Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 23, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Do Something

Have you ever listened to a couple take their wedding vows, promising to love and be there for each other for the rest of their lives? Two things should be evident. First, words are easy to say--it's the living of them day-by-day that is the difficult part.

Second, their lives are going to change. If nothing changes, then it's likely there may have been a wedding, but not a marriage. Being a Christ-follower is often like that.

What Does God Say?

Jesus intends for us, as followers and disciples, not only to hear Him, but to do what He says.

"So why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins" (Luke 6:46-49, NLT).

    * What are two of the most significant things that Jesus is teaching here?

My Thoughts

Would Jesus say today that you are building your life on the bedrock or without a solid foundation?

It's easy to pray, "Lord, show me Your will," and then forget about being obedient to what was shown. It's easy to accept the wonderful things that Christ brings to our lives as Savior and then be indifferent to His claim on our lives in every situation and every relationship. It's easy to be in church on Sunday and then not live like a Christian all week--at home, school or work.

If you were going to take the words of Jesus and "work them into your life," what would be different? What would be your greatest challenge? Where would you begin?

My Part

What are two areas in your life right now where you have heard what Jesus said but haven't yet done anything about it? Take time to pray now, and ask for God's help that you not only would find the motivation, but that you would do something!

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 24, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Obedience Connection

Have you ever rushed off one plane in order to make another flight? Sometimes, the time period between connections is close, with only minutes to spare. If we miss the connecting flight, we might miss an important meeting, get stuck in the airport overnight or even miss out on important family events. All in all, connections are important!

What's the most important faith connection for a new or maturing Christian? It's the obedience connection. Let's see how seriously the Bible takes this connection.

What Does God Say?

"But Samuel replied,

'What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king'" (1 Samuel 15:22-23, NLT).

Being right with God and with others means obeying God in all relationships and should be a higher priority than any ritual or routine no matter how "religious" it might be.

"The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices" (Proverbs 21:3, NLT).

    * What do the Scripture passages above teach us about obedience?

My Thoughts

Most of us don't need to know more, we need to do better with what we've already learned. Are there any areas of your life where you're living in disobedience? Has God shown you something you need to do or stop doing? Have you been obedient in that area?

Write down three things that are significant for your life in light of the fact that Jesus is your Savior and Lord.

My Part

Missing out on a big meeting or a major family event can be a huge disappointment. But missing out on what God has for your life because of a broken obedience connection is far worse and much sadder. Pray now, asking that God would help you, immediately and willingly, to walk in obedience with Jesus as Savior and Lord.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 25, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Trust--and Obey

Do you realize the Bible Minute study you are doing would not exist if a godly man who lived over 70 years ago had not "put feet to his faith"?

That man was Theodore Epp. The vision God gave him was to start a Bible-centered radio broadcast for the midwestern United States.

To begin with, Mr. Epp had almost nothing more than the vision. He was barely able to scrape enough money together to do the first broadcasts. He had no radio station and no confirmed listeners. He could easily have said, "Well, it was a good idea and I wish I could have done it, but there is absolutely no way. I'll just have to forget it."

But Mr. Epp didn't let his faith sit and wish. He didn't ignore God's direction. His faith led to action and obedience to the Lord. He set out and walked by faith, and the Back to the Bible broadcast he founded became the parent ministry of this Bible Minute program whose lesson you are studying today! Let's also look at some examples from the Bible.

What Does God Say?

Some people in the Bible "put feet on their faith," but others got "cold feet" and didn't obey. Look up the Scripture passages below. Which kind of response to God's commands do you find in each of the Bible passages? Which persons showed their faith by being "doers of the Word" and which ones showed their unbelief by disobedience?

    * Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-7
    * Mark 12:41-44
    * 1 Samuel 13:13
    * Hebrews 11:7
    * Hebrews 11:8-10
    * John 13:36-38; 18:25-27
    * Luke 18:18-23

My Thoughts

Can you remember a time when you had to step out in faith and obey God? Have you taken the first step of faith and entered the Christian life by trusting Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior? Salvation is not earned by our works, but by true, saving faith in Christ, which is always shown by obedience. Read Ephesians 2:8-10 and meditate especially on verse 10.

My Part

List one to three things where you believe God may be asking you to step out in faith. Maybe it's in the area of serving in your local church, in giving or in telling others about Christ. Ask three other people to pray about these "faith steps," and ask God to show you when and how you can step out in faith and obey Him.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 26, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Look into the Mirror

You might remember that Fonzie of "Happy Days" was often overcome with emotion at how good he looked in a mirror. Most of us, however, are more struck by what doesn't look good or even dismayed by the imperfections of our reflection. But what's the use of a mirror if we don't improve what we can so we look our best? The Bible teaches that hearing God's truth for our lives requires some follow-through.

What Does God Say?

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1:23-24, NIV).

    * What point is James making in this verse?

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22, NKJV).

    * What is it that concerns James so much?
    * Do you believe that the same concerns exist today?
    * Is it possible for a person to hear the Bible, read it and even attend Bible studies and have little change in his or her life? Why or why not?

My Thoughts

What we see through God's Word is a reflection of what we look like spiritually. No matter how bad the sight, it helps to know that, unlike our physical image, things can be different. God encourages and challenges us that because of Christ, change is possible.

James says it like this:

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25, NKJV).

My Part

What has the mirror of God's Word revealed to you about your walk with Jesus? Have you acted on what God has shown you? Remember that God not only will show you things that need to change, but He will help you follow through. Take time now to ask God to help you be not just a hearer of His Word, but also a doer.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 29, 2007
Topic: Salvation


Liberated by the Law

Have you ever been told that you're not good enough for something? It's frustrating and often times disappointing to try to attain something that's out of your reach.

That's the way some people view heaven. Many people will tell you that the only way to go to heaven is to be a good person. The truth is that we can never be good enough for heaven. We as humans are sinful, imperfect beings. No matter how many good things we do in our life, we'll still be sinners. And because we're sinners, we deserve death and condemnation. Let's see what God's Word says about this problem.

What Does God Say?

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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1-4, NKJV).

    * What is the consequence of our sin according to these verses?
    * According to this passage, who has no condemnation?
    * Who has made us free from the law of sin and death, and how was that done?

My Thoughts

Even though we have been given freedom through Christ, it does not give us an excuse to act selfishly. We should serve God because He has given us the freedom to do so. Ask yourself these questions:

    * Have I received Christ as my personal Savior and been liberated from sin by God's law?
    * Are my actions represented of someone who has been freed by Christ?

Why is it so important that we share this freedom that God gives with others who don't know Christ?

My Part

In Galatians, the apostle Paul says, "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13, NLT). Write down some ways you can use your freedom to serve other people, whether it's someone in your church or in your job.

Take some time and thank God for the freedom that He has given you through Christ and for His perfect Law.

Additional Scripture: John 8:36, Romans 3:23

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 30, 2007
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Free to Serve

Imagine you were held captive in the worst possible prison or caught in terrible slavery--powerless and hopeless. Then along comes someone who pays a high price to set you free! You'd want to do something to show your gratitude, wouldn't you? Even though you could never repay him or her for the tremendous gift of your freedom, you'd spend the rest of your life with the knowledge that someone else gave up so much so you could be free. That's how it is with Jesus.

What Does God Say?

When Jesus sets us free from the slavery of sin, your best response is to express your gratitude through acts of love. We're no longer in bondage to sin or to the rules and traditions of empty religion. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6, NIV).

And God gives us a way to express our gratitude as we serve Him and love others. Galatians 5 tells us, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery....You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:1,13-14; NIV).

While we can never "pay back" Jesus Christ for His sacrifice on our behalf, we can "pay it forward" when we love others. As we sacrifice our own desires for their good or show compassion, we're expressing our faith and gratitude to God. Look at Matthew 25:34-40, and you'll discover that Jesus says "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

Our natural thinking is that if we're "free," we can do whatever we want and that "anything goes." Galatians 5:13 includes this caution, "Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (NIV). And verse 16 says "live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (NIV). We're free to live with the Holy Spirit in us and with His power to love and serve others.

My Thoughts

Several New Testament passages teach us that in Christ, we're free from the bondage or slavery of sin, the constraints of legalism and the condemnation of the Law (which points out our failures). Read through a few of these, and jot down your observations.

Romans 7:4-6
Romans 8:1-17
1 Corinthians 8:9-13
1 Corinthians 10:23-24

    * What was your original condition?
    * What changes when Jesus Christ gives you freedom?
    * What responsibilities do you now have to others?

My Part

Do you live in freedom, knowing that you're no longer under the control of sin or legalism or the old Law? A lot of us don't. We've accepted Jesus' gift of salvation, but we don't live like we're really free. Take a few minutes to celebrate the freedom Jesus has given you, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to live free.

Then consider your response to people around you. Do you insist on your own way all the time? Are you critical or judgmental of those whose faith doesn't seem to measure up? Are there things you need to set aside for the good of others? Or opportunities you've ignored to express faith in love and action? Jot down a few ideas, and then go back to God in prayer and ask for His help in living to serve.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Jan 31, 2007
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Take a Good Look

One of the criticisms most often aimed at the Bible is that it's hard to understand. There's some truth to that. Paul's arguments in his letters, while brilliant, are complex and sometimes difficult to follow. The lists of genealogies found throughout the Old Testament may be important, but how in the world do you pronounce Hazelelponi? (See 1 Chronicles 4:3.)

But much of the Bible is easy to understand. In fact, often there are verses that are so crystal clear, they're impossible to ignore. James 1:22 is one of them.

What Does God Say?

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22, NIV). When you understand that "the word" refers to the Bible, it's easy to see how important this verse is. James repeats this idea and expands on it a little later.

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25, NIV). The idea is simply this: If your Bible study doesn't lead to Bible living, then you'd do just as well reading comic books for all the good it's doing you.

And yet this is what Christians do all the time; they spend time reading the Bible then walk away from it and live just like they were beforehand. They spend 30 minutes or more in church listening to a pastor read and explain the Bible, then forget what they learned before they reach home. James put it this way: "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1:23-24, NIV).

In the last two verses of chapter 1, James gives two practical examples. One of a person claiming to be spiritual yet not controlling his tongue and the other refusing to help the needy. These kinds of people are fooling nobody, and they certainly are not fooling God.

My Thoughts

As you read James 1:22-27, think about the following questions:

    * What's keeping you from doing what the word says?
    * How is the issue of acting like Christians different from that of our salvation from sins? (See Ephesians 2:8-9.)
    * If we are not saved by our actions, why are they still important? (See Ephesians 2:10.)

My Part

The word "hypocrite" can be an ugly word, but one that's true of most everyone at some point or another. First, praise God that He understands our weaknesses and that He sincerely wants to help you live by His Word. Next, each time you study the Bible, write down one way you want to apply what you read, and be specific. Don't write, "I want to love my fellow man." Instead write something like, "I want to start up a conversation with that guy at work everyone avoids." If you're in a Bible study group, hold each other accountable to these goals; call each other in the middle of the week and ask how things are going, and then pray for each other.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 1, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Creating Fruit

Have you ever finished reading a book and thought, Well that was a complete waste of my time? What if someone told you there was a book that could change your life? The Bible is not just another book we should casually read and lay aside. The Word of God has the power to change our lives if we allow it. Take a look at what God says will result from seriously reading His Word.

What Does God Say?

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25, NKJV).

    * According to this verse, what do we have to do to receive God's blessing?
    * If the Bible is like a mirror, what does James 1:23-24 tells us we have to do to create a lasting change in our life?
    * What is the command we are called to obey in James 1:22?

My Thoughts

The Bible has the power to change our lives, but we must be reading it every day. Think back to your life before you found Christ, or to a time when you weren't in a close relationship with God. Ask yourself these questions:

    * How was your life different than it is now?
    * How has reading the Bible changed your life?

If you can't see that there's been in change in your life, think about these questions:

    * Are my daily actions showing that God is dwelling in my heart?

Am I consistently reading God's Word and obeying what He tells me I need to change.

My Part

In order to change, we must be convinced that changes are necessary. Change can be difficult, but we don't have to do it on our own. We must seek out God to help us create the change in our life. Here are a few ways that we can make sure we're on the right track with God.

    * If you haven't already, schedule a certain time everyday where you'll spend time reading God's Word.
    * As you pray and spend time studying the mirror (God's Word), write down the changes that you see you need to make in your life.

Most importantly, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you make those changes.

Additional Scripture: John 15:4, 9-11

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 2, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith & Works

"Love is not something you say,
Love is something you do."

That's exactly what James was saying about the faith of a Christ-follower in the Book of James. In fact, James teaches that a "say only, do nothing" kind of faith is not good for much.

What Does God Say?

"Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, 'Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well'--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (James 2:15-17, TEV).

The faith of a Christian is not only a practical faith for life today, but it's also a practicing faith for every day.

Why do you think James would be teaching about a dead and useless faith?

John the Baptist in his preaching also strongly emphasized living out your faith.

"'Prove by the way you live that you repented of your sins and turned to God. Don't just say to each other, "We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham." That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.' The crowds asked, 'What should we do?' John replied, 'If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry'" (Luke 3:8-11, NLT).

And Jesus saw every expression of helping others, for His sake, as an act of faith unto Him personally.

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT).

My Thoughts

Faith begins with believing that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, then trusting Him as Savior, asking Him to forgive your sins, and come into your life and help you live for Him. But faith continues as we follow Him as Lord realizing that we are to express our faith by reflecting His character and love and compassion.

    * How does your faith express itself in your actions?
    * Are there areas that need improvement? If yes, take those before God in prayer, and ask Him to help you.

My Part

Has being a Christ-follower made a difference in how you live? In the way you behave toward others? In understanding that you serve the Lord by serving others?

What are at least two ways to live out your faith today?

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 5, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith Completed

How do you define faith? A lot of people define it as a belief in something when there is no evidence to back up that belief. But faith really isn't just about what you believe, it's also about what you do with what you believe. I love this definition of faith: "Faith is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence. Faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences."

What Does God Say?

Read James 2:21-22: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?" (NKJV).

Did you catch that? Abraham's faith was expressed through his actions. In fact, his faith wasn't complete until it was expressed. There are a lot of people who say they believe in God. They take it as a matter of pride that they have faith in the "immortal, invisible." They call themselves followers of this God. But their lives are no different from a nonbeliever's.

It's good that they believe in God--but so do the demons and they tremble (James 2:19). But their faith is dead, because, unlike Abraham, they don't put any feet to it. They don't follow God regardless of the personal consequences.

My Thoughts

Can you trust God? Do you know Him well enough to trust that He loves you? What is He calling you to do today that maybe you're a bit hesitant to do?

My Part

God tested Abraham by asking him to give up the most precious object he had--his only son. God may not ask you to do that, yet He asks many things of you every day. As you look at what God might be calling you to do, pray to Him and be honest about your fears. Pray also that God would give you the strength to follow through on what you need to do. Even when it looks like the consequences would be too hard to bear, trust that God is in control. When you can believe that and act accordingly, then you'll find the faith James is talking about.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 6, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith Examples

Faith isn't a feeling, an idea or even a hopeful belief. Faith is confidence that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. And that confidence prompts you to take action and do what God has called you to do. The Bible is full of examples of people whose faith was translated into action.

What Does God Say?

James 2 talks a lot about faith and works--the two go together. Faith without action or deeds or works is merely words. "So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (James 2:17, NLT). You can say whatever you think but unless your actions back up what you believe it's not much faith. "How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" (James 2:20, NLT).

James 2 also mentions Abraham, whose faith always took action, even if it meant leaving his home for an unknown land and offering his only son as a sacrifice. God spared his son, and Abraham's faith was commended. His faith story covers Genesis 11:27-25:11.

Noah is another great example. Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as "a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God" (NLT). Hebrews 11:7 recounts, "It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith" (NLT). It was a preposterous assignment for an unheard of event but "Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him" (Genesis 6:22, NLT).

And it wasn't just the men. James 2:25 says, "Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road" (NLT). This woman risked her life to protect two men because she believed in God and believed He'd do exactly what He promised--destroy her city, Jericho. You can read the whole story in Joshua 2 and 6.

My Thoughts

Along with Abraham, Noah and Rahab, you'll find people who put faith into action listed in Hebrews 11. Check out their stories and see what you learn.

Abel (Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:2-8)

Sarah (Hebrews 11:11-12; Genesis 17:15-22; 18:10-15; 21:1-7)

Joseph (Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 44:18-45:15; 50:22-26)

Moses' parents (Hebrews 11:23: Exodus 2:1-10)

Moses (Hebrews 11:24-28; Exodus 2:11-25; Exodus 12)

    * How did each person demonstrate faith?
    * What kind of action did they take?
    * What do you learn from their example?

My Part

We see examples in God's Word, but you probably know a few living examples today.

    * Do you personally know someone who puts his/her faith into action?
    * How does this person do that?
    * What have you learned from him/her?
    * How has this believer challenged you to make sure that your faith has feet, that it works?

So, how are you doing? Review James 2:14-17 for a few ideas about where you can start putting your faith to work, and ask God to show you what He would have you do.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 7, 2007
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Living Your Faith Out Loud

Have you ever heard of someone who claimed to be a baseball fan, but who never watched or went to any games? Just as peculiar as that seems, so is the Christian who professes to have faith but doesn't put that faith into action. While we're saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. Saving faith should motivate us to take what we believe and put it to work in our lives. Take a look at what God has to say about faith in action.

What Does God Say?

" But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" ( James 2:20, NKJV).

How can we tell if we have a "live" faith or not?

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Did you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect" ( James 2:21-22, NKJV).

God gave us many examples of people who put their faith to action, including Abraham. If you are not familiar with the story of Abraham and Isaac, read Genesis 22.

    * What did God have Abraham do to strengthen his faith?
    * What does this teach us about the importance of works with faith?

My Thoughts

Authentic faith will result in action. Take a look at your life and ask yourself these questions:

    * Is my life proof that I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior?
    * If not, was there a time when I accepted this faith and trusted in Christ?
    * What does the life of a person who puts their faith into action look like? (Look at the life of Noah in Genesis 6-9.)

My Part

Faith that is inactive is useless. We can't just say that we are Christians, but we must live it through our deeds. Sometimes it can be hard to think of ways to put our faith into action. Choose one of the following ways (or come up with your own) to express your faith:

    * Volunteer at an organization.
    * Help a widow in your church.
    * Give money to people in need.

Pray and ask God to strengthen your faith and that you would be ready to put your faith into action.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 8, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith In Action

Faith and acts of faith are two sides of the same coin for the Christian. In other words, according to the Bible, you can't separate faith from actions that express your faith. The Bible teaches that important lesson in the Book of James.

What Does God Say?

"Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds."...Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works" (James 2:18,26; NLT).

    * Is it clear what James is saying? Why do you think he was so forceful?

To be sure that we understood this truth about faith in action, James gives two examples from people in the Bible.

"Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone" (James 2:21-24, NLT).

"Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road" (James 2:25, NLT).

My Thoughts

    * How has God shown you the truth of James 2:24 in your life?
    * Does God intend for this to affect the way you live out your faith?
    * What are some actions that today would reflect your faith in Christ?

My Part

Make a list of actions that would express your faith in God through Jesus. Perhaps you might begin by coming up with some faith actions for the relationships that are important in your life now.

Take a few moments to pray, asking God to show you how your faith and your works should "work" together.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 9, 2007
Topic: Faith/Trust


When Faith Hurts

So, you finally did it. You stepped out in faith and took that $200 you were squirreling away for a rainy day and donated it to charity. And then you see the news report that your charity was involved in a massive scandal. The money you thought would be going to feeding the hungry instead went into the pocket of a CEO who got a little greedy.

So, who messed up? Did you fail in choosing to step out in faith? Did God fail? Nope. Neither is true.

One of the sad facts of living in a sinful world is that sometimes sinful people will cause us disappointment. Was it wrong to step out in faith? Not at all. Our faith is in God, not in the things we do. And that is really why we act in faith.

What Does God Say?

James 2 has a lot to say about acting in faith.

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18, NKJV).

Claiming that we have faith in God yet not acting in that faith is as ridiculous as a man who claims he's a quarterback yet has never touched a football. Now a quarterback, a real one, knows that not every pass will be perfect--some will be intercepted, and some will miss their mark. But the good quarterback keeps on playing.

Sometimes when we act in faith, we get burned by the sin of another person. But that doesn't relieve us of our responsibility to act in faith; it just helps us be a little sharper the next time.

My Thoughts

    * When have you found it hard to act in faith?
    * How has God reassured you in those times?
    * What did you learn through that experience?

My Part

Though you can't predict what others will do when you donate to their organization, you can do a little research beforehand. If you're considering giving financially to a ministry, spend some time on their Web site. What are their core values? What are their financial credentials? Most of all, take time to pray over any step of faith. Pray that God would use your offering and that you would grow through the experience.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study
With Woodrow Kroll

Date: Feb 12, 2007
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Clean Up

The little boy came running to the table ready for supper. But his mother stopped him and told him to go wash his hands before he ate. As he went to the bathroom, you could hear him grumbling, "That's all I ever hear around here: Jesus and germs, Jesus and germs, Jesus and germs."

Since the Bible sees "sin" as filthiness, there may be more truth to this little boy's complaints than he realized. Jesus tells us what we should do with these "germs."

What Does God Say?

James 1:21 says, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (NKJV).

To be a Christian is not only to place faith in Jesus as Savior, but also as Lord. This means we should "lay aside" anything and everything that isn't pleasing to God. Jesus is never pleased with sin (spiritual filth). Though He loves us, He also wants us to live in a way that pleases Him. So, we should take seriously the Bible command that anything in our lives that is ungodly, unhealthy, immoral or evil is to be done away with. Like the little boy, we should remove all the germs from our lives.

My Thoughts

What do you think is the goal Jesus has in mind for your life? Do you find a clue in this Scripture?

"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation" (Psalm 24:3-5, NKJV).

Jesus intends that we have "clean hands and a pure heart." While there may be some things that God wants to be a part of your life, write down three things that you know God doesn't want to be in your life.

My Part

Pray and ask God to give you the desire and the mind to lay aside those things you wrote above. Ask for His help, His strength and His courage in allowing Jesus to truly be Lord in your life.

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