Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 18, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Run the Race

As the world reels under the impact of what some have called an "economic tsunami," one thing is pretty clear: Many corporate leaders made decisions based on greed rather than wisdom. They were lining their own pockets at the expense of everyone else.

So, it's only natural to wonder if considering rewards as a motive for service is not the same issue. Could it be a sign of greed or is it something the Bible approves of? Let's see what God's Word says.

Receive

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it" (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV).

    What is the prize that Paul is talking about in this verse?
    Paul compares the Christian life to a race. How are we to run it?
    In light of the comparison Paul makes, what are some of the implications if you want to win the prize?

Reflect

If you answered the first question as "salvation," think again. Salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), not something that we win by our own efforts. Instead, Paul is talking about rewards. And, instead of seeing it as a sign of greed, he actually urges us to do everything that we can to win them.

Respond

Consider today how you might be able to run the race better and win the prize. Take a sheet of paper and divide it down the middle. On one side, list some of the attitudes/activities that need to be cast off to run the race well (see Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 3:8 ). On the other side, list some of the attitudes/activities that you should put on (Colossians 3:12).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 19, 2013
Topic: Jesus, Pain/Suffering, Service/Servanthood, Heaven

The Reward of Praise

Sir Philip Sidney, a 16th century English statesman, said, "It is great happiness to be praised by them who are most praiseworthy."

Who is most worthy of all praise, honor and glory? Jesus, of course. So, whose praise would you most like to hear for your service? The answer should be Jesus'. In fact, when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and hear Him say, "Well done," that will be a "great happiness" which lasts for all eternity.

Receive

In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about a master who entrusted his wealth to his servants while he was away. On his return, the servants were judged and rewarded. "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'" (Matthew 25:21, ESV).

Jesus will do the same with us. One day He will return to judge our service, and He will commend the faithful, fruitful work we've done. He'll reward us in a number of ways, but that personal praise will be worth it all.

The apostle Paul focused on this future praise in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5. "It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (ESV). This praise can be a great motivation for service.

On the other hand, if you do good things so that people here and now notice, you're working for the wrong praise. In Matthew 6:1-2, Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (ESV).

If you're serving or living righteously so that everyone around you sees you and thinks you're the best Christian ever--if their praise is all you want, then that's all you'll get. And you will miss the more worthwhile praise of Christ.

Reflect

These passages offer further insight into our motivation for praise and service.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

    What was the service done here?
    What motivated them to speak?
    What was not part of their service or motivation?

Colossians 3:23-24

    Who is the focus of your service?
    How should you do the work (attitude)?
    Where does the reward come from?

1 Peter 1:6-7

    What will result in praise, honor and glory?
    How does this help you view or deal with present-day troubles?

In Matthew 25:21, the Master praises the "good and faithful servant."

    "Good" means what is acceptable, excellent, what has integrity, quality or a moral uprightness. What do you think Jesus sees as "good" in your life today?
    "Faithful" can also include being consistent, persistent, committed, unwavering, believing, trusting and obedient. How do you think Jesus would view your faithfulness today?

Respond

So, whose praise are you working for today? There's nothing wrong with graciously accepting praise from someone who recognizes or appreciates your service or your example. Just check your motivation. Did you do it expecting people to praise you? Are you hoping everyone notices how good your spiritual example is? Are you disappointed or even angry when your service isn't recognized?

In his book, Facing Your Final Job Review, Woodrow Kroll writes "How much a commendation by our Lord means to us after the judgment seat will depend on how much we love and respect Him." We put more stock in praise from those we love and respect. So, are you content to settle for the temporary praise of the people around you? Or does your love for Christ compel you to desire and work for His perfect and eternal praise?

(Facing Your Final Job Review, p. 161)

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 20, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

The Wonder of Heaven

There was a time in my life when I had an "amusement park" mentality when it came to heaven. I looked forward to the mansions, the streets of gold, meeting famous historical figures and so on. Jesus was there, of course. But in the amusement park mentality, He never amounted to more than the guy at the ticket booth granting admission to the wonders of heaven.

But now that I'm older and I've spent more time in the Bible, I realize this: Jesus is the Wonder of heaven.

Receive

In Revelation 22 we have John's vision of heaven. "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (22:3-5, ESV).

We will be in a place where there will be no more evil, where all manipulators, deceivers and exploiters have been shut out forever, where we no longer have to be afraid of darkness in the lives of others (or ourselves), where all the fears and uncertainties of life will be obliterated by the perfect, always present love of God.

Mansions and rewards will be nice, but the real Wonder of heaven is the God who made it all possible. The more I think about it, I don't think I'll have any problem casting my rewards at the feet of my Savior and praising Him forever.

Reflect

As you read Revelation 22:1-21, think about the following questions:

1. What did the angel show John in this passage?

2. What is the angel's response when John turns to worship him?

3. Who does this passage say are "blessed"?

4. Who did the angel tell John to worship?

5. What encouragement does Jesus give us as we wait for His return?

Respond

Have you ever heard the phrase "heaven on earth"? If heaven were only streets of gold and crowns of glory, it would be impossible to experience any of that today. But part of heaven will be praising and worshiping our Creator. And you and I can praise and worship God right now. It doesn't matter where you are--Paul and Silas were in prison when they sang praises to God. Make it a point today to experience just a little bit of heaven by praising Jesus.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 21, 2013
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Heaven

Crown of Victory; Race of Life

During the Olympic Games, we see gold, silver and bronze medals hanging on ribbons around the necks of athletes who accomplished their goal. All that training, time, energy and money was invested over a period of years just so these young men or women could get a piece of metal.

And it's true, those medals will last a long time...but not forever. They can be stolen or lost; the ribbons will one day disintegrate and the moment of glory will be long gone. It's a fleeting honor.

Receive

However, the Bible says there is a medal--a crown--that lasts forever. And to get this reward, you must run a race, not in the Olympics but in life. Paul talks about this race and the crown we can earn in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (ESV).

God has a crown of victory for every Christian who runs the race of life well. It's His eternal reward for faithfulness, for enduring hardships, for keeping on when it's rough, for treating this race as a marathon and not a sprint.

It takes commitment and the understanding that a few "wins" or spiritual victories doesn't mean you can coast through the rest of your life. Writing to Timothy, Paul urged commitment and determination to see the race through, no matter how much it hurts, how severely you are tempted to get sidetracked by other things or how much you want to change the rules. "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:3-5, ESV).

Reflect

So, how do you receive the crown of victory? The Bible tells you. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 again and answer the following questions:

    What does the spiritual athlete need to exercise?
    What is our goal?
    What are we not to do?
    What are the keys to successful training?
    When have you "run aimlessly" or "beat the air"?
    What requires discipline and self-control in your life?

Go back to 2 Timothy 2:3-5.

    What is the aim of the soldier or athlete?
    What gets him off course?
    What are some things in your life that "entangle" you?
    What do you think some of the "rules" may be?

The Bible uses words like faithfulness and perseverance to show you how to run the race. Use a concordance and do your own word study to see how you can run for victory.

Respond

No Olympian just shows up on the day of the games to compete. What you see on the track or in the pool is the result of years of training and competing. In the race of life, you can't just "show up," but you need to train...and race every day of your life. God has provided you with a coach--the Holy Spirit--and His training manual, the Bible.

As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you need self-control, added discipline in your training or a renewed focus or goal for the race. Look for instructions on what pleases the Lord and what He expects to see in your life. Take your training seriously; it's the key to staying the course and winning the crown. Use Hebrews 12:1-2 as a daily reminder of the race and the goal.

Commit your life today to running in a way that pleases the Lord, so that you, like Paul, can one day say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 22, 2013
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Evangelism

Crown of Boasting

Have you ever heard someone say: "He's so heavenly minded, He's no earthly good"? It means that someone is so focused on spiritual things that he or she doesn't get anything practical done and sometimes doesn't even remember the everyday details of life. But when it comes to the heavenly reward of crowns, there's no way to be too focused, especially when it comes to one particular crown. That crown is often called the "soul-winner's crown" or the "crown of boasting." Paul talked about it in 1 Thessalonians.

Receive

"After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!" (1 Thessalonians 2:19, NLT).

Others places in the Bible speak glowingly about the work represented by this crown:

"Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20, ESV).

"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3, NLT).

"They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin" (Malachi 2:6, NLT).

    There are three promises in the above verses. What are they?
    Who can earn this crown?
    How can it be earned?
    Which promise appeals most to you?

Reflect

Everyone who knows the Lord has a message to share. Are you committed to receiving this "soul-winner's crown" or "crown of boasting"--a crown that is going to allow you to boast about what God has done through you to take the message of the Gospel to other people? You can earn this crown if you will seek opportunities to share your faith with other people. Paul tells us that's what he did.

"To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:20-23, ESV).

Respond

Witnessing isn't all that difficult; all we have to do is tell our story. But some people are better at it than others, have you noticed that? Make a commitment today that you will one day receive this crown--becoming so heavenly minded that you do the greatest good that can be done on earth--winning others to Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 25, 2013
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

The Waiter's Crown

A friend often talks about the coming of Christ--and he nearly always ends his thoughts by exclaiming, "I can hardly wait!" There is a reward laid up in heaven for those who are eagerly looking for Jesus' coming. It's called the "crown of righteousness."

Although all true Christians are given the free gift of righteousness in Christ from the moment they trust Him as Savior (see Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21), not every Christian is going to earn the "crown of righteousness" reward. Why? Let's see what the Bible says.

Receive

In 2 Timothy4:8 (ESV) Paul writes, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

In Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) , Jesus told His disciples, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." There is a "laying up" process in the Christian life whereby you earn great blessings to be revealed and awarded in the future.

The crown of righteousness is one of those treasures, or rewards, that is laid up in heaven for the believer who holds the things of this world lightly, while living daily by the grace of God in watchful anticipation of the Lord's coming. At His judgment seat, Christ will give it to the believer (see 1 Corinthians 3:13). Paul calls it "that Day" in 2 Timothy 4:8.

Read Colossians 1:3-5. Paul thanked God for the faith of the Christians in Colossae and for their love for all believers. What do you see that was "laid up" for them that encouraged them to be the faithful, loving Christians they were?

Reflect

The letters of Paul often speak of the Christian's hope.

    What kind of hope do unbelievers have according to Ephesians 2:12?
    How many occurrences of the word "hope" can you find in Romans 5:1-5?

Part of the Christian's hope is the return or appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the "hope" in Titus 2:11-14 called? To what event does it refer?

Respond

Have you set your mind and heart on Christ's return? Is it just a passing thought now and then? Is it something you feel is irrelevant and unimportant?

As you examine your own life, do you detect any changes you should make, any practices you need to begin in order to be earning the Lord's crown of righteousness reward? Do you love His appearing?

William Barclay noted, "The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is never to forget the presence of Christ." (You Can Say That Again, Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no.8.)

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 26, 2013
Topic: Service/Servanthood

The Shepherd's Reward

Ron Klassen, Director of the Rural Home Missionary Association says, "People can be divided into roughly two types: stars and servants. The stars are the ones who capture attention. The servants work for a lifetime in obscurity. They work in inner-city churches. They are small-town pastors ministering quietly. Servants don't need spotlight or recognition from others. They are working for the Lord. They are not zeros in small churches; they are servants of a great God."

One of God's eternal rewards is reserved for His servants who have ministered faithfully. It is called the "crown of glory" and is mentioned by Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4. We'll look at that in a moment.

Receive

Take a piece of paper; draw a line down the center from top to bottom; then read the instructions the apostle Paul gave to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV) about the necessary qualities of a pastor. On the left side of your paper, list the traits he should have and on the right, those he should not have.

"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil."

Now, read the following passage:

1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV). "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Note that Peter describes himself as a "partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed" at the coming of Christ. He says that a faithful pastor's work will be rewarded with the unfading crown of glory.

Now re-read 1 Peter 5:1-4. Take your paper with the columns, and in the left column write down the tasks you find that a church leader is to do; and in the right, the things that he is not to do. When you are done, review your lists in both columns. It will reveal many of the prayer needs that your pastor has.

Reflect

You may never personally be a shepherd, an elder or a pastor of God's flock, but there are some special ways for you to share the joy of their "crown of glory" reward. As a believer, you have significant responsibilities to those whom God has called to minister the Word of God, just as they have responsibilities to you.

Read over at the following Scriptures and write down the duties you see that you and other Christians have as followers of God's servants.

    Romans 15:30-31 and 1 Thessalonians 5:25
    Romans 12:10 and Philippians 2:29 (In the context of Philippians 2:25-30)
    1 Timothy 5:17-18
    Hebrews 13:17

Respond

No one needs God's protection more than your church leaders. Take time now to consider their needs and pray for them. Make it a daily part of your devotional life. You will share in their rewards.

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:2-4, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 27, 2013
Topic: Service/Servanthood

Crown of Life

Our life on earth is precious but fragile. We could hardly blame anyone for "playing it safe." It seems almost natural to seek the good experiences while minimizing the bad. But the Christian life is anything but safe.

Receive

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy reminded him, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (3:12, ESV). In reassuring His disciples, Jesus took it as a given that His followers would be persecuted, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, ESV).

But I find comfort when I read Jesus' words in Matthew 5. He knew that those who put their faith in Him would face a difficult life, and so He stated several blessings for those who earnestly seek to honor God. The last of these Beatitudes is, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (11-12, ESV).

In the Book of James we get an idea of what this great reward will be: "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" (1:12, ESV).

The "crown of life" is also known as the "sufferer's crown," or the "martyr's crown." Probably none of us aspire to earn this crown and yet some of us will, not because we sought out suffering or persecution but because we said, "Come what may, I'm going to glorify God with my life here on earth."

Reflect

As you read the verses presented in this study, think about the following questions:

    Many of the apostles experienced persecution. Can you remember specific trials they had to endure?
    The world is a lot different than it was 2,000 years ago. In what ways is the persecution we face today different, and in what ways is it the same?
    In what forms have you faced persecution? Do you find Jesus' promise of a "crown of life" encouraging?

Respond

In the midst of contemplating the times of persecution we may be up against as believers, never forget the words of encouragement Jesus had for His disciples. Look for them in the verses above. Now, make a list. Take time to read your list every day for the next week. Pray for Christians who may be facing persecution right now.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 28, 2013
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Hiding from the Light

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

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

Receive

Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)

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

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

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

Reflect

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

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

Respond

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 1, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Fellowship with God's People

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

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

Receive

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

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

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

Reflect

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

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

Respond

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 4, 2013
Topic: Sin/Temptation, Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

Bothered By Sin

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

Receive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect

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

Respond

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

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 5, 2013
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Obedience Is Proof

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

Receive

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

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

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

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

Reflect

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

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

The Word of God is packed with commands or instructions that will reveal our relationship with God when we obey them. Here are just a few; jot down any commands you find:

Romans 12:9-21
Hebrews 13:1-18
Ephesians 5:1-21

Respond

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

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 6, 2013
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Nothing but Ashes

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

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

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

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

Reflect

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

Respond

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 7, 2013
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

Looking for His Return

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

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

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

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

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

Read the following verse from 1 John:

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

Dr. Woodrow Kroll, former teacher for Back to the Bible radio, comments on the verse:

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

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

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

Reflect

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

Their heart cry is this:

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

Respond

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 8, 2013
Topic: Sin/Temptation

God's Cure for Habitual Sin

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

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

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

Receive

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

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

Reflect

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respond

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

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