Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 9, 2012
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Stopping the Spiral

In aviation the situation is known by many names: death spiral, graveyard spiral, suicide spiral, vicious spiral. In all cases the affected airplane heads downward for a one-point landing--cockpit first. All types of airplanes can be caught in this phenomenon, and it is something that even seasoned pilots can experience. And as the names imply, the result is usually deadly.

The Bible also talks about a spiral--a spiritual spiral--that is equally deadly. Let's see what the Bible says about that spiral and how we can get out of it.

Receive

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:14-15, ESV).

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22, ESV).

    With what do our temptations begin?
    Yielding to this temptation results in what?
    What is the ultimate outcome?

Reflect

Notice that in 2 Timothy 2:22 Paul gives the steps for dealing with this issue of temptation. First he says to "flee." Don't hang around places where you might be tempted. Then secondly, actively pursue those things which will build up your spiritual life. If our lives are filled with things which produce righteousness, faith, love and peace, there will be little room for temptation to get a foothold. And thirdly, make friends with godly people. If the wrong company can corrupt us (1 Corinthians 15:33), the right company can strengthen us to overcome temptation.

Respond

If you are caught in a deadly spiral of sin, determine how you can apply the steps above to pull out of this spiral. Are there places you need to avoid? Are there activities such as Bible study, regular attendance at church, daily devotions and consistent prayer time that you need to add to your schedule? In addition, are your friends helping or hindering your walk with the Lord. If they aren't helping, then it's time to look for some new friends.

Select one of these steps to work on this week.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 10, 2012
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Patterns of Temptation

Two Korean soldiers were joking and laughing as they walked along a path to join their unit. The war had been over for months, so there seemed to be no danger to worry about. One of the men suddenly spotted something shiny in the ditch beside the path. Stepping aside, he reached down to retrieve the object. There was a deafening explosion as a land mine went off and when the dust settled, the soldier lay dead and his companion had both legs blown off. A sign they had just walked by read, "Danger, Stay on Path."

God's Word puts up some danger signs to warn you about temptation as you walk on your daily spiritual journey.

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James 1:12-15 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

How does this happen? Let's look at some people who were tempted to do wrong and ended up in a tangle of sin and shame.

Read Genesis 3:1-10 and re-read verses 6 and 7.

    What did Eve see?
    What did she desire?
    What did she do?
    Why did Adam and Eve hide? (3:10)
    What happened as a result of their sin? (see Genesis 3:22-24)

When Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, the first city they conquered was Jericho. God told the people that they were to keep none of the captured goods for themselves, but a man named Achan disobeyed and was later caught with the stolen things. Look up Achan's confession in Joshua 7:20-22.

    What did Achan see?
    What was his temptation about what he saw?
    What did he do to satisfy his desires?
    What happened because of his sin? (see Joshua 7:24-26)

Reflect

Do you see the pattern of temptation? They saw something...they desired it...they took it for themselves...they hid the results as well as they could from God and man, but they were caught and had to face the consequences.

The same thing happened to David in his adultery with Bathsheba. He saw her; he desired her; he took her. Then David tried every way he could think of to hide the sin, but he suffered tragic consequences for the rest of his life (see 2 Samuel 11 and 12).

Do you wonder what resources God has given us to ward off the temptations Satan brings our way? Here is some help. Look up the Bible answers to these questions:

    What does Jesus say about how we should regularly pray against Satan's temptations? (Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:41).
    If you are tempted, is there any way out before you fall into sin? (1Corinthians 10:13).

Respond

First Corinthians 10:13 says that temptation is a common experience for all people.

Someone once said of temptation, "You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair!"

Take some time right now to consider whether there are some weak spots in your life--an old habit, a wrong pattern of activity or a desire for something that requires disobedience to God in order to get. If you identify a weakness, ask the Lord now to give you strength and to deliver you from the temptations of the evil one.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 13, 2012
Topic: Prayer

A Critical Conversation

Think of one of your closest relationships. Maybe it's with a spouse, a sibling or a best friend. Now, ask yourself, How often do I talk to that person? What do I talk about? More than likely, you'll find that you talk to him or her all the time and about everything! Our relationship with God should be like that as well. In fact, it should be our number one priority. He should be our closest friend, yet many times we talk to Him the least! Is prayer really just talking to God? Are there certain things I have to do and say? Sometimes we don't pray because we get confused about what prayer is really all about.

Receive

"Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it" (James 4:2, NLT).

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18 NLT).

"It's your sins that have cut you off from God.
Because of your sins, he has turned away
and will not listen anymore" (Isaiah 59:2, NLT).

"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises" (James 5:13, NLT).

Consider these questions:

What is one of the reasons we don't get what we pray for?

What causes God not to hear our prayers?

When are we to pray?

Reflect

Prayer is our communication with God. It's our way to spend time with God and strengthen our relationship with Him. Prayer is about thanking Him for everything He's done for us; it's confessing our sins. Prayer is asking God for the things we want and need. Some people only go to God when they need something. Others only go to God when things are rough. What kind of friend would you be if you only talked to a person when you needed something from him or her?

Ask yourself:

How often do I spend time talking with God in prayer?

When do I pray? Is it just when I need something?

Am I making sure that there is no known sin in my life so my relationship with God can grow?

Respond

We are called to consistently pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We don't just have to pray before our meals or during our usual devotional times. We can pray any time of the day. Spend some time today giving your prayer life a serious check up. Think about when you normally pray and what you are praying for. If you need to, make a list. Write down all the things that you're thankful for, all the things you need to ask God for, etc.

If we learn to view prayer as our way of communicating with God and developing our relationship with Him, our attitude toward prayer will completely change--and, more importantly, our relationship with God will grow.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 14, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Sin/Temptation

How You Treat God

If I were to start treating my boss like a servant, you can bet I would experience some consequences pretty quickly. If I were to start treating my best friend like a common criminal, he wouldn't be my best friend for long.

It's obvious: the way I treat the people in my life will directly affect the way they treat me. Does the same rule apply to the relationship I have with God? Yes, it can. While God's faithfulness to us never changes, our attitudes and actions can cause His responses toward us to change considerably!

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"'Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations that they commit here, that they should fill the land with violence and provoke me still further to anger.... Therefore I will act in wrath....And though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them'" (Ezekiel 8:17-18, ESV).

"If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18 ESV).

    While it's not an exhaustive list, look at Proverbs 6:16-19 and list the items mentioned that are an abomination to the Lord.
    What does it mean to cherish iniquity in your heart"?

Reflect

It feels almost blasphemous to say that there are times when God doesn't hear my prayers, but there it is in the Bible. But along with the predicament (God not hearing my prayers), the Bible also points out the problem: my sin. Not just the sin that comes as a result of being chained to a corrupted body (See Romans 7:18.) but the sinful habits and lifestyles we hold on to even after accepting Christ.

This isn't God being petty and juvenile. This is God saying, "I take this relationship seriously, and I want you to demonstrate that you take it just as seriously."

Respond

Are you feeling like God isn't hearing your prayers? It could be a test--God is demonstrating whether you will be faithful even if you don't feel His presence or see His hand responding to your prayers. On the other hand, there could abominations (sin) in your life. Ask God to show you anything in your life that is displeasing to Him. Use the list in Proverbs 6:16-19 as a starting point to reveal any thing that might be hindering your prayers.

[nChrist]

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
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___________________________________

___________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 15, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational, God

How You Treat God - 2

Are you ever surprised by Scripture? Not just amazed but almost unable to believe a specific passage is actually in the Bible? Jeremiah felt the same astonishment when he heard God tell him that his prayers for the Israelites were just a waste of time.

Receive

"Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, and don't beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you" (Jeremiah 7:16, NLT)

Why would God tell Jeremiah that? Don't you think He wants His people to pray for each other? What is the difference in this situation? God explained it to Jeremiah. The difference was because of how the people had treated God. They had defiled God's house, lived wicked lives, refused to repent; and they had to bear the consequences.

"Don't you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (Jeremiah 7:11 NLT)

Reflect

God is a God who expects to be treated like God. And any nation, any people who live like they don't need God should not be naive enough to believe that God will ignore their behavior and also help them whenever they ask.

Is God a God of grace, a God of mercy, a God of goodness and love? Most certainly! But He is also a just and holy and fair God. And we, especially His children, should treat God like the God He is. Or we might discover that one day our prayers will be left unanswered because God is not listening.

Respond

Does this seem right to you? Is God being mean and vindictive? Or is God refusing to bless sin and rebellion? Praying and asking for God's help does not begin when we voice our needs and troubles to Him. Our prayers and our behavior are inescapably related. Our prayers are nullified when we live lives of rebellion toward God.

Understand that, today, the way you live reflects what you truly think of God. Ask for His help, and commit to do your best to walk worthy of your God.

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God" (Ephesians 4:1 NLT).

"Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better" (Colossians 1:10 NLT).

"We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12 NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 16, 2012
Topic: Prayer

First Things First

"First things first"--you've heard that before, haven't you? Your mom yelled, "Come to lunch! Wash your hands first!"

Your boss told you, "Don't ever take out the company car without checking the oil first."

Your spouse warned, "I just vacuumed the carpet. Take your shoes off before you come in."

You know your car won't start unless you turn the ignition key first, and you can't read your email without booting up the computer first; but did you know there is a "first thing first" in prayer too? Let's see what the Lord says.

Receive

You are probably aware that your relationship to God should be right if you expect Him to answer your prayers. Proverbs 15:29 (ESV) says:

"The LORD is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

But there's another condition to be met before your prayers can be effective--something that Jesus said you need to consider before you approach God. He said: "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV).

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25, ESV).

Jesus is saying that "first things first" applies when we go to the Lord in prayer. God looks at our prayers as offerings to Him (See Revelation 8:4.). If you go to the altar of prayer and your brother has something against you, your offering won't be acceptable to the Lord until you have restored your human relationships. If you go to prayer with an unforgiving spirit, God will be deaf until you have first forgiven the one who offended you.

Reflect

Look up these verses and answer the questions:

    Psalm 145:18--What is God's condition for nearness to those who call on Him?
    Proverbs 15:8--Whose prayer is acceptable to God?
    Proverbs 28:9--Whose prayer is an abomination?
    John 15:7--Who may ask what they wish, and it will be done?

Respond

You should be very careful about rushing into the presence of God. A little preparation time before you go to the Lord can help you be on better "praying ground." Yes, Christ has given us the right to appear confidently before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), but He has also warned us not to appear disobediently.

Set aside a few minutes in your devotional time to prepare to meet with the Lord. Ask Him to show you anything in your life that is hindering prayer. Try doing this for the next several days and see if it doesn't make a difference in the way you come before the Lord. Keep the first things first.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 17, 2012
Topic: Prayer, Bible Study/Theories

How You Treat the Bible - 1

Some things just seem to go together--for example, bacon and eggs, Abbot and Costello, Simon and Garfunkel. Certainly one can exist without the other, but they're even better if you put them together.

The same is true of prayer and reading God's Word. You can certainly read the Bible by itself, but when you put it together with prayer, you have a dynamite combination. Let's see what the Bible says.

Receive

Scripture indicates that Bible reading should be an integral part of your prayer life. Take a look at Proverbs 28:9:

"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination" (ESV).

Law is often used in Scripture to refer to the Word of God--the Bible itself. For many more synonyms (and a wonderful reminder of how important the Bible is in our lives), read Psalm 119.

But this wasn't just an Old Testament idea. Jesus said much the same thing to His disciples but in a positive way. "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7, ESV).

    What does it mean to abide in Jesus?
    Give at least two ways you can have God's Word abide in you.
    How does prayer enter into this promise?

Reflect

    Where does the Bible fit into your prayer life? Do you only open God's Word once a week at church, or do you make time for it every day along with prayer? If you want to know how to pray successfully, find out from God's Word what He wants you to pray about (See Matthew 5:44, Luke 10:2, Philippians 1:9).

Respond

    Here are two way to integrate God's Word into your prayer life. For the next seven days, stop to pray before you open God's Word. Confess any sins that might hinder you from hearing what God might want to say to you from His Word. After you've read the Scriptures, pray again--asking God to apply what you've read to your life.

    Another way of combining God's Word with your prayers is to take your Scripture reading and turn it into a prayer. If you've read, "you shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), you might pray: "Lord, help me not to steal today. Help me not to steal time from my employer but put in an honest day's work. Help me not steal from my spouse by looking inappropriately at something (or someone) that would damage our relationship. Help me not to steal from my friends by saying anything that would hurt or cause them to feel badly about themselves. Amen." Your prayer can be written out or spoken spontaneously. Try this at least once a week for the next month.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 20, 2012
Topic: Bible Study/Theories

How You Treat the Bible - 2

You come to this Bible Minute website to learn what God says about your life here on earth and in eternity. You come because you want to know more about God Himself and your relationship to Him. Perhaps you have come because you are searching for answers to needs you are experiencing in your life.

Bible illiteracy--ignorance of what the Bible says and what it has to do with life--is a disgrace around the world today. In America hundreds of thousands have Bibles, but they neglect them. These Bible Minutes are written to help you get to know God's Word better and apply its lessons to your life.

Reading God's Word with understanding begins with knowing some very basic facts about the Bible itself. Pick up your Bible and let's look at some of those things today.

Receive

First, look at two statements from Psalm 119. This is a wonderful psalm. It is the longest chapter in the Bible and nearly every verse says something about God's Word.

Psalm 119:89 (ESV)
"Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens."

What does this verse tell you about God's Word?

Psalm 119:160 (ESV)
"The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."

What insight into God's Word does this verse give you?

Reflect

With the kind of book described in Psalm 119 in your hands, you'll want to understand it as completely as possible. Your most important responsibility is to read it. As you read it, ask God to give you understanding and life-changing insights.

Many resources are available to help you better understand your Bible. Here are some suggestions. It will help you to consult a trusted pastor or Christian leader about which books are good, since there are also some bad ones out there.

    A Bible dictionary. You may look up names, places and unfamiliar words. It will also give you brief outlines of each book of the Bible and biographical information on each person.
    A concordance. Some Bibles have this included. A concordance is a list of Bible words with the verse references where they are found. Be sure your concordance is for the Bible version you use since Greek and Hebrew words are not always translated exactly the same way in every version.
    A Bible commentary. Start with a one-or two-volume commentary. Commentaries cover each book of the Bible in order and shed some light on each section. There are also separate commentaries by trustworthy scholars that deal with individual Bible books.
    If your budget is too tight to obtain these study helps, one of your best starter purchases would be a good study Bible. These Bibles contain many notes and helps that are found in commentaries or dictionaries. They usually contain a reasonably good concordance.
    In our day, there are many Bible study resources on the Internet such as this one, but be careful! Cults and false teachers also use the Internet.

Respond

Today's Bible Minute study is a bit different because we want to help you dig deeper into God's Word and learn how to apply it to your life. We pray for you to be one of the "biblically literate.″

Dr. Woodrow Kroll says, "God only wrote one Book. And in that one Book, He reveals to us what's on His heart and what's on His mind. Now, if we don't care enough about God to read what He said to us, why would we think that God would be eager to answer our prayers?"

Now, take some time to investigate God's marvelous Book and look up the following verses in Psalm 119. Write down what each of the verses says God's Word will do for you.

        Psalm 119:105
        Psalm 119:9
        Psalm 119:11
        Psalm 119:42
        Psalm 119:169
        Psalm 119:16

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 21, 2012
Topic: Prayer

When We Get in the Way of Prayer

Imagine that you're getting ready to drive to work. Before you get into your car and start on your way, you lay down nail-studded boards at the end of your drive; you situate huge barricades across your street and then drain all but a cupful of gas out of your tank. Sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? It doesn't make sense. If you want to get from one place to another, you don't want anything preventing you from reaching your final destination. Yet, that is exactly what we do in our own prayer lives. We set up obstacles that prevent us from getting our prayers answered. Let's take a look at some of those obstacles.

Receive

"Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it" (James 4:2, NLT).

"Listen! The LORD'S arm is not too weak to save you,
nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
It's your sins that have cut you off from God.
Because of your sins, he has turned away
and will not listen anymore" (Isaiah 59:1-2, NLT).

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18, NLT).

What is one of the obstacles the Bible gives for us not getting what we want from God?

What is another obstacle that causes God to not hear our prayers?

Reflect

How many times do we blame God when our prayers don't get answered? The problem is we're trying to find fault with the wrong person. Instead of looking at God, we need to take a good look at ourselves. Isaiah 59:1-2 reminds us why our prayers aren't answered--it's because of our sin.

Ask yourself:

Is there any sin that would be an obstacle in my prayer life?

We're also told that we don't get what we want because we don't ask!

Am I remembering to ask God for what I need? Or am I just trying to do everything on my own?

Respond

Prayer is one of the ways that you have a relationship with God. It takes two people to make a relationship work, and you have to do your part.

Make sure that you're talking to God every day. It doesn't matter where you are, what time it is or for how long, just make sure that you're spending some time each day talking to God.

Also make sure that you're not setting up obstacles in your prayer life because of sin. Ask God to reveal to you any sin you have in your life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 22, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Hindrances to Prayer - 2

Oh my! Brake lights flashing up ahead; traffic's slowing down. What's the problem? Train? Accident? Construction? Flat tire? Whatever it is, it can hinder you from getting where you're going. Hindrances in our physical lives are no fun, neither are the hindrances that can interfere with our prayer lives.

Receive

If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear" (Psalm 66:18 NKJV).

Sin in our lives hinders us from getting through to God. But even Christians sin, don't they? True. Only when we get to heaven will we be completely free from sin and 100 percent delivered from sinning.

So, what is the Bible saying? Perhaps another translation would help us understand.

Psalm 66:18, "If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened" (NIV).

What does the Psalmist identify as a hindrance that interferes with our prayers?

Sin that we hold onto, sins that we refuse to let go, sins that become part of our lifestyle--these are hindrances that keep God from answering our prayers. Such things also interrupt our fellowship with God, keep us from spending time in His Word, dilute the joy in our lives, interfere with our worship and undermine our assurance and trust in God.

Are there any hindrances in your spiritual life?

Are there any situations or relationships that are not pleasing to God that you are holding onto?

Reflect

What will remove those hindrances? The apostle John gives us the steps in 1 John 1:8-9, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (NIV).

According to John, what is the first step?

What does God promise to do?

Deal with the sin. Acknowledge it; confess it; and turn away from it. Then, let it go; walk away from it; get rid of it; don't go there; get new friends; make a clean break with that sin.

Can you do that? Not on your own. How does Philippians 2:13 below encourage you?

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

What does this scripture teach you about God's help?

Who is working in you?

For what reason is God working in you?

Respond

Take time now to shore up your prayer life. Set aside those hindrances and spend time in prayer, enjoying intimate fellowship with the Lord, confident that God is listening to your prayers.

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!*

*"Sweet Hour of Prayer," William W. Walford and William B. Bradbury. Public Domain.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 23, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Check Your Motives at the Door

Ever heard the saying, "Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives"? Why is that true? Because motives are what cause a person to act in a certain way. Why are we so interested in the motivation behind someone's actions? Well, it's because a wrong assumption (about someone's motives) determines how we view something someone does. If we know that something's done purely to make an individual look better, we won't appreciate it. Although, we might guess at someone's motives, God knows with certainty each person's motivation.

Receive

"And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure" (James 4:3, NLT).

"But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted" (John 15:7, NLT).

    What is one thing mentioned in these verses that keeps us from getting what we ask God for?
    When our motives are wrong, whose best interests are we looking for?
    How can we make sure our motives are good?

Reflect

One of the biggest roadblocks in our prayer lives is asking God for something for all the wrong reasons. God isn't going to honor us by answering prayers that don't honor Him. We want what benefits us--not what is pleasing and right with God. Ask yourself:

What am I really after when I pray?

What are the things I'm praying for right now?

What is my motivation in those prayers?

Respond

When we realize that we're coming to God with wrong motives, we must deal with it like the rest of the sin in our lives. We have to confess it to God and move on. We have to change our motives and then come before God with the right motives.

Take some time today to conduct a "motives checkup." Make sure that when you come before God with a prayer request, you have the right motive. Remember, we can't hide our motives from God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 24, 2012
Topic: Prayer

Wrong Motives

C. S. Lewis wrote in his Letters to an American Lady, "Humans are very seldom either totally sincere or totally hypocritical. Their moods change, their motives are mixed, and they often themselves are quite mistaken as to what their motives are."

That's also true in our prayer lives. Sometimes even we don't realize what our motives are. But you can be sure that God knows our motives all the time. So, what happens if we're praying for the right thing but for the wrong reason? Let's see what God's Word says.

Receive

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions" (James 4:1-3, ESV).

    What are some of the "motives" given in this passage?
    What does it mean to "ask wrongly"?
    The word "passions" can be translated "pleasures." Can you think of a time when you prayed for something simply to use for your pleasure?

Reflect

Nobody, as C.S. Lewis observed, has totally pure motives. But what do you do when you discover that your primary motive for praying for something is based on a "wrong motive"? Look at 1 John 1:9 and consider the following questions:

    What does John tell us that a Christian should do with sin in his or her life?
    What is God's response to this action?
    What do we find in this verse that assures us God will forgive us and purify us from unrighteousness?

Respond

If you're not getting a response to your prayers, it might be because you're asking with the wrong motive. Ask God to reveal any wrong motive that might be hindering your prayers. Then follow the directions in 1 John 1:9 to deal with these motives.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 27, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Salvation

Salvation

It's the American way of salvation: If I've been bad, then I stop being bad and start being good; and when I'm good enough, I'll get to heaven.

Man's way has always been to try harder; do more; be religious; be moral. The Bible teaches that salvation done our way is a dead end--literally and eternally.

Receive

"There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death" Proverbs 16:25 (ESV).

That's scary! And it gets worse.

"'Not everyone who calls out to me, "Lord! Lord!" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, "Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name." But I will reply, "I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws"'" (Matthew 5:2; 7:21-23, NLT).

The problem with our way is that it is not God's way. God tells us clearly and repeatedly in His Word that salvation is found in Jesus--Jesus alone.

Look up these verses and write down what Jesus said about Himself or what others said about Him.

John 14:6

Matthew 1:21

Acts 10:43

1 Timothy 2:5

Acts 4:10-12

Reflect

There are many, many other Scriptures that teach us this compelling and unvarnished truth: Salvation is not about me or you (who we are or what we do or don't do). Salvation's all about Jesus--who He is (the Son of God) and what He did (died on the cross for our sins).

That is the one way and the only way to salvation.

"And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life"(1 John 5:11-12, NLT).

Respond

Romans 10:9, NLT tells us: "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."

It's simple, but it is not easy. It's simple because anyone, anytime, anywhere can trust Jesus as Savior and be saved. But most will never do it.

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it" (Matthew 7:13-14, NLT).

How about you? Are you going your way or God's way?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 28, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Facing the Gray Areas

Your neighbor, Ted, is dying of cancer. Ted and his family are all Christians. One of his daughters has come to you with a question: "Dad has less than two months to live. He told us yesterday that he wants to be cremated when he dies. Some of our family members feel a Christian shouldn't do that. What do you think?"

As you search your mind for an answer, you wonder what God says about your neighbors' situation. What can you tell Ted's daughter?

Receive

When you go to your Bible, you find it doesn't offer specific guidelines on the subject of cremation. The Jewish custom was to bury their dead (Genesis 25:8-10, 1 Kings 2:10, Matthew 14:10-12, Acts 8:2). The body of Jesus was entombed (Luke 23:50-54) and burial either in the ground or in a tomb has been the traditional custom for Christians as well.

On the other hand, the Bible also tells us that the bodies of lawbreakers were sometimes burned (Joshua 7:15-25). In addition 1 Samuel 31:1-13 says that the body of disobedient King Saul was burned. But we can't forget, however, that so were the bodies of Saul's sons including the body of his godly son Jonathan.

Considering all this, you probably realize that Ted's family is facing what is referred to as a "gray area" in Christian decision making. The Bible doesn't lay out a black and white rule about cremation; it doesn't say "do" or "don't," "right" or "wrong." Yet this family faces a decision that must be made.

What should you do when you have to determine what to do about one of these "gray areas?"

Reflect

The issue of cremation must be decided in the same way that other important decisions are reached. The Bible doesn't tell us exactly what to do, but here are some biblical principles to follow when you don't find clear statements for or against a matter. Look up each of the following verses.

    Pray earnestly for God's direction (Psalm 25:4-5; Luke 6:12-13).
    Be sure the decision you make will produce results consistent with the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the glory of God (1Corinthians 10:31).
    Seek out and listen to godly advice (Proverbs 12:15).
    Write out the pros and cons of each alternative and choose the best (Philippians 4:8 ).
    Make the decision (James 1:5-8 ).

Respond

You or someone in your family may face the question of cremation some day. What do you think about cremation for Christians? Putting the above principles into practice, list all the thoughts you have for and against the practice, then write down your conclusion.

When Paul is dealing with another gray area (the celebration of special days), he concludes: "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5). Whatever decision you make, give others the right to be "fully convinced" in their mind even if they come to a different conclusion than your own.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 29, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

War

Jesus told His disciples, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6, ESV). That there will be wars on earth up till the very end seems certain. But what should the Christian's attitude toward war be? That question has special relevance these days, so let's take a moment and see what the Bible has to say.

Receive

Since wars happen on a national scale, the passage in Romans in which Paul describes our responsibilities to governing bodies applies here. Let's look at Romans 13:1-7.

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1, ESV). Given the context of the Roman Empire, this statement may have caught some Christians off guard. Even the secular rulers of the land are appointed by God. As such, it is the Christian's responsibility to respect those rulers. Paul explains this in verses 2 and 3.

In verse 4 Paul says, "But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he [the governing authority] does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:4, ESV).

Not only does God appoint the leaders of governments, He gives them the "sword" of judgment. So, it is not inherently wrong for a nation to have a standing army or a police force so long as it exists to serve justice.

Is it, therefore, biblical for Christians to be active in the military? As long as that military serves its God-appointed role, it is biblically justifiable for a Christian to serve in the military.

Receive

I think it's important here to make a distinction between what happens on a national level and what happens on a personal level. While it is biblical for a nation to wage war (and for believers to participate in that war) when acting on principles of justice, it is not biblical for individual believers to wage personal wars against other individuals. This is where Paul's admonitions in Romans 12:14-21 hold precedence. "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18, ESV).

Respond

The issue of war and the believer's part in it is much larger than a short Bible study can address. So, I encourage you, if this is a matter that concerns you, to not end the discussion here. Dig deeper into the Bible and find what it says. Look at the wars of the Old Testament and consider their context. Consider Jesus' teaching on the subject--do His teachings apply only to the individual or can they be applied on a national level as well? Ask your pastor to recommend commentaries or other books on the subject. All the while, pray that God will give you the wisdom to discern His will and the ability to apply it to your own life.