians 1:15-17
        John 1:1-4
        John 1:14,17

1. How does it help you to see Christ as a "visible image of the invisible God"?

2. What kind of things does the Bible say God the Father created through Christ?

3. Who holds all creation together?

4. Who is referred to as "the Word" in John 1:1-4?

5. What does it mean to you that "His life brought light to everyone"?

6. How was the Law given to us?

7. Through whom did we receive God's unfailing love and faithfulness?

    The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus proclaimed Himself God. Look at:

        John 10:30
        John 8:42
        John 14:9-11

Now, answer these questions:

    What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father?
    Who sent Jesus into the world?
    Jesus said you would love Him if what?
    Jesus doesn't speak on His own initiative but whose?

    The Bible teaches clearly that the followers of Jesus said He is God.

Matthew 14:33 and Matthew 16:16-17 are the verses that tell us that. Read them and answer these questions:

    How did Jesus' disciples reveal their belief that Jesus was God's Son?
    What caused the people to believe that Jesus was "the Prophet we have been expecting" (NLT)?
    How did the disciples' description of who Jesus is differ from the description the people gave?
    Who revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Son of God?

    The Bible teaches clearly that the enemies of Jesus believed that Jesus said He is God.

You'll find that recorded in John 10:31-33; John 8:42 and John 8:58-59. Read those verses and answer these questions:

    What question did Jesus ask the Jews who were preparing to stone Him?
    Why were they going to stone Him?
    Where did Jesus say He had come from?
    Why did Jesus hide Himself?

Reflect

What do you think? Do you believe that Jesus is God? Would you say that to be a Christian, you must believe what Jesus said about His identity? If you do believe it, the Bible assures you:

"All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God" (1 John 4:15, NLT).

Respond

If you do not confess that Jesus is God, you exclude yourself from God's family. It is God's truth that Jesus, His Son, is God. And it pleases God when we believe that truth--and it is the only way to salvation.

"For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ's blood on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, NASB).

If Jesus is God, and He is, then He was telling the truth when He said He had the power to forgive sins and when He said that He is the only way to God and heaven.