Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 11, 2012
Topic: Hope, Christian Living/Situational

Jesus Changes Death

Maybe you're familiar with an optical illusion in which a picture portrays an old woman with a large nose or a young woman with her face turned away looking to the side. Which portrait you see depends on the way you view the painting.

Death is the same way. When viewed from the perspective of the world, it's like an ugly hag. But Jesus has changed that perspective. Let's see how Christ can change our view of death.

Receive

"Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, 'This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was (John 11:1-6, ESV).

"Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him'" (John 11:14-15, ESV).

    Jesus gave two reasons for not rushing to heal Lazarus. What are they? How might this relate to today?
    In the first passage Jesus says, "This illness does not lead to death." In the second set of verses Jesus says, "Lazarus has died." What does this seeming contradiction reveal about Jesus' view of death?
    Although it's not stated in the story, how do you think this experience changed Lazarus, Mary and Martha's view of death?

Reflect

If you were to read this story in its entirety, you would discover that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead even though he had been in the grave for three days (the point at which under normal circumstances the body began to decay). Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day as well.

    What does this tell you about God's power over death?
    How does knowing this change your view of death?

Respond

Most people fear death. They view it as a permanent severance from everything and everyone they love. But Jesus changed all that. Through the lives of those He brought back from death (In addition to Lazarus, see Mark 5:35-43 and Luke 7:11-15.) and from Christ's own Resurrection, we have the assurance that death is not final. As a Christ follower, you can have a totally different view of death than those who don't know Christ. If you don't have that viewpoint, ask God to help you see death from His perspective--not as an end but as a doorway to a life that is eternal.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 12, 2012
Topic: Jesus, Pain/Suffering, Faith/Trust

Faith When You Grieve

When you're grieving the loss of a loved one, it's easy to focus on only the questions, the heartache or the changes you're facing. But don't let grief wreck your faith; exercise faith as you recover and find hope for your future.

Receive

In John 11, Jesus arrives in Bethany a few days after the death of His friend Lazarus. Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary, are wrapped up in their grief and a little unhappy that Jesus took so long to get there. In John 11:21, Martha says, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died" (NLT). And Mary says the same thing in 11:32.

That's pretty typical, isn't it? We lose a loved one and we tell God He could've stopped it. We even get angry because He didn't do what we wanted. But if we stop there, we miss an opportunity to grow in faith. Mary did that--she says, "Jesus, I wish you'd been here to stop Lazarus from dying."

However, in John 11:22, Martha spoke in faith, "But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask" (NLT). At first, she's focused on the general resurrection of the future (John 11:23-24), but then in John 11:24-26 Jesus tells her, "'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'" (NLT).

"What do you really believe about Me?" Jesus asks Martha. And when you're facing grief and loss, Jesus asks you that too. What do you really believe? It often takes a time of difficulty to refine our faith, to distill its essence and find the bottom line. If you believe Jesus is who and what He says, you can trust Him, even with the death of someone you love.

John 11:27 records Martha's answer, "'Yes, Lord,' she told him. 'I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God'" (NLT). That "I have always believed" is a strong statement of faith. Martha sees what you and I need to see--that Jesus is always exactly who He said He is--the Son of God. The circumstances of our lives, the testing of our faith, never change who Jesus is.

Reflect

Martha and Mary had the joy of seeing their brother returned to life right then and there. Today, when those we love die, we have to trust God for that future resurrection. Let's see what else the Bible says about faith, hope, death and grief:

Job 19:25-27
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 116:1-15
Philippians 1:20-26
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Revelation 21:1-4

    What are some ways you see faith exhibited?
    What promises do you find about death and life after death?
    Where does your hope come from?
    What are you putting your faith in for the future?

Respond

When you're grieving, do you stop where Mary did? Or do you take the next step and put your faith in Jesus as Martha did?

It helps to know what you believe about Jesus now, before your faith is tested by grief. Remember Martha's second response? "I have always believed." Take a few minutes to create your own statement of faith about Jesus, life, death and your hope for the future.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 15, 2012
Topic: God's Care

The Resurrection and the Life

During the course of His life, we see Jesus demonstrating His authority over every aspect of Creation. In Luke 8:24 He calms the raging storm. In John 21, we read about a miraculous catch of fish, and we see Jesus' authority over the animal kingdom. Multiple times throughout the Gospels, Jesus heals the sick and drives out demons. When we read about Nicodemus (John 3) or the woman at the well (John 4), we see that Jesus has the power to grant spiritual hope. And in John 11, we see that Jesus is Lord over not just every aspect of life but life itself.

Receive

In John 11:17 we read that "Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days" (ESV). This wasn't a mistake. Only a couple verses earlier, we read that Jesus knew Lazarus would be dead before He arrived in Bethany. (See John 11:11-15.)

As He comforted Martha, the sister of Lazarus, Jesus told her, "'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day'" (11:23-24, ESV). Martha was right of course. We know that when Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom on earth, those who love Him will be returned to life to live with Him in heaven. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)

But the conversation between Martha and Jesus did not end there. Jesus went on to tell her: "'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26, ESV). Whether or not Martha understood at that moment that Jesus could raise her brother then and there is unclear. But we do know that by the end of the chapter, there was no doubt in her mind that Jesus was indeed Lord over life itself.

Reflect

So, what does this mean for us today? It means that for the believer there's absolutely no problem in any area of life that Jesus is not sufficient to handle. Even the shroud of death has been pierced and a bright glorious future waits for those of us who call Jesus Lord.

In what ways can you let Jesus exercise His authority in your life today?

Are there any areas of life that you find hard to give over to God? Why?

How does it (should it) impact your life knowing that not even death will separate you from God's will?

Respond

Take some time in prayer today to thank Jesus for demonstrating His lordship over every area of life and death. Pray that He would enable you to allow Him more control over those things that keep you up at night. Keep a journal of your prayers and be sure to look back over it as time goes on to see how God has answered.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 16, 2012
Topic: Faith/Trust

Faith and Dying

Is the name Jean-Francois Gravelet familiar to you? Better known as The Great Blondin, he was the first man to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope, an event he repeated many times. The story is told that once he pushed a wheelbarrow across the Falls and then returned with the wheelbarrow loaded with a 100-lb sack of flour. He subsequently asked the crowd if they thought he could push a man across.

When they shouted, "yes," he asked for a volunteer. Silence.

Faith is more than just assent. When you face death, you do not want to guess, hope or speculate. You want to know. And that's where Jesus comes in.

Receive

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?" (John 11:25-26, NLT).

Martha's brother had just died. Jesus was asking Martha if she believed that He could raise her brother from the dead.

    Why would Jesus ask Martha that question?
    How do you think Martha responded?

"Yes, Lord," she told Him, 'I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God'" (John 11:27, NIV).

Reflect

Do you think that Jesus was teaching not only Martha but also us through His question?

Did Martha really believe in her heart that Jesus could and would raise her brother from the dead?

What about you? When it comes to death and dying, where is your faith? Notice that Jesus does not say that everyone has the hope of never perishing, but only those who believe in Him--those who have taken Jesus to be their Savior, taken God to be their Heavenly Father and have taken the Holy Spirit to be their guide. To those people, Jesus promises eternal life and declares that death is only a brief doorway to resurrection and the beginning of eternity with Him.

Respond

Watching someone cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope would be scary. Riding in a wheelbarrow while someone pushed it over a tightrope strung across the Falls would be terrifying. But facing death and having no assurance would be even more dreadful. In fact, dreadful beyond words. That's why the truth Jesus teaches here is so significant and can affect our lives for eternity.

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'"? (John 11:25-26, NLT).

Do you believe? Do you trust Jesus with all your heart; do you have the assurance that He will keep His Word? Then you can face death and dying knowing that you will live eternally with your Savior.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NLT). "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27, NLT).

Take a moment to thank Jesus that you can have such an assurance.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 17, 2012
Topic: Joy

The Joy of Knowing Jesus

Do you know what verse in the Bible is the shortest?

Well, many people might answer, "Sure, it's John 11:35: 'Jesus wept,'" and they would be right--almost. That's the shortest verse in the English Bible. The verse with the fewest letters in the original language is 1 Thessalonians 5:16. It says, "Rejoice always."

Joy and rejoicing are major themes in the Bible because true rejoicing comes from a right relationship with God,

Receive

    The first coming of Jesus was accompanied by news of great joy to the nations.

The angel announced it; the magi experienced it.

Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Matthew 2:10 (ESV)
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

    At His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His followers joyfully welcomed His coming and hoped for His reign to begin.

Luke 19:37-38 (ESV)
"As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!'"

    Today, as you and other believers await His second coming, you rejoice that you will see Him someday even though you may suffer in this life.

1 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."

1 Peter 4:13 (ESV)
"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

    Rejoicing in eternity will continue forever in the presence of the Savior.

Revelation 19:6-7 (ESV)
"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready.'"

Reflect

Learn more about rejoicing and joy in the presence of God. Look up the following verses and write down the cause for rejoicing that you see in each one:

Psalm 13:5

Psalm 16:11

1 Chronicles 16:31

Respond

Spend some time considering and writing down why you have joy in Christ. It would be a good time, too, to memorize this verse:

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Rejoice always!

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 18, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Seeing Jesus as Messiah

The baby's manger, the Savior's cross and the risen Lord's empty tomb--all proclaim: Jesus is the Messiah or the Anointed One that Old Testament Bible prophets foretold.

Receive

What truths do the following Scriptures teach about Jesus as the promised Messiah (the One chosen and anointed by God to fulfill God's purposes)?

The first is an Old Testament prophecy about the birth of a baby. Although, we imagine the manger holding an infant wrapped in swaddling cloths, this scripture doesn't mention the manger. But it does tell the city where His birth would occur:

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,
one whose origins are from the distant past" (Micah 5:2, NLT).

We need only look as far as the first book of the New Testament, the Book of Matthew, to find the fulfillment to Micah's prophecy.

"Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod (Matthew 2:1, NLT).

The Savior's cross is another symbol that conjures images about Jesus and His death. We can read Jesus' own words in John 3:14 because He Himself predicted that moment.

"And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up" (John 3:14, NLT).

Finally, consider the empty tomb and the fact that the Old Testament recorded that the Messiah would be raised bodily. Psalm 16:10 says,

"For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave."

We go to Luke in the New Testament to read about the fulfillment of this prophecy from the Old Testament Book of Psalms.

"He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day" (Luke 24:6-7, NLT).

    What do these verses tell us about the sovereignty (control) God has over the events that take place in history?
    What does the detail in which the Old Testament events are fulfilled in the New Testament indicate about God's trustworthiness.
    We find in the New Testament (especially the Book of Revelation) prophecies which are yet to be fulfilled. How do the verses above influence our view of things yet to come?

Reflect

It's difficult sometimes to know who or what to trust. From politicians to personal friends to corporate conglomerates, all have betrayed our trust to one degree or another. But when we consider how faithfully God has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning His Messiah, it should give you renewed encouragement to trust Him for all the areas of your life. Will you trust Him for your salvation? Will you trust Him for the difficulties you're having with a relationship? Will you trust Him for the future of your job?

If God can orchestrate the arrival of His Messiah and our Savior down to the last note, can't He do the same for your life?

Respond

Write down an area where you are having difficulty trusting God. Alongside of this note, write out 1 Corinthians 1:9, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (NKJV).

In the next few days, memorize this verse. When you feel insecure about anything in your life, remind yourself of God's faithfulness by reciting this verse.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 19, 2012
Topic: Jesus

Changed Expectations

Some people's expectations need to be adjusted. Take, for example, the person who sent a letter from the Health and Human Services to a resident of Greenville County, South Carolina: The letter stated, "Your food stamps will be stopped, effective in March, because we received notice that you passed away. You may reapply if your circumstances change."

The people of Jesus' day had expectations that needed to be changed as well. Let's compare those expectations with Jesus' purposes.

Receive

"Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!'

"Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself (John 6:11-15, ESV)

    Record below the context for this story. (Read the verses before and after to see what had already taken place and what will take place after this story.)
    Why did the people want to make Him their king? What do you think their expectations were?
    What was Jesus' response to these expectations?

Reflect

The people of Jesus' day were looking for a warrior king. They expected the Messiah to overthrow the Roman government and set up the nation of Israel as a power to be reckoned with. Jesus, however, rejected those expectations for the time being because He had something more important to do--to provide a Savior for the world (See Revelation 19:11-16.).

    What are our expectations when we're going through illness, financial difficulties or some other trial?
    How might Jesus' expectations be different from ours?

Respond

Think about something you're facing that may be troubling you. List some of the expectations the Lord may have for you in this situation. Prayerfully ask the Lord to help you align your expectations with His.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 22, 2012
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

Undeserved Mercy

A well-known painter completed the portrait of a very wealthy lady and invited her to look at the finished project. Taking one look she turned up her nose and said, "I don't think that it does me justice."

"Madam," the painter replied, "You are not looking for justice, you are looking for mercy!"

But isn't that true of us all? As we look at our lives filled with sin and failures, our hearts cry out not for justice but for mercy. Yet is that possible? Can God's mercy cover your sin? Let's look at what God's Word says.

Receive

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life" (Romans 5:6-10, ESV).

    What kind of a person did Jesus die for? Find at least three words in these verses that describe this person.
    According to these verses, what kind of a person were we when Jesus died for us?
    What does "justified by His blood" mean to you?
    Thank God every day this week for the death of His Son and your salvation because of it.

Reflect

Consider some of the people to whom God has shown mercy. Read the verses and list the sins found there.

Abraham (Genesis 12:12-13)

Moses (Exodus 2:11-12)

David (2 Samuel 11:3-5, 14-17)

Saul/Paul (Acts 8:3)

While not making light of the seriousness of sin, God showed mercy to each of these sinners and millions of others. If God could show mercy to liars, adulterers and even murderers, He can certainly show mercy to you.

Respond

Confess your sins to God and accept His mercy today. Memorize Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool." (ESV)

Your greatest sin is no match for God's deepest mercy.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 23, 2012
Topic: Salvation, Forgiveness/Unforgiveness, God's Love

What God's Love Does for You

God loves you, and that's a wonderful thing. But how does His love take care of your problem with sin? Let's take a look.

Receive

God loves you and wants a relationship with you. But since God is also righteous and holy, our sinfulness makes that relationship impossible--unless God does something about it. And He did. John 3:16 tells us "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" (NLT).

That's the first thing God did to take care of our sin: He sent His Son to die for you to pay the penalty for your sin, so you could have eternal life with Him.

Secondly, His love also made it possible for you to be set free from sin. Romans 6:22-23 says, "But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (NLT).

And there's a third thing: In His love, He offers us complete forgiveness, not the kind that says "It's okay, don't worry about it"; then reminds you of it every now and then. This is forgiveness that rolls your sins up into a ball and throws them so far away they'll never be found or held against you again. Psalm 103:12 says,

"He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west" (NLT).

And Romans 8:1 promises no condemnation--once you believe and are "in Christ Jesus."

Reflect

You've just looked at three ways God deals with your sin because of His great love for you. The Bible offers many other insights into what God's love does for us. For example, read through Psalm 103 for a few more ideas.

    How do you see God's love in action?
    What does His compassion impel Him to do?
    What are some of the "benefits" He gives to His people?
    What does God understand about who we are as humans?
    What do you learn here that makes you want to trust Him further?

Respond

So, now that you've caught a glimpse of God's love in action, what's next? In Ephesians 3:16-19 Paul prays for the believers "that from his [God's] glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God" (NLT).

Take some time to put these verses into your own words. Have you experienced "how wide, how long, how high, and how deep" God's love is? Are you putting down roots in His love? Are you tapped into His power and strength, the limitless resources of the Spirit? Use your answers to these questions as your own prayer of praise to God for His immeasurable love.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 24, 2012
Topic: Salvation

God's Solution for You

Are you looking for God? If you are, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that you can find God. But there is a problem. And, according to the Bible, the problem is the sin in your life.

Receive

"All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God's paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all (Isaiah 53:6, NLT).

"As the Scriptures say,

"'No one is righteous--
not even one.
No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one" (Romans 3:10-12, NLT).

1. Why do you think the prophet Isaiah uses the image of a sheep in Isaiah 53:6?

2. Who do you believe is the "him" that the Lord laid our sins on?

3. According to the apostle Paul in Romans 3:10-12 who is righteous or wise?

4. Who of us does "good" according to Scripture?

The Bible tells us that all have sinned in Romans 3:23:

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard" (Romans 3:23, NLT).

And the Bible speaks clearly that if you sin, you have a problem, here and now and for eternity.

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, NLT).

Now, if all of us are sinners--and clearly that what God's Word teaches--then that means all of us are going to get the just penalty for sinning which is death. This means not only physical death but spiritual death which is eternal separation from God.

Reflect

Can you argue with that death sentence?

Does that seem to be just and fair?

Do you have any doubt about your guilt before God?

While we are sinners and rebellious against God and His ways, He still loves us and does not want to punish us. So, He provided the answer for our sin problem. What kind of answer could be sufficient for everyone who has ever sinned?

It's beyond amazing; it is incredible. But here is what God did.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God" (Romans 5:8-11, NLT).

It is just that simple. Too good to be true? Too good, but it is as true as the Word of God and the faithfulness of His promise. Here it is in a nutshell.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NLT).

Respond

Have you ever been so sick you thought you might not live? And your doctor was not sure either! But then the doctor says, "You can be well if you take this medicine--just two pills, and you'll live."

But, it's not enough to know how sick you are. It's not enough to know the medicine can cure you. You have to accept the pills, take them, swallow them and then you are cured. Wouldn't it be foolish to refuse the cure? Not nearly as foolhardy as never trusting Jesus to be your Savior and accepting with gratitude God's great sin solution.

How soon should you become a Christian? Well, how quickly would you take the medicine if you knew it would keep you from dying?

"Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT). Visit the "Meet Jesus" page for more information.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 25, 2012
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

God Forgives You

Have you ever noticed how much theology there can be in a single verse? Literally, every word is important; and if even one of them changed, the entire meaning of the verse would be changed.

First John 1:9 is one of those verses. It is one of the Bible's clearest statements on the issue of forgiveness.

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Take a minute to read through the entire verse a couple times. Now, let's look at the first statement, "If we confess our sins." Did you notice the word "we"? That means John is talking to Christians, so he's not dealing with salvation (our salvation isn't maintained by confessing our sins). Instead, he's talking about fellowship with God. Then notice the word "if." It means we have a choice when it comes to confessing our sins. It also means that when we don't choose to confess our sins, nothing else in this verse will happen. Our sins will continue to break our fellowship (our sense of closeness) with God.

"He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." The "He," of course, is God; and He is faithful. We can count on Him. He will always come through on His promises. When we confess our sins, He will always forgive them and restore our fellowship with Him. Why? Because He is a just God, which means He always does the right thing. Since Jesus took that punishment upon Himself when He died on the cross, those sins don't have to stand in the way of our fellowship with God. He is now able to always forgive us and allow us to draw close to Him with confidence (Hebrews 10:22).

Peter learned this fact on the shore of Galilee when Jesus asked him a second time to, "'Follow me'" (John 21:19, ESV). Only a short time earlier Peter was vehemently denying that he even knew Jesus. But when Peter came back to Jesus, not only did he find forgiveness, he found an intimate fellowship that gave him direction in life.

Let's go to the last part of 1 John 1:9: "And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). God does not do anything just halfway. He's like a mother who doesn't just forgive her son for tracking mud across the house, she helps him clean up too. Being clean and forgiven, we can now more fully experience the wonderful fellowship of God.

Reflect

As you read 1 John 1:9 again, think about the following questions:

1. Have you ever been tempted to think that some sins are too big to forgive?

2. What's the danger of not confessing our sins?

3. Write down two of God's characteristics you learned from this verse.

4. Confess, to God, any sins you've been struggling with.

Respond

John 8 records the story of an adulterous women brought before Jesus. But Jesus demonstrated forgiveness to the woman. And His advice to her is His advice to us after we have confessed our sins: "Go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11, ESV). Fix it in your mind today that you have been forgiven and cleansed of your sins. Try to live each moment knowing that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you. And when you stumble again, remember what you learned from 1 John 1:9.

[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: Oct 26, 2012
Topic: Salvation

The Big Picture

Have you seen those puzzles where a photographer takes a close-up of just a portion of an object? The viewer is then challenged to guess what the whole object might be. The answer can baffle you until you're shown the complete picture.

Sometimes events happen in our lives that also leave us baffled. We wonder why God allowed us to develop cancer, lose a loved one or run out of money. We question whether He even loves us when we go through such painful experiences.

But just like one of those puzzle pictures, we're only seeing a small part of the whole thing. Let's see what God's Word says about the big picture.

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"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, ESV).

    How are we to respond to trials?
    What is the first thing that trials produce?
    What is God's ultimate goal, for you, in these experiences?

Reflect

The word "joy" means "to have a calm and peaceful heart no matter what the circumstances." The ability to have joy in the face of trials hinges on our conviction of two essential truths 1) God is in control of everything (including our lives) and 2) God loves us more than we can grasp. When we truly believe those two truths, we're able to look beyond the pain of the moment and see the big picture; we can have confidence that God has a bigger purpose in mind for us. The apostle James says that it is to bring us to a point in our lives spiritually where we are "lacking in nothing."

    What, in your spiritual life, might you be lacking?
    Would you be willing to allow God to bring trials into your life to strengthen you in this area? (Before you answer too quickly, think about the implications of your response.)

Respond

You may be one of those people who really are not conscious of any weak areas in your spiritual life. If so, pray the prayer of David in Psalm 139:23-24,

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! (ESV).

If you have been experiencing trials, take a moment to think about the way these experiences have impacted your spiritual life. Jot down the differences you see in your spiritual life before your trials and after them. Share those differences with someone else who is going through difficulties.

[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: Oct 29, 2012
Topic: Jesus

God's Plan

It's easy to look at the events leading up to Jesus' Crucifixion and conclude that things went horribly wrong, that Jesus wandered into Satan's trap and died as a result. The Bible tells a very different story. Jesus' death and Resurrection were part of the plan all along.

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After His Resurrection, Luke records a conversation between Jesus and two men on the road to Emmaus. "And he [Jesus] said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:25-27, ESV).

Moses was most known to the Jews as the man to whom God gave the Law. Moses and his brother established the sacrificial system at God's direction. The author of the Book Hebrews would later explain how the imperfect sacrifice of animals to atone for sins was a foreshadowing of a perfect future sacrifice: the sacrifice of Jesus.

Old Testament Scripture, like the following verse from Isaiah, includes descriptive prophecies to describe Jesus' suffering and the redemptive nature of His sacrifice.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, ESV).

Let's look further at what Isaiah 53 has to say about Jesus.

Reflect

As you read through Isaiah 53, think about the following questions:

1. Why is it important to understand that Jesus' death was part of the plan?

2. How has His sacrifice brought "peace" to your life?

3. How has He brought "healing" into your life?

4. When you think of His sacrifice, do you feel amazed? Humbled? Grateful? Write down 2 or 3 adjectives to describe how you feel.

Respond

Of all the Gospel writers, Matthew seems most concerned with showing Jesus as the One foretold in the prophecies. Over the next week read through the Book of Matthew and find all the places where Matthew quotes an Old Testament author. A good study Bible will help you find these verses.

[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: Oct 30, 2012
Topic: Salvation

Behold the Lamb

A stone lamb that stands on top of a small church in Germany has an interesting history. When workers were building the roof, one of the crew members fell off. The other workers quickly went down to the ground expecting to find their co-worker dead. But he was unhurt. A lamb that had been grazing below was crushed to death when the falling crewman fell on it. A co-worker of the "surprisingly unhurt" man was so moved that he made a stone image of the lamb and placed it on top of the church as a memorial.

If you are a believer in Christ, you also owe your life to a Lamb--the Lamb of God--who takes away the sin of the world (See John 1:29).

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Let's go back to the Old Testament to see something about sacrifices.

Although Israel's sacrifices to the Lord had several variations, purposes and requirements, there are some similar characteristics in many of them. Read Leviticus 1:1-5, which describes the burnt offering, and notice the following procedures:

    The sacrificial animal must be a male without blemish, chosen from the herd or the flock (1:2-3).
    The offering must be acceptable before the Lord (1:3).
    The person presenting the offering must lay his hand upon the head of the animal to show that he is making the animal his substitute, acceptable as a covering or atonement, for his sins (1:4).
    The sacrifice must then be killed before the Lord, and its blood must be shed (1:5).

God says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22, NIV). (See Leviticus 17:11.)

The Old Testament sacrifices provided only temporary relief for the sinner (Hebrews 10:3-4, 11). It covered the sin, but it didn't take it away. Christ's offering on the cross for the sins of mankind, however, was an eternally sufficient sacrifice that actually removed sin. Read Hebrews 9:12.

Reflect

Here is great and good personal news for you. Paul says this about the Lord Jesus Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

That means Christ became your sin offering, took your sin on Himself, went to the cross and shed His blood to forgive you for your sin, paid your debt and provided the only possible way in the world that you could be made permanently acceptable to God.

Read the following scriptures and record what you see about Christ's death for you on the cross.

    Galatians 3:13
    1 John 3:5
    1 Corinthians 1:30
    Romans 8:3
    Romans 4:24-25

Respond

Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, their Savior, year around. But this is a season of the year that helps you to focus your attention on the cross, the empty tomb and the living Lord.

Today, read and reflect on the account of the death and Resurrection of Jesus as recorded in John 19 and 20.

Acts 4:12 (ESV) is a good verse to memorize and keep in your heart:

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Oct 31, 2012
Topic: Love

God's Love Is Timeless

What comes to mind when you hear the word timeless? In my own mind I associate the word with great works of art. Something that is timeless has such universal appeal that it's valued in all times and in all places. The paintings of Da Vinci, the symphonies of Tchaikovsky, the works of Shakespeare--all are hundreds of years old but all are still treasured by many people.

The Bible is another one of those timeless treasures. That's because it is ultimately the story of the timeless love of God. Let's take a look.

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If you saw the movie The Passion of the Christ, you know (perhaps better than many in the last several centuries) how brutal and terrible the cross of Christ was. It was a savage way to die; and yet, according to John, the very picture of love. Why?

The Bible tells us what it means by love. In 1 John 3:16 we find one of the greatest definitions of love ever given. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (ESV).

The greatest acts of love are demonstrated in the greatest acts of self-sacrifice. Jesus didn't end up on the cross by accident. He didn't slip up one day in Jerusalem. From the beginning, Jesus' sacrificial death was part of the plan (Revelation 13:8 ). God knew that only through the substitutionary death of Jesus could we ever have a relationship with Him again.

You and I today can experience that renewed relationship with God because of the sacrifice of Jesus. We can experience that true love when we come to Christ. It's a love that is as timeless as God Himself.

Reflect

As you read through 1 John 3:16 again, think about the following questions:

1. How does this definition of love differ from other popular definitions of love?

2. How can we demonstrate this example of love in our lives?

Respond

John says, "and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16, ESV). Now, we can read this as "we ought to die for each other"; but the much more practical way of reading it is, "we ought to serve each other." Think about it: When you choose to fulfill someone else's needs, you are in effect laying down your life. Ask God to show you some ways today you can lay down your life for others. Pray that as you do they will see the timeless love of God in your actions.