Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 9, 2009
Topic: Heaven, Worship/Praise/Worthiness


Worship in Heaven

I remember asking some pretty big questions about heaven when I was little. "Will I get to play with my dog again?" "Can I talk to people from the Bible?" "Will there be peanut butter?" (Hey, it was important to me!) And I remember my dad patiently answering what he could. One question that came up--and still does--is this: What will we do during all of eternity?

What Does God Say?

The Bible doesn't give us an exhaustive list of the things we'll do; but one is worship. After all, we will finally be in the presence of God the Father and Jesus, the Lamb and the Light. Just that fact will drive us to our knees and make us explode in worship.

John shows us a sneak preview in Revelation 4:6-11, "And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'" (ESV)

You don't have to be one of these creatures or an elder to join in the worship. Look at Revelation 7:9-12, "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'" (ESV)

How awesome will it be to take part in that worship!

My Thoughts

Check out these worship scenes in Revelation.
Revelation 5
Revelation 11:15-19
Revelation 15
Revelation 19:1-10

    * Who is the focus of all this attention?
    * What prompts this worship?
    * What are some things He is praised or honored for?
    * What are your reasons for worship?

My Part

You don't have to wait for heaven to worship God; you can practice right now. What are you doing to worship God today? What helps you focus on Jesus? What have you seen Him do in your life? How have you praised or thanked Him for those things? What makes Him worthy in your eyes?

Take a few minutes today to express those things to the Lord--and do it out loud! You can be in your car or close the office door for a few minutes. Do it around the table with your kids or as you take a walk in the morning. If you need to write it down first, do it, and then post it where you can review and speak it over and over.

Just consider it a rehearsal for heaven!

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 10, 2009
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Heaven


Service in Heaven

One of the most important questions a person can ask is, "How do I get to heaven?" Once you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, repented of your sins and committed your life to pleasing Him, you can be sure that heaven is your eternal home. (To learn how to do those things and become a Christ-follower, see the "Meet Jesus" page.

You might wonder, then, What will I do in heaven? Just look around? Perhaps rest and relax? Visit with other Christians and Bible personalities? Spend time with Jesus?

Let's see what the Bible teaches about some of the things that will take place in your forever home.

What Does God Say?

"And he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'

"For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

"They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:14-17, NASB).

   1. Who is "before the throne of God?"
   2. Who is "the Lamb"?
   3. What connection do those standing before God's throne have to "the Lamb"?
   4. What are they doing on a daily basis?
   5. Where will the Lamb guide them?

Now, read Revelation 22:3-5 and write a short description of heaven. Depending on the version you read, the verse will say, "His servants will 'worship' him" or "His servants will 'serve' him."

Why do some versions use the word worship and some the word serve? Because service to God is an expression of worship. And worshipping God with all your heart, mind, body and soul is a way of serving God.

My Thoughts

Do you think heaven sounds tiresome or basic? Look how Dr. Woodrow Kroll, Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible, describes it.

"We're going to serve the Lord with inexpressible joy. This is when, as never before, Psalm 100:2 is going to be true:

'Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before His presence with singing!'

"We're going to have the opportunity to do that every day of our lives, and it'll never be the same--and it'll never be boring. Someday I'm going to serve God with enhanced skills, skills that I may possess now but don't possess very well--and someday I'm going to serve Him with skills I don't even have now. Think I'm gonna get bored doing that?--when there are new things for me to learn and do and use to serve Him all of eternity? I just can't wait to see what they all are!"

Draw figures (stick figures are okay) of yourself enjoying skills you don't have now and using them to worship God. For instance, draw yourself singing (even if you can't hold a tune now) or using another skill you'd like to possess.

My Part

How does a Christ-follower prepare for heaven?

    * First, by doing your best to please Jesus every day in every relationship and situation.
    * Second, by learning how to worship with joy and gladness.
    * Last, by getting to know God--that will give you a wonderful foundation for all you will do and learn in heaven.

Don't wait for heaven, begin today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 11, 2009
Topic: Other


Your Lasting Inheritance

A destitute young man's famous uncle left him a fortune in his will. On the day the uncle died, his nephew made this short note in his journal: "Today, my uncle and I passed into a better life."

If you are like most of us, you probably won't inherit a pot-of-gold in this life. Those who do inherit this world's wealth often take the route of the prodigal son.

Isn't there something better? Absolutely!

What Does God Say?

In the Scriptures, much is said about inheritance. The apostle Peter makes the following joyful statement about the Christian's inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV).

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

    * What words or phrases does Peter use to describe the believer's inheritance?
    * Using your own words, how would you describe a Christian's inheritance?

Now, let's look at some other Bible references containing thoughts about your spiritual inheritance in Christ.

    * According to Galatians 3:26, what position does every believer have in Christ?
    * Ephesians 1:13-14. After you heard God's Word and believed in Christ, what else happened to you? Who guarantees your inheritance until you actually receive it?
    * In Galatians 4:4, 6, what two persons did God "send forth"? Where did He send them?
    * What two positions do you have in God's family as a believer (Galatians 4:7)?

My Thoughts

You may wonder, Then what is my inheritance? If I am an heir, how does that affect my personal life now and in eternity?

One blessing of being in God's family is, according to Romans 8:17, you are a joint-heir (KJV) or a fellow heir (ESV) with Christ. You share His eternal life and all the riches that God has prepared from the foundation of the earth (Matthew 25:34).

Another facet of your inheritance is that you will rule with Christ. You are "an heir of the kingdom" of Christ (James 2:5). Revelation 5:9-10 tells you about your reign upon the earth with Christ. The redeemed from every tribes and tongues and peoples and nations will reign as co-rulers with Christ. Joint inheritance means joint rulership.

You may read of other benefits of your inheritance in Revelation 21:1-7. Note especially verse 7.

My Part

This is a special season to be thankful to God for all things. Rejoice that Christ the Savior came into the world to save you, make you His brother in the family of God, His co-heir and co-ruler with Him. Spend some time today thanking Him for making you a part of His eternal family.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 14, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation


Lion of Judah

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

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

Born of Abraham: Genesis 12:2

Born of Isaac: Genesis 26:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

Jeremiah prophesied this about Jesus:

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Part

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 15, 2009
Topic: Jesus


The Promised Messiah

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

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

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

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

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

What Does God Say?

Here is an Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah:

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

My Part

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 16, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Jesus, Son of David

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

In each example, look for:

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

My Part

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 17, 2009
Topic: Events/Holidays


Light and Darkness in Bethlehem

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

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

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

My Part

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

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

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 18, 2009
Topic: Events/Holidays


Out of Egypt

There are more than 38.7 million refugees and displaced persons in the world. Fourteen and a half million have been forced to leave their homelands for another country. The rest remain within their countries but have fled from their cities or villages because of danger. What's truly tragic, however, is that 80 percent are women and children.

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

What Does God Say?

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

My Part

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

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 21, 2009
Topic: Jesus


Jesus Brings Joy

Is the name Isaac Watts familiar to you? Even if you don't know the name, I can almost guarantee that you've sung some of the songs he wrote. In fact he composed one of our most popular Christmas carols: "Joy to the World."

You're probably already singing the song in your head, so you know that according to the song, the reason the world can have joy is because The Lord is come. It's not because, "Santa Claus has come," or "the time for gifts has come" or even, "the time for family has come." The reason we can experience joy at all is because Jesus has come. And the Bible agrees; let's look at what it says.

What Does the Bible Say?

It's not hard to find Scripture referring to the joy surrounding Jesus' birth. In fact, even before He was born, people were rejoicing.

"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth...and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!...For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.'" (Luke 1:39-40, 41, 44, ESV).

Of course, the most well-known proclamation of joy came in the greatest birth announcement ever. "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of 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" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

It's always an occasion of joy when a child is born; but Jesus was more than just a baby, He was the Messiah, the promised Savior. Everyone who has realized that fact and put their faith in Him has the joy only Jesus can bring into their life.

My Thoughts

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

Where do people tend to look for joy during the holiday season?
In what ways is Jesus superior to everything else we associate with Christmas?

My Part

Who around you could use a dose of joy this Christmas? Consider what you can do to help them share in the joy of the Savior's birth.

Spend some time with your family reading the Christmas stories in the Bible and point out descriptions of joy you find there.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 22, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, New Life


Good News!

Are you ready for some good news? Not just good news but the best news? It's pretty simple, so stick with me: "The Savior is born." Yes, that's it. And it doesn't get any better than that!

What Does God Say?

This news, delivered to shepherds one night, merited an angel's announcement, underlined by the hosts of heaven. Luke 2:10-11 records, "The angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (NLT)

"The Savior is born." And that makes all the difference: There's nothing we need more than someone to save us from our sin and make us right with God. That's what the "good news" is all about. It's not just about a baby or a future king, and it's more than a promise fulfilled and an event to celebrate.

It's the Good News that God has given us a Savior who is named Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, NLT).

My Thoughts

The Good News doesn't stop, though, with the birth of Jesus. Take a look at these passages and consider some of the other "good news" that Jesus brings.

John 3:16-17
Mark 16:1-6
Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16
Ephesians 2:4-10
Revelation 22:12-17

My Part

At Christmas, we join with the angels and shepherds to celebrate the Good News that Jesus our Savior is born. But what are you going to do with those "good tidings of great joy" when the day is over?

Don't leave it wrapped up and tucked away under a tree. Tear it open; share it with everyone you meet; live each day in the knowledge that your Savior is born and He lives in you today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 23, 2009
Topic: Events/Holidays


Wise Men Seek Him

You don't need to be intelligent or well-educated to worship and follow Jesus; you need to be wise.

What Does God Say?

Matthew 2:1-2, tells us about some wise men. "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him'" (ESV).

These "wise men" who came to seek and worship Jesus were probably well-educated men who spent their lives studying many things including the stars. But while their studies made them aware of the birth of the King, it wasn't mere curiosity or genius that brought them to Jesus. It was a desire to see, know and worship the one "who has been born king of the Jews."

And "when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11, ESV).

You don't have to "check your brain at the door" in order to believe in Jesus. In fact, Proverbs 9:10 tells us,

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).

On the other hand, Psalm 14:1 tells us "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (ESV)

Respect or fear of the Lord helped these "wise" men understand who this Baby was and gave them the perfect reason to bow and worship.

My Thoughts

In John 3, Jesus had a conversation with an intelligent, learned man named Nicodemus. Read John 3:5-21 with these questions in mind.
How does one get eternal life?

    * What are the qualifications for believing in Jesus?
    * Who does this exclude? Or include?
    * What gets in the way of believing?
    * What are the consequences of not believing in Jesus?

My Part

Real wisdom is seeing Jesus and believing in Him; in bowing down to worship as the "wise men" did. You can go looking for Jesus and learn everything about Him but until you take the step of faith, you gain nothing. It's not blind faith--God's Word is full of all you need to know in order to believe. (Try Romans 3-8.) Are you wise enough to believe?

First Corinthians 1:26-29 says " Few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God" (NLT).

You don't have to be wise, wealthy or powerful to put your faith in Jesus. But wisdom, wealth and power don't have to be barriers to living with Him either.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 24, 2009
Topic: New Life


The Way Life Can Be

How old are you? Before you answer, you might want to consider this: The trillions of cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. The skin on our bodies is replaced every five days. The skeletal system is new every three months. Ninety-eight percent of the total number of atoms in our body are replaced at the end of a seven-year period. So, in one sense, thanks to the amazing regenerative powers of our body, none of us are more than seven years old.

But the Bible offers us something even more amazing. It's a renewal that goes far deeper than skin and bones. It occurs only once but lasts for all of eternity. And we read about it in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

What Does God Say?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, ESV).

    * Where does this renewal take place?
    * As a "new creation" what is our relationship with God?
    * What is our new responsibility as a new creation?

My Thoughts

When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit baptizes (puts, places, immerses) us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That's what it means to be "in Christ." It is in Christ that we find safety from God's wrath that is poured out on sin and those who engage in it (John 3:36).

As a new creation we are to put off the old habits we formed when we were apart from God and put on new habits that are consistent with our new life (Ephesians 4:20-24).

My Part

Have you become a "new creation"? If not, visit the "Meet Jesus" page to help you take that step of faith.

If you have become a new creation, what habit or habits do you need to "put off" so that your life is more consistent with your status as a new creation? Go to Colossians 3:8-10 and list the items that should be "put off." Then go to Colossians 3:12-17 and list the items to "put on." Circle at least one item on each of these lists which you will seek to put off or put on.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 25, 2009
Topic: Hope


Jesus Brings Hope

The lights of Christmas! What a sight! Millions and millions of clear and colored lights decorate trees, yards, fences, houses, churches, city streets, parks, buildings, even the White House.

Christmas is about lights, but more especially about the Light of the world. Until Christmas came, most lived in the shadows. Let's see how Jesus changed that.

What Does God Say?

"The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
A light has shined"
(Matthew 4:16 NLT).

Christmas shines forth the message that where the Light is, there is hope. Even in the midst of death and darkness, this Light will shine brightly.

"The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9, NLT).

Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, "'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life'" (John 8:12, NLT)

Jesus is the Light--the Light of Christmas, the Light of life and the Light of the world. Where His Light shines, there the darkness is dispelled and people find hope, abundant life and eternal life.

"I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark" (John 12:46, NLT).

My Thoughts

Think about the people you know who are stilling living in darkness. List at least three names.

Maybe this Christmas will be the time when their eyes and lives are opened to the light of Jesus. What can you do that might help bring the "Light" into their lives?

My Part

Take time now to pray and think about how you might share with others the Light of Christmas. For when you do, not only does the Light shine on those in darkness, but we also get a better glimpse of Jesus, our eternal hope.

"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so that we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 28, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


The Value of Forgiving

As the cemetery workers began to shovel dirt over the coffin, Jake stood by the grave, realizing that this would be the last remembrance he would have of his brother.

Remorse clouded Jake's thoughts while he walked to his car. Words of forgiveness that he had been unwilling to speak over the past 23 years would now have to remain unspoken. He had never forgiven his brother for causing the accident that had taken their mother. Jake asked himself, Why? Why did I remain silent?

Yes. Why? Why do you and I find it so difficult to forgive? And is forgiving others really necessary?

What Does God Say?

There are several potential roadblocks on the path to forgiving someone who has wronged you.

    * Pride is one. When someone injures your pride by putting you down or embarrassing you, it is often difficult for you to forgive that person. Having your pride hurt, however, is never a valid excuse for not forgiving the offender. Read Proverbs 11:2. What follows pride? What follows humility?

    * Fear is another. The necessity for you to forgive a person usually arises out of a situation that is uncomfortable to talk about. That makes it somewhat scary to even bring up the subject. But God can take care of that fear as you go in faith to tell the person that you forgive him or her. Read Psalm 56:3-4,11. How should a believer face fear?

    * Anger may prevent you from forgiving. The offense made you angry and you keep on nursing your anger instead of choosing the freedom forgiveness gives you. What does the Bible say in Ephesians 4:26 about harboring anger? What does Ecclesiastes 7:9 tell you about anger?

    * Doubt that it will do any good to forgive the offender. What's the use? He'll just do the same thing again. Forgiving doesn't mean that the other person will change or that you approve of his or her actions. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Does Jesus say your forgiveness depends on the attitude of the offender? What do you think Jesus intended by saying "seventy times seven"?

My Thoughts

If there are excuses for not forgiving, the Bible gives plenty of reasons you should forgive. In the following verses, what reasons can you find?

    * Colossians 3:13
    * Ephesians 4:32
    * Mark 11:25
    * Matthew 6:14

Forgiveness is an act of kindness. It is Christ-like. It keeps the lines open for communion with God and is a condition for your fellowship with Him. It sets you free. Forgiveness is necessary for right relationships with others. It is wise!

My Part

Do you need to forgive someone? Ask God to bring them to your mind right now. What has blocked you from forgiving them? Make a choice today to take care of the matter in the proper way. Pray that God will give you the courage and strength to take your forgiveness to the one who has hurt you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Dec 29, 2009
Topic: Speech/Words, Christian Living/Situational


Watch Your Tongue

Me and my big mouth! Have you ever thought that? You said the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person. Or the words just popped out, and you hurt someone close to you. Words can be damaging, harmful, even deadly. What we say and how we say it often has a hazardous effect on our relationships, our reputation, even our spiritual walk.

What Does God Say?

In Proverbs, words often reveal the difference between being wise and being a fool.

"A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul" (Proverbs 18:7, ESV).

Hasty words, spoken quickly without thought, are a good example.

"Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him" (Proverbs 29:20, ESV).

And Proverbs 12:18 says,

"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (ESV).

You don't have to be malicious by intent, but speaking a few thoughtless words, without considering their effect, does more harm than good. You've probably experienced the pain of those verbal sword thrusts yourself.

What about those things you say like a whisper, a juicy comment or an aside about someone else. Look at Proverbs 18:8,

"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body" (ESV).

It may be fun on the tongue, but they do insidious damage. Think of times when someone said something about you he or she thought was funny or no big deal, but it still irritated or hurt you.

Jesus criticized the religious leaders of his day, "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say" (Matthew 12:34, NLT). Your words can reveal the condition of your heart, what you really think or feel about something. And words that damage others don't reflect a heart in tune with God's.

My Thoughts

See what other words create trouble in relationships and offend God.
Proverbs 6:16-19

    * What kinds of words does God hate?

Proverbs 15:1

    * What responses do these two types of speech get?

Proverbs 16:24

    * What results do gracious words get?

According to the following verses, what should our words be doing?
Colossians 4:6
Romans 15:2
Ephesians 4:29
1 Thessalonians 5:11

    * How do you think your daily words measure up to these instructions?
    * What can you say today to build someone up?

By the way, this isn't just about what we say to other people; sometimes we're pretty harsh in how we talk about ourselves. Those aren't good words either, and we can inflict a lot of self-injury by focusing on our faults, limitations and weaknesses, instead of building up what God has created in us.

My Part

You probably remember a few times when you know your words hurt someone, and you've likely been on the receiving end of words that wounded you! So what can you do the next time you're tempted to use hasty, harsh or hurtful words?

First, be aware of what triggers your thoughtless response. Sometimes being alert is half the battle. Then seek God's help in guarding your words. Commit Proverbs 13:3 10:19 to memory. You can also borrow a strategy Job used when he was tempted to argue with God--place your hand over your mouth (Job 40:4). Sure, it's what your mother always told you to do, but the Bible said it first!

Remember, your words are also a heart issue. In Psalm 19, David was wise enough to see the link between his heart and his words. Maybe you need to make his prayer your own today:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" (19:14, ESV, emphasis added).