Bible Minute

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
________________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 26, 2008
Topic: Jesus


Who Am I?

In a hospital waiting room, one rather self-important individual became impatient. Unwilling to wait any longer, he barged in and demanded to be seen by the doctor. "Don't you know who I am?" shouted the man.

The secretary calmly pressed the button on the microphone of her loudspeaker system and asked the waiting patients. "I have a gentleman here who doesn't know who he is. Can someone please assist him in finding out? Thank you."

Surprisingly enough, many people today don't know who the real Jesus is. Some think He is a great prophet, a wonderful teacher or just a kind and thoughtful man. But are they right? Let's let the Bible assist us in finding out.

What Does God Say?

"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (Matthew 16:15-16, ESV)

"And demons also came out of many, crying, 'You are the Son of God!' But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ" (Luke 4:41, ESV).

"Jesus said to her [Martha], 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world' " (John 11:25-27, ESV).

    * Whom do we find in these verses acknowledging Jesus as the Christ?
    * In addition to being Christ, what else do they confess about Jesus?
    * Because He is the Christ, what promise do we find Jesus making in John 11:25-27?

My Thoughts

Christians can disagree on many things and not affect their salvation. They can disagree about the day of worship, the mode of baptism (immerse, sprinkle or pour) or the timing of the Rapture (pre, mid or post). But we'll all get to heaven. What we can't disagree on is who Jesus is. It is because Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) that He can say, "Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:26).

From before the foundation of the world, God planned on sending His Son as the Messiah (see Revelation 13:8 )--the one who would reconcile sinners with the Father (see 2 Corinthians 5:19). A great prophet, a wonderful teacher, a good man would not be sufficient because all have sinned and fall short of God's perfection (see Romans 3:23). Not even an angel would be good enough (see Job 4:18-19). It took Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, to accomplish our salvation.

My Part

Who do you say Jesus is? Are you confessing Him with your life as well as your lips? List three facts about your life that indicate you truly believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
________________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 27, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Trust the Promises

Have you ever heard someone use the expression, "The honeymoon is over."? Whether referring to an actual honeymoon or not, it's that time after the emotions of something new have worn off and the routine of life sets in.

Many new Christians experience the same thing. When they first trust Jesus and His promise of a new life and eternity with Him in heaven, it is a wonderful, joy-filled time. But that joy often fades eventually and newborn Christians are left wondering, "Am I really saved?"

What Does God Say?

As we look at what God says about this in the Bible, let's first notice what He doesn't say. The Bible never says that our emotions are an indication of our salvation. Your new birth as a child of God is as certain as your first birth as a human being. How you feel doesn't change that.

So, now that the honeymoon is over, can you be certain that you are saved? Absolutely. Here's what John wrote in his first letter. "Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself…. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:10-12, ESV).

Ask a married couple how they can be certain they are married, and they'll point to their anniversary date. Ask a Christian how they can be certain they are saved, and they can point to the time they trusted in the promises of Jesus. Your salvation doesn't depend on what you feel today, it depends on what Jesus did in your life on the day you believed.

Let's look more at what this means for us today, and how we can respond on days when we feel uncertain.

My Thoughts

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

1. Describe the "testimony"?

2. Where is the "testimony"?

3. What do you have when you have Jesus that you don't have when you don't?

4. What would it say about God if our salvation could somehow be lost?

5. In what ways should your salvation be evident in your life?

6. How can you respond when you don't "feel" your salvation?

My Part

It's true, there are a lot of married couples out there who are married in name only--they feel nothing of the love they once held for each other. In our relationship with God, it's a bit more one-sided. God's love and God's care for us never waver, but sometimes we drift away. Maybe you're just having a bad day today but looking over the last week or month, how much of your time have you spent with God? What are some ways you can draw nearer to Him in the coming days? Write out an action plan to do just that.

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
________________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 28, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Eternal Life

Outside the head office of the White Star Line in Liverpool after the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic sank two lists were posted. The lists were not divided between "British" and "Other Nationalities" or by prominence and obscurity or by wealth, race, gender or reputation. On one list were the names of those who had died, and the other list reported the names of survivors.

The Bible says that God also divides the people He created into only two lists: those who are alive in Christ, and those who perish for eternity.

What Does God Say?

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15, NLT).

   1. Who was seated on the throne according to verse 11?
   2. Who was standing before the throne?
   3. What was opened?
   4. Who was judged by what was written in the books?
   5. What happened to someone whose name was not in the "book of life"?

How can you find your name written in the Book of Life so that you will be in heaven with Jesus? The Bible teaches us:

"For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day" (John 6:40, NLT).

"And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment" (John 3:36, NLT).

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life" (John 6:47, NLT).

   1. Who has eternal life?
   2. Whose will is this?
   3. What must someone do to have eternal life?

My Thoughts

I cannot think of anyone who would not want to be on God's list of those who will live for eternity. Can you? Could you think of one reason that someone would willingly face the consequences?

My Part

Do you have the certainty of eternal life in Christ? He is the only One in all creation who can assure you of life everlasting. Jesus does not have the answer. He, and He alone, is the answer.

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me! (John 5:39, NLT).

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

[nChrist]

________________________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
________________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 1, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Facing Problems God's Way

When Jesus called His disciples, He knew the tremendous odds they would face in their future. He planned to send them into the whole world to preach the good news of salvation. They would be scorned, slandered, persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed for their faith.

The Lord, therefore, spent much of His earthly ministry training the disciples to trust in Him. Living by faith was something they would all have to do. Furthermore, the very heart of the message they would one day proclaim to the lost world was that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for eternal salvation.

The same is true for believers today. Let's see what God tells us in His Word.

What Does God Say?

Read John 6:1-7 (ESV): "After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.'"

    * Why was the huge crowd following after Jesus?
    * What did Jesus ask Philip?
    * Why did He ask the question?
    * Was Jesus interested in Philip's answer or his attitude?
    * Do you believe Philip's answer was based on the circumstances or his faith? Why?
    * Did Philip give the answer that Jesus was looking for?

Read Hebrews 11:6 in your Bible. Why is faith so important?

After listening to Jesus teach some difficult lessons on life, what was the response of the apostles (Luke 17:5)?

My Thoughts

Faith is not a vague thing. It must have an object. You trust a chair when you plop down in it. You have faith that it will hold you without breaking. It is trustworthy. Saving faith is also based on two absolutely trustworthy objects: One is the revealed, written Word of God, the Bible; the other is the person of Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior. Faith for the Christian life is necessary not only for the big challenges but also the daily routine.

    * Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. With what attitude did the believers in Thessalonica accept the Word of God? What does it do in those who believe?
    * See Galatians 3:26. What is necessary to become a son of God?

My Part

Read the great "Faith Chapter" in the Bible--Hebrews 11. As you meet each person in this "Hall of Fame of Faith," ask yourself, Did this person base life's decisions on circumstances and visible facts or on the living God?

How do you live your life? Do you feel like Philip and say, "It just can't be done"? Or do you trust the Lord, who already knows what He is going to do?

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 2, 2008
Topic: Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


Memory Loss

Do you have a problem with short-term memory loss? I don't mean the glitches that come with (gulp!) getting older; I mean the kind of memory loss that affects your faith, the kind you get when stressful circumstances make you to forget everything God has already done. Let me give you an example.

What Does God Say?

One of Jesus' disciples was a man named Philip. When he first met Jesus, he was eager to go when Jesus said, "Follow Me" (see John 1:43-45). Philip's willingness showed significant faith. But later, in a crowd on a hillside, Philip didn't exhibit the same trust in the Lord. Let's see what happened.

In John 6:5-7, we read, "Lifting up his [Jesus'] eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little'" (ESV).

Philip saw the crowd, knew the limits of their grocery budget and promptly forgot all the extraordinary things he'd seen Jesus do (or knew Jesus did). Flip through John 1-5 and look at the power Jesus had already demonstrated: the power to read the heart of a man (1:46-51); the power to turn water to wine (2:6-11); the power to cleanse the temple (2:13-17); the power to offer living water and changed lives (4:7-41); the power to heal at a distance (4:46-54); and the power to make the lame walk (5:1-17).

Yet somehow, when the circumstances grew beyond his comfort level, Philip forgot all he'd learned about Jesus.

Now, Jesus had a reason for asking Philip that question that day on the hillside. John 6:6 tells us, "He [Jesus] said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do" (ESV). He wanted to help Philip understand where his faith needed to grow. Would Philip put his faith in Jesus who had the power to do all things? Or would he be defeated--and forget all Jesus had done in the past--because of the circumstances?

Well, you can read the rest of the story to see how it all worked out. But Philip failed this test. He failed to take everything he knew about Jesus and apply it to this new situation.

Like Philip, we should apply the lessons that past trials have taught us about the Lord and His power to each new challenge. That's the way faith works. Each test and learning experience increases faith. And whenever it's exercised, it expands and grows.

My Thoughts

Hebrews 11 recounts examples of people whose faith was tested by their circumstances. Read Hebrews 11:7-40 and jot down some of the people and the circumstances you find there.

    * What's the common description or action you see in their stories?
    * Where did they place their faith?
    * What did they receive from God?

Hebrews 12:2 describes Jesus as "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (ESV). How does that provide solidity or certainty to your faith?

Second Corinthians 5:6-7 says, "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight" (ESV).

    * How did Philip walk?
    * Which way of walking best describes you?
    * How does faith give you courage?

My Part

When the circumstances of your life overwhelm you, do you have trouble remembering what God has done for you in the past? Does your faith falter because it feels like Jesus' power has "expired" or it's inadequate for the job?

Instead of living by sight as Philip did, follow the example of Andrew in John 6:8-9: "One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 'There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?'" (ESV). Andrew saw the same situation Philip did, but he took what was at hand and offered it to Jesus, to do whatever He would with it. Andrew recognized that Jesus had the power to do a lot with even a little. That's faith.

So, what do you already know about Jesus? What have you seen Him do in your life?

How can you apply that knowledge, in faith, to your present circumstances? When you do that, you're exercising your faith, giving it a chance to grow and not succumbing to short-term memory loss.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 3, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Faith/Trust


Tested for Strength

Vance Havner observed: "How long you've been a Christian tells you how long you've been on the road, but it doesn't tell you how far you've come."

How can you tell how far you've come in your walk with Jesus--how much you've matured and grown in your faith? You might not like the answer.

What Does God Say?

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you"( 1 Peter 4:12, NASB ).

That's what the Bible says. It teaches that often the ordeals and trials we experience are tests of our faith. Read on.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:7, NLT)

My Thoughts

Reread 1 Peter 4:12 and 1 Peter 1:7; and then answer the following questions:

1. What are we not to be surprised about?

2. Why will we face trials?

3. What will be the result if our faith remains strong?

4. When will we see that result?

5. Are you facing a "fiery trial" right now? Indicate what it might be.

6. In what ways has this trial surprised you?

My Part

Since God's Word says your faith will be tested, consider how you can prepare for the trials you will face. Look at the instructions given by the apostle Paul below:

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13, ESV).

Discover how to take up your armor by studying Ephesians 6. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. List the various components of your armor in one column and; in the other, list what that part of armor is used for.

Since the best time of preparation is before the testing comes, and you don't know when that might be--right now is the time to begin.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 4, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


It's Your Personality, Not an Excuse

I've met, and gotten to know, a lot of people in my life so far. Some remind me of others I know, but all of them are unique. That's never more evident than when comparing personalities. I tend toward the introverted side of the spectrum. I enjoy working with others but have a hard time just socializing. Other people I know are different and opposite and mostly the same and partially alike.

But whatever our personalities, I've learned that we can miss some golden opportunities to grow in our faith when we make our personality our excuse.

What Does God Say?

Philip, one of the twelve disciples passed on a wonderful opportunity to introduce some Gentiles from Greece to Jesus. We can read about it in John 12. "Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus" (vv. 20-22, ESV).

It's hard to find fault with Philip here. It's easy to read these verses without noticing that something went wrong because, really, nothing did go wrong. Philip wasn't wrong for talking to Andrew. For all we know, Philip had a perfectly legitimate reason for going to Andrew first. But it makes you wonder, Did Philip miss an opportunity to grow in his faith?

For some people, it's easier to work in the background, away from the spotlight. For others, the spotlight is all they know and stepping out is the hard thing to do. But some of the best opportunities to grow in faith occur when we allow God to pull us out of our comfort zones--when we trust in Him and not ourselves.

Yes, your personality is a defining aspect of who you are. But don't let it become the excuse that holds you back from knowing more fully the love and provision of God.

My Thoughts

As you read through the story of Philip's encounter with the Greeks, think about the following questions:

1. How would you have responded in Philip's situation?

2. How might Philip had grown in his faith if he had gone straight to Jesus?

3. What opportunities has God placed in your life for you to grow?

My Part

Try to remember the last time you had to do something that you weren't comfortable doing. Spend some time writing about how you felt; write down some of the arguments you may have directed at God. And then ask God to show you how He used that opportunity to grow you. Praise God for the work He's done in your life.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 5, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith Walk

Many places are set aside to honor people who have made outstanding achievements especially in sports. There is the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana; the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Then there's the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in Indianapolis, Indiana; the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island; the NFL Hall of fame in Canton, Ohio and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

But the most important Hall of Fame is not found in any of these places. It's found in Hebrews 11. It's called "God's Hall of Fame." Let's see what it takes to become a part of this hall of fame.

What Does God Say?

"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him"

Hebrews 11:5-6 (ESV).

    * How did Enoch qualify for God's Hall of Fame?

    * What is necessary to please God?
    * What two beliefs are essential to draw near to God?

My Thoughts

Many athletes spend years of hard work and sacrifice hoping some day to be honored by being included in their sport's hall of fame. While athletic excellence is the qualification for these earthly halls, the Bible tells us that it's faith that will earn us a spot in God's Hall of Fame. How, then, can we develop the faith that earns us this honor? Consider the verses below:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, ESV).

    * How does faith come?

    * What are we supposed to "hear"?

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV)

    * What must we do keep our faith growing?

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6, ESV).

    * How is this faith shown?

My Part

Enoch walked with God by faith; we are to walk the same way. Second Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." What circumstance in your life is requiring that you "walk by faith"?

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 8, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Beyond the Facts

Suppose a friend gives you a book about Abraham Lincoln. You're happy to get the book because you've really wanted to learn about such a great man. So, you read the book and devour all the facts that you can about Lincoln. But you feel something is missing. You check other books out of the library and watch some biographical movies hoping that you can get to know Lincoln better. Then, one day you realize you will never perfectly know Lincoln as he really was because he died early in the morning on April 15, 1865. To truly know him, you would have to meet him personally.

Some people read the Bible like that. They search the Scriptures to find the facts about Jesus Christ because they want to know all they can about Him. They learn that the Old Testament foretells His coming and the New Testament reveals Him. They read the book, but they never meet the Savior who, unlike Lincoln, arose from the dead, is living and may be known today personally.

It is possible to know tons of facts about Christ and yet fall short of finding a saving relationship by faith in the Person that the facts point to. You come to know God by trusting Christ, not just by knowing the facts about Him. Read below about some people who knew plenty of facts:

What Does God Say?

In John 5:39-40, Jesus was speaking to some Jewish leaders and scholars who didn't believe Him. Look up the verses in your Bible and answer these questions:

    * Why were they searching the Scriptures?
    * What did they fail to see?
    * What did they refuse to do?
    * What did they lose sight of because of their unbelief?

My Thoughts

In recent Bible Minute studies, you may have learned about Jesus' disciple, Philip. Philip knew a lot of facts about Jesus, even before he met Him, but Philip followed and observed Jesus for a long time before he saw the Lord as He truly is. Only then did he come to the personal relationship with Christ that is necessary for salvation.

Here are a few events in Philip's life. Read about them and answer the related questions.

John 1:43-45(At the beginning of Jesus' ministry)

    * What facts did Philip know about Jesus at the time he started following Him (v. 45)?

John 6:5-7 (About a year into Jesus' ministry)

    * What was Jesus' question to Philip (v. 5)?
    * Why did He ask it (v. 6)?
    * What does Philip's answer reveal about his grasp of who Jesus really was (v. 7)?

John 14:1-11 (Near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry)

    * Who is able to come to God the Father (v. 6)?
    * What do you have to know in order to know God the Father (v. 7)?
    * What did Philip want Jesus to do (v. 8 )?
    * What essential truth about Christ had Philip missed (vv. 9-11)?

Philip's experience shows us the patience Christ has with honest seekers. We know that Philip came to understand God's truth about Jesus. He found a personal salvation in Him. The Bible tells us that Philip was with the believing disciples in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4).

No one can have a personal relationship with Christ without believing the truth that is written of Him in the Word of God, but it is possible to read the Bible and miss the Person the Bible reveals. It is Him you need to know and love if you are to be saved.

My Part

Memorize the words of Jesus in John 14:24 (ESV):

"Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me."

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 9, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


The Christ in Christian

There's a phrase that gets used a lot this time of year, "Keep the 'Christ' in Christmas." It's a call to remember what the Christmas season is all about--the birth of Christ, our Savior.

Here's another phrase that's just as important: "Keep the 'Christ' in Christian."

What Does God Say?

On the final night before His Crucifixion, Jesus shared with His disciples many things. Among them is this memorable verse: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'

"Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father'" (John 14:6-9, ESV).

Jesus is essential for our salvation. Who He is and what He has done for us provide the pathway to a relationship with God. He is the reason we are called Christians--followers of Christ.

There are people today who say, like Philip, "Show us God, and that's enough." But if we don't appreciate Jesus' person, and we don't appreciate Jesus' words and we don't appreciate the works of God done through Jesus, we can say we're Christians, but are we?

Let's keep the Christ in Christian. Let's not be content with having obtained salvation; let's live like Jesus lived. Let's take that message of love and forgiveness to a world that needs to hear it. And let's model those principles in our own lives. Let's be "Christ"ians.

My Thoughts

Read John 1:1-14 and think about the following questions:

1. How might Jesus respond to someone who says he can know God apart from Christ?

2. How has Jesus promised to help those who follow His example?

3. How do you keep the "Christ" in Christian? How do you take the message of love and forgiveness to those around you?

My Part

What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Is it just another label or does it define your life? Spend some time today and write out a "mission statement." What do you want your life to be about as a Christian? What are your goals as a Christian? Keep your statement in your Bible or somewhere you'll see it often.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 10, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Faith That Grows

Is salvation the end of the Christian life? If it is, on earth it's the front end.

The Bible teaches us that the faith we begin with is to be a faith that is growing and maturing.

What Does God Say?

Read the two scripture passages below and write down (in column form) at least three characteristics of those who have not grown in their faith (immature) and three characteristics of those who have (mature).

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

"Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church" (Ephesians 4:11-15, NLT).

"You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong" (Hebrews 5:12-6:1, NLT)

My Thoughts

What three characteristics are in your first column? How about your "mature" column? It's likely you want to be a growing, maturing follower of Christ. But how do you grow in your faith? Hebrews 12:1-2 gives this instruction:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne" (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT).

Answer these questions when you've finished reading the scripture above:

   1. How are you supposed to deal with sin?
   2. What "race" are you running?
   3. What does "run with endurance" mean to you?
   4. Who should you stay focused on while you are running this race?

Now, look at Romans 10:17:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

   1. Where does faith come from?
   2. What does staying in the Word have to do with your faith?
   3. How many times a week do you read your Bible?
   4. Would you like to read it more days? If so, make the commitment today to make that one small change in your life.

My Part

Faith is primarily a personal relationship with God that determines the priorities of one's life. As you stay focused on the Lord and stay in the Word, your faith grows. As your faith grows, you become more focused on Jesus and hunger more for His Word. Amazing how that works, isn't it?

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 11, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Defining Faith First

In today's Bible Minute radio spot, Dr. Kroll defines faith as "a confidence in the righteous character of God that fosters trust and hope when our circumstances foster doubt and despair." That's a good thing to have in writing. And it's based on how we see faith develop and act throughout the Bible.

What Does God Say?

Faith begins to grow in us when we recognize the righteous character of God. You see it in action in the Bible when people choose to put their confidence in Him, no matter what their circumstances.

For example, Job was a man who was "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1, ESV). The foundation of his faith was related to the righteous character of God. When his world came crashing in, he held fast to his faith in God's character. Job 1:20-21 tells us "Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord'" (ESV). And in the midst of his suffering he could still say,

"Though he [God] slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15, ESV).

Like today's working definition, Job placed his confidence in the righteous character of God and found hope, even when his circumstances brought nothing but doubt and despair.

In David's Psalms, we see the same kind of faith in action. David had plenty of experience with setbacks, enemies and troubles that overwhelmed him. Yet his faith started early and served as the core for the rest of his life. In 1 Samuel 17:37, David said to Saul, "'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine'" (ESV). He already had faith in God's character to deliver him. And that never changed throughout his life. Read Psalm 31 or 59 and look for both his circumstances and his faith. You'll see that it's faith that always wins out.

When you start with confidence in the righteous character of God, you'll find what you need to face life with hope rather than despair.

My Thoughts

Hebrews 11 offers this pattern of "faith first." Read 11:4-40 with these questions in mind:

    * What did each person do "by faith"?
    * What circumstances were they in? (See references below.)
    * How do you see their faith in handling those circumstances?
    * How is God's righteous character reflected or active?

Hebrews 11 doesn't give all the details so look up these additional references if needed, or pick several to examine their story more closely.

Abel: Genesis 4:1-16

Enoch: Genesis 5:21-24

Noah: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:1-10; 8:15-22

Abraham: Genesis 12:1-6; 15:1-6; 17:15-21; 21:1-7; 22

Sarah: Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-7

Isaac: Genesis 27

Jacob: Genesis 48

Joseph: Genesis 50:22-26

Moses: Exodus 2:1-15; 12:1-28; 13:3-16

Rahab: Joshua 2; 6:25

Gideon: Judges 6:11-24; 7:19-23

Barak: Judges 4-5

Samson: Judges 13; 16:23-31

Jephthah: Judges 11:1-28

Samuel: 1 Samuel 3; 7:3-17 (much of 1 Samuel)

David: see 1 & 2 Samuel.

My Part

Faith is not dependent on our circumstances or even our feelings but on the character of God. Faith in God comes first. If you choose to anchor yourself to Him, you're choosing faith. So, do a little evaluation of your faith condition today:

    * What do you know about the righteous character of God?
    * How much do you put your confidence in Him?
    * Is there someone or something else you occasionally place your confidence in?
    * What circumstances cause doubt and despair in your life?
    * What can you do today to shift your confidence to God and allow for hope instead?
    * What would you like to do "by faith" in your life?

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 12, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faithful Failures

Many popular preachers are teaching that if you have faith, nothing bad can befall you. You can be healed of all your diseases; delivered from all your financial woes and be blessed with every good thing.

But is that what the Bible teaches? Let's look at some "men of faith" to find out.

What Does God Say?

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, ESV).

    * What did God permit to keep Paul humble?
    * What was Paul's response?
    * What did God provide instead of healing?
    * What was Paul's response when God chose not to heal him?

"And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head'" (Matthew 8:20, ESV).

    * What did Jesus lack?
    * How is this contrary to popular teaching today?

My Thoughts

When we look at the examples of people of faith in the Bible, we find their lives were filled with hardships and difficulties like everyone else. In addition to Paul and Jesus, there was Abraham who left his friends and family to live in the desert. Moses spent 40 years herding sheep and then 40 years leading a ragtag group of rebellious grumblers. David lost one son in infancy and two adult sons by murder. Timothy suffered stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23). Epaphroditus became so ill he almost died (Philippians 2:27). Trophimus had to be left behind at Miletus because he was too sick to travel (2 Timothy 4:20).

If you are having difficulties, don't blame your lack of faith. Faith doesn't prevent problems; it helps you survive them.

My Part

What are you doing to increase your faith? Based on your study today, indicate one step that you are going to take in this next week to increase your faith.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 15, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


What Faith Is

In order to develop a flourishing faith, we need to first understand what faith is. In some cases, the word faith is used as a synonym for religion when speaking of the Christian faith. In other cases, faith is used to describe a strong desire or expectation. But faith is much more than that. Let's look at Hebrews 11, one of the defining chapters of the Bible on the topic of faith.

What Does God Say?

Hebrews 11:1 is one of the most concise definitions of faith in the entire Bible. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (ESV). How often have you heard the words assurance and conviction used in relation to faith? Not often. Faith is often portrayed as standing against assurance and conviction--when you can't be sure of something or someone, you are told, "Have faith." That's not what the Bible says.

"For by it [faith], the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" (11:2-3, ESV).

If all we had were other people to put our faith in, then, of course, we couldn't have much reason for confidence. Even the best of us break our promises on occasion. But when we put our faith in God, we put our faith in the eternal, unchanging Creator of the universe. God declared, "I the LORD do not change" (Malachi 3:6, ESV). And it's because of His unchanging nature that we can have confident assurance that He will keep His promises.

How do we know what God has promised? We read what He has promised us in the Bible. We get to know God and draw near to Him. We learn what pleases Him. And then, like Abel, we will know the right sacrifice to bring to God; like Enoch, we will know the way to walk with the Lord.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, ESV). A faith that is just a label you wear or is just a vague hope that things might get better is no faith at all. But a flourishing faith is a faith that takes God at His Word; a faith that knows God's Word.

My Thoughts

As you Hebrews 11:1-6 again, think about the following questions:

1. What was it that caused Abel and Enoch to be commended?

2. How did they express their faith in God?

3. Hebrews 11:6 says that we must believe that God "rewards those who seek him." Look up the word rewards in a Bible commentary and learn what kind of rewards you can look forward to.

My Part

One of the benefits of faith is certainly the assurance of the promises of God.How many promises could you list right now? Go ahead and try? As you study the Word this week, pay particular attention to God's promises. Try making another list in a week and again in a month. Ask God to help you always remember the promises He has for you.

[nChrist]

____________________________
Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
____________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 16, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Promises, Promises

A promise is only as good as the person who makes it. Someone has observed: " America is always a land of promise during an election." The political candidate who promises jobs and a utopia but can't deliver; the bridegroom who promises lifelong commitment, then is unfaithful to his wife; the soldier who pledges loyalty to his country but goes AWOL--all demonstrate that promises can be empty.

What Does God Say?

God promises, however, are never empty. They are totally trustworthy. It seems like you can find gracious promises on almost every page of His Book. Though many of His promises are already completed, there are loads more yet to be fulfilled. God made promises to the first couple as soon as He created them, assuring them of His provision and His purposes (Genesis 1: 26-29). When they broke faith with their Creator and sinned, their future seemed hopeless. But God promised them a Savior (Genesis 3:15). And His promises endured and flourished down through the generations of Old Testament history. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and others received promises from God, assuring them of a wonderful future, although they often didn't see the fulfillment during their lifetimes.

Now is a good time for you to take your Bible and turn to Hebrews 11:1-13. Note especially verses 8-10 and verse 13.

    * What was Abraham's response to God's promise (11:8 )?
    * What was Abraham looking for in the future (11:10)?

If Abraham and others didn't see the fulfillment, what good was the promise? Well, God's promises are the soil in which faith grows. Look at Hebrews 11:13.

    * Does it say they died hopeless? How did they die? What had they seen in the promises God gave them? How did it make them look at this life?

Why does God delay the fulfillment of many promises? Read Hebrews 11:39-40 very thoughtfully. What does it say about "us," we who also wait in faith?

My Thoughts

This is a season to reflect on lots of God's promises because so many were fulfilled in the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It brings together fascinating people who were waiting for that promise--Zechariah and Elizabeth, the angel Gabriel, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the Magi and all who sat in darkness and the shadow of death.

But the birth and ministry of Christ Jesus added even more promises that you, as a believer, share in today. Try to find the promises that include you in each of the following verses. Jot them down.

    * 2 Peter 1:3-4
    * Ephesians 1:13
    * James 1:12
    * James 2:5
    * 2 Peter 3:13

My Part

The psalmist expressed something in Psalm 119:123 that all believers should look for--the final outcome of our salvation. Memorize this short verse from the ESV:

"My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise."

And read 2 Peter 3:4-9. Our Lord is coming! Are you ready?