Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 5, 2008
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times


The

A friend often talks about the coming of Christ--and he nearly always ends his thoughts by exclaiming, "I can hardly wait!" There reward is 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.

What Does God Say?

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 (see1 Corinthians 3:13). Paul calls it "that Day" in 2 Timothy4:8.

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?

My Thoughts

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?

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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

Date: Nov 6, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

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.

My Thoughts

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

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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

Date: Nov 7, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

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."

My Thoughts

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?

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 10, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

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?

My Thoughts

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)

My Part

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

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 11, 2008
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 very 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.

What Does God Say?

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.

My Thoughts

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?

My Part

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?
______________________

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 12, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

    * 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).

   1. In the Jeremiah passage what did God find so objectionable about the people's attitude toward sin?
   2. Why do people love darkness more than light(see John 3:19)?
   3. 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).

   1. Who will convict the world of sin?
   2. 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?

My Thoughts

    * 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?

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 13, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

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 possible with the Father; obeying His commands makes it visible.

My Thoughts

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

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 14, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

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?

My Thoughts

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.

My Part

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

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 17, 2008
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.

What Does God Say?

"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).

   1. What can you expect on the day Christ returns?
   2. What makes you personally look forward to that day?
   3. What does Titus 2:13 mean by "the glory of our great God and Savior"?
   4. 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. Kroll, teacher for Back to the Bible radio and TV, 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).

My Thoughts

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).

My Part

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]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 18, 2008
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."

What Does God Say?

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)?

My Thoughts

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 John15:4 (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.

My Part

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.

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 19, 2008
Topic: Love, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Love One Another

"Love one another." You'll see that phrase over and over again in the New Testament. Why? Because it's the new commandment, the law of Christ: love one another. It's visible proof that you've received the gift of salvation and belong to Christ.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:14 tells us, "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead." (NLT) You can know for sure that you've passed from death to life (salvation through Christ) because of the love you have for others in the same condition (saved through Christ).

Because this is true, it's also a command. Look at 1 John 4:7: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (ESV). In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples--and us--that "a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (ESV).

Love for others is proof of your salvation. When you obey the command to love, when you follow Jesus' example of love, others will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong to Him. So, how do you do it--how do you love like Jesus loved?

My Thoughts

Read through these passages with the following questions in mind.

John 15:12-16

    * What is Jesus' example of love like?
    * What will the result of loving one another be?

Romans 12:9-10; 13:8-10

    * What attitudes go with "love one another"?
    * What actions does this love take?
    * What does this love not do?

Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22

    * What attitudes mark our love for one another?
    * What actions does this love take?
    * How have you shown this love? What else can you do?

My Part

When we talk about love, we often turn to 1 Corinthians 13. It shows us real love, the kind God pours into our hearts when we belong to Him (see Romans 5:2-5). But sometimes we don't understand the actions that should characterize our love.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (ESV).

List each thing that love is or does, and jot down ways you show love. For example:

    * How do you demonstrate patience?
    * What situations can you think of today that require your kindness?
    * What would your relationship with a friend or spouse look like when you "believe all things" or "bear all things"?

This is love in action, not emotion or an impossible goal. This is "love one another" lived out today...in you.

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 20, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Conscience

We all have a conscience, whether we like it or not. It's that little--often irritating--voice inside that tells us we're about to go somewhere or do something we shouldn't. However, our conscience is a gift from God to guide us into the best life we can live and to reassure us of our salvation.

Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

In his first letter, the apostle John tells us "By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him" (1 John 3:19-22, ESV).

If you're like me, you want to live a life consistent with what Jesus taught. You want to know when you are doing wrong so you can change your course and begin doing the right things, the things that will please God. The surest way to do that is by taking in God's Word on a daily basis.

You see, the Word of God heightens our conscience. It's in the Bible that we learn what does and does not please God. And the more we take in God’s Word, the more we'll be reminded to steer clear of the wrong path.

We'll look more into this in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read our verses for today, think about the following questions:

1. When was the last time you felt your conscience prodding you to do the right thing?
2. When your heart condemns you, who is greater than your heart?
3. What does John mean by our heart “condemning” us?
4. How does all this relate to what John said about receiving what we ask for from God?

My Part

Our conscience rarely, if ever, gives popular advice; but it does give us good advice. This week, pay attention to what your conscience is telling you. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the reminders He gives you about the path you should walk. And on the days when, despite your conscience, you find yourself in sin, remember Johns words from earlier: "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, ESV).

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 21, 2008
Topic: Holy Spirit, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Your Best Source

Did you know that you have all the help you need to live the Christian life? When you put your faith and trust in Christ, when you are in an intimate relationship with Him, you have the Holy Spirit as your ally--a limitless resource for living.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:24 tells us, "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (ESV). The Holy Spirit is not just present in your life like a shadow looking over your shoulder, but He is your power source for every need and your ally for every battle.

Paul addresses the power issue in his prayer in Ephesians 3:16, "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (ESV). The Holy Spirit powers you up; He gives you strength. You don't have to do it on your own.

The Spirit helps us in other ways, too. Look at Romans 8:26-27, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." (NLT) He helps us pray, and He intercedes for us even when we don't know what to pray.

In John 14:26, the Spirit is our teacher: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (ESV). And He gives us the words to speak up for God, "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:12, ESV).

My Thoughts

Jesus introduces the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples in John 15:26, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (ESV).

    * How does He describe the Holy Spirit?
    * What is the mission of the Spirit?
    * Where does He come from or get His authority from?

Later in John 16, Jesus explains more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit or the Helper. Take a look at John 16:7-15, with these questions in mind:

    * What will the Helper come to do to the world?
    * What is the advantage of having this Helper?
    * How will the Helper assist those who belong to Christ?
    * What is the relationship between the Helper and the Father?

If you have time, read through John 14-17 to see what else Jesus says about the Holy Spirit and what He does for you.

My Part

For most of us, the Holy Spirit is the forgotten factor for living the Christian life. Where do you most need His help? Are you trying to "do it all" in your own strength or have you learned to tap into His power? Do you struggle to know how and what to pray about? Are you looking for comfort in things or other people instead of leaning on the Spirit? When you open your Bible, do you ask for His help and guidance to make it understandable and to live out what you learn?

These are the areas where the Holy Spirit proves to be our best ally. Take a few moments today to evaluate your life and to seek His assistance as you abide in Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 24, 2008
Topic: Other


Spirits You Must Know

When Jesus contrasted the narrow gate that leads to life with the wide gate that leads to destruction, He was warning people that there are only two possible choices open to them when it comes to eternity (see Matthew 7:13). When the Lord talked about men building either on the rock or on sinking sand, He was offering them the same two choices (Matthew 7:24-27).

Today, it is common to talk about one's worldview, which is the way you look at all of reality and how your "view" of reality forms your basis for making decisions about life.

The Bible teaches that you have only two choices for forming your basic worldview--two spheres that are available to you as you travel the brief time in this world until you enter the door into eternity. One of those worldviews is in the sphere of God's truth; the other, in the sphere of Satan's lie. The narrow way is clearly God's only way; the broad way gives the appearance of offering many choices--but all are merely different forms of Satan's deception.

Today, let's look at some of the many scriptures that speak of God's truth and Satan's lie.

What Does God Say?

God's truth rests in the very nature of God Himself. It is revealed in Christ and the written Word. Satan's lie came about because of his rebellion against God. It is disseminated by him through false religion, false teachers, demonic activity and every other form of deceit and ungodliness.

The apostle John spoke of two spirits in 1 John 4:6 (ESV): "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

The Spirit of truth is the Holy Spirit; the spirit of error is Satan, who deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with the lie: "You will be like God" (Genesis 3:5). The devil has been telling that lie to mankind ever since. Truth mixed with error will always be error. As someone has said, "Ninety-eight percent of rat poison consists of good food."

My Thoughts

Following are some Bible statements about the truth and the lie. Look them up and jot down your answers to the questions.

    * John 8:44. According to Jesus, what are some of the chief characteristics of the devil?
    * John 14:6. What four things does Jesus proclaim about Himself?
    * John 14:16-17. What is the world's relationship to the Spirit of Truth? What is the Christian's?
    * John 16:13. What does the Spirit of Truth do for the believer?
    * John 17:17. In His prayer, what does Jesus say about God's Word?
    * Ephesians 4:25. What should a believer put away? What is he or she to do with the truth? Why?
    * 1 Timothy 2:4. What is God's desire for all people?

My Part

As a believer, you must dedicate yourself to faithfully learning the difference between the teachings of the Spirit of Truth and the lure of the spirit of error. The devil scatters lies all around us in cults, false religions, atheism, materialism, twisted scriptures and a myriad of other ways. But you will find the truth for the right worldview in only one place: the living Word of God, which has been given to us by the Spirit of Truth.

Put away this verse in your heart:

1 John 2:21-22 : "I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son."

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 25, 2008
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, God


Jesus Is God

Why can't people of all religious faiths accept that one faith may have as much validity as another? That's an insurmountable difficulty for Christians. Why? Because only Christians claim that the founder of their faith, Jesus of Nazareth, while fully human, is also fully God.

And this belief, that Jesus is God, sets Christianity apart from all religions and philosophies and contradicts their teachings. That Jesus is God is one of the most taught and affirmed truths in the Bible

What Does God Say?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is God. Read the following verses and answer the questions:

          o Colossians 1:15-17
          o John 1:1-4
          o John 1:14,17

   1. How does it help you to see Christ as a "visible image of the invisible God"?
   2. What kind of things does the Bible say God the Father created through Christ?
   3. Who holds all creation together?
   4. Who is referred to as "the Word" in John 1:1-4?
   5. What does it mean to you that "His life brought light to everyone"?
   6. How was the Law given to us?
   7. Through whom did we receive God's unfailing love and faithfulness?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus proclaimed Himself God. Look at:

          o John 10:30
          o John 8:42
          o John 14:9-11

Now, answer these questions:

   1. What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father?
   2. Who sent Jesus into the world?
   3. Jesus said you would love Him if what?
   4. Jesus doesn't speak on His own initiative but whose?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that the followers of Jesus said He is God.

Matthew 14:33 and Matthew 16:16-17 are the verses that tell us that. Read them and answer these questions:

   1. How did Jesus' disciples reveal their belief that Jesus was God's Son?
   2. What caused the people to believe that Jesus was "the Prophet we have been expecting" (NLT)?
   3. How did the disciples' description of who Jesus is differ from the description the people gave?
   4. Who revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Son of God?

    * The Bible teaches clearly that the enemies of Jesus believed that Jesus said He is God.

You'll find that recorded in John 10:31-33; John 8:42 and John 8:58-59. Read those verses and answer these questions:

   1. What question did Jesus ask the Jews who were preparing to stone Him?
   2. Why were they going to stone Him?
   3. Where did Jesus say He had come from?
   4. Why did Jesus hide Himself?

My Thoughts

What do you think? Do you believe that Jesus is God? Would you say that to be a Christian, you must believe what Jesus said about His identity? If you do believe it, the Bible assures you:

"All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God" (1 John 4:15, NLT).

My Part

If you do not confess that Jesus is God, you exclude yourself from God's family. It is God's truth that Jesus, His Son, is God. And it pleases God when we believe that truth--and it is the only way to salvation.

"For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ's blood on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20, NASB).

If Jesus is God, and He is, then He was telling the truth when He said He had the power to forgive sins and when He said that He is the only way to God and heaven.