Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 25, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Pain/Suffering, Faith/Trust


Faith When You Grieve

When you're grieving the loss of a loved one, it's easy to focus on only the questions, the heartache or the changes you're facing. But don't let grief wreck your faith; exercise faith as you recover and find hope for your future.

What Does God Say?

In John 11, Jesus arrives in Bethany a few days after the death of His friend Lazarus. Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary, are wrapped up in their grief and a little unhappy that Jesus took so long to get there. In John 11:21, Martha says, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died" (NLT). And Mary says the same thing in 11:32.

That's pretty typical, isn't it? We lose a loved one and we tell God He could've stopped it. We even get angry because He didn't do what we wanted. But if we stop there, we miss an opportunity to grow in faith. Mary did that--she says, "Jesus, I wish you'd been here to stop Lazarus from dying."

However, in John 11:22, Martha spoke in faith, "But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask" (NLT). At first, she's focused on the general resurrection of the future (John 11:23-24), but then in John 11:24-26 Jesus tells her, "'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'" (NLT).

"What do you really believe about Me?" Jesus asks Martha. And when you're facing grief and loss, Jesus asks you that too. What do you really believe? It often takes a time of difficulty to refine our faith, to distill its essence and find the bottom line. If you believe Jesus is who and what He says, you can trust Him, even with the death of someone you love.

John 11:27 records Martha's answer, "'Yes, Lord,' she told him. 'I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God'" (NLT). That "I have always believed" is a strong statement of faith. Martha sees what you and I need to see--that Jesus is always exactly who He said He is--the Son of God. The circumstances of our lives, the testing of our faith, never change who Jesus is.

My Thoughts

Martha and Mary had the joy of seeing their brother returned to life right then and there. Today, when those we love die, we have to trust God for that future resurrection. Let's see what else the Bible says about faith, hope, death and grief:

Job 19:25-27
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 116:1-15
Philippians 1:20-26
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Revelation 21:1-4

    * What are some ways you see faith exhibited?
    * What promises do you find about death and life after death?
    * Where does your hope come from?
    * What are you putting your faith in for the future?

My Part

When you're grieving, do you stop where Mary did? Or do you take the next step and put your faith in Jesus as Martha did?

It helps to know what you believe about Jesus now, before your faith is tested by grief. Remember Martha's second response? "I have always believed." Take a few minutes to create your own statement of faith about Jesus, life, death and your hope for the future.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Topic: Faith/Trust


Faith and Dying

Is the name Jean-Francois Gravelet familiar to you? Better known as The Great Blondin, he was the first man to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope, an event he repeated many times. The story is told that once he pushed a wheelbarrow across the Falls and then returned with the wheelbarrow loaded with a 100-lb sack of flour. He subsequently asked the crowd if they thought he could push a man across.

When they shouted, "yes," he asked for a volunteer. Silence.

Faith is more than just assent. When you face death, you do not want to guess, hope or speculate. You want to know. And that's where Jesus comes in.

What Does God Say?

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?" (John 11:25-26, NLT).

Martha's brother had just died. Jesus was asking Martha if she believed that He could raise her brother from the dead.

    * Why would Jesus ask Martha that question?
    * How do you think Martha responded?

"Yes, Lord," she told Him, 'I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God'" (John 11:27, NIV).

My Thoughts

Do you think that Jesus was teaching not only Martha but also us through His question?

Did Martha really believe in her heart that Jesus could and would raise her brother from the dead?

What about you? When it comes to death and dying, where is your faith? Notice that Jesus does not say that everyone has the hope of never perishing, but only those who believe in Him--those who have taken Jesus to be their Savior, taken God to be their Heavenly Father and have taken the Holy Spirit to be their guide. To those people, Jesus promises eternal life and declares that death is only a brief doorway to resurrection and the beginning of eternity with Him.

My Part

Watching someone cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope would be scary. Riding in a wheelbarrow while someone pushed it over a tightrope strung across the Falls would be terrifying. But facing death and having no assurance would be even more dreadful. In fact, dreadful beyond words. That's why the truth Jesus teaches here is so significant and can affect our lives for eternity.

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'"? (John 11:25-26, NLT).

Do you believe? Do you trust Jesus with all your heart; do you have the assurance that He will keep His Word? Then you can face death and dying knowing that you will live eternally with your Savior.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NLT). "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 29, 2009
Topic: Joy


The Joy of Knowing Jesus

Do you know what verse in the Bible is the shortest?

Well, many people might answer, "Sure, it's John 11:35: 'Jesus wept,'" and they would be right--almost. That's the shortest verse in the English Bible. The verse with the fewest letters in the original language is 1 Thessalonians 5:16. It says, "Rejoice always."

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

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

What Does God Say?

The first coming of Jesus was accompanied by news of great joy to the nations.

The angel announced it; the magi experienced it.

Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Matthew 2:10 (ESV)
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

At His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His followers joyfully welcomed His coming and hoped for His reign to begin.

Luke 19:37-38 (ESV)
"As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!'"

Today, as you and other believers await His coming, you rejoice that you will see Him someday even though you may suffer in this life.

1 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."

1 Peter 4:13 (ESV)
"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Rejoicing in eternity will continue forever in the presence of the Savior.

Revelation 19:6-7 (ESV)
"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready.'"

My Thoughts

Learn more about rejoicing and joy in the presence of God. Look up the following verses and write down the cause for rejoicing that you see in each one:

Psalm 13:5
Psalm 16:11
1 Chronicles 16:31

My Part

As the season of the celebration of Jesus' birth draws near, spend some time considering and writing down why you have joy in Christ. It would be a good time, too, to memorize this verse:

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Rejoice always!

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jun 30, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Changed Expectations

Some people's expectations need to be adjusted. Take, for example, the person who sent a letter from the Health and Human Services to a resident of Greenville County, South Carolina: The letter stated, "Your food stamps will be stopped, effective in March, because we received notice that you passed away. You may reapply if your circumstances change."

The people of Jesus' day had expectations that needed to be changed as well. Let's compare those expectations with Jesus' purposes.

What Does God Say?

"Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!'

"Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself (John 6:11-15 ESV).

    * Record below the context for this story. (Read the verses before and after to see what had already taken place and what will take place after this story.)
    * Why did the people want to make Him their king? What do you think their expectations were?
    * What was Jesus' response to these expectations?

My Thoughts

The people of Jesus' day were looking for a warrior king. They expected the Messiah to overthrow the Roman government and set up the nation of Israel as a power to be reckoned with. Jesus, however, rejected those expectations for the time being because He had something more important to do--to provide a Savior for the world (See Revelation 19:11-16.).

    * What are our expectations when we're going through illness, financial difficulties or some other trial?
    * How might Jesus' expectations be different from ours?

My Part

Think about something you're facing that may be troubling you. List some of the expectations the Lord may have for you in this situation. Prayerfully ask the Lord to help you align your expectations with His.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 1, 2009
Topic: New Life


Object Lessons

The passage of the Bible we're looking at today begins with Jesus' announcement: "'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified'" (John 12:23, ESV). That sounds like a very exciting prospect. It reminds me of the movie Aladdin where the boy wishes to become a prince. A huge celebration breaks out and the newly-made Prince Ali is paraded through the capital streets.

But Jesus was not about to be celebrated in such a princely fashion.

What Does God Say?

"'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life'" (vv. 24-25, ESV).

   1. How are Jesus' words in verses 24 and 25 different in tone from verse 23?
   2. Why did Jesus use an agricultural-type example to teach this truth?
   3. What allows the grain of wheat to bear fruit?

Jesus' path to glory would ultimately end in heaven's throne room, but not before leading Him to the grave. Jesus was teaching His disciples a very important object lesson--you have to die in order to live. You have to give yourself to something larger than yourself in order to be of any value.

In Aladdin, the pauper-turned-prince had to drop his ruse in order to save the day. He had to put to death His princely persona. God created all of us with incredible potential: the ability to change lives forever. But before we can have any lasting value in His service, we need to embrace His life and His goals and leave behind our own.

My Thoughts

What do Jesus' words in the next verse mean for you today? "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him" (v. 26, ESV).

My Part

As you think about how God might be calling you to serve Him today, take some time to express your worries and doubts to Him. God understands this isn't an easy calling, so give Him the opportunity to calm your fears and prepare you for greater things to come.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 2, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Get a Life

Maybe someone has said to you (or you've said to yourself), "You need to get a life!" If your heart was beating and your lungs were breathing in air, you knew the person wasn't talking about a physical life. Instead, your adviser was suggesting you needed to focus more on the things that make life enjoyable.

Jesus, on the other hand, tells us just the opposite. In John 12:25 (NASB), He says, "He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal." Jesus expands upon this seeming contradiction in the Book of Matthew. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done (Matthew 16:24-28, ESV).

    * What must a follower of Christ do?
    * What does Jesus mean by losing your "life"?
    * What promise do these verses end with?

My Thoughts

On the surface, it seems like Jesus is talking in contradictions. "Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." It's only when we look at the context that it makes sense. Jesus is looking beyond the few years that we spend on earth. He has eternity in mind. The people who live totally for the "now," might gain great wealth and power, but they will leave it all behind when they die. Those people will lose everything they felt was worthwhile in life.

Even Christians can get sucked into focusing on things that are only temporal and forget that it's those things of eternal value that really matter. The life we want to be sure to "get" is not this life but the next one.

My Part

What is the focal point of your life--the things of the world or the things of Christ? Make a list of the most important things in your life. Put a star beside those things that have eternal value. Determine to focus on these items and put a lower priority on all the rest.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 3, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Reflecting Glory

We say it--"the chief end of man is to glorify God."
We sing it--"glorify His name"
We believe it--"Christians are to glorify God."

What that means and how to do it, however, few seem to understand. Jesus helps us know how we can give glory to God.

What Does God Say?

"'I brought glory to You here on earth by doing everything You told Me to do'" (John 17:4, NLT).

Jesus brought glory to the Father by living obediently every day. We can do not only the same through our obedience, but Paul tells us that glorifying God permeates the life of the Christian. Here's how Paul puts this truth:

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV).

So, if we are to follow the example of Jesus and bring glory to God, we must purpose to live reflecting Christ's glory and walking in obedience.

Scripture gives us specific actions that will bring glory to God. Here are two examples from the Bible.

"'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven'" (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV).

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, ESV).

In light of the verses in Matthew and 1 Corinthians, summarize the two things we can do to bring glory to God. What are two things that will not glorify God?

My Thoughts

Living to glorify God comes down to our choices. It doesn't depend on our parents, friends, church family, fellow employees or students or the government. Read the following Scriptures and write down ways that you could choose to glorify God.

I can glorify God by choosing to

Romans 4:20 _______________________________

Psalm 50:23 _______________________________

John 21:19 ________________________________

Philippians 2:11 __________________________________

1 Peter 4:14; 1 Peter 4:16 _____________________

2 Thessalonians 1:12 _______________________________

John 15:8; Philippians 1:11 _________________________

1 Peter 4:11 ________________________________

My Part

Will there be glory in heaven? Oh, yes! The Father, Son and Spirit will be there in all their glory. Can there be glory on earth? That depends on whether Christ-followers live to glorify God. Make your choice today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 6, 2009
Topic: Holiness


Staying Spotless

When Hebrew believers in Old Testament times wanted to present a blood sacrifice to God, they searched out a lamb or other proper animal with absolutely no imperfections or injuries, so the Lord could accept the offering. God's requirement for perfection was to teach the people of Israel the gravity of their sin and the necessity for a perfect substitute to die in their place.

All of the Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing, or an object lesson, predicting the coming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, on the cross.

What Does God Say?

First Peter 1:17-19 (ESV) refers to the priceless blood of Christ as follows: "And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Christ, the spotless Lamb, took your place to pay for all of your sin. His sacrifice was completely acceptable to God. Nothing more is needed for your salvation and nothing less is sufficient. When you are saved by the blood of Christ, you are washed spotlessly clean and made acceptable to God. In God's sight, you are completely forgiven and there is no spot of sin to keep you from being His child.

Read about spotlessness in Ephesians 5:25-27 in your Bible.

    * To what does the apostle Paul compare the proper love of a husband for his wife?
    * What did Christ give up for the Church?
    * To whom will the Church be presented in the future?
    * What qualities will characterize the Church of the future?

My Thoughts

So, as a Christian, saved by the blood of Christ, you are made spotless by Christ. But wait a minute! Why did Peter write 2 Peter 3:13-14? Look that up and answer these questions.

    * Is Peter writing to Christians or unbelievers?
    * What are the recipients of his letter to be careful to do (v.14)?

You see, then, that although Christ has made you spotless and perfect, you are still responsible to get rid of any spots that you might get as you travel along in your Christian life. So, how does that work?

In John 13:3-10, you'll find a lesson about keeping clean. Read that passage of Scripture now.

    * What was Jesus going to do that shocked Peter?
    * What was Jesus' warning to Peter?
    * How did Peter respond to Jesus' warning?
    * After a person has a complete bath, what gets dirty first?

Jesus is saying that when you take a bath, you are clean; but when you walk on a dusty road, you'll need to wash your feet before you come back into the house. Your spiritual life is like that too. When you are saved, Jesus has completely washed your sins away. You are totally forgiven. But because you live in this world and because you will sometimes be stained by sin, you will need an occasional footbath. That is what 1 John 1:9 tells you. If you sin, you don't lose your salvation. You just need to truly confess your sins in order to be entirely clean again and restore your fellowship with God.

My Part

Do you have a spot that needs removing? Feet that need washing? Does your fellowship with God need to be restored? Keep 1 John 1:9 in your head and heart: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Write out a prayer of confession.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 7, 2009
Topic: Jesus


One and the Same

I knew this would be a challenging topic to write about as soon as I opened a theology book and read, "This concept of the hypostatic or one-person union of the divine and human natures in one person is probably one of the most difficult concepts to comprehend in theology."*

Why do Christians even bother with such a complicated concept? Why don't we just say that Jesus was fully God--or fully man--and get on with it? Well, because the Bible won't let us get away with that. In fact, in many cases, it's Jesus' own words that clue us in to His utterly unique person.

*1999 Charles C. Ryrie "Basic Theology" p. 287.

What Does God Say?

It's easy to grasp that Jesus was a man. We have stories of His birth in Bethlehem, His growing up in Nazareth. We see Him eating with friends and dying a horrible death.

But He was also fully God. How do the following verses convince of you of that fact?

    * Read John 10:30. What is Jesus saying about Himself in this verse?
    * What does Jesus tell His disciples in Matthew 16:21?
    * What is Jesus doing in Mark 5?
    * What miracle does Jesus perform in John 11:42-45?

In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples by saying, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me" (v. 1, ESV). Here again, Jesus was saying that as a man, He is every bit as worthy of our belief and trust as God.

In the end, we can only conclude that Jesus was an utterly unique individual--"full Deity and perfect humanity united without mixture, change, division, or separation in one person forever."*

*1999 Charles C. Ryrie "Basic Theology," p. 284.

My Thoughts

   1. Why is it important that we understand that Jesus was fully God and fully man?
   2. Could Jesus have carried out His mission on earth if He had not been fully God and fully man?
   3. What are the dangers of ignoring one or the other aspect of Jesus' unique nature?

My Part

Take a piece of paper and make two columns. Label one column as "Man" and the other as "God." Read through the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life. List under the appropriate column those verses that indicate the humanity of Christ or the deity of Christ. Give thanks that He was both "man" and "God."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 8, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Faith/Trust


Promises, Promises

I'm looking for a new place to live and that means all those crazy questions I hate to deal with. Do I get an apartment or a townhome or a house? Should I rent or buy? And then there's the packing and moving. Not something I'm excited about. That's one reason I look longingly at a promise Jesus made.

What Does God Say?

In John 14, Jesus is preparing His disciples for what's ahead: His death, Resurrection and return to heaven. He promises them several important things including, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2-3, ESV).

Take a few minutes to read through John 14.

    * What promises do you find Jesus making?
    * Which promises have already been fulfilled?
    * Which ones are you still waiting for?
    * How is God the Father involved?
    * What reassurance does Jesus give you as you wait on His promises?
    * How do you find peace and comfort?

If you want to do a little more, read John 15 and 16, too, asking the same questions.

My Thoughts

One reason Jesus returned to heaven was to prepare a place for those who believe and follow Him. I like that--there's a home waiting for me--one I don't have to worry about or pack for, and that's a very good thing.

Jesus goes one better in His promise. Not only is He getting it ready, but He will come back and take us there. Personal service from the Lord Himself!

This is a future promise; it hasn't happened yet. But we can trust that it will because it fits with all the other promises made by Jesus the Son and God the Father. For example, in John 14:15-17, Jesus promises "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you" (ESV). What will this helper do? John 14:26 tells us, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

The Spirit has come; He takes up residence in all who believe. That's a promise kept. And it gives us confidence that God keeps other promises too.

My Part

From the very beginning God made and kept promises--to Adam and Eve, to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, etc. Through Jesus, He kept the promise of redemption and eternal life. And through Jesus, we're also promised help for living today and peace for what comes in the future. God's track record is superior in the promise department; it's based on His faithful, purposeful, unchanging character.

So, how have you seen God deliver on His promises? Which ones do you struggle to trust Him for? Which promises have you found in the Bible that mean the most to you?

Take a moment to thank God for making and keeping His promises, and ask Him to help you trust Him for those you still struggle to understand.

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 9, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, Evangelism


The Only Way

Do you realize all religions contradict each other? And, logically, there are only two reasons: Either they are all false or there is only one that is true. And the Bible makes it clear that the one true religion is Christianity and that Jesus is the Way--the only way to God.

What Does God Say?

    * What name recorded in Acts 24:14 were the early Christians known by?
    * What does Jesus call Himself in John 14:6?

The Bible teaches us about the Way to God.

    * Why does John say he wrote down the miracles Jesus performed (John 20:30-31)?
    * Whom does Acts 10:43 says that everyone must believe in to receive forgiveness of sin?
    * Who does Acts 4:11-12 tell you is the "stone"? What does the verse mean by that term? By what name do you receive salvation? Is any other name mentioned?
    * Paul stated the truth that Jesus is the only way to God firmly. To him it was unquestionable.

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, NLT).

"There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles" (Romans 3:30, NLT).

My Thoughts

    * Who/what is the narrow gate referred to in the verse below?
    * Why do so few find the narrow gate?
    * What makes the way that leads to destruction the easy way?
    * What does the narrow gate lead to?

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13-14, ESV).

My Part

Remember, God did not send Jesus to exclude people from heaven but in His love and grace, sent Jesus so we could go to heaven.

"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" (John 3:16-17, ESV).

Are you on your way to heaven? You can be, if you will trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You'll be a part of God's family and all those who have discovered that Jesus and only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 10, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship


Like the Father

H.G. Wells, the English science fiction writer, was not known as a religious man. But after he studied the history of mankind and observed life, he decided this: "Until a man has found God and been found by God, he begins at no beginning and he works to no end. He may have friendships, partial loyalties, even some honor. But all these things fall into place and life falls into place only with God."

Has your life fallen into place? Perhaps, as H. G. Wells suggests, you need to get to know God better. Let's see how you can do that.

What Does God Say?

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves (John 14:8-11).

    * How does Jesus respond to Philip's request to be shown the Father?
    * According to Jesus, on whose authority did He speak and act?
    * What effect were Christ's works to have?

My Thoughts

The disciples had spent nearly three years with Jesus. They heard Him teach and they saw Him do many miraculous things--healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water. Through the eyes of the Gospel writers, we, too, have seen those things.

And for what purpose? John made a point to call these works "signs" (John 2:11,4:52,6:14,12:17-18 ). They were like neon arrows pointing to the Savior. See Him have compassion for those who were in trouble; see His power over nature and even death itself. That's what the Father is like.

My Part

The better you know Jesus, the better you know the Father. And how do we get to know Jesus? By reading God's Word. Plan to read through the Gospel of John during the next week (that would mean three chapters a day). Take special note of those passages where Jesus performs a "sign" (a miracle). Write down the "sign," and indicate what it reveals about Jesus and the Father; also indicate what it means to you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 13, 2009
Topic: Prayer


Ponder Prayer's Conditions

You may have heard someone say, "That promise of God in the Bible is conditional." What does that mean?

Well, suppose you walk into a bank, go up to the teller and say, "I need some money. How about giving me 50 dollars?"

The bank teller says, "I'll have to ask you a few questions. Do you have an account here?"

"No," you reply.

Then the teller says, "Well, here are the conditions. First, you'll have to set up an account and deposit some money in it; then you can get a checkbook and you'll be able to write a check for the amount you need--but not for more than you have in the account. You will have to furnish your Social Security number and some other form of identification. And, by the way, our hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m."

"All I wanted was 50 dollars," you complain.

"Sorry. Have a good day," she says.

Well, there are likely times when you have had a bad day in prayer. Is there a chance it could be that you came to God without paying attention to the conditions?

What Does God Say?

Let's say you open your Bible and read John 14:13-14.

"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" (ESV).

You pick out, "Ask whatever." "This I will do." "Ask Me anything." "I will do it."

So, you pray. But, hey, wait a minute! Did you miss something? Are there possibly some conditions there?

How about these for starters: (1) Are you asking in Jesus' name? (2) Does what you are asking glorify the Father? Both conditions must be met.

Asking in Jesus' name doesn't mean tacking that phrase on the end of your prayer. That's not the condition Jesus was talking about. When you ask in Jesus' name, you are asking for what He would pray for, by His authority, in His will.

Glorifying God the Father means what you are asking will bring honor--glory--to Him. That doesn't mean everything you pray about has to be something super-spiritual, but it does mean that pleasing God is a consideration when you ask Him for needs or wants.

Here are some other prayer promises. Read them in your Bible and jot down any conditions you see:

    * Psalms 37:4
    * Psalms 145:18-19
    * Proverbs 15:29
    * Matthew 21:22
    * John 15:7
    * 1 John 3:22

My Thoughts

Sometimes at the bank, even though you have met the conditions, you can't get your money. For example, the bank may not be open on holidays or the computers might be down.

Likewise, there are times when, even though you have come to the Lord in the right way, He, for His own purposes, may delay the answer.

That doesn't mean God goes on vacation or that His computer needs maintenance, but sometimes God has a greater purpose, unknown to the person who is praying, such as some work the Spirit of God is doing in the life of a person he or she is praying for. But Jesus says that we "always ought to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1, ESV). And always keep in mind that God supernaturally works beyond the realm of our knowledge.

My Part

Before you pray, take time to think about what God's will may be in the matter. We are accustomed to saying, "If it is Your will" while we are praying, but it is better to see what God's Word has to say and what the true need is before you pray. You might ask yourself, How would Jesus pray in this matter?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 14, 2009
Topic: New Life


Jesus' Last Will

Imagine receiving a spectacular inheritance, and then ignoring it. The Bible talks about something Jesus left for all of us in His will that many Christians ignore.

Wait. Jesus left a will? John 14:27 records for us Jesus' last will, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (ESV).

Many Christians don't seem to have this peace in their lives. So, how do you embrace your inheritance? Paul has the answer to finding peace in his letter written, strangely enough, while in prison.

What Does God Say?

Near the close of his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, ESV).

   1. What doe Paul tell us to do first?
   2. What does "let your reasonableness be known to everyone" mean?
   3. How does "do not be anxious," relate to "rejoice in the Lord"?
   4. How do we need to make our requests to God?
   5. What image does "guard your hearts" create in your mind?

In the times we need peace the most, rejoicing may not be the first thing on our minds. But it's not just, "rejoice"; it's, "rejoice in the Lord." And it's not just "rejoice in the Lord" when things get bad; it's, "rejoice in the Lord always." The first step to finding the peace that Jesus promised is to always keep your mind focused on the blessings He provides every day.

Paul also talks about not being anxious about anything and bringing our requests to God in prayer and supplication. Now, this doesn't mean that God will just remove us from whatever stressful situation we might be in. He might, but often what He'll do is give us a fresh perspective on our situation. He'll show us that He is in control.

My Thoughts

Peace--it may sound good to be true. But look at Paul's own example. Read Philippians 1:12-14 and see how and why Paul rejoiced even while in prison.

    * What was Paul's concern even more than his own comfort or advancement?
    * What did Paul find to be happy about?
    * What situation in your life can you apply these verses too?

My Part

Are you struggling to find a reason to rejoice in God these days? Believe me, I know--it's hard to find them some days. There have been times when all I could do is repeat Romans 8:28 over and over to myself.

Find that verse, and memorize it. And as you spend time with God in His Word each day, ask Him to speak to you the words you need to hear. And pray for His peace that surpasses all understanding.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 15, 2009
Topic: Other


Peace for Troubled Hearts

According to the U. S. Census Bureau's "Population Clock," the world's population is ticking closer and closer to seven billion.

How many troubled hearts do you suppose there are in the world?

There appears to be no end of thoughts that can trouble people. They are troubled about their past: Wrecked relationships, failures, lost opportunities, sinful habits and bad decisions are some of the old, haunting concerns. Then, they are troubled by their present: Where will the next meal come from? Family frictions, health problems, financial woes, uncertain jobs, aging and uncertainties about a myriad of other things that disturb minds everywhere. Finally, people are troubled about their future: How and when will I die? Do I have the right religion? What lies beyond the grave? If there is a God, am I prepared to meet Him? Will I go to hell?

It would seem that peaceful, untroubled hearts are pretty rare among the world's seven billion. Is there a way to cure troubled hearts? Jesus offers a solution.

What Does God Say?

The angels introduced Christ's birth to the world with the wonderful announcement of peace on earth among men with whom God is well pleased (Luke 2:14, NASB). That peace was to come, not through human negotiations, but through the person of Christ Himself.

Shortly before He was put to death, Jesus assured His disciples that their hearts were not to be troubled--that He was the sole source of lasting peace that could free them from the troubles of their past, their present and their future. He said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27, ESV).

Peace for troubled hearts comes from having a right relationship with the person of Christ. It's not found in drugs, alcohol, religion or any other human solution.

My Thoughts

Much personal suffering, anxiety and lack of peace may be related to your past life. How does Jesus give you peace if you are troubled by your past? Find the following Bible verses and answer the related questions.

    * Isaiah 53:5. In this prophecy of Christ, what do you see that He has done to make peace possible for you?
    * Acts 10:43. What does the person who believes in Christ receive?
    * Colossians 2:13-14. What was your past condition? What does Jesus do for the believer?

Is your present life troubling you? What does being rightly related to Christ do to alleviate these issues?

    * Romans 5:1. What act of God assures the believer of peace with Him?
    * Galatians 5:22-23. What does this passage say about the source of present peace for the believer?
    * Isaiah 26:3. Who is kept in perfect peace by God?
    * Philippians 4:6-7. How is the peace of God obtained? What does this peace do for you?

What about the future?

    * Isaiah 55:12. How does God describe the future peace of His people?
    * Revelation 1:4. What promise of Christ's eternal presence and peace do you see in this verse?
    * Hebrews 13:8. What assurance do you see in this verse that the peace which Christ gives a believer today will last forever?

My Part

Consider the things that may be troubling you today. Have you accepted God's forgiveness of your past? Are you resting in the peace Christ gives in this present hour?

Based on His Word, are you confident that the Lord has a peaceful, perfect future for you?

Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), which has not only one of the greatest prayer promises in the Bible but also a promise of peace that only God can give:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."