Bible Minute

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 14, 2012
Topic: Other

Witness You Can Trust

The jury had been out for two days, so the judge was pleased when the foreman returned to the chamber and said, "Your Honor, we have just one question to ask before we make our decision."

"Good. What is it?" the judge replied.

The foreman hesitated, then said "We're wondering--can you tell us what the words plaintiff and defendant mean?"

If the right decision is going to be made, it's important to understand the words used. As a follower of Christ, here's a good legal word for you to be clear about--the word witness.

Receive

Simply put, a witness is "someone who sees an event and gives a report of what happened." You will find that the Bible speaks of people who witness about Christ and what He did. You will also see that Christ Himself is a witness; and how, as a Christian, you ought to be a witness for Him as well.

Read the following verses in your Bible and answer the questions.

Consider some of the witnesses who testified to the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ:

    John 5:37. Who is the witness to Christ's genuineness in this verse?
    John 1:29-34. Who is Christ's witness in these verses? What does the witness call Him?
    John 5:36. What are the witnesses to Christ's truthfulness in this verse? What do they tell about Him?
    Acts 10:43. Who are the witnesses in this verse? What do they testify to?

Next, look at some of the things Christ witnessed to about Himself:

    John 8:14. What did Jesus say was proof that His testimony about Himself was true?
    John 18:37. What does Jesus say His purpose was for coming into the world?

And finally, look at the witnessing responsibility Christ gives to all believers:

    Acts 1:8. Where does Jesus send us to be His witnesses?

Reflect

Witnesses must be trustworthy since the life of a person standing trial often hangs in the balance, based on the truthfulness of what the witness claims to have seen. Therefore, it is not surprising that God holds witnesses personally responsible for their testimony.

He says in Exodus 23:1-2 (ESV): "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice."

In Revelation 3:14 (ESV), Jesus tells the apostle John, "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.'"

    He is the "Amen," the all-sufficient one, everything that is necessary.
    He is the "faithful and true witness," the one who reports exactly what God wants us to know.
    He is the "beginning of God's creation." He is not created; He is the One who began all creation. He has witnessed the very beginning of all things.

Respond

All you need to know about the Lord Jesus Christ is recorded for you in the Bible, which was inspired by another true witness, the Holy Spirit (John15:26).

Imagine that someone asks you, "What truths do you know about Jesus Christ?" Then write down as many things as you can that the Bible witnesses to about Him. Think how you can put into your own words the truths that you want to tell others about Him.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 15, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Worship/Praise/Worthiness

The Worship Experience

What's the greatest worship experience you've ever had? What was so powerful, so holy and so celebratory that it drove you to your knees? Or had you shouting and singing and praising God in ways you'd never imagined? Fix that picture in your mind--and then multiply it by a thousand. And you'll begin to have a sense of what worship will be like when we gather before Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Receive

Revelation is filled with those moments. Let's start with Revelation 5:8-10: "And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

'Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth'" (ESV).

The key to worship is in that first word of the song: "Worthy." It means "ascribing or expressing the worth of someone or something." In true worship, that someone is Jesus.

Why is He worthy? Well, as the song tells us, because He was slain; He ransomed us with His blood and He makes us a kingdom of priests. Throughout Scripture, we learn Jesus is worthy of our worship because He is the Son of God; He is perfect, holy, righteous, loving, merciful, just, faithful, etc. Everything about Him, all that He is, is worth our attention, our devotion, our praise and our worship. No other can compare.

Pick two or three of these worship scenes in Revelation to examine more closely.

Revelation 4:8-11
Revelation 5:11-13
Revelation 7:9-12
Revelation 11:15-19
Revelation 19:1-9

    Where is the focus placed?
    What are the words of worship? The actions of worship?
    What attitude is common among those who are worshiping?

Reflect

    How did your view of Jesus change as you read the preceding worship scenes?

    How might you apply the expressions of worship you read about in Revelation to your worship?

When we begin to grasp the awesome spectrum of His worthiness, then our worship grows beyond music or services or ritual. It becomes the response of a heart that acknowledges and embraces the immense treasure wrapped up in Christ the Lamb. It's not about us, what we have or even what or how we can give back to God; it's all about Him. That's what drives the creatures and elders of Revelation 5 to the ground before Him.

Respond

Worship is not limited to singing or prayer or even our actions when we're gathered with other believers. It can be private and personal or public and shared. But the focus is always the same: Jesus Christ.

    What do you currently do as worship?
    What can you change based on the examples found in Revelation?
    How will you share your experience of worship with other believers?

Look over your schedule for the next two or three days and see if you can make a time for focused worship on Christ. Borrow words from Scripture (like Psalm 145); use music; get on your knees or even face down, whatever will help you to recognize the Lamb as worthy of your worship. Don't make it about you and what you need or want but bring your praise and express the worthiness of Christ back to Him.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 16, 2012
Topic: New Life

The Upward Call

In Eden, the first two human beings briefly enjoyed the highest position a man or woman can have. They lived and walked in a garden prepared especially for them, sharing joy-filled hours with the God who created and loved them. Satan, who had thrown away the highest position an archangel can have, brought Adam and Eve down to his level by encouraging them to rebel. Since that moment, mankind has dropped lower and lower, ever trying with blinded eyes to look upward to see the paradise it lost.

Receive

The cross, which marked the lowest hours of Jesus' earthly experience, is the turning point for fallen people. It provides the one and only way to regain the upward path that leads to eternal fellowship with God. Jesus said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15, ESV).

When you come to the cross, trusting in Christ's sacrifice and forgiveness, you'll find that you can have the Lord's "ups" instead of Satan's "downs." Satan's career led from being cast down from heaven and will end with him cast into everlasting torment in the lake of fire and brimstone. Those who follow his way will share the same end.

Proverbs 15:24 (ESV)

The path of life leads upward for the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

Look at some of the "ups" God has for Christian believers as He calls them higher and higher. Jot down your answers to these questions:

    Colossians 1:3-5. What does the apostle Paul say is "laid up" for believers?
    2 Timothy 4:8. In addition, what has the Lord "laid up"? For whom is it laid up?
    Ephesians 2:4-7. To what place has God "raised us up" when we believe?
    Jude 1:20. Jude tells believers to "build yourselves up." In what are you to build yourself up?
    Philippians 3:12-14. What does Paul press on toward as he forgets what lies behind and reaches forward to what lies ahead?
    1 Thessalonians 4:17. What does the verse say will happen to Christians who are alive when Christ returns for His Church?

Reflect

Though Satan was defeated at the cross, he continues to accuse believers and tries to drag them down. But God gives you the power to overcome temptation and the strength to go through trials. The devil's attempts to pull you down are foiled as you keep looking up to Jesus and trusting in His strength.

    Read Revelation 12:9-12. Count the "downs" in the passage and thank the Lord that you do not have to go down with Satan!

Jim Irwin, the Apollo 15 Lunar Module pilot, who drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the moon, wrote in his testimony:

"Now I have a new perception and a new appreciation for this spaceship we call earth. It has been a real spiritual awakening. I think I am a person who loves all men, and God has given me a strong desire and compulsion to share my faith with them.

"The message I have, of course, is the old, old story of Jesus Christ. Our crew brought back the Genesis rock from the moon, but I came back with a new appreciation of another rock, the rock of the Word of God, and I want to tell people about Him, and about the greatest space flight of all--when they go to meet Him."*

Respond

Have you looked up to Jesus and trusted Him as your Savior? If not, go to the "Meet Jesus" page on this website and take the step that will put you on God's upward path.

Memorize this verse and make Paul's goal yours as well.

Philippians 3:14 (ESV) "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

*Jim Irwin's testimony, An Illustrated Edition of the Living New Testament, back cover, World Home Bible League, South Holland, IL., 1967.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 17, 2012
Topic: Heaven

Alpha & Omega

Alpha and Omega: they're the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. When you say, "Alpha and Omega," it's like saying A to Z. It means "the beginning and the end with everything in between." And that's exactly how the Bible describes Jesus. He's not only the beginning and the end, He's everything--all inclusive.

Receive

"'Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven.
And everyone will see him--
even those who pierced him.
And all the nations of the world
will mourn for him.
Yes! Amen!

"'I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end,'" says the Lord God. "'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come--the Almighty One'" (Revelation 1:7-8, NLT).

Dr. Woodrow Kroll, long-time Bible Teacher, explains these verses: "The apostle John is talking about the Second Coming of Christ. And he says when He comes people will know it's Jesus. They are going to see Him. In fact even those who pierced Him are going to see Him. Verse 8 identifies who Jesus is. He says, '"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."' He says, "I began it all; I will end it all."

That Jesus is the Alpha and Omega is a truth taught throughout the Bible.

Read the following verses and answer the questions:

Isaiah 41:4
Revelation 21:6

Who is speaking?
How does the speaker describe Himself?
What one idea is repeated in each verse?

Reflect

God's plan of salvation begins and ends with Jesus, and God's purpose for each of us can only be found in Jesus.

What do you think Jesus is describing in this particular "beginning and end" Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, KJV? Write down your thoughts.

Read Philippians 2:6-11

    Why is the faith of a Christian about Jesus?
    Why is God's salvation found only in Jesus?

Respond

God has a plan and a purpose for your life, and that plan and purpose can only be found in Jesus. Jesus can be the author of your faith. If you don't know Him, here's how to begin.

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.' Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:9-13, NLT).

For more information, check out the "Meet Jesus" page or drop us a line at info@backtothebible.org.

Jesus is not only the Alpha; He's also the Omega and everything in between. What end does He have in mind for you?

"'He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'

"And the one sitting on the throne said, 'Look, I am making everything new!' And then he said to me, 'Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.' And he also said, 'It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life'" (Revelation 21:4-6, NLT).

And that's the end!

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 22, 2012
Topic: Other

The Lion and the Lamb

The four horsemen of the Apocalypse; the cry of martyrs; the sun going dark; the moon turning blood red; stars falling from the sky and earthquakes rocking the foundations of the earth. It's literally the beginning of the end. These are descriptions in Revelation 6 of the first six seal-judgments unleashed upon earth--"seal" as in the seals on a scroll. As each seal is broken, a new judgment is pronounced. When considering the severity of these judgments--and they're only the first of many--it's startling to look back one chapter and consider the One bringing about the end of the world.

Receive

In Revelation 5, John gives us an eyewitness report from the throne room of heaven. He writes, "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it" (Revelation 5:2-3, ESV).

It's no light matter to bring judgment upon the whole earth. Only once before did God bring so much devastation to this planet. Immediately afterwards, He promised never again to destroy the earth by a flood. (See Genesis 6-8 ). Yet cataclysmic disasters will mark the end times.

John continues, "And one of the elders said to me..., 'Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals'" (Revelation 5:5, ESV).

The Lion of Judah, the Root of David, is Jesus. It seems fitting for One who comes as a Lion and as the Root of a great warrior to be the one to break the seals of judgment. But John's not finished.

"And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain....'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation'" (Revelation 5:6,9, ESV).

It's not Jesus the Lion who will break the seals of judgment but rather Jesus the slain Lamb. Judgment is no light matter in God's eyes. The portrait John paints of the slain Lamb breaking the seals on the scroll is a striking reminder of the lengths God has gone to prevent any one of us from having to face those terrible judgments.

Reflect

    What makes the Lamb worthy to open the scroll?
    What do these verses say about those who have accepted the Lamb's sacrifice?

Respond

Though God is more compassionate than we will ever fully comprehend, He won't withhold judgment forever. If you haven't decided where you stand with Jesus, do so today. Today He's holding out His hand to you and offering to forgive your sins. If you need more information, just let us know, we'll be glad to help. You can email us at info@backtothebible.org.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 23, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Heaven

The Lamb on the Throne

In the Bible we see Jesus in many roles, and we learn about Him because of the variety of ways He's portrayed. We see Him first as a baby, the Promised Messiah; then we get to know Him as a man, a teacher and a leader. We see the Lord as a shepherd, a lamb and a king. All these written "pictures" of Him help us know who He is.

Receive

Today, look at three of the portraits of Him in the Scriptures and see if you get any fresh insights about your Savior. Let's begin with a look at Him as a "shepherd."

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11, NASB).

"Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes" (Isaiah 40:11, NASB).

"The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3, NASB).

    What is your understanding of Jesus from the above Scriptures?
    Write down three things Jesus the Shepherd does for His sheep.
    What one line in the above verses touches you? Get a mind picture of those few words and commit your picture and that line of Scripture to memory.

Second, see Him as the "Lamb of God." Hebrews 9:22 tells us, "without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (NASB). Read the following verses and answer the questions:

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29, NLT).

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place" (Hebrews 10:19-20, NLT).

    What is your understanding of Jesus from the above Scriptures?
    Whose blood was shed to meet the requirement for the "shedding of blood" mentioned in Hebrews 9:22?
    What has the Lamb of God done for you personally?

And, lastly, take a look at Jesus as the "Lamb who is worshipped."

"And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

"And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

"When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelation 5:6-9, NASB).

"Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.'

"And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever'" (Revelation 5:11-13, NASB).

    What is your understanding of Jesus from the above Scriptures?
    What is the Lamb doing in these verses?
    Who bowed before the Lamb?
    What were they holding?
    What song did they sing?
    What did the thousands around the throne say?
    How did "every created thing...in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea" respond?

Reflect

    Why does the Bible picture Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
    Why was there a need for a sacrificial Lamb?
    Why would God honor Jesus by having everyone in heaven worship Him?

Respond

Jesus is important (necessary) for heaven and for your eternity; how have you responded to Him? Have you received Him?

How important is He in your daily life?

He is the Lamb sacrificed for your sins. Once you have accepted Him as your personal Savior, He is the Good Shepherd who cares for you. And one day when you stand before God, you will worship Him as worthy of all praise and glory and honor.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 24, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Heaven, Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

Pictures of Jesus

I grew up with all those pictures of Sunday-school-Jesus.

You know the ones, starting with Christmas-Jesus as a round-faced baby serenely snoozing while shepherds and wise men came and went. There's also the Bible-story-Jesus, all grown up and talking to people or healing them or sitting with children on His knee. He would be standing in a boat with His arms raised to calm the storm or chasing the merchants from the temple. Then there's Good-Friday-Jesus, hanging on His cross, with His sad face and bloodied body. I always liked getting to Easter-Jesus, glowing bright and standing beside an empty tomb with Mary.

But I don't really remember many pictures of Revelation-Jesus.

Receive

The Book of Revelation gives us pictures of Jesus often left out of Sunday school material, maybe because they're so hard to imagine. Look at Revelation 19:11-13: "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God" (ESV).

Jesus is the one sitting on the white horse, in a position of power and commanding the attention of the whole universe. He is called Faithful and True. That's not just a description of what He can do (be faithful, be truthful) but of what or who He is. His very essence is faithfulness and truth. He is righteous--perfectly equipped to judge fairly and justly, to wage war for all the right reasons. His eyes burn like flames of fire--a purifying, refining fire that cleanses and judges sin.

On Jesus' head are many diadems or crowns, another symbol of power and authority. Historically, a conquering king is given the crown of the king he's conquered to show that authority has now transferred to him. Jesus has conquered and overruled all other kings, so He bears many crowns. His robe is already dipped in blood because, even though the battle hasn't started, He shed His blood for our salvation. It's the mark of a battle already won. And His name: The Word of God. He is the embodied, sum total of the communication of God--He is the Word.

The description continues in Revelation 19:15-16, with Jesus, armed and ready for battle. An authoritative Jesus who is ready to judge and already and forever will be the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Reflect

Read Revelation 19:11-16 again with these questions in mind.

    What does it mean to know that Jesus is Faithful and True?
    What does His righteousness and judgment tell you about His view of sin? What might need to happen in your life because of this?
    How does it influence your faith in Him to see Him with many crowns or with a robe dipped in blood?
    What's so important about Him being the Word of God?
    How do you respond to Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords?

Respond

How do you tend to picture Jesus? It's easy to leave it at a few favorite Bible stories, but we need to see the whole picture. Browse through other sections of Revelation to see how Jesus is portrayed. Or revisit passages like: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-12.

How would you teach your children about the Jesus you see in Revelation? What would you say to describe Him to a friend? If you're artistic, create your own visual of the Jesus you find in Revelation 19.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 25, 2012
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

Red Alert

Six months after the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the U.S. government established a homeland security advisory system. The system is based on five color codes: green (low risk), blue (general risk), yellow (significant risk), orange (high risk) and red (severe risk).

If you were to apply this same color code to the Lord's return, it would certainly be red. Let's look at God's Word to find out why.

Receive

"Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

"Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.

"Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

"But if that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,'

"and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards;

"the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know,

"and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:45-51, NASB).

    What is the slave supposed to do while he awaits his master's return?
    Why does the slave fail to meet his responsibilities?
    What happens when his master returns and catches him unprepared?

Reflect

When the slave who was placed in charge of the household lost sight of his master's return, he began to live for himself. He started to associate with and take up the lifestyle of those who were worldly (drunkards). This describes a lot of Christians today. They have not gone out into the world (Matthew 28:19-20), but they have allowed the world to come into them.

However, according to Jesus, we should be living at Red Alert. He is coming on a day when we will not expect him and at an hour which we do not know. And the consequences will be severe. While we will not lose our salvation, we will have a tremendous loss of rewards. We will be treated as hypocrites (those who profess one thing while living another) and our sorrow will be great.

Respond

How would living at Red Alert change the decisions you are making today? List at least two things that you will do differently because the probability of Jesus' return is so high.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 28, 2012
Topic: Jesus, God

Jesus the Word

Jesus has many names: Messiah, the Christ, Savior, Shepherd, Lamb, King, etc. You can find them scattered throughout the pages of the Bible. Some names tell us about His authority or what He does for His people. Others give us a glimpse of His character as faithful, holy or righteous. One name carries a unique distinction: it reflects something about Jesus and about God the Father. It's "the Word of God."

Receive

Usually, we talk about the Bible as the Word of God. Everything that God has to say to us is recorded in this collection of writings we call the Bible. It reveals His plan from eternity past to eternity future. But Jesus is also the Word of God. Revelation 19:13 describes a future vision of Jesus, "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God" (ESV). He does in person what the Bible does in writing--reveal the truth of God to us. He is the Word--the whole communication--of God to man.

The Word is also used as a name or identifier for Jesus in John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." As the Word, Jesus existed before time, before the beginning, with God and as God. This shows us that Jesus is not just connected to God, He is fully God. As the Word, we also learn that Jesus "was in the beginning with God" (John 1:2) and "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). The Word is how the creation of the world happened. Remember Genesis 1 records the act of creation? "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3, ESV).God said--He spoke the word--and it happened. No guesswork; God--Father and Son--spoke and the world was created. Genesis 1 includes at least eight "God said" statements that brought our world into being and established man in God's image. It all happened by the Word.

The Word is a powerful concept throughout Scripture, directly referring to Jesus and indirectly to the communication from God to man. God wants to speak to us; to communicate His great love, mercy, holiness and purpose. And Jesus came to earth to put a human form to that communication. He spoke to us as God for God.

Reflect

In the Old Testament, you find many references to "the word of the Lord" or "God spoke to" followed by a message of instruction, judgment, guidance or prophecy. Use a concordance or an online "keyword search" such as the one at biblegateway.com to find some of these examples.

    What were some of the messages God gave?
    What does this tell you about God's desire to communicate with people?

What does it mean to know that Jesus is the Word? Read John 1:1-18 again and look for Jesus as the Word (and the light), keeping in mind that verses 6-8 refer to John the Baptist.

    What does the Word do for those who believe?
    What does He reveal about God the Father?
    What do we receive from Him?
    What does it mean for you personally to know Jesus as the Word?

Respond

Jesus communicates with us still--through the written word of Scripture and through the Spirit. It's good to see Scripture as the Word of God, revealing the mind of God, the heart of Christ and the power of the Spirit to us in a way we can understand and go back to again and again. In Revelation, John the apostle is told over and over to "write down" what he sees and hears so that others will know and anticipate what is to come. The whole Bible is put into your hands so that you can know the Word of God.

Picking up a study like this one is a great step; what else are you doing to get to know the Word of God? What do you do to listen to or read the message revealed by Jesus? What benefits have you seen in your life from connecting to the Word? How do you share it now with others?

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 29, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, Heaven

The King of Kings

Are you familiar with these names/titles of Jesus? The Christ, the Messiah, the baby in the manger, Immanuel, the man of Galilee, the Lamb of God, Rabbi, Teacher, Savior, Lord. (Many other names/titles are recorded in Scripture.) These names help us better understand who Jesus is. But there is one description that is beyond our comprehension: King of kings and Lord of lords. Let's see how Scripture applies this title to Jesus.

Receive

"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (Revelation 19:11-16, NLT).

    In the preceding verses, who is riding the white horse?
    What were His eyes like?
    What was on His head?
    How was He dressed?
    What was coming from His mouth?
    What title was written on His robe?

Reflect

There is only one word that comes to my mind after reading those verses: awesome--well, maybe two words: absolutely awesome.

    What words does this passage trigger in your mind?
    Have you ever used those words in connection with Jesus?
    Could those words apply to anyone else living or dead?

"Then everyone--the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person--all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?'" (Revelation 6:15-17, NLT).

    Who is speaking in these verses?
    Who will be able to stand in that great day of wrath? (Hint: Read "My Part").
    What words does this passage bring to your mind?

Respond

Facing God and eternity without Jesus as Savior will be unbelievably terrifying. But Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants you to know that God loves you and has--at great cost--provided a way for you to be rescued from the terror of eternal judgment.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18, NLT).

The consequences are already fixed in eternity, but the choice is yours. Choose Jesus today.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 30, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Forever with You

A German proverb says, "Long is not forever." Diamonds may last long, but they are not forever. Political speeches can be unbearably long, but they only seem like they are forever.

Only God can promise something will last forever--because He is forever. Only God can speak of what was before creation because He alone was there even before the angels. Only God can give us life that is everlasting, because no other possesses eternal life to share.

And that is why the words of Christ in Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV) are so comforting to believers: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

Receive

One of God's attributes or characteristics is "eternality." In the same way that He is holy and everywhere present and all-powerful, He is also eternal. Moses says it beautifully in Psalm 90:2 (ESV)

"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

You'll find that the writer of Hebrews says the same about Christ, the Son of God, in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Christ was there "yesterday" in eternity for you before you were ever born. Look at some Bible passages that speak of things Christ has done for you in the past. Write down what you discover.

    John 1:3 & Colossians 1:16. What do you find in these two verses that Christ was doing in eternity past?
    Romans 5:6-8. In the past, what did Christ do for you? What does that show about God's attitude toward you?
    1 Peter 3:18. What did Christ's one-time suffering for sins accomplish for you personally?
    1 John 3:8. In this verse, what additional reason is given for Christ's appearing?

Christ is here for you today. Consider some things He is doing for you in the present.

    John 14:1-3. What does Jesus say He is preparing for believers right now? Why is He doing it?
    Hebrews 4:14-16. What present work of Jesus is spoken of in this passage? What does that mean for you now? Compare Romans 8:34 to see one of His ministries for you.

Christ will be there for you forever. What do you discover in the following scriptures that He will be doing for you in the future?

    1 Corinthians 15:51-52. What promise should Christ's followers be looking for in the future?
    Revelation 21:3-4. In the eternal future, what relationship will you as a believer have with God?

Reflect

God's eternal plan includes His gracious intent to be present forever with His redeemed creation. Christ will always be with you from the moment you trust Him as your Savior and on throughout eternity. Here are a few references confirming His desire to fellowship with you today and forever. Look them up and jot down your response to the questions.

    In Matthew 1:23, what does the name "Immanuel" foretell about Jesus' future relationship to His people?
    In Jesus' prayer (John 17:24) what does He ask the Father to grant for you?
    Count the number of times the word "with" appears in Ephesians 2:5-7. What things does it say God has done for us "with" Christ?

Respond

Much has been said about "practicing the presence of Christ." Sure, if you are a Christian, you should know that you'll dwell with Him and He will be your God in the future, but are you consciously living in His presence today? He is there, whether you are recognizing Him or not, but today try to think deliberately about how He is with you in everything you do. Then live in a way that shows you know He is standing there beside you and wants to be with you.

Jesus told Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:23 (ESV), "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: May 31, 2012
Topic: Other

People Get Ready

As I write this, it is early afternoon the last day of the month. In my car is a postcard from the State Department of Motor Vehicles telling me I need to renew the license on my car. As of now, I have three hours to get it done. Just this morning I told my boss I would have to leave a couple hours early today to get to the DMV on time.

I've had plenty of time to license my car. With a little bit of planning, I might have been able to work ahead a bit and take a whole day off instead of just an hour or two. (I won't mention that the deadline for this Bible study is today!)

As much as my procrastination annoys and frustrates me (and others!), I'm thankful that God lets it bug me because there's a very important inflexible deadline coming up that I want to be ready for.

Receive

Matthew 25 describes this future "deadline": "'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats'" (Matthew 25:31-32, ESV).

In verses 35-36, Jesus tells us the criteria He uses in separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep:

    gave Him food when He was hungry
    gave Him drink when He was thirsty
    welcomed Him when He was a stranger
    clothed Him when He had no clothes
    visited Him when He was sick
    came to Him when He was in prison.

The goats did none of these things (vv. 42-43). But here's the important part: Both groups were surprised at God's judgment!

    What does the surprise of the sheep reveal about their hearts?
    What does the surprise of the goats reveal about their hearts?

That Day of Judgment hasn't come yet, but it will. When it does, it will be too late to ask for any second chances. There will be no bargaining with God and no extensions given.

    In light of this, why do you think God has chosen not to tell us when He will return?

Reflect

Do you live each day as if it were your last? When many people ask that question, they're wondering if you're embracing every opportunity each day provides. For the Christian, that question carries an extra dimension. Are you embracing the opportunities to serve that God brings your way? What if God were to return today? What would He find you doing?

Respond

As you read about the sheep and the goats, be careful not to get the impression that salvation is based on works alone--it's not. Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ--our works have nothing to do with it. See Ephesians 2:8-9 for Paul's emphatic statement about this. But while you're there, read the next verse too: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10, ESV).

If you've accepted Christ into your life, congratulations, you've made the most important decision you'll ever make--you will be one of the sheep on the final day. But don't let it stop there. Seek out new ways each day to express your love and commitment to God.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 1, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational

How Do We Pray?

Whether you like shopping or not, most of us would agree that the best way to approach a shopping experience is to make a list. Write out all the things you need and mark them off one by one as you put them in your cart. While this approach works for shopping, it doesn't work for prayer--although many of us try it anyway. Prayer is not about coming to God with a shopping list; it's about communicating and having a relationship with Him. Once we start to view prayer as a relationship, the way that we approach prayer will completely change.

Receive

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence" (Ephesians 3:12, NLT).

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NLT).

"And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for" (1 John 5:14-15, NLT).

    What sort of attitude are we to have when we come into God's presence?
    Why is it so important that we have faith when we pray?
    How can we be confident that God will give us what we ask for?

Reflect

These verses tell us that prayer is about confidence and faith. We have to pray expecting God to answer our prayers (although it might not necessarily be the way we want them answered or as quickly as we would like). If we don't believe in the power of God to answer our prayers, we lose our confidence that He will answer them. Ask yourself:

Is there any doubt in my prayer life right now?

    Are there things that I was praying for but I've given up on?

Do I come to God every day in prayer or just when I need something from Him?

Respond

In any relationship, it takes two people to make it work. Our relationship with God is exactly the same way. God does His part in our relationship, but we must do our part. Spend some time today thinking about your relationship with God and ask yourself these questions:

Is my relationship with God one that is pleasing to Him?
Am I genuinely approaching prayer with faith and confidence in Him?

You'll find that once you're able to view prayer as a relationship with God and approach your prayer with confidence and faith, praying will be much more satisfying.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 4, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Where's Your Trust?

We all need money. That's a fact of life. It seems that the older we get, the more important money becomes. When we were younger, money was seen as the key to our dreams: our dream car, our dream house. As the years pass, money becomes a way to ensure that the retirement years are comfortable. It's no wonder many people put an emphasis on the money they have.

Receive

But for all its importance and power, the Bible tells us that money isn't worthy of our trust. David, in Psalm 62, tells us where we should place our trust.

"In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us" (62:7-8, NKJV).

God, our Savior, our Glory, our Rock and our Refuge is the only one worthy of our trust. Money provides an inadequate substitute for the greatest need in our lives. In verse 10, David goes on to say,

"Do not trust in oppression,
Nor vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase,
Do not set your heart on them" (62:10, NKJV).

What David is telling non-Christians (thieves and extortionists) is this: "If riches increase, don't put your trust in them."

But it's likely that every dollar you have came from hard work and saving or from an inheritance. For you David's advice is, "Don't set your heart on those funds." It's not the lack of money; it's putting your trust in money that will ruin you in the end.

Reflect

For what things do you trust money?

    Are these verses saying that having money is bad?
    How can you use and save your money wisely while still exercising trust in God for the future?

Respond

Money is not evil, but it often reflects a person's heart better than any mirror. What do your spending/saving habits reveal about where you place your trust?

Do you seem to spend your cash on trivial things?

Just like every other area of our lives, our finances are something we ought to be bringing to the Lord daily in prayer. Look through your bank statements and other financial papers and ask God if there are any areas you can exercise more trust in Him.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 5, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Need to Pray

Have you ever wondered, If God knows everything, then why do I need to pray? Well, you can bet that God doesn't need us to pray to know what's happening in our lives or in the world. But there are other reasons that prayer is a necessity in the life of a believer. Let's look at the Bible to find out why we ought to pray.

Receive

Let's begin with one of the shortest verses in the Bible. It will help us understand the need to pray.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV).

Notice that the verb, "pray" is a command, not a suggestion. God tells us to pray. So, the first reason we ought to pray--and if this were the only reason, it would be enough of a reason--is that praying is God's will for the Christian. It's a matter of obedience. And when we committed our lives to Christ, obedience was not optional. When God says we are to pray without ceasing, we need to obey and pray.

This means any time, 24/7, in any situation where I need to go to God, I can do so without hesitation because it is His will that I talk to Him.

But here's another reason we need to pray:

"Brethren, pray for us" (2 Thessalonians 3:1, NKJV).

God wants us to pray for one another. Praying for others breaks the pattern of self-centeredness that we develop so easily.

And there is a third reason to pray:

"Pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40).

Prayer is a guard that keeps us from sinning.

Last, one of the most compelling reasons, and greatest encouragement, to pray is seeing Jesus on His knees.

"After He [Jesus] had sent the crowds away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone (Matthew 14:23, NASB). About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28, NLT).

If Jesus needed to pray, then you and I certainly must as well.

Reflect

Did you realize that it is God's will for His children to pray to Him? To talk to Him all the time about what is going in their lives?

Is there a sense of "oughtness" about your prayer life? Is there a constant desire in your heart to know God more and more? Are there concerns and needs in your life that require God's intervention? Are you committed with all your heart to God's purpose of maturing you spiritually, conforming you to Jesus?

Then, for you, prayer is not an option or an obligation. It is a necessity and a privilege, and opens your life to God's work and grace.

Respond

Oswald Chambers said, "Every time we pray, our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more."

Take time now to ask God to give you understanding as to what would help you become more consistent in your prayer life. Then make a commitment--today--to Him, in prayer, to pray.