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nChrist
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« Reply #465 on: December 23, 2007, 01:48:52 AM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 18, 2007
Topic: Events/Holidays


Wise Persons Still Worship Him - 2

You don't need to be intelligent or well-educated to worship and follow Jesus; you need to be wise.

What Does God Say?


Matthew 2:1-2, tells us about some wise men. "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him'" (ESV).

These "wise men" who came to seek and worship Jesus were probably well-educated men who spent their lives studying many things including the stars. But while their studies made them aware of the birth of the King, it wasn't mere curiosity or genius that brought them to Jesus. It was a desire to see, know and worship the one "who has been born king of the Jews."

And "when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11, ESV).

You don't have to "check your brain at the door" in order to believe in Jesus. In fact, Proverbs 9:10 tells us,

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).

On the other hand, Psalm 14:1 tells us "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (ESV)

Respect or fear of the Lord helped these "wise" men understand who this Baby was and gave them the perfect reason to bow and worship.

My Thoughts

In John 3, Jesus had a conversation with an intelligent, learned man named Nicodemus. Read John 3:5-21 with these questions in mind.
How does one get eternal life?

    * What are the qualifications for believing in Jesus?
    * Who does this exclude? Or include?
    * What gets in the way of believing?
    * What are the consequences of not believing in Jesus?

My Part

Real wisdom is seeing Jesus and believing in Him; in bowing down to worship as the "wise men" did. You can go looking for Jesus and learn everything about Him but until you take the step of faith, you gain nothing. It's not blind faith--God's Word is full of all you need to know in order to believe. (Try Romans 3-8.) Are you wise enough to believe?

First Corinthians 1:26-29 says " Few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God" (NLT).

You don't have to be wise, wealthy or powerful to put your faith in Jesus. But wisdom, wealth and power don't have to be barriers to living with Him either.

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« Reply #466 on: December 23, 2007, 01:50:35 AM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 20, 2007
Topic: Joy


Happiness and Joy

The young man had two memorable Christmas days. The first was when he was 14. World War II had ended. His family members who had been in the war were coming home safely. When he opened his gifts on Christmas morning, there was a new pair of boots, new jeans, a western hat and a Remington single-shot .22 rifle. Two feet of new-fallen snow and grandma's great Christmas dinner made it the happiest Christmas of all.

The second memorable Christmas day came four years later when the young man was 18. The gifts of that day are long-forgotten, but earlier that year he had received the greatest gift of all when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior and found the solution to the emptiness in his life and the answer to his longing to be forgiven of his sins. It was the first time he saw Christ's birth from the viewpoint of one who possessed eternal life. His new relationship to Christ made it the most joyful Christmas in memory.

Do you see the difference between the inner experiences of the young man on those two Christmases? Happiness and joy are not the same, though they may sometimes be mingled. A dictionary will tell you that happiness is generally "a pleasurable or satisfying experience" but joy is a "state of well-being and contentment."

What Does God Say?

Look at some experiences of people who actually lived during the time that Jesus, the Son of God, was being introduced to the world as a baby and a young child.

    * Read Luke 1:26-56. Think about how the Virgin Mary felt when the angel made the birth announcement to her. How would you describe her feelings? (Look especially at Luke 1:29 and Luke 1:46.)?
    * Now read Matthew 1:18-21. Think about Joseph's reaction. Describe how you think he felt (Matthew 1:19 and 24).
    * Read Luke 2:1-7. How do you suppose Mary and Joseph felt about the complicated travel to Bethlehem and the repulsive birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2:4-7)?
    * Read Luke 2:8-20. How do you imagine the shepherds felt when the angels suddenly appeared to announce Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9)?
    * Read Matthew 2:1-12. How do you believe the wise men felt about their entire experience?

My Thoughts

The holidays may not always be a happy time, even for Christians. Many are suffering because of sickness, persecution, loneliness, poverty or other troubles. On the other hand, transient happiness comes at times to others who are leaving God out of their lives. Nice gifts, a good dinner, visits from family or fun on a skiing trip can give a temporary sense of well-being.

Joy, however, is your possession as a believer in Christ. It is a gift of God, given to you because of the proper response of your soul to the Gospel. It is part of the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is the eternal will of Jesus for you (John 15:11). Joy is linked to all you have in Christ forever.

My Part

List the characters from the Christmas story as mentioned in the verses above. Beside each person's name, indicate whether you think this first Christmas brought then happiness or joy (maybe both) and why.

Write down the things that make you happy at this season; then, write down the truths that make you rejoice.

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« Reply #467 on: December 30, 2007, 04:49:57 AM »

Title: The Joy of Knowing Jesus
Date: Dec 12, 2007
Topic(s): Joy
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:31, Psalm 13:5, 1 Peter 4:13, Luke 19:37-38, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Luke 2:10-11, 1 Peter 1:8, Revelation 19:6-7, Psalm 16:11, Romans 15:13, John 11:35

(Missed - Out of Order)

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."

What a fitting verse that is during this season of the year when the words joy or rejoice pop out at you so often from cards, wrapping paper and advertisements.

Joy and rejoicing are major themes in the Bible with good reason--because true rejoicing comes from a right relationship with God.

What Does God Say?


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 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.'"

My Thoughts

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

My Part

As the season of the celebration of Jesus' birth draws near, 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!

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« Reply #468 on: December 30, 2007, 04:54:05 AM »

Title: Seeing Jesus as Messiah
Date: Dec 13, 2007
Topic(s): Jesus
Scripture: Luke 24:6-7, John 3:14, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1

(Missed - Out of Order)

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.

What Does God Say?

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?

My Thoughts

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?

My Part

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.

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« Reply #469 on: December 30, 2007, 04:56:20 AM »

Title: Changed Expectations
Date: Dec 14, 2007
Topic(s): Jesus
Scripture: John 6:11-15

(Missed - Out of Order)

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.

What Does God Say?

"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?

My Thoughts

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?

My Part

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.

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« Reply #470 on: December 30, 2007, 04:59:10 AM »

Title: The Way Life Can Be
Date: Dec 24, 2007
Topic(s): New Life
Scripture: Colossians 3:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:13, John 3:36, Colossians 3:12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19



How old are you? Before you answer, you might want to consider this: The trillions of cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. The skin on our bodies is replaced every five days. The skeletal system is new every three months. Ninety-eight percent of the total number of atoms in our body are replaced at the end of a seven-year period. So, in one sense, thanks to the amazing regenerative powers of our body, none of us are more than seven years old.

But the Bible offers us something even more amazing. It's a renewal that goes far deeper than skin and bones. It occurs only once but lasts for all of eternity. And we read about it in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

What Does God Say?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, ESV)

● Where does this renewal take place?

● As a "new creation" what is our relationship with God?

● What is our new responsibility as a new creation?

My Thoughts

When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit baptizes (puts, places, immerses) us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That's what it means to be "in Christ." It is in Christ that we find safety from God's wrath that is poured out on sin and those who engage in it (John 3:36).

As a new creation we are to put off the old habits we formed when we were apart from God and put on new habits that are consistent with our new life (Ephesians 4:20-24).

My Part

Have you become a "new creation"? If not, click here to help you take that step of faith.

If you have become a new creation, what habit or habits do you need to "put off" so that your life is more consistent with your status as a new creation? Go to Colossians 3:8-10 and list the items that should be "put off." Then go to Colossians 3:12-17 and list the items to "put on." Circle at least one item on each of these lists which you will seek to put off or put on.

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« Reply #471 on: December 30, 2007, 05:02:04 AM »

Title: Good News!
Date: Dec 25, 2007
Topic(s): New Life, Jesus, Salvation
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10, Mark 16:1-16, Matthew 1:21, John 3:16-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Revelation 22:12-17, Luke 2:10-11



Are you ready for some good news? Not just good news but the best news? It's pretty simple, so stick with me: "The Savior is born." Yes, that's it. And it doesn't get any better than that!

What Does God Say?

This news, delivered to shepherds one night, merited an angel's announcement, underlined by the hosts of heaven. Luke 2:10-11 records, "The angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (NLT)

"The Savior is born." And that makes all the difference: There's nothing we need more than someone to save us from our sin and make us right with God. That's what the "good news" is all about. It's not just about a baby or a future king, and it's more than a promise fulfilled and an event to celebrate.

It's the Good News that God has given us a Savior who is named Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, NLT).

My Thoughts


The Good News doesn't stop, though, with the birth of Jesus. Take a look at these passages and consider some of the other "good news" that Jesus brings.

John 3:16-17
Mark 16:1-6
Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16
Ephesians 2:4-10
Revelation 22:12-17

My Part

At Christmas, we join with the angels and shepherds to celebrate the Good News that Jesus our Savior is born. But what are you going to do with those "good tidings of great joy" when the day is over?

Don't leave it wrapped up and tucked away under a tree. Tear it open; share it with everyone you meet; live each day in the knowledge that your Savior is born and He lives in you today.

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« Reply #472 on: December 30, 2007, 05:04:33 AM »

Title: Jesus Brings Hope
Date: Dec 26, 2007
Topic(s): Hope
Scripture: John 12:46, John 1:9, John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 4:16



The lights of Christmas! What a sight! Millions and millions of clear and colored lights decorate trees, yards, fences, houses, churches, city streets, parks, buildings, even the White House.

Christmas is about lights, but more especially about the Light of the world. Until Christmas came, most lived in the shadows. Let's see how Jesus changed that.

What Does God Say?


The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
A light has shined"
(Matthew 4:16 NLT).

Christmas shines forth the message that where the Light is, there is hope. Even in the midst of death and darkness, this Light will shine brightly.

"The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9, NLT).

Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, "'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life'" (John 8:12, NLT)

Jesus is the Light--the Light of Christmas, the Light of life and the Light of the world. Where His Light shines, there the darkness is dispelled and people find hope, abundant life and eternal life.

"I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark" (John 12:46, NLT).

My Thoughts

Think about the people you know who are stilling living in darkness. List at least three names.

Maybe this Christmas will be the time when their eyes and lives are opened to the light of Jesus. What can you do that might help bring the "Light" into their lives?

My Part

Take time now to pray and think about how you might share with others the Light of Christmas. For when you do, not only does the Light shine on those in darkness; but we also get a better glimpse of Jesus, our eternal hope.

"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so that we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT).

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« Reply #473 on: December 30, 2007, 05:08:54 AM »

Title: Living Hope
Date: Dec 27, 2007
Topic(s): Hope
Scripture: Hebrews 6:11-19, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 146:5



Christmas is a season of hope. We can find an entire month of "hope-filled" Christmas movies on TV, a youngster might be hoping for a bike on Christmas Day; shoppers are hoping for short lines at the mall; relatives may hope for a visit from a loved one. We all have things we hope for. But "hope" as it's used in the Bible is different from what we mean by these "hopes."

The writer to the Hebrews wanted his readers to understand that hope in Jesus is more than a desire or a wish. When we put our hope in Jesus, what He does for us is a certainty.

What Does the Bible Say

Hebrews 6 is directed at believers who had a lot of doubt. They had accepted Christ as their Savior but weren't really living like it. What they needed was a little growing up in their thinking about God. And the author of Hebrews helps them to mature in their faith and hope by reminding them of their salvation and that their new hope is in Jesus.

"And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end" (Hebrews 6:11, ESV). We don't often use the words "assurance" and "hope" together like that. But when applied to God and His promises "hope" loses all its uncertainty and becomes a guarantee. This is the idea behind verses 13 through 18.

Such a unique form of hope comes with unique benefits. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19, ESV). Our hope in Jesus is a steadfast anchor we build our lives around. No more making contingency plans for "what if this doesn't happen." When we place our hope in the promises of God, we can be sure that all of His promises will come to pass.

My Thoughts

Remember back to the moment you placed your hope in Jesus. How did you feel?

How has the Lord encouraged and assured you in your faith?

Take to heart the message of these verses. "Happy is he...whose hope is in the Lord his God" (Psalm 146:5, NKJV).

"Blessed [happy] is the man who trusts in the Lord,
and whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NKJV).

What is it about our hope in God that actually relieves our anxiety about the future?

What other ways are we blessed when our hope is in the Lord?

My Part

Though it's not considered a Christmas carol, find some time to meditate on the lyrics of the hymn, "Blessed Assurance."*

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight!

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above,

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission--all is at rest;

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Consider how the miracle of Jesus' life, death and Resurrection gives us this blessed assurance. Let the joy expressed in the chorus ('this is my story...) be evident in your life. Pray that God will allow others to notice and prompt them to ask questions.

*"Blessed Assurance," Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Knapp, Public Domain.

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« Reply #474 on: December 30, 2007, 05:12:15 AM »

Title: A Trustworthy Hope
Date: Dec 28, 2007
Topic(s): Hope, Jesus
Scripture: Titus 2:11-13



During World War II six Navy pilots left their aircraft carrier on a scouting mission, searching the seas for enemy submarines believed operating in the area. When they tried to return, they couldn't find their ship. While they were gone, a blackout had been imposed and all lights on the ship had been turned out. Over and over the frantic pilots radioed, asking for just one light so they could see to land. After several appeals and denials of their requests, the ship's radio operator finally turned the switch to break radio contact. Rather than risk the lives of thousands on the ship, the pilots were forced to ditch in the cold Atlantic and from there into eternity. The pilots left the ship thinking they would be able to return but found that this was a misplaced hope.

But the hope that the Bible talks about is as sure as the One who offers it. God Himself gives us hope, and the Bible tells us all about it.

What Does God Say?

Titus 2:11-13 (ESV)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

● What is this hope?

● Why is it called "blessed" (blessed means "happy")?

● How does this "hope" influence the way we live today?

My Thoughts

In the Bible, hope is never something that might happen-it is always something that will happen! Being assured of this "blessed hope" should have a significant impact on the way we live. (See your responses to the last question above). Based on these responses, what do you feel needs to change in your life?

My Part

List at least two steps you are going to take this week to bring about the changes in your life that (you indicated) need to occur. Pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom to make these changes a reality. Enlist the help of at least one person to pray for you and hold you accountable to make these changes.

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« Reply #475 on: January 01, 2008, 01:02:54 AM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 31, 2007
Topic: Jesus


Hope in God's Word

Christmas is such a special time of year. People, especially children, look forward to it. For many, it's a cherished, exciting, hopeful season. But not everyone is delighted at the thought of Christmas. For some, the holidays are a difficult struggle, emotionally and financially.

They need help and hope. The Bible teaches us that is exactly why Jesus came.

What Does God Say?

"The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

"'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
That the blind will see,
That the oppressed will be set free,
And that the time of the Lord's favor has come"
(Luke 4:17-19, NLT).

What was Jesus telling us about God's purpose for sending His Son?
To which people would this news be most wonderful?

For some, Christmas this year will not be easy--maybe because of a loss; maybe because of bad memories; maybe because they've never really grasped the importance of Christmas in the first place.

Perhaps Christmas has always been a time with family and friends, and that almost never went well. Perhaps Christmas has been a time of parties that never satisfied them. Or Christmas has been a time when they would spend money and get gifts they didn't want. So, Christmas never has been special.

But Christmas is all about the birth of a Savior. And it's that Savior who brings hope. And when you know Him as your Savior, you can experience hope and peace and joy. There's no better time than Christmas to put your faith in Jesus and change your Christmases and your future forever.

"Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life" (Titus 3:7, NLT). In Jesus there is not just hope, there is hope that we will live forever with Him.

My Thoughts

Aren't you glad that there is a Christmas story? And that God in His love and mercy saw fit to give His Son to die for your sins? What a sad and hopeless world this would be without God and Jesus, Christmas and Easter and the anticipation of heaven.

But God made known to us through His Word and His Son how He has chosen to bless us, be with us and take care of us. The Bible is the most hopeful book in all of creation and time because, in it, we find Jesus and the good news of hope and life which He came to bring. It is ours for Christmas and for each day.

My Part

Take time this Christmas to go to God's Word and read again the Christmas story--in both Matthew and Luke. Then keep reading until you get to the cross and the empty tomb story. You will find Jesus who loves you and the hope He brings to your life.

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(My Note:  Posted at exactly 2 minutes into the New Year of 2008 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!)
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« Reply #476 on: January 02, 2008, 11:16:36 PM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 1, 2008
Topic: God's Love


How You Were Made

If you were to sit down in front of my computer and wait for the screen saver to start up, you'd see picture after picture of the wonders of the universe: the majestic Orion Nebula; the beautiful Whirlpool Galaxy; the ice-enshrouded Enceladus, moon of Saturn. As telescopes get better, the beauty of God's universe only becomes clearer.

And the Bible agrees. Psalms 19:1 says. "The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament shows His handiwork." (NKJV) But let's see what the Bible says is God's ultimate creation.

What Does the Bible Say

Genesis 1:16 tells us about creation, "He made the stars" (NKJV). It's seems, however, almost as if the Author of Genesis is trying to hurry forward to something more important.

We don't have to read much further before we find out what could possibly be more important than the stars.

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'" (Genesis 1:26, ESV). And from here on, Genesis 1:26 to Revelation 22:21 (the last verse), everything in the Bible talks about God and His relationship with man.

Here are a few ways we see God interacting with Adam and Eve, the first couple:

"And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth'" (Genesis 1:28, ESV).

"And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed...You shall have them for food'" (Genesis 1:29, ESV).

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it" (Genesis 2:15, ESV).

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him'" (Genesis 2:18, ESV).

"And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman." (Genesis 2:22, ESV).

Now, there are a lot questions we may have about the universe that the Bible simply doesn't address. But for every question you have about how to live your life, how to relate to each other and, most importantly, how to relate to God, the Bible is the only book you ever need.

My Thoughts

As you read Genesis 1 and 2, think about the following questions:

    * In what different ways does God provide for us?
    * What responsibilities do Adam and Eve have?
    * Why do you think that God prohibited access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

My Part

If you look carefully at Genesis 1 and 2, you'll notice two different names of God used. In Genesis 1:1-2:4, the word is elohim (translated as God in your Bible), which is a generic term for a deity. But in 2:5 and on, the personal name for God, Yahweh, is used (translated as Lord). As you pray and meditate on the Scriptures today, try to picture God, not holding the universe in His hand but holding you by the hand, listening to you and caring for you. If one message is clear from His Word, it's that you and I are more important to Him than all the stars of the heavens.

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« Reply #477 on: January 02, 2008, 11:18:33 PM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 2, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, God


In God's Image

A beautiful poem by James Weldon Johnson* describes God's creation of the world in active, powerful words. But when the poet talks about the creation of man, the tone changes. He describes "this Great God" kneeling in the dust to form man in His own image. "Then into it He blew the breath of life, and man became a living soul." That's what makes us unique, unlike anything else God created. We are made in His image. We were breathed into life by God Himself.

What Does God Say?

See what the poet drew upon. Genesis 1:26-27 records, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them" (ESV).

Genesis 2:7 tells us, "Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature" (ESV).

Throughout Genesis 1, God's creative work is done through His word. He speaks and there's light and darkness, land and water, plants and animals. But when it came to creating man, God "got His hands dirty." He shaped us Himself, and He modeled us after Himself ("made in His image"). And then He did a very personal, intimate thing. He breathed life into us. He didn't do that for anything else in His creation. We're given the highest honor of creation, to be stamped with God, to be breathed into by Him. That makes us unique.

It also gives us a certain responsibility. If I'm created in God's image, and so are you, how I treat you reflects that. My response to what you do or say to me reflects that too. Being created in God's image makes human life incredibly valuable; it should be handled with respect, care and compassion.

We are not "little gods"; but we are more than the animals. In fact, Psalm 8:5-6 tells us where we rank:

"Yet you have made him [man] a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet" (ESV).


My Thoughts


Take a look at a few more verses that talk about mankind as made in God's image.

Genesis 9:1-7

    * What does this say about the value of human life?
    * What does God require when someone takes a human life?

James 3:8-9

    * What does this say about how we treat others?
    * What do we need to guard carefully?

When sin came into our lives, it was like someone throwing black paint across a great work of art. But because of salvation from Christ Jesus, we can be restored. What changes do you see in these verses? How does that influence your view of or actions towards other people?

Ephesians 4:22-24
Colossians 3:8-10

My Part

Knowing that God stamped His image on you can have a significant impact on your life. So, think about some of these questions; maybe jot down your answers; then take them to God and ask Him to help you adjust your views.

    * How do I see myself? Do I act like I'm worthless or valuable, junk or a treasure?
    * What do I see in other people? Something valuable or worthless? How is that reflected in my words and attitudes? Would my friends or family say I treat them as something God made?
    * How do I deal with people in general? With those I don't know, who aren't like me, from other cultures or social groups? Do I hang on to prejudices or do I see those from other cultures and lifestyles as people God made in His image as well?
    * What are three things I can work on today that help me reflect God's image to the world around me?

*James Weldon Johnson, ed. (1871-1938 ). The Book of American Negro Poetry. 1922.

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« Reply #478 on: January 07, 2008, 10:46:04 PM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 4, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Sin/Temptation


Steps of Self-Destruction

In debate or rhetoric, the "slippery slope" is an argument for the likelihood that an action will initiate a chain of events culminating in an undesirable result. We find the original slippery slope in Genesis 3:1-6. And, sure enough, we find it is the path to self-destruction.

What Does God Say?

"And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, 'God is tempting me.' God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
"So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters (James 1:13-16, NLT).

    * What are three of the important truths in this Scripture?

    * According to these verses, what is the sequence leading to death?

Read the following passage:

"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).

    * How can we avoid the consequences of sin?


My Thoughts


Did it ever cross your mind that when you did something wrong, it did not happen in just that moment? The sinful action is always preceded by sinful thoughts which are motivated by selfish and ungodly desires. And the more we think wrong, the worse our attitudes are and the closer we are to acting out in sinful ways. And that is a slippery slope that we cannot easily climb back up.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans about his struggle:
"I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
"And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
"I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong" (Romans 7:15-21, NLT)
Has that been your experience? Well, there's good news. There is a way off the slippery slope.

My Part

The secret to keep from destroying yourself is to stop wherever you are on the downward path and look to God.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Stop destroying yourself and others with you. Confess your sin. Forsake it. Ask God to forgive you of it. And then, start over. This time walk before God and be blameless. You can do it. The Spirit will help you to be strong. Ask Him to help you stop destroying yourself.

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« Reply #479 on: January 07, 2008, 10:49:25 PM »

Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 7, 2008
Topic: Evil


Thoughts Out of Control

Do you wonder how much longer God is going to put up with the rampant evil in today's world? Has He simply turned His face away from the persecution Christians are going through in so many countries? Does He just not care about the babies being killed while still in their mother's womb? Is He unaware of the spread of pornography, the senseless shootings of ordinary people going about their daily business, the marketplace bombings, the obsession with illicit sex, the unabated drug trafficking? Does God have no concern about evil?

There was once a godly man who, the Bible says, "walked with God" (Genesis 6:9) in the midst of a society that was much like ours. His name was Noah. The description of the people of his day is recorded in Genesis 6:1-13. Here are a few verses from that section:

What Does God Say?

"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart" (Genesis 6:5-6, ESV).

"Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth" (Genesis 6:11-12, ESV).

"And God said to Noah, 'I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth" (Genesis 6:13, ESV)

"Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years'" (Genesis 6:3, ESV).

"He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark" (Genesis 7:23 ESV).

Notice these facts from those verses:

    * God looked at a whole generation's actions, and He knew its thoughts.
    * God made a verdict about humanity's guilt.
    * God determined to eliminate the entire society.
    * God, in His mercy, gave that generation 120 years to repent.
    * God carried out His judgment, exactly as He had warned.

My Thoughts

    * Re-read Genesis 6:5-6. What do you see there that shows God is concerned with far more than evil actions?
    * In Genesis 6:3, what do you see about God's mercy and patience with sinners?
    * Look up Proverbs 15:26. What does it tell you about evil thoughts?
    * According to Jesus, what is the source of evil thoughts and evil actions (Mark 7:21-23)?
    * What did David tell Solomon about God's understanding of our innermost being (1 Chronicles 28:9)?

My Part

If the evil actions of your generation are all traceable to the wickedness of its hearts and thoughts, what should you be doing as a Christian to make sure you are protected from the ravages of evil thoughts in your own life? Here are some pointers on how to deal with God-dishonoring thoughts:

    * Recognize that evil thoughts come out of a heart that is not in tune with God (Mark 7:21-23). Make sure your heart is right with God.
    * Believe what the Bible says about God's knowledge of all your thoughts and His judgment of your secrets (Genesis 6:5-6; Romans 3:16).
    * Make a conscious effort daily to turn your thought life over to God's control; spend time in the Word (Proverbs 16:20) and prayer.
    * Fill your mind with good and positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8 ).

The Bible says this about a person, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). May your New Year be filled with thoughts that please the Lord and give honor to Him!

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