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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 11, 2009
Topic: Salvation


God of the Impossible

"Ha! You might as well try to go to the moon!" used to be the standard retort to anyone who wanted to do something considered impossible. Then, on July 20, 1969, the reply went out of style. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin actually did land on the moon and sent the news back to earth. Amazingly, some deny this event ever took place.

In the last hundred years, many amazing things have happened. We have solved "impossible" problems and transformed these solutions into practical aids for daily living. No puzzle seems to be unsolvable by human minds.

But going to the moon is one thing; going to heaven is another. We can say with certainty that a human solution will never be found for the problem of sin. Yet God has One. Still, just as some deny that anyone ever went to the moon, there are millions of doubters who insist that they can find their own way to heaven!

What Does God Say?

See what the Bible says in the following verses.

Compare Galatians 3:22 and Romans 3:10-12, 23. Who has sinned?

Read Romans 5:12 and Romans 6:23. What is the inevitable result of sin?

What works can you do to save yourself from sin (Romans 3:19-20)?

What does John 3:36 tell you about the wrath of God?

Now re-read the following verses and jot down what God says about His solution to mankind's sin: Galatians 3:22; Romans 6:23; John 3:36.

Finally, read Romans 5:6-11 to see more about God's wonderful solution to an impossible problem faced by every person on earth.

My Thoughts

Landing on the moon once seemed to be an absolutely insurmountable problem for human beings. However, the solution was discovered over 40 years ago. But what about the problem of how a person can get to God? Man-made religions have worked on that for thousands of years--always missing the mark. The plain answer is that you can't get to God. He supplied the answer. The sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, came down to us (John 1:14) and "as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God " (John 1:12).

My Part

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, write out a short account of how you came to know you could not save yourself from sin and how you came to Him for salvation.

If you don't know if you have passed from death into life and don't know that you will be in heaven for all eternity, take the step now and trust Christ as your personal Savior. Go to the "Meet Jesus" page to find out how you can be saved.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 12, 2009
Topic: Salvation, New Life


Based on Who?

The comedian Joan Rivers is famous for her one-liner, "Can we talk?" In other words, can we get personal? The message God gives us in His Word is personal. It's not about a "What"; it's about a "Who."

When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he was in prison, awaiting death for sharing the Gospel of Jesus. But instead of despair or self-doubt, this letter is full of encouragement and hope. His reason for that hope comes in the first chapter. "But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed" (2 Timothy 1:12, ESV). Here, near the end of his life, waiting for execution, Paul didn't say, "For I know what I have believed." His life, his career and his ministry for which he was about to die wasn't based on a "what," it was based on a "who": Jesus Christ.

What Does the Bible Say

Paul believed in a Jesus who didn't come to preach a few sermons and teach moral lessons. Paul believed in a God/Man who came to lay down His life to forgive our sins against God and to allow us to live with Him in peace and joy forever. No teaching can accomplish this, only a person, only Jesus.

When Jesus walked the earth, He told His followers, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:37, ESV). "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them" (Luke 18:16). "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35, ESV). Over and over again, Jesus emphasized that a truly fulfilled life came through Him, not just from Him.

Paul found comfort in his last days because of his relationship with a person--Jesus--not from a set of moral beliefs. And Christianity has always been that way--it's about a relationship with a person, and not about conforming to a set of rules.

My Thoughts

The difference between believing in a "who" or a "what" can seem like a minor thing. But as you read 2 Timothy 1:8-14, consider the following questions.

    * In what ways does Paul describe his faith in relational terms?
    * How does Paul indicate that God is active in his life?
    * Why is the mention of the Holy Spirit in verse 14 important to us today?

My Part

The sermons Jesus taught were important and have many things to teach us, but it's no mistake that most of the Gospels show us what He did, rather then tell us what He taught.

Pick one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and read through it over the next several days. As you read, take note of the things Jesus does. Ask, "Is this a man I would trust and want to be friends with if I saw Him today?" When you read about Jesus' death and Resurrection, ask, "Why would Jesus go through so much pain and agony for 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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 13, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


About Pleasing God

"Is your life pleasing to God?" The abrupt question from a good friend startled me when I first heard it. The question has come back to me many times in the years that have followed.

Certainly you should think about whether or not your life is pleasing to God. If it is not, then you need to do something about it. If you're not sure, you need to find out what God expects of you. If you think it is, you need to be careful that you are not trusting in your own merits.

How do you know your life is pleasing to the Lord? If He has saved you, isn't your relationship to Him as a believer pleasing enough? Is there more?

What Does God Say?

First of all, the fact that you are a believer in Christ guarantees your salvation, but it doesn't guarantee you are living a life that is pleasing to God. There are plenty of Scriptures that tell us that. Look at each of the following Bible passages and write down what you see about some believers whose attitudes or actions were not pleasing to God:

    * Luke 9:46-48
    * Luke 9:51-56
    * Luke 10:40-42
    * Luke 18:15-17
    * 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
    * Revelation 2:1-7

Second, you need to recognize that you can be pleasing to God. It is not impossible. God doesn't expect sinless perfection, but He does give biblical guidance about what He desires to see in a believer's life. For example, here is what the Lord told the Hebrew people in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV): "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?"

What do you see in those verses that God desired of Israel? How might you apply those principles to your life today? Read Micah 6:8 and note some other things that please God.

My Thoughts

God's desires were not just for Israel. Though every true Christian is saved, God still wants them to live to please Him. Look up the following verses and write down what you see that pleases the Lord:

    * Hebrews 11:6
    * Hebrews 13:20-21
    * Hebrews 13:16
    * 1 Timothy 2:2-3
    * Colossians 1:10

My Part

Today in your prayer time, ask the Lord to reveal anything in your life that may not be pleasing to Him. Ask Him also to remove God-displeasing thoughts, attitudes or activities. Memorize the verse below and keep it in mind as guidance for your life:

Second Corinthians 5:9, ESV: "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 16, 2009
Topic: Salvation, God's Love


Salvation Is a Gift

In 1856, a book of poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning was published. In it was one line that strikes a chord in every Christian's heart: "God's gifts put men's best dreams to shame." Nothing reminds us better about some of these gifts than three special days that many Christians observe: Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.

What Does God Say?

    * Christmas, the day we celebrate Jesus' birth. Jesus is God's gift to you of His beloved Son.

"'The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (Luke 2:11, NLT).

Let's look at Easter.

    * On Easter, we celebrate the day Jesus rose from the dead. That day He demonstrated His power over death and His victory over the sin that causes death. It is Christ's gift to you. You have forgiveness of sin and eternal life because He died and rose again.

"He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said" (1 Corinthians 15:4, NLT, emphasis added).

Next, let's explore Pentecost.

    * Pentecost (taken from the Greek word "pente" for 50) was celebrated 50 days after Passover. It was also called the "Feast of Harvest" (Exodus 23:16). For Christians, it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers (Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:14). He is God's gift to everyone who puts their trust in Jesus.

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 ).

Christmas, Easter and Pentecost--all days that made your salvation possible. And that salvation is also a gift God wants to give you (see 2 Peter 3:9). He wants to give it to every person in the world. God's salvation--forgiveness for all sins, acceptance into God's family, a future home in heaven, a purpose for living--all these things must be accepted as a gift because it is the only way you can get them!

Read the following verses and note what they say about the gift of salvation and how you get that gift.

Romans 6:23

Ephesians 2:8-9

    * What exactly does God want to give you?
    * What might His gift mean to you--now and in eternity?
    * Can you earn this gift?

My Thoughts

Have you received God's wonderful, eternal and perfect gift? The Bible tells us clearly that God desires for each person to accept His gift.

While free, God's gift is not cheap. It cost the life of His Son.

By the way, once you have received God's gift, it can never be taken away. Jesus promised us that. He who cannot lie and who never fails to keep His promises said this:

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand" (John 10:27-29).

My Part

Now you know about God's free gift and that He wants you to accept it. Will you? Will you accept God as your Father, Jesus as your Savior and the Holy Spirit as your Guide? When you do, it's a time of celebration! Christmas, Easter and Pentecost all rolled into one! And heaven celebrates with you!

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 17, 2009
Topic: Salvation, God's Love


God's Special Gift

What do you associate with Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and lots of other special occasions? If you said "gifts," 99 percent of the rest of our society would probably agree with you. Gifts are one of the ways most of us show we care about someone.

But no one has ever given a gift that is as special as the one God gave. This gift came through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let's take a closer look at what God's Word says about this gift.

What Does God Say?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:23-26).

    * Who needs God's gift?
    * What does this gift prove about God?
    * How would you explain to someone the way to receive this gift?

My Thoughts

God's gift is free, but it's not cheap. It cost the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. It was Christ's blood that redeemed us. The word redeemed means "to buy back." It's used to describe paying a ransom for someone's release. Sin had held us captive. It held us under its control (Romans 7:14). But Jesus paid the ransom price and set us free.

This allowed God to be both "just and the justifier." For God to have ignored our sins would make Him unjust. He would be violating His own laws. But Jesus became a propitiation through His blood. The word propitiation means "to satisfy." To maintain God's justice, the Law had to be met. Jesus satisfied that Law through His death.

My Part

Take a piece of paper and divide it in half. On one half, label it "Mankind" and list all the ways people try to pay for their sins. On the other half, list The way God has paid for our sins. Which way have you chosen?

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 18, 2009
Topic: Salvation, Faith/Trust


Faith & Righteousness

What's the difference between belief and faith? Well, think of it as a little like bungee-jumping.

Belief tells you that the bungee harness will work; it's been tested and inspected plus the jump has been successfully accomplished by others. Faith straps on the harness and steps off the platform. It's not a perfect illustration, but perhaps you get the picture. Faith acts on belief with trust. Faith not only believes God but willingly stakes its life and future on trusting God.

And when we do that, God counts it as righteousness.

What Does God Say?

That's exactly what God did for Abraham. God made promises to Abraham, and "by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8, ESV). When God said He would make Abraham's family into a great nation, Abraham trusted God to speak the truth, even though he was elderly with no children. Genesis 15:6 says, "And he believed the Lord, and he [the Lord] counted it to him as righteousness" (ESV).

Abraham didn't earn his righteousness by being a good guy or even by following up on God's instructions. It wasn't a matter of working to be righteous but of believing and trusting. It was all about faith. God took the faith of Abraham and put it on his account; He viewed Abraham through the lens of righteousness, even though Abraham was not in himself righteous.

Romans 4:2-5 puts it this way: "For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.' Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness" (ESV).

You don't earn righteousness like a paycheck; you're seen as righteous in God's eyes because of your faith.

Faith in what? Well, Galatians 2:16 tells us that we are not "justified  [counted as righteous] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified" (ESV). Jesus Christ, God's promised solution to man's problem with sin and unrighteousness, is the key.

My Thoughts

Take a closer look at Abraham's faith by reading Romans 4:13-25.

    * What was God's promise to Abraham?
    * What does it say about the law or earning your righteousness?
    * Why is it important that the promise rests on grace and not on works?
    * How did Abraham have to exercise faith?
    * How is his faith described in verses 20-21?
    * How would you describe your faith?
    * Why does it make a difference to you that "it was counted as righteousness" to Abraham (see 4:23-25)?

Faith leads to righteousness when we come to Jesus for salvation. Take a look at Romans 5:1-2 and put it in your own words. What does that faith produce?

My Part

Earlier, we said that faith acts on belief with trust. The first place to put that to work in your life is in the matter of salvation: Believe that Jesus is the one God sent to take care of your sins, now and forever. When you've placed your faith--your belief accompanied by trust--in that truth, you have a new life.

But faith and righteousness extend beyond your salvation. Maybe, like Abraham, you need to act in faith to follow God's direction in your life, to find hope in the promises He made to you, to keep going when life is more than you can cope with, to look at the future with the peace of God in your heart.

Perhaps you believe the facts about God's sovereignty, goodness, faithfulness or mercy; but you're reluctant to really "live by faith" in those things. It may be a lack of trust, a fear of failure or judgment, the uncertainty of getting what you want out of life or just the weight of past experience. Then take a good look at what's holding you back and ask God for help. Like the bungee harness, ask Him to help you strap on the harness of faith and take the plunge. Just as Abraham and countless others have proved--it's worth the risk.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 19, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Tested by God

Do you like taking tests? My favorite tests are the ones I give, not those I have to take. But being a Christ-follower means I will face tests. After walking with the Lord for a time, I thought the tests might get easier. They don't. And now I know that the only thing I can be sure of is that any day could bring a test.

What Does God Say?

Do you wonder why those who follow God are tested? Look at following verses and answer the questions.

"It was there at Marah that the LORD set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. He said, 'If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you'" (Exodus 15:25-26, NLT).

   1. What did the Lord expect from His people?
   2. What could the people expect if they kept all the Lord's commands?

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4, NLT).

   1. What was the Lord planning to do to feed the Israelites?
   2. What were the people required to do?
   3. What did God want to learn about the people?

"Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands" (Deuteronomy 8:2, NLT).

   1. Where were the Israelites living?
   2. How long did they live there?
   3. What two things did God want to find out about the Israelites during this time?

My Thoughts

Peter says: " Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-14, ESV)

We have seen that God always tests His people, not for their harm but for their good. Are you being tested right now? The purpose is not to trip you up. God's purpose in the test is to refine, strengthen and deepen your faith so that you will follow Christ with peace and joy.

My Part

Write down a test that you are experiencing or have recently experienced. What have you learned from this test about yourself? What have you learned from this test about God? Share these lessons with another brother or sister in Christ.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 20, 2009
Topic: Holy Spirit


The Gift of the Holy Spirit

There is a great deal of confusion about the Holy Spirit. Some say that He is a part of our salvation; others say He comes as a "second blessing" after we are saved. Still others believe He is in everyone in and is only waiting to be nourished and caused to grow like a seed planted in good soil.

But what does the Bible say?

What Does God Say?

"Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?" (Galatians 3:2-4, ESV).

    * According to Paul, how do we begin the Christian life?

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5, ESV).

    * How do we receive the Holy Spirit?

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many" (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, ESV).

    * What does the Holy Spirit do for us when He comes?

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him" (Romans 8:9, ESV).

    * What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and our salvation?

My Thoughts

The Holy Spirit is essential for salvation. We cannot be saved without Him. First Corinthians 12:12 makes it clear that it is the Holy Spirit who places us (baptizes us) into the Body of Christ. Only when we are in Christ, are we safe from the wrath to come (John 3:36, Colossians 3:5-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Are you waiting for the Spirit? Wait no longer. Accept Christ as your Savior and the Spirit immediately becomes God's special gift to you. He indwells you (Romans 8:11), seals you (Ephesians 1:13) and provides the special comfort you need in difficult times (Acts 9:31).

My Part

Give thanks to the Father for the Spirit who dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16). This week, learn how you can better relate to God's Spirit by meditating on the following verses: Ephesians 4:30, 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 23, 2009
Topic: Salvation


Past, Present & Future

I remember playing Monopoly when I was growing up. I'd always grab the little car as my token. I remember teasing my brother whenever he drew the "You've won second place in a beauty contest," card.

There's another Monopoly card I'll bet everyone remembers; it's the "Get out of jail free" card. And it's no surprise that many pastors and teachers over the years have compared our salvation in Jesus Christ to that all-important card.

But, while the analogy isn't wrong, there is much more to salvation. Let's look at what the Book of Hebrews has to say.

What Does God Say?

Starting at Hebrews 7:22, we read, "This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he [Jesus] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" (22-24, ESV).

If salvation were only a matter of priests interceding for the people, the priests of Israel had been carrying out that function for centuries before Jesus arrived. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, they would enter the Holy of Holies with a blood sacrifice. But the priests were human, they sinned, and they grew old, and they died just like every other human. There was always a need for more priests.

That is, until Jesus came.

Under the Old Covenant, there was a need to offer a sacrifice for sin again and again because the priests could not offer the type of sacrifice God required to redeem sinners from their sins once-and-for-all.

That is, until Jesus came.

"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Hebrews 7:25-26, ESV).

Because of His unique nature, Jesus was able to make a unique sacrifice; a once-and-for-all sacrifice. "He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself" (Hebrews 7:27, ESV).

Jesus doesn't temporarily cover up the sins as the Old Testament sacrifices did, He gives complete and absolute forgiveness for sins past, present and future.

My Thoughts

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

1. What about Jesus allows Him to offer such far-reaching salvation.

2. What makes Jesus sacrifice better than the sacrifices of the priests?

My Part

This has only been a brief overview on what salvation is. We've prepared the online guide, "Meet Jesus," to help answer any other questions you may have. We've also included a way (on that page) to contact us with any questions or comments or to share, "Yes, I've accepted God's free gift of salvation." We'd love to hear from 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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 24, 2009
Topic: Sin/Temptation


A Time to Flee

From a distance, the gigantic granite boulder looked like a smooth, round loaf of French bread, poking out the side of the mountain. Picnickers loved to climb the easy trail up the side of the mountain to the top of the great rock where they could enjoy the view.

Once they were on top of the rock, there was sometimes a desire on the part of some to stroll over to the edge to get a better look at the scenery below.

But there was no edge on the slick, rounded side of the boulder. More than a few persons found they suddenly had no foothold to climb back to the top. They tried to hang on but finally slipped and plunged to their death.

One day, some concerned citizens painted a line on the top of the rock. It was put there to say, "This far and no farther," but some still ignored the warning to their own destruction.

The attraction to sin is something like walking on that boulder. You may feel you can peer over the edge without hurting yourself, but God has some warnings and instruction about that.

What Does God Say?

James 1:14-15 (ESV) "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Read that verse, and then look through it carefully

    * Who is in danger of being tempted?
    * What may start you on the way to destruction?
    * What is the outcome of wrong desire?
    * What does the whole process bring forth?

Now, turn in your Bible to 2 Samuel 11, the record of King David's sin with Bathsheba. Note how David's actions followed the pattern you saw in James 1:14-15.

    * How did temptation first lure David (11:2)?
    * When did desire give birth to sin (11:4)?
    * What were some of the results that show David's sin was "fully grown" (11:5-27)?
    * What was God's view of David's actions ( 11:27)?

David didn't die for his sins. He confessed his sins (2 Samuel 12:13), and God forgave him but the fruits of sin followed David. The baby conceived by that sin died, and David's sons demonstrated a watered-down attitude toward sin throughout their lives. And it all began with David's moment of lustful temptation.

My Thoughts

Temptation to sin comes in many varieties. Everyone is tempted at times--perhaps to lie, to lust, to steal, to cover up another sin, to overindulge, to entertain evil thoughts. The list is endless.

The Internet is an amazing resource for thousands of kinds of information. You can find scientific facts; you can learn geography, math, language or check on next week's weather. You can find old poems that you had forgotten long ago. You can download music and study history. It is almost endless.

But the Internet is also a source of temptation. Pornography addicts all have a similar story to tell--they decided to take a peek, and then look again; they became engrossed in more and more sordid stuff and finally their time and lives were consumed with thoughts of lust. Sometimes it goes beyond the addict and destroys the life of victims of his or her lust.

It is not a sin to be tempted. But it is essential for you to know that every temptation can lead to sin. God has a promise for you:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

My Part

Consider your life. Are there sources of temptation that you struggle with? Meditate on what the apostle Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:22(ESV):

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

Ask the Lord to give you that pure heart; admit and identify what tempts you and stay away from places that lead to temptation.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 25, 2009
Topic: Salvation, New Life, God's Love


Saved by Mercy

You know we're saved by grace. It's the gift of God, delivered to us through Jesus His Son. But did you realize we're also saved because of God's mercy? Grace gives us what we do not deserve--a relationship with God and eternal life. Mercy keeps us from getting what we do deserve as sinful people: the judgment of a holy God and eternal death.

What Does God Say?

Ephesians 2:1-7 presents a "before and after" picture for us. Before God showed us His mercy, we "were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (2:1-3, ESV).

We could do nothing that allowed us to enjoy the company of the Holy God, but--here's where it all changes. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (2:4-7, ESV, emphasis added). Grace saves, but mercy moved God to act in love and make our salvation possible.

Mercy is an attribute of God, like love, faithfulness and holiness. Deuteronomy 4:31 declares, "For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them" (ESV). It's who He is--merciful.

Now, God is holy and just so He must judge our sin, but He is also merciful. Nehemiah 9:30-31 shows us this, "Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God" (ESV, emphasis added).

Because of God's mercy, we get a second chance instead of being cut off or destroyed. Because of mercy, we can experience forgiveness. And because of mercy, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV). You no longer have to live in fear of Him.

My Thoughts

Each set of verses relates to God's mercy. Jot down what you find about God's mercy and...

Forgiveness: Psalm 51:1-2; Daniel 9:9

Salvation: Titus 3:4-5; 1 Peter 1:3-4

Judgment: Jeremiah 3:12; James 2:12-13

    * What are some things you gain because God is merciful?
    * How have you seen God express His mercy to you?
    * How does experiencing God's mercy free you to live for Him?

My Part

Because of God's mercy, you can live a richer life, free from the fear of condemnation and judgment. However, you have a responsibility with this wonderful gift. In Luke 6:36, Jesus tells us to "be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (ESV). We're to reflect God's mercy to people around us who need it--just as much as we do.

You're not in a position to forgive sins or grant eternal life as God does (though you can point people in the right direction). But you can demonstrate mercy when you forgive those whose sins have affected you. Mercy doesn't argue about what's fair or what someone deserves, it forgives; it acts with compassion, not condemnation; and it offers a second chance.

    * Do you know someone who needs mercy from you today?
    * What's holding you back?
    * What steps can you take to show them mercy?
    * How have you benefited from God's mercy?
    * How can you show that to someone else?

Now, get started! When you reflect God's mercy to others, it's a way of passing along the great gift He gave to 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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 26, 2009
Topic: God, Worship/Praise/Worthiness, Faith/Trust


God Is Sovereign

In 1812, Napoleon decided to invade Russia and bring its people under his control. When the plans were laid out, someone ventured to say, "Man proposes, but God disposes." On hearing that remark, Napoleon replied, "I propose, and I dispose." Such pride, however, proved fatal. Using one of His tiniest, most fragile creations, the snowflake, God brought the proud general to his knees. Bogged down in heavy snow, Napoleon ordered a retreat. His army of 600,000 men was decimated. Fewer than 100,000 made it back home again. Ultimately, this disaster weakened his armies and brought about his final defeat in 1813.

The Bible makes it very clear that God is sovereign. The word sovereign means "to be in complete control." Let's see what God's Word says about His sovereignty.

What Does God Say?

"David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly:

'O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!'" (1 Chronicles 29:10-13, NLT).

    * List some of the things that David praises God for in verse 11.
    * What belongs to God? What implication does this have for you?
    * God is the source for what good things?

My Thoughts

Since the Lord God is the only God and He alone is the Sovereign God, list some of the practical benefits for the Christ-follower in His sovereignty. Use the following Scriptures to help guide your thoughts.

"And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

"Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever" (Revelation 5:13, NLT).

Benefit: _________________________________

"All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17, NLT).

Benefit: _________________________________

"He prayed, 'O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!" (2 Chronicles 20:6, NLT).

Benefit: _________________________________

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

"Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36, KJV).

Benefit: _________________________________

My Part

If you believe with all your heart that God is sovereign, and you trust Him with all you are, then life is not a threat or a burden but a challenge to see how He will guide and provide for and love you. Take time to thank Him for who He is.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 27, 2009
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Diamond Mining

Good photographers and artists develop the skill of spotting "unseen beauty" in the things around them. Sometimes their pictures surprise you. You may say, "It's amazing! I've looked at the same scene hundreds of times, but I never noticed that!"

In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs, the fifteen-year-old son of a South African farmer, noticed a shiny pebble on the ground. He picked it up and put it in his pocket. Later, he discovered that he had found a diamond. That's how the great South African diamond industry began.

Good Bible students need to learn similar skills--looking for the "unseen beauty" or spotting the treasure. God's Word is full of riches that easily go unnoticed by the average reader. The psalmist says,

"Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law" (Psalm 119:18, ESV).

What Does God Say?

Here is an exercise for you to do. You have probably heard and read John 3:16-18 many times. Maybe you've memorized all or part of it. But is there possibly something you may have missed? Is there a diamond there you haven't noticed? Study the verses and write down your answers to the questions below.

John 3:16-18 (ESV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

    * Why did God act?
    * What did God do?
    * What must you do?
    * What does God promise?
    * Why did God not send His Son?
    * Why did God send His Son?
    * Who is not condemned?
    * Who is condemned?
    * When is he or she condemned?
    * Why is he or she condemned?
    * What have you discovered about eternal life?
    * Write down what you believe are the most important words in the verses.

My Thoughts

Many people believe that because God loves the world, He will therefore save everybody. But is that what the verses say? No, they say that because He loves the world, He sent His Son. That was the great gift He gave. The only way you can know His love personally is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Simply feeling good about God's love is not what saves you. You must personally receive the gift of His Son.

First John 4:9-10 (ESV) says: "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (Propitiation means that Jesus Christ died on the cross and saved us from the penalty of eternal separation from God, which our sins demanded.)

What similarities do you find in John 3:16-18 and 1 John 4:9-10?

My Part

Did you discover any "diamonds" in the verses you looked at today--things that you hadn't noticed before?

If you aren't already doing so, try writing down the "treasures" you find in your daily Bible reading. You'll be amazed at the riches you have found by the end of a week.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 30, 2009
Topic: Faith/Trust


The Promise Keeper

Jeremiah is often referred to as "the weeping prophet." It's easy to see why when we look at the Book of Lamentations which he wrote. The ruins of Jerusalem, through the veil of Jeremiah's tears, may seem an odd place to start a lesson on God's faithfulness; but that's where we begin.

What Does God Say?

"All the majesty of beautiful Jerusalem
has been stripped away.
Her princes are like starving deer
searching for pasture.
They are too weak to run
from the pursuing enemy" (Lamentations 1:6, NLT).

Even though foreign armies destroyed the city, it was God who allowed the city to be ruined. "The Lord has trampled his beloved city" (1:15). But there was a very specific reason Israel was captured. Israel had turned its back on God.

"But it is the Lord who did just as he planned.
He has fulfilled the promises of disaster
he made long ago" (2:17).

This is the first lesson on God's faithfulness: He keeps all His promises. God promised to bless Israel if they walked with Him. But He also promised to sell His people into slavery if they turned from Him. God wouldn't be faithful if He ignored any of His promises.

If this were the end of the story, God would look like a computer following a rigid set of parameters. But out of the ruined city comes this second lesson on God's faithfulness:

"For no one is abandoned
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion
because of the greatness of his unfailing love" (3:31-32).

God's promise to love us always stands behind every other promise He makes.

The third lesson on God's faithfulness is seen near the end of the book.

"O beautiful Jerusalem, your punishment will end;
you will soon return from exile.
But Edom, your punishment is just beginning;
soon your many sins will be exposed" (4:22).

Edom, a country hostile to God would not escape His wrath. The difference is that their punishment will be eternal. God shows His faithfulness by promising that one day all the evil forces of this world will be brought to justice.

My Thoughts

Read Lamentations 3:22-27 and Romans 8:35-39 and think about the following questions:

    * To whom is the Lord good according to Lamentation 3:25?
    * Paul, the writer of Romans, lived about 650 years after Jeremiah, yet his message is essentially the same. What does this tell you about God?
    * How can you tell the difference between God's temporary punishment, and His eternal judgment?

My Part

Remember, God keeps all His promises--both for good and for bad. If you have not decided to give your life to Jesus, you will fall on the "negative" side of God's faithfulness. On the other hand, God also has promised that while we live He will not reject anyone who honestly comes to Him.

[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.
Free Email Subscription
___________________________________

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 31, 2009
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Obedience/Discipleship


Sacrifice of Service

In January of 1998, Alexandra Danilova died at 93. Alexandra left Russia in 1924 but never left its classical dance traditions. Orphaned at the age of three, Danilova fell in love with the stage. At the Ballet Russes in the 1920's and '30s, she soared as Odette in Swan Lake and sizzled as the street dancer in Le Beau Danube. As a teacher at the School of American Ballet, she inspired generations of dancers. "I sacrificed marriage, children and country to be a ballerina," she wrote, "and there was never any misunderstanding on my part: I knew the price."

This attitude of sacrifice--a willingness to give oneself to something totally--is what Paul is talking about in Romans 12:1. Let's see what he has to say.

What Does God Say?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1, NKJV).

Write your definition of "living sacrifice."

Now, read the following Scripture verses and note why it is your "reasonable service" to present your body a "living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God."

"Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God" Romans 6:13 (NLT).

1. ______________________________________

"For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body"

(1 Corinthians 6:20, NLT).

2. ______________________________________

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2, NLT)

3. ______________________________________

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly" (Romans 12:6-8, NLT).

4. ______________________________________

My Thoughts

Someone has said that the problem with a "living sacrifice" is that it keeps trying to crawl off the altar. Maybe that's been your experience. If so, remember why we are called to make this sacrifice. Paul reminds us that it's because of the "mercies of God." God was moved by His love for us to show us mercy. Mercy means we don't receive what we deserve--eternal separation from Him. Instead, by grace, we receive the free gift of salvation. Such mercy deserves a living sacrifice.

Furthermore, it's our "reasonable service." Other translations say it's our "service of worship." Giving ourselves to God as a living sacrifice is a way we worship Him. Worship means to "show worth or value." We show God how much we value Him by giving ourselves to His service. It is the only reasonable thing to do in light of what He had done for us.

My Part

Let the following Scripture guide you in renewing your commitment to Christ, to pleasing Him with all your heart and to walking in obedience every day in every way.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him" ( Romans 12:1, NLT).