Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 17, 2008
Topic: Faith/Trust


Flourishing Faith

When we experience the goodness and the greatness of God, we get all excited--perhaps we even want to express it with music like the composers of these well-known songs.

"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow"

"O For a Thousand Tongues"

But is there anything about us that excites the Lord?

What Does God Say?

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel !" ( Matthew 8:10, NLT ).

Read Matthew 8:5-10 and answer these questions:

   1. What was happening in these verses?
   2. What makes the fact that the centurion was a Roman significant?
   3. What reason did the soldier give for his faith?
   4. What words did Jesus use that showed He was excited?

When our faith is flourishing, the Lord is pleased. And not surprisingly the opposite is true.

"And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 8:26, KJV).

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30, KJV).

"Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:31, KJV).

   1. What phrase does Jesus use again and again in these verses?
   2. Why do you think in every scripture listed above Jesus asked a question?
   3. From what Jesus says in these verses in Matthew, how do you think He is feeling?

My Thoughts

Read the following verse and answer this question: Why do you think Jesus wants your faith to flourish?

"The Lord answered, 'If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, "May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea," and it would obey you!'" (Luke 17:6, NLT).

After reading the questions and verses above, you might be wondering, How can I help my faith grow? Dr. Kroll, Bible Teacher and author provides some help.

"Our faith flourishes when it's placed in the power of God. 'With God [Me],' Jesus says, 'all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26, NKJV). So, if you have faith in the power of God, God will do things that you don't even believe possible in your own life."

The power of God is one of three places to put our faith so that it will flourish and increase. Here are the other two: the Word of God and the promises of God.

My Part

Where do you begin? Paul tells us:

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, NKJV).

The Word will reveal the promises of God that lay the foundation for your faith. In the Word, you will discover the greatness of God's power and that will strengthen and encourage your faith. Your faith can not only grow, it can flourish when placed in God's Word, God's promises and God's power.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 18, 2008
Topic: God, Faith/Trust


Trusting God's Program

You've likely seen the adventure movies where the hero's in a sticky situation and his sidekick worries out loud about getting through it alive. How does the hero respond? "Trust me, I have a plan." (But you and I both know he's really just making it up as he goes.)

God is not that kind of hero. He has a plan, a perfect plan designed to accomplish His goals for His glory--and for your good. Faith is all about trusting God, no matter what. As you get to know Him better through His Word, the Bible, you'll begin to see that He can be trusted even when you wonder about His program.

What Does God Say?

John the Baptist had been a good and faithful servant of God carrying out a demanding mission which came at a high price. Yet, even John had a few questions about God's plan. In Luke 7, we read that John, in prison, sent a message to Jesus. "And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?'" (Luke 7:18-19, ESV). How John understood his mission depended on the answer to his question.

Jesus' response was simple: "And he answered them, 'Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me'" (Luke 7:22-23, ESV). He tells John to be confident in what he knows and believes because Jesus was doing exactly what Scripture said the Messiah would do.

Hebrews 11 offers us many examples of men and women who, like John, had questions about the plan of God (for example, Abraham in his desire for a son; Moses leading people out of slavery, etc.) but who, in faith, confidently obeyed and trusted God to work out His plan perfectly. They couldn't know all that God would do to accomplish His purposes, but they exercised faith that flourished and was commended. That's what we need too.

My Thoughts

Look at what Hebrews 11 says about each of the following men; then review the original story.

Noah--Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:9-7:24.

    * What was God's command or plan for Noah?
    * If you were in Noah's shoes, what would make you question God's plan?
    * How did Noah respond?

Moses--Hebrews 11:23-29; Exodus 3; 12:1-28; 14.

    * What was God's mission or assignment for Moses?
    * What do you think might make Moses question God's plan?
    * How did Moses respond?

Gideon--Hebrews 11:32-34; Judges 6:1-27; 7

    * What did God ask of Gideon?
    * If you were in Gideon's position, what would make you question God's plan?
    * How did Gideon respond?

My Part

We've looked at just a few examples of people who put their faith in God and trusted His plan, even when it seemed impossible.

    * What do you learn from these men about God's plan, even when it's hard to understand?
    * How does this challenge your faith in God?
    * Where do you need to exercise your faith even though you don't understand?

In reality, you're not taking a big risk by doing this because God is completely trustworthy. Everyone from Hebrews 11 would tell you that, along with many others found in God's Word.

The more you know Him, the more you'll understand that faith in Him is a secure anchor. And while it's OK to wonder, don't let the questions keep you from growing in your faith and stepping out in trust. Remember what the Lord says in Isaiah 55:8-9:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts" (ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 19, 2008
Topic: God


The God of Details

At the Eutaw Street entrance to Oriole Park in Baltimore, Maryland, stands a nine-foot, 800-pound statue of Babe Ruth in bronze. Every detail had been painstakingly researched. Did the Babe wear his belt buckle on the left or the right? Was his hat cocked to the side or worn straight? No detail was overlooked except one. The statue shows the famous baseball player leaning on a bat and clutching on his hip a right-handed fielder's glove. The real Babe Ruth was a lefty.

It seems like there's always some little detail that fouls us up. But God is different; He never let's a detail slip by. We see that in the genealogy of Jesus.

What Does God Say?

"Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God" (Luke 3:23-38 ).

    * How old was Jesus when He began his ministry?
    * Notice carefully how Luke begins this genealogy. What is the implication here?
    * Whose genealogy is this? Why is it included in these verses?

My Thoughts

God promised David that He would give him a descendant who would sit on his throne forever (1 Chronicles 28:4,7). Through hundreds of years of births and deaths, God never lost sight of that promise or the details needed to fulfill it. Even though Satan was able to corrupt that part of the lineage which produced Joseph (see Jeremiah 22:24, 28-30), Jesus, as the adopted son of Joseph, still had a legal claim through His adopted father to the throne. And through His mother, Mary, a descendant of David through another son, Jesus had a biological claim to the throne as well.

It is mind boggling to consider the myriad of details God kept track of through the centuries to produce a Messiah who met His promise to David. Without the use of computer software or even a PDA, God fulfilled every detail of what He had promised. You can be sure He will do the same for your life.

My Part

It's good to pay attention to details. Making sure you pay the bills on time, follow traffic laws and fulfill your responsibilities at work are details that you can control. And you should. But there are other details that are beyond your control. You can't control (usually) the way others choose to respond, the outcome of lab tests, the ups and downs of the stock market--these are details you need to leave with God.

List five "details" that you are concerned about right now. Indicate after each detail whether this is something in which you have control over or whether it's something only God can deal with. Lift these details up in prayer asking for strength and wisdom to fulfill what you're responsible for--and God's peace concerning the details that only He can control. Memorize Philippians 4:6-7.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 22, 2008
Topic: Jesus


A Virgin Shall Conceive

For Mary, it was far from an ordinary day. First an angel suddenly appeared before her. Then she learned that she's about to become pregnant--although she's a virgin. Not only that, her child will be the Son of God, the One prophesied 700 years before.

What Does God Say?

"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end'" (Luke 1:30-33, ESV).

In his Gospel, Matthew explains, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel'

(which means, God with us)" (Matthew 1:22-23, ESV).

Matthew spoke of the prophet Isaiah who lived about 700 years before Christ's birth. To put this in perspective, imagine finding out that Geoffrey Chaucer, who lived nearly 700 years ago, wrote about you in the Canterbury Tales.

Christmas didn't just happen. The birth of Jesus, one of the most significant events in human history wasn't planned at the last minute. Even before the creation of the world, God had that day in mind.

My Thoughts

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

1. What questions might you have asked if you were in Mary's situation?

2. What in these verses indicates that God had been planning for this event for a long time?

3. Write out a list of preparations that God made to send His Son into the world such as arranging a census to be taken in order to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, etc.

My Part

A lot of people resolve to read through the Bible starting in the New Year. If you'd like to do that in 2009, you can find a variety of Bible Reading Plans online at backtothebible.org. Click on "Bible Studies and Devotions" and then "Bible Reading Guides." You will draw closer and closer to God as you read His Word.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 23, 2008
Topic: Jesus, Hope


Born in Bethlehem

Born in Tarsus: Does that mean anything to you? Probably not, although most Bible students associate this city with the birthplace of the apostle Paul.

Born in Bethlehem: Now, that carries significance, not only for two and a half billion Christians but for most of the world. Christ's birth in Bethlehem is the most well-known birth of all time--and it was predicted hundreds of years before it happened.

What Does God Say?

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting" (Micah 5:2 NKJV).

   1. What does this scripture from Micah foretell?

   1. Read Matthew 2:1. What does this verse tell you about Jesus' birthplace?

   1. Why is the Bible's ability to foretell events accurately important to you?

My Thoughts

Have you ever tried to prophesy? Don't answer too quickly. Have you ever tried to predict whether a baby would be a boy or girl? When your wife would come out the mall door? When your daughter would get home from a date? Where the Wheel of Fortune would stop? When your boyfriend would text back? Whether the weatherman is right this time?

All those were efforts to predict the future. And we quickly discover that only God can know for sure what's to come. He not only knows it, He's in charge of it.

The timing of Christmas was set by God long before creation, and everything was perfectly, divinely, timed. That Jesus was born in Bethlehem was not a guess, but a fact that had already been set in reality by the mind and power of God.

"Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish" (Isaiah 46:9-10, NLT).

"But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law" (Galatians 4:4, NLT).

   1. Who is the only One who can tell the future?
   2. How do you feel when you read the words, "I do whatever I wish?"
   3. Write a short Christmas card to God telling Him how grateful you are that "God sent his Son."

My Part

Think about Christmas and the prophecies fulfilled that day. Do you believe, at this Christmastime, that God has a purpose for you? His Word says this:

"You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!" (Psalm 139:16-17, NLT).

Thank God that He knows all about you and He has laid out each day of your life. Thank Him that His thoughts toward you are precious, and He is thinking of you often--you can't number the times. Submit to Him anything that you've been struggling with and rest knowing that He is working out His plan for you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 24, 2008
Topic: Events/Holidays


Light and Darkeness in Bethlehem

Warm and cheering words, such as joy, peace, glory, praise and light normally accompany the Christmas season. The apostle John, who describes Jesus' first advent in a unique way, says in John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Earlier, in John 1:4-5 (ESV), he said of Jesus: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Do you see how the mere mention of "light" brings "darkness" to mind? And, in the same way, the thought of "life" carries with it the specter of death. John the Baptist's father said his son's task would be to announce the coming of the "sunrise...from on high," who would "give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:78-79, ESV).

From the moment Satan rebelled against God, he has attempted by every means possible to seize his Creator's power and kingdom for himself. Throughout history, the Old Serpent tried to destroy the line of the Promised Savior. After Christ's birth, Satan tried to kill Him; to tempt Him to turn over His kingdom; and finally, to defeat Him at the cross. But God's prophecy to Satan in the Garden of Eden stood the test of ages (Genesis 3:15): Jesus' heel was bruised, but Satan's head was crushed. Jesus suffered death but conquered it; Satan will suffer ultimate defeat and eternal death in the lake of fire.

What Does God Say?

The coming of the holy Child to the town of Bethlehem is a wonderful, joyous, life-giving, light-revealing message; but Satan did his best to put a dark and gruesomely horrid end to it all. God foretold through the prophet Jeremiah what would happen (Matthew 2:17-18; Jeremiah 31:15).

Read Matthew 2:1-18. What pleasing things do you see? What dark and evil plot do you detect in those verses? What was Herod afraid of? How was Herod's fear of the Christ-child similar to the fear Satan had? Who suffered most from Herod's Satan-inspired action?

The slaughter of the baby boys in Bethlehem and its surroundings shows how desperate Satan is to thwart God's plan. It also shows you Satan's hatred for anything that God stands for. In our day, we see his hatred more and more as worldwide opposition grows to God's absolute moral values and message of salvation.

My Thoughts

What instructions does God give you, as a Christian, about this darkness that Satan wants to cast over God's light? Look up the following Bible references and answer the questions.

    * In Acts 26:18, what did God say Paul's missionary task was?
    * Ephesians 6:12. What is the Christian's battle in this life?
    * Colossians 1:13. When you believed, what kingdom did Christ take you from? Into what kingdom did He put you?
    * 1 Peter 2:9. What is your task as one who has been moved out of darkness into light?
    * 1 John 2:8. What is happening to Satan's dark realm? What is replacing it?

My Part

Christmas will be a time of blessing if you focus on the fact that Jesus' birth was all about bringing the light and joy of God into a world darkened by Satan's lies and hatred. In a time of economic meltdown, wars, poverty, moral and spiritual deterioration, anti-God movements, persecution and every other form of darkness, what should you do? The Bible tells you:

Second Corinthians 4:6 (ESV) says: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

The light always shines brightest in the dark. Let your light shine today for Jesus.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 25, 2008
Topic: Jesus, God's Love


For Unto Us

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given."

These familiar words carry the power to stir and excite us as we remember how this prophecy was fulfilled one night in a stable.

Take a few moments to reflect on Isaiah 9:6-7:

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." (ESV)

"For unto us"--This promised Child is coming to us, to you and to me. He is a gift from God to men and women, young and old, of every race, tribe and language, in history past and history future.

"A child is born, a son is given"--Jesus could've come in any form, but He chose to come as a baby. We understand babies; we can identify with the common experiences of being a child. He entered this world as we do: through birth and under the anxious eyes of human parents. He is Emmanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14), and He arrived just as we do--as an infant.

"And the government shall be upon his shoulder"--This is not Jesus the politician but the One upon whom rests the whole order of life. He is truly God, with the power and authority to rule the universe, sovereign over the plans and history of man. And because of that, we can rest our worries and cares on Him.

"And his name shall be called"--Each name brings us a special gift.

    * Wonderful Counselor: The one filled with wisdom and compassion to guide and strengthen us.
    * Mighty God: Infinite God, with power and authority forever.
    * Everlasting Father: A relationship of love without end, a Father who never changes, never leaves, never abandons, never rejects His children.
    * Prince of Peace: The giver of the best gift which is true peace with God, with others and with ourselves.

Isaiah 9:7 looks at the promise of an eternal kingdom, ruled by Christ from David's throne, a kingdom of justice and righteousness; a kingdom of peace that cannot be shaken or destroyed by any enemy.

In case you're not sure this is possible, the evidence is right there at the end of Isaiah 9:7: "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this" (ESV, emphasis added). This is the stamp of authority, the signature on the deed to show you that it's underwritten by the Lord of hosts. God Himself has guaranteed this promise; and it cannot be moved, changed or reduced in any way.

Every inch of this promise revolves around Jesus Christ, the child--and the man--and the eternal God--who came to be our Savior. He is Emmanuel, God with us, the Word which "became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14, ESV).

As you celebrate this Christmas, remember all that Jesus brings to you as He fulfills the promises of God. Worship and praise Him, not just as the baby born long ago but as the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Emmanuel, God with us.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 26, 2008
Topic: Events/Holidays


Out of Egypt

At the end of 2007, there were more than 35 million displaced persons or refugees. A third of those (around 12 million) had been forced to leave their homeland for another country. The rest remained within their countries but fled from their cities or villages because of danger. What's truly tragic, however, is that 80 percent are women and children.

But this is nothing new. From the beginning, people have had to leave their homelands for a variety of reasons (it could be argued that Cain was a refugee). But the most famous refugee was a baby called Jesus.

What Does God Say?

"Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.' And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, 'Out of Egypt I called my son'" (Matthew 2:13-15, ESV).

    * What triggered this event (see the preceding verses)?

    * Why were Jesus and his family refugees?
    * What had to happen before they could return?

My Thoughts

If you answered that Jesus and His family were refugees because of Herod, you're only partially right. Matthew says this happened to fulfill what God had said approximately 750 years before through the prophet Hosea (see Hosea 11:1). In the immediate context, Hosea is writing about the faithfulness of God to the people of Israel. Even though they'd lived in Egypt 400 years and suffered many things, God never forgot them. At the right time, He brought them out with a mighty show of power (Deuteronomy 6:21).Under the leadership of Moses, God called His people out of Egypt.

But this scripture finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. God did the same for His Son as He had done for His people approximately 1,600 years before. What may have looked like a setback to some became an opportunity for God to show once again His faithfulness to His promises. At the right time, God brought back Jesus and His family and positioned them right where they needed to be (see Matthew 2:22-23).

Are you a refugee in the land of Egypt? Probably not literally, but perhaps figuratively you are. It could be you've been forced out of your job by cutbacks and layoffs. Possibly economic necessity has caused you to leave family and friends. It might be that you're alienated from someone special to you.

If you're living in your own version of Egypt, remember God's faithfulness. He will never forget you (Isaiah 49:16). At the right time, He will call you out of Egypt and back to where you belong.

My Part

What evidence do you see in your life of God's faithfulness? Write it down and share it with someone for his or her encouragement.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 29, 2008
Topic: Jesus, Salvation


Lion of Judah

Have you ever looked up your family genealogy? Perhaps you have one of those big family Bibles that lists your family tree for several generations. Some people point proudly to the fact their ancestors came over on the Mayflower or they are related to the royal families of Europe.

But none of our genealogies are as well documented or as important as that of the One who was the "Lion of Judah." Let's look at the Bible to find out why.

What Does God Say?

Look up the following verses to learn some of the prophecies of Jesus, given thousands of years before His birth:

Born of the seed of woman: Genesis 3:14-15

Born of Abraham: Genesis 12:2

Born of Isaac: Genesis 26:4

Born of Israel (another name for Jacob): Numbers 24:17

Born of Judah, one of Jacob's 12 sons: Revelation 5:5; Hebrews 7:14

Born of David to sit on his throne forever: Jeremiah 33:14-15

Remember that this is the Messiah's earthly lineage. Today on the Bible Minute, we talked about the narrowing process this represents. The Messiah of Israel had to meet all the Old Testament requirements listed above.

Write out Galatians 4:4 and underline the portion that indicates Jesus met the first requirement. Look up Luke 2:1-6 and list at least three details about this birth.

The genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-16 shows that Jesus met all the other requirements even as the line through which He must come narrowed from "born of a woman" to "descended from Judah"--one of Jacob's 12 sons. Read the following verses and note which of the above requirement was met.

Matthew 1:1
Matthew 1:1-2
Matthew 1:6

Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies. He fits every category the Bible says is necessary to be the Messiah of Israel.

My Thoughts

Jeremiah prophesied this about Jesus:

"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'

"For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel" (Jeremiah 33:14-17, NASB).

   1. God made a promise to whom (according to the verses above)?
   2. What would the "righteous Branch" do?
   3. What name would the "righteous Branch" be called?
   4. How did Christ fulfill that promise?

This "righteous Branch" would come from the tribe of Judah; that's why He's sometimes called the "Lion of Judah." Read the following verses and answer the questions:

"Judah is a lion's cub;
from the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He stooped down; he crouched as a lion
and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples" (Genesis 49:9-10).

   1. What did God promise would not "depart from Judah"?
   2. How did that align with God's promise that a descendant of David's would sit on the throne of Israel forever?

My Part

Jesus is portrayed in a variety of ways in the verses above (as a lion, a branch, and a baby). Draw one of these images or another image that you associate with Jesus’ birth. Label your drawing and indicate why you find that image meaningful.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 30, 2008
Topic: Jesus


The Promised Messiah

When the baby Jesus was about six weeks old, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem, where they made an offering for Mary's purification and presented the child to the Lord. While they were at the temple, they met a godly man named Simeon. Simeon had received a promise from the Holy Spirit that he would not die without seeing the long-awaited Messiah, the "consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25-26, ESV).

Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed Him with these wonderful words, found in Luke 2:29-32 (ESV):

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel."

How did people like Simeon know that this child was the promised Christ or Messiah who was to come? If you had been there, could you have known?

The answer is that they believed the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament Scripture, and they waited for the "Coming One" who would fulfill them. Let's look at an interesting set of prophecies that Simeon and others would have known.

What Does God Say?

Here is an Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah:

"In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel" (Isaiah 4:2, ESV).

The verse doesn't say, "Messiah" but instead speaks of the "Branch of the Lord." There are several other prophecies, as well, that mention the "Branch," and it becomes very clear that this "Branch" indeed speaks of Christ. Here are four other references for you to look up in your Bible. Write down the answers to the questions:

    * Jeremiah 23:5. For whom will the Branch be raised up? What will His position be? What three features will mark His reign?
    * Isaiah 11:1-2. Whose "stump" does the Branch come from (note Matthew 1:6 and Luke 3:31-32)? What seven characteristics do you find about the Spirit who rests upon the Branch?
    * Zechariah 3:8. What is the Branch called in this verse?
    * Zechariah 6:12. The Branch is not an angel or a spirit, so what is He? What will He build (see Ephesians 2:18-22)?

My Thoughts

You may want to look at samples of some other prophecies, not directly related to the Branch but clearly looking forward to the Messiah.

    * Zechariah 9:9--The coming King
    * Isaiah 42:1-4 --The coming Servant
    * Genesis 3:15--The coming Man
    * Isaiah 9:6--The coming God

My Part

The clock ticks nearer to the hour when another New Year will appear. Fresh calendars adorn your home, replacing the tattered ones of the passing year. Thoughts of trying to do better next year cross your mind. You wonder what the New Year may bring into your life.

Now is a good opportunity to reflect on some of the Bible's promises and prophecies that are yet unfulfilled, such as the next prophesied event--the return of Christ for His Church. You can’t know the time, but you can be certain the event is coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-58 ). Like Simeon, are you eagerly awaiting the Lord's coming?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 31, 2008
Topic: Jesus


Jesus, Son of David

As Matthew begins his Gospel, he identifies Jesus as "the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1, ESV). As a descendant of Abraham, Jesus fulfilled the blessing God had promised. And as a descendant of David, Jesus fulfilled another promise God made: one of David's descendants would sit on Israel's throne forever.

What Does God Say?

"Son of David" is an important name because it shows that Jesus is the rightful heir to Israel's throne. Jesus could trace His biological ancestry through His mother, Mary, back to King David and that meant He fulfilled the promise God had made.

In 2 Samuel 7:12, the Lord promised David, "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom" (ESV). He went on to talk about Solomon but there was more: "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16, ESV).

Through generations of turmoil, exile and destruction, even divine judgment, God reminded the Israelites of this promise. For example, Jeremiah 33:17 says, "For thus says the Lord: 'David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel'" (ESV). And in Psalm 132,

"The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
'One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne'" (132:11, ESV).

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, His people were oppressed and fragmented, eagerly hoping and praying for a King to sit on David's throne. So, when the angel made his announcements to Joseph, Mary and the shepherds of Bethlehem, his message referred to this promise. Just look at Luke 1:30-33, "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end'" (ESV, emphasis added).

My Thoughts

This name didn't disappear after Jesus' birth. He was frequently called "Son of David" during His ministry. Here are a few examples:

Matthew 9:27-31 Matthew 15:21-28

Luke 18:35-53 Matthew 21:1-11

In each example, look for:

    * Who was addressing Jesus?
    * Why do you think they used this title?
    * What was requested?
    * How did Jesus respond?
    * What results do you see?
    * How does this scene reflect Jesus as King?

My Part

Being called the "Son of David" reflects Jesus' humanity and His right to be King of Israel. However, His kingship is ultimately over an eternal kingdom. One reference to Jesus as the Son or "Root" of David is in Revelation 5. There is a scroll, and only One is qualified to open the scroll. John records, "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals'" (Revelation 5:5, ESV).

So, what does it mean for you to know Jesus as the Son of David today? Well, one day we will all bow before Jesus the King. As King, He will conquer the evil one; He will wipe out death and sin; and His kingdom will last forever. He's the ultimate King, the one you can submit to without fear, trust with every concern and worry and celebrate forever. Take some time today to praise and thank Jesus for being your King and make sure your heart is ready for His eternal kingdom.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 1, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation


Jesus Is Our Judge

Late in the life of the great statesman Daniel Webster, a young member of congress asked him, "Senator Webster, what is the greatest thought that ever crossed your mind."

Quick as a flash Webster replied, "My accountability to God."

Perhaps the most sobering thought is that each of us is accountable to God. There will come a day when Jesus, and Jesus alone, will judge each of us.

What Does God Say?

"The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22, ESV).

"He [God] has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man [Jesus] whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31, NASB).

"And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead" (Acts 10:42, NASB).

1. From these three Scriptures, make a list of the facts about this judgment.

2. What is the proof that Jesus is going to be the Judge of all people?

3. What do we know about the date for this judgment?

My Thoughts

Every last one of us will stand before Jesus--the believer at the Judgment Seat of Christ, the unbeliever at the Great White Throne Judgment. But the result of those judgments will already be determined by the choices we made in life.

"And he [God] has given him [Jesus] authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment" (John 5:27-29, NLT)

The consequences of our choices are already fixed by God. Jesus says in John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." But while we are alive, we have the privilege and the responsibility to make that choice.

My Part

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV).

The good news is you have a choice, and God intends for you to choose Jesus.

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 2, 2009
Topic: Holiness


An Essential Judgment

When Adam and Eve sinned, God made it very clear that they could no longer stay around Him. They had been enjoying the warmth of His fellowship in the Garden of Eden--talking with Him, learning about Him and treasuring the wonders of His perfect creation.

But all those benefits came to a heartrending end on the day God thrust the disobedient couple out of the Garden, posted angels with flaming sword at the entrance and warned them that they had no right to be in His presence or have access to the Tree of Life. (See Genesis 3:22-24.)

That was the day Adam and Eve first tasted the misery of being unholy and no longer capable of living with a holy God. They embarked on mankind's long journey in sin, separated from the life of God. They began learning the hard way that without holiness, no person will see God. (See Hebrews 12:14.)

How can people ever be restored? Well, God has an amazing plan.

What Does God Say?

God's plan for your restoration to fellowship with Him doesn't include anything you can do in order to make Him accept you. We are all unholy, remember? Symbolically speaking, we just can't get past the angels with the flaming sword to enjoy the Tree of Life.

Read Romans 3:10-12.

    * How many are righteous?
    * How many understand and seek for God?
    * How many have turned aside and become useless?

    * How many do good?

The Lord's answer for this hopelessness was to come to this world as a man and die for our sin on the cross. He opened the way for unholy humans to be declared holy and acceptable to Him again by providing forgiveness and new life to all who believe.

John 1:12 (ESV) says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

Your becoming a child of God means that God now accepts you back into His presence, and that you have a home in heaven forever. Christ took on Himself the judgment you deserved for your sin. That's God's plan for your salvation! You will never be lost because the price of your salvation has been fully paid.

My Thoughts

If the above is true, then why does the Bible say in Hebrews 4:13 (ESV), "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account"? Why do Christians need to appear before Christ [the Judgment Seat of Christ] after their death to be judged by Him for their performance as God's children? (See 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

    * What is revealed by fire at Christ's Judgment Seat?
    * What determines whether or not a Christian receives a reward?
    * If a believer's work is burned up, what happens to the believer?

Why is such a judgment necessary?

The Bible shows you that salvation is a gift of God to the believer, but it also shows that, as a believer, you have a responsibility to serve God and glorify Him by your life. (See Ephesians 2:8-10.) Christians who fail in this responsibility have remnants of ungodliness that need to be burned up. Heaven will contain no taint of sin. On the other hand, Christians who have shown their faithfulness to the Lord will be fully rewarded. (See Ephesians 6:7-8.)

My Part

A New Year is here. The time of Christ's return is drawing nearer. You don't know when that may happen, but Philippians 3:12-14 contains some wisdom from the apostle Paul that you might want to make your own for the future. It's a recipe for living a holy life, pleasing to God, ready for the Judgment Seat of Christ.

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 5, 2009
Topic: Heaven


Losing Reward

A lot of Christians have a hard time understanding heavenly rewards. These are rewards graciously given to believers by Jesus after the Rapture of the Church. They are given to commend a life well-lived. Some Christians will earn rewards; others will not.

Here's what the Bible has to say.

What Does God Say?

Paul and John often mention rewards in their letters. To the Corinthians, Paul wrote, "Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:13-15, ESV).

And in 2 John, John writes, "Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward" (2 John 8, ESV).

Each of these passages speaks of gain and loss. But this isn't loss in the sense of rewards being taken away from you. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul compares the Christian life to a race and encourages us as runners to run so as not to be disqualified (See vv. 24-27). In other words, Paul wants us to live up to our full potential as believers and not forfeit potential opportunities for rewards.

Does this mean that our time in front of the Judgment Seat of Christ will be a sorrowful occasion? Only a little as we realize that we could have done more. Samuel Hoyt sums it up nicely when he says:

"To overdo the sorrow aspect of the Judgment Seat of Christ is to make heaven hell. To underdo the sorrow aspect is to make faithfulness inconsequential" (Samuel Hoyt, quoted in Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie © 1999, p. 598 ).

We will all leave the Judgment Seat of Christ rejoicing in our gracious God. So, let's stand faithful today in the service of our heavenly Father and make our joy all the greater.

My Thoughts

As you read today's verses, think about the following questions:

1. How are you preparing today for your appearance before the Judgment Seat of Christ?

2. What does "revealed by fire" in 1 Corinthians 3:13 mean to you?

3. What will happen to anyone whose work survives?

4. How is someone affected if his or her work is burned up?

5. What does John mean by "watch yourselves"? How can you watch yourself today?

My Part

Have you ever approached your day with the Judgment Seat of Christ in mind? Try going through your daily activities thinking about how you might appear in Jesus' eyes. Are the things you're doing worthy of reward?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jan 6, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Poverty Stricken Saints

The Great Chicago Fire occurred in 1871and is still one of the most devastating fires to engulf a major city in the United States. It destroyed over 1,800 buildings (homes and businesses) valued at around 200 million dollars. The fire killed at least 300 people and caused thousands of others to flee from the flames. Many people lost everything they owned.

Yet such a disaster is insignificant compared to the loss that many people stand to experience before the Judgment Seat of Christ. While no one will lose their salvation (that's secure in Jesus), many may lose the rewards that they thought were going to be theirs. Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, ESV).

    * What is our foundation? Why is this important?
    * What options do we have for building on this foundation?
    * What do wood, hay and straw have in common?
    * What is the purpose of the fire?

My Thoughts

Our salvation is secure. Jesus says in John 10:29, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand" (ESV). The fires of judgment deal, not with our salvation but with our works.

    * What do you think would cause a work to be considered "wood, hay or straw"?
    * If our salvation is secure, why do we need to be concerned about rewards?

My Part

Keep in mind that our rewards are eternal, like our salvation. We will live for eternity either with them or without them. Decide today that your future rewards will be the determining factor in how you live your life here and now.