Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 18, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Worship/Praise/Worthiness, Faith/Trust


Lessons from a Parade

Who doesn't love a parade? The colors and music, the people making noise to celebrate something great like a national championship, a major holiday or a presidential inauguration. So, it makes sense that the arrival of the Messiah in Jerusalem generated a parade too.

What Does God Say?

That parade is presented in Luke 19:28-38. Jesus was returning to Jerusalem for the last few days before His death and Resurrection. He was traveling with His disciples, and He gave a couple of them a special assignment: to get a colt for Him to ride on.

"And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 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'" (Luke 19:35-38, ESV)

What's so significant about this parade? Well, first, Jesus rode on a colt, which fulfilled the prophecy concerning the Messiah in Zechariah 9:9. When the disciples put their own coats on the colt, it was a sign of respect: they believed Jesus was worthy of this personal, temporary sacrifice of a coat. You also see the crowd spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. It was an act of honor and worship.

Speaking of worship, look how these people shouted and praised God for all they'd seen Jesus do. These are Jesus' people, "the whole multitude of His disciples," so they recognized God at work. Now, they made it known--loudly!

Finally, we have a matter of identity. These parade-watchers identified Jesus as the King who comes by God's promise, the Messiah who fulfills the covenant God made. They're not shouting for a great man and his accomplishments--this is a parade for Jesus, the Promised One.

My Thoughts

Read Luke 19:28-40 again. Then turn to Matthew 21:1-11 and Mark 11:1-10 and see what those accounts add.

    * Who took part in this celebration?
    * How did these people further honor Jesus?
    * What other ways did they identify Him?
    * What was part of the purpose for this event according to Matthew 21:4?

How do Psalm 118:26 and Zechariah 9:9 fit in here?

My Part

While you can't go back to that great event, you can fit these four things into your life with Christ.

    * How do you honor Him on a daily basis? What do you give up or spread before Him because you love and respect Him?
    * What are you doing to let other people know that God is at work? How do you praise Him before those who need to know what He can do?
    * How do you identify Jesus? Maybe you're good with Him being your Savior; what does it mean for Him to be your King? What do you say to other people about who He is?

Jesus is worth celebrating; what kind of a parade will you give Him today?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 19, 2009
Topic: Prayer, Christian Living/Situational


A Different Approach to Revenge

Most of the really good action movies begin with a character or characters who are plotting revenge. They want to get back at someone who's injured them. Many comedies, too, depict people who humorously try to extract payment from those who have hurt them. But, unfortunately, it's not just Hollywood who's bought into the idea that we need to seek revenge. Many times we as Christians harbor feelings of resentment and anger toward those who have hurt us. Today we're going to see what the Bible has to say about responding to those who've been unkind to us.

What Does God Say?

"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don' know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice" (Luke 23:33-34, NLT).

"'But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you'" (Luke 6:27-28, NLT).

Who did Jesus ask God to forgive?
Who are we called to love?
How are we to respond when people hurt us?
What do we do about people who hate us?

My Thoughts

We have a tendency to try and play God. Have you ever prayed and told God how He should deal with a person who has hurt you? The scary part is, if we pray that someone else will get what they deserve, it means God has to give us what we deserve as well. When the Bible tells us to pray for the very people who have hurt us, it's not to inflict more pain on us. Prayer is not about our hurt, it's about the needs of other people. Consider these questions:

    * Is there someone whom I have not forgiven?
    * Am I praying for that person?
    * If so, am I praying for revenge or am I praying that God will have mercy on them?

My Part

It's no surprise that it's hard to pray for good things to happen to those who've hurt us. But you will never be closer to God than when you're praying for them--and not asking for revenge. Remember that justice comes from God and not us. If you aren't ready for them to get the very best that God has for them, then you're not ready to pray for them.

Take some time today to think about the people who have hurt you. Pray that God will allow you to forgive them. If you're ready, start praying for them every day. Pray that God will be gracious, forgiving and merciful to them. Not only will it help you deal with your feelings of anger, but you will become closer to God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 20, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Unbelief or Doubt

Henry Drummond, a 19th century Scottish preacher and author, wrote, "Christ never failed to distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can't believe; unbelief is won't believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is content with darkness." [H. Drummond, Addresses by Henry Drummond, (Chicago: Colportage Association, 1898 ), p. 115.]

God is tough on unbelief, but gentle on doubt. We can see this difference in God's response to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Let's look at those stories.

What Does God Say?

Read Luke 1:1-20 and answer the following questions:

    * How are Zechariah and his wife described (1:6-7)?
    * How does Zechariah respond to the angel's message (1:18 )?
    * What is the consequence of Zechariah's response (1:19-20)?

Read Luke 1:26-38 and answer the following questions:

    * How is Mary described (1:27-28 )?
    * How did Mary respond to the angel's announcement (1:34)?
    * How does the angel respond (1:35-37)?

My Thoughts

Zechariah and Mary both appear to respond the same way to Gabriel's announcements, but Zechariah's response is called "unbelief" (1:20) while Mary's response is not. Zechariah is given both a sign and a punishment (unable to speak) while Mary is given an explanation and words of encouragement.

The key to this difference can be found in God's Word. Zechariah was a priest; he knew his Old Testament stories thoroughly, but he never applied them to himself. Had he considered the story of Abraham and Sarah, he would have seen a direct parallel between Sarah and Elizabeth. Like Sarah, Elizabeth was barren. Like Sarah, Elizabeth was beyond the age of child bearing. But God gave Sarah a son. To question God's ability to give Zechariah a son through his aged wife, Elizabeth, was an act of unbelief.

Mary, on the other hand, was facing a situation that had no precedent. No where in Scripture had a virgin given birth to a child. Still, her question was not "if" but "how." It was not unbelief but puzzlement. And Gabriel's response was to assure her, "For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37, ESV).

When God's Word says it, there's no room for "if," but God understands when we wonder "how." God rebukes unbelief but reassures the doubter.

My Part

Are you struggling with unbelief? The solution is to engage God's Word daily. Don't simply read the Bible, however; apply it to your life. The God who is revealed in Genesis through Revelation is the same God who relates to you today. As He dealt with His people in the past, He will deal with you today.

If you're struggling with doubt; if you're wondering "how," then trust in God's character. Even if He doesn't give you an answer, you can be confident that nothing is beyond His ability. You can be sure that His plans for you are for good and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11).

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 23, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Who Am I?

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

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

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

My Part

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 24, 2009
Topic: Holy Spirit, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Your Best Source

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

My Part

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 25, 2009
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Obedience Is Proof

So, how do you know you're saved? How can you--or anyone else--tell that you belong to Christ? That you know Him? Well, it's a big question, but the answer couldn't be simpler.

What Does God Say?

It's right there in 1 John 2:3: "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments" (ESV). If you know God, if you've trusted His Son Jesus to be your Savior and you're a new creation in Christ, the evidence is in your obedience. You obey--or keep--His commands.

John goes on to say, "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:4-6, ESV).

Knowing God means obeying God. Loving God means obeying His commands. Abiding in the Lord means walking as He walked. When you love and respect someone, you want to do what pleases him or her. In John 14:15 and 21, Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.... Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him" (ESV).

Salvation through Christ makes your relationship with the Father possible; obeying His commands makes it visible.

My Thoughts

So, you belong to Christ and you obey His commands. What are these commands? Start with John 15:10-17.

    * What is the foundational command?
    * How is that put into action?
    * What else should result from obedience?
    * What benefits might you find in obedience?

The Word of God is packed with commands or instructions that will reveal our relationship with God when we obey them. Here are just a few; jot down any commands you find:
Romans 12:9-21
Hebrews 13:1-18
Ephesians 5:1-21

My Part

Are you going to keep His every command perfectly? No. When you fail to keep those commands, does that cancel your salvation? No. Your salvation is safe and secure because it's the work of Christ, and it doesn't depend on you.

Keeping the commands of Christ is evidence--outward confirmation that your life has changed. And even when you slip up or don't get it right, God in His grace gives you an opportunity to try again. First John 1:7 tells us "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" and in verse 9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). He cleans us up, sets us back on our feet and renews our desire to obey Him.

So, how are you doing? Can those around you tell that you belong to Jesus because you obey His commands? Do they see that you love like Jesus does? Are there a few commands you struggle with? In what areas have you seen improvement? Obedience is just the evidence or proof. And you not only have God's Word to show you the way but the Holy Spirit to guide and give you power to obey.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 26, 2009
Topic: Sin/Temptation


God's Cure for Habitual Sin

The post office in a small town received a letter that was addressed to "Any Sinner." It was undeliverable because every person in the town qualified! The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It also tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8 ).

If you have trusted Christ, you have been saved from your sin by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross (see 1 John 1:7).

Does that mean, then, that you will never have a problem with sin again in your life? No. Like the bumper sticker says: "Christians are not perfect; just forgiven." Every believer is tempted, and may sin against God. If that happens, we're to confess our sin and receive God's gracious forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9). But there is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to practice sin. Let's see what the Bible has to say about "practicing sin."

What Does God Say?

1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) says "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who  does not love his brother."

    * What prevents a Christian from making a practice of sin (v.9)?
    * What two groups of "children" do you see in this passage (v. 10)?
    * What two characteristics prove that people are "not of God"(v. 10)?

My Thoughts

The word, "abide," is seldom used in ordinary conversation these days, so when you hear it or read it in the Bible, you may wonder about its meaning. The dictionary says that to "abide" means to remain in a place, to continue to be sure or firm, or to dwell.

Jesus talked to his disciples about "abiding" in John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

1 John 3:6 (ESV) says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." Now let's put the dictionary definition into the verse to clarify what "abiding in him" means. It would read like this: "No one who continues to be sure and firm in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."

How can you be sure and firm in Christ? Read 1 John 3:24 and answer the questions.

    * Who abides in Christ? (Look at John 15:12 for one of Christ's commandments.)
    * Who confirms that Christ dwells in the believer?

This verse, joined with 1 John 3:9, tells us that the Holy Spirit plants the seed of God's truth in a believer's heart, so that the transformed believer cannot continue to practice a life of sin, even though he or she can never be totally free from sin in this life.

My Part

Read through the Book of 1 John (it isn't very long) and jot down the reference for each verse where you find a form of the word "abide." Go back over your references and consider how each one affects you.

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17. It clarifies what God has done to enable a Christian to abide in Christ and not practice sin.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 27, 2009
Topic: Love, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Love One Another

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

My Thoughts

Read through these passages with the following questions in mind.

John 15:12-16

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

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

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

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

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

My Part

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Nov 30, 2009
Topic: Salvation


Only One Plan

Michel Lotito of Grenoble, France, is one of the most unusual individuals in the world, at least when it comes to his culinary tastes. Since 1959, at the age of nine, Mr. Lotito has daily dined on metal and glass. According to The Guinness Book of Records, he consumes 2 pounds of metal per day. So far he has eaten, among other things, ten bicycles, a supermarket cart, seven TV sets, six chandeliers, a low-calorie Cessna light aircraft and a computer.

But God is also unique (There's only one like Him.), and He offers you and me a unique plan. (There's no other plan like it.) Let's see what the Bible has to say about this unique plan.

What Does God Say?

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NLT).

List all the "single" items you find in the verse above.

Your list might include the following unique, singular items:

One God
One world
One Son
One motivation
One way
One eternity
One life

There are those who might question the "one way" on this list. But the Bible makes it clear and plain: God's plan is the only plan--it is unique; there is no other.

In addition God's Word teaches that there is only one unique way to experience God's love--and that's through Jesus.

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me'" ( John 14:6 NLT).

"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" (Romans 5:1 NLT).

"Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us" (Ephesians 2:18 NLT).

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying (John 11:25 NLT).

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

"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name" (Acts 10:43 NLT).

"Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
'The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:10-12 NLT)

My Thoughts

If there is only one unique plan, and one unique way to experience God's love and forgiveness, would it make any sense to search for another way?

And if God has, in His love, made known to you how to experience eternal life in Christ, is there any reason why you would not accept God's love and receive Christ as your personal Savior?

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved" (Romans 10:9-10 NLT)

My Part

If you have not yet come to the true Light, Jesus Christ, and want to know more about how to do that, click on the link "Meet Jesus."

"For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13 NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 1, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Death


Something "Really Good"

A woman who was dying from cancer called her pastor, and they met to talk about what kind of a funeral she wanted. One of the requests she made was that she have a Bible in one hand and a fork in the other.

The pastor said, "Well, the Bible I can understand, but what about the fork?"

She said, "Well, you know, when we have those church dinners, they come around to clear the plates and sometimes they tell you to keep your fork. When they tell you that, you know the desert coming up isn't going to be gelatin or ice cream (you don't need a fork for that), but you know what's ahead is going to be really good--like pie or cake. I want you to tell those who ask why I have a fork that's it's because I know what's ahead is going to be "really good."

Let's see why we can know this place is going to be "really good."

What Does God Say?

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8, ESV).

    * In what way are we "away from the Lord" while we are "in the body"?
    * What do these verses imply about our situation after death?
    * What is Paul's preference?

My Thoughts

As long as we are "home in the body," we have to walk by faith. But the day is coming when faith will become sight. That day will be when we enter into the very presence of God. As the door closes on our earthly lives, the door opens upon heavenly life--filled with His presence. Everything we've taken by faith will become a reality.

Why is that so special? Consider what these verses tell us about being in God's presence:

    * Psalm 16:11
    * Psalm 21:6

My Part

The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written:

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (NKJV).

Write this verse on a card and place is somewhere you can see it daily. Give God thanks for His assurance that what lies ahead is "really good."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 2, 2009
Topic: Death


The Second Death

Comedian Woody Allen quipped: "It's not that I'm afraid to die--I just don't want to be there when it happens." Unfortunately for Mr. Allen, such an escape is not possible. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "each person is destined to die once" (NLT).

But in the midst of this doom and gloom, there's some encouraging news. The Bible offers a solution to this problem. Let's see what it is.

What Does God Say?

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died--from the time of Adam to the time of Moses--even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous (Romans 5:12-19, NLT).

    * Whom did Adam's sin affect?
    * What is the result of Adam's sin?
    * What is God's solution?

My Thoughts

After the death of Lazarus, Jesus said to Martha: "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.

While we cannot escape physical death (unless the Lord returns before we die), we can escape an even more serious death (the "second death" of Revelation 20:14) by placing our trust in Jesus Christ. It is this latter death that Jesus is talking to Martha about.

Our physical death temporarily separates us from the body; the second death eternally separates us from God. It is this second death for which God offers a solution to you and me.

My Part

Have you accepted God's solution to death? You can find out more by visiting the "Meet Jesus" page.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 3, 2009
Topic: Heaven


Heaven Is Real

 Michael Faraday, the great scientist, was taken ill. When it became evident that the sickness would soon result in his death, a group of fellow scientists came to see him--not so much to talk about science as to talk about death. One of them said to him: "Mr. Faraday, what are your speculations about your future?"

This magnificent Christian, with a heavenly glow upon his face, turned to him and said, "I know nothing about speculation, my hope is built upon Him. I know in whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."

What Does God Say?

Faraday's hope was not based on whimsy, positive thinking or hoping against hope. Instead, his hope was in Jesus--that what His Savior promised, He would do. Read Jesus' words in John 14:1-3.

   1. Why does Jesus acknowledge your heart might be "troubled"?
   2. What does He tell you to do about your concern?
   3. What does He promise will happen in your future if you believe in Him?

My Thoughts

Is heaven real? Jesus told us it is, and He told us it is a literal place. How real it is to you depends on your answer to two questions:

    * First, do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?
    * Second, do you believe Jesus always told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

If your answer to both of those questions is "Yes," then believing that heaven is a real place is not difficult at all. After all, who would know better than Jesus about heaven?

"But if you don't believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven" (John 3:12-13, NLT).

My Part

One of the most wonderful aspects of heaven is that it can be our heavenly home simply by receiving Jesus as our Savior.
"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, 'So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!'
"But the other criminal protested, 'Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.'
"And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (Luke 23:39-43, NLT).
To be sure today that heaven is your eternal home, trust Jesus as your personal Savior. To help you do that right now, visit the "Meet Jesus" page.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 4, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational, Heaven


Copy vs. Real

Have you ever seen the Mona Lisa? I mean, in person, at the Louvre in Paris? I haven't. I've seen poster-sized prints or detailed photographs in art books. But I've heard it's different when you experience the real thing. Now imagine a photocopy of the Mona Lisa--a gray, scratchy, flat picture, without the shadings of color or texture of the original. It might be nice, but it's not as good as the real work.

The difference between earth and heaven is a lot like that. Here on earth we know only the copies, the shadows, the interpretations of the real thing--heaven is the "real-est" life.

What Does God Say?

The Book of Hebrews uses this concept frequently. The priesthood of Israel served as "a copy and shadow of the heavenly things" (Hebrews 8:5, ESV), reflecting the reality of Jesus' ministry before the Father.

The holy places in the tabernacle, the work of the priests, and the sacrifices were visual teaching tools to show the people what would happen "when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12, ESV).

God used shadows, symbols, copies to help us understand that Jesus brought the superior covenant, the "real" relationship (see Hebrews 9-10). What we see now is real, but not the "real-est" thing.

My Thoughts

Take a look at a few of Paul's thoughts.
1 Corinthians 13:8-12

    * What are some things that will pass away from this life (13:8 )?
    * What does he say about our existence now (13:9-12)?
    * What word picture does he use in 13:12?
    * How do you view yourself and your life now?
    * What is your vision of heaven like?

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5

    * What do these verses say about what's real and lasting?
    * What is transient or will fade away (4:18 )?
    * What does Paul say we are longing for (5:1-3)?
    * How are we burdened by our earthly home and body?
    * How does this concept influence your perspective on today? On heaven and your eternal future?

Take a few minutes to think about how you live each day. Do you see this as "all there is"? Are you burdened by the limitations of life and see nothing more? Or do you hold on to the promise that this is indeed a "slight momentary affliction" and the best is coming?

My Part

So, does this mean now is only a dream and doesn't really matter? No. This earth is a very real place; you're definitely a living person. And what you do here to serve, obey and follow the Lord matters. How you live a godly life of love, righteousness, justice and purity matters. How you treat your enemies, build up your friends and love your family matters. It matters because it's what God wants to see and reward one day. But remember this is not all there is. One day, as a child of God, you will experience the "real-est" reality of life in heaven.

In The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis takes his Narnian characters through a door and into a place that is more real, more beautiful, a familiar and well-beloved land but with so much more depth and intensity.

The Narnia they left behind was, as Digory explains, "not the real Narnia...It was only a shadow or a copy of the real Narnia which has always been here and always will be here: just as our own world, England and all, is only a shadow or copy of something in Aslan's real world....And of course it is different; as different as a real thing is from a shadow or as waking life is from a dream."

And as another character declares a moment later, "I belong here! This is the land I've been looking for all my life, thought I never knew till now. The reason we loved the old Narnia is because it sometimes looked a little like this."

We might live today in the shadowlands (as Lewis calls the physical world), but the real world will be heaven and home.

The Last Battle, copyright 1956 by C.S. Lewis Pte., Ltd., published by Harper Collins.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 7, 2009
Topic: Sin/Temptation


The Curse and the Cure

What is the greatest disaster the world has ever known? Your point of view may affect your answer to that question.

Health experts can point to the ravages of disease, such as the Bubonic Plague, which took the lives of over 25 million Europeans in the late 1340s. Engineers may mention technological tragedies that have taken their toll. For example, 250,000 Chinese died on August 7, 1975, when the Shimantan Dam collapsed.

Seismologists couldn't overlook the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 when over 300,000 lives were lost. Paleontologists see the disappearance of the dinosaurs as a major tragedy.

Everyone should agree that wars bring incredible disaster. World War II alone left more than 70 million people dead.

Many Bible-believing people would point to the worldwide flood of Noah's time because it left only eight people alive.

But what would God say?

What Does God Say?

Every disaster and tragedy that you will ever hear of can be traced to the fact that sin entered the world with Satan's rebellion and his temptation of Adam and Eve. They sinned and their action brought a curse upon all creation.

Look in your Bible at the Book of Genesis, chapter 1:31. What did God say about His whole creation?

Now, read Genesis 3:8-19. How did God curse Satan in verse 14? How did God's curse affect Eve and all women following her?

Jot down each of the various ways the curse affected Adam's life (see Genesis 3:14-19). Notice the final effect of the curse would be mankind's physical death (verse 19).

The curse that fell upon creation as a result of mankind's rebellion is the precursor of every tragedy and disaster that has marred the history of mankind. The earth and all its creatures, including human beings, continue to suffer from the effects of sin.

My Thoughts

If the story ended there, the disaster of the curse would provide only despair for you, me and all the people who have ever lived.

But that's not the final declaration from God. God tells you in His Word that anyone who is willing to obey Him in faith will one day be totally free from the effects of sin and the curse. The wonderful message of Jesus Christ's birth is that this tiny child is God Himself, who came to free His people from the curse of sin. As Isaac Watts wrote in his beloved hymn, "Joy to the World"

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found

Christ came, not simply to judge sinners, but to free sinners and creation from the devastating effects of the curse. Turn in your Bible to 1 Corinthians 15:22. What is the comparison you see between Adam and Christ?

Then, look at the great fact in Galatians 3:13. What did Christ do for you and me on the cross?

God promises to someday lift the curse forever from the universe. In fact, He assures believers that their eternal lives will be lived in totally new surroundings, better than Eden, better than you can imagine because on the new earth sin, Satan and the curse will have been completely erased forever--and such a disaster can never happen again. Read Revelation 21:1-7 and just think about it!

My Part

The greatest tragedy for any individual is to die in unbelief because for that person the effects of the curse will never end.

Are you among the great throng of Christ's followers who will live forever with Him, apart from tragedy, disaster, death and all the other results of the curse?

Wouldn't you want to be sure? Go to the "Meet Jesus" page and settle it now.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 8, 2009
Topic: Heaven


In Heaven

Have you ever used Google Maps? If I'm not careful, I can wind up spending way too much time pouring over satellite images of places I'll never have a chance to visit or even an adjacent neighborhood.

But, while looking at detailed satellite images of Paris is pretty cool, it doesn't compare to actually standing on the banks of the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Bible talks about a time when we'll be able to look at God from a similar perspective.

What Does God Say?

First Corinthians 13:12 says, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known" (ESV).

When it comes to knowing about God, the Bible is an essential resource. In fact, we would know nothing about God's personality or love for us apart from the Bible. But according to Paul in the verse above, seeing God in the Bible is like looking at an incredibly detailed satellite map--useful, but it's not the entire picture.

The entire picture, Paul says, will be revealed to us in the future when we stand before God's throne in heaven. The apostle John writes about that day in Revelation. "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads" (22:3-4, ESV).

There will be a day when we won't need descriptions of God because He will be there standing in front of us!
My Thoughts

Read Revelation 22:1-5 and think about the following questions:

    * What benefits come from being in the presence of God?
    * What do you think it means that "his name will be on their foreheads"?

My Part

The last part of 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, "Even as I have been fully known." Remind yourself this week about just how "fully known" you are. Read Psalm 139 and make a list of everything God knows about you. It's a bit scary realizing just how much God knows about us. But on the other hand, it's incredibly reassuring to know God loves us so much He cares about every detail of our lives.