I am a simple man, and I believe that God makes things simple. I love the famous quote from Albert Einstein: "When the solution is simple, God is answering."
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Friday, June 13, 2014
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
I had this question asked recently: Explain the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Some scriptures to read:
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning."
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
I John 5:5 " ...Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
I John 5:6 "This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth."
Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
II Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Christians are taught:
1. "we are the temple of the living God" 2 Cor 6:16
2. "God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" 1 John 4:12
3. "The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work." Jesus speaking in John 14:10
4. "I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." Jesus in John 14:20
5. "your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God" 1 Cor 6:19
6. "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." 1 John 4:13-16
These scriptures, and many more, are wonderful promises from God for His children.
Some scriptures to read:
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning."
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
I John 5:5 " ...Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
I John 5:6 "This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth."
Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
II Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Christians are taught:
1. "we are the temple of the living God" 2 Cor 6:16
2. "God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" 1 John 4:12
3. "The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work." Jesus speaking in John 14:10
4. "I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." Jesus in John 14:20
5. "your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God" 1 Cor 6:19
6. "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." 1 John 4:13-16
These scriptures, and many more, are wonderful promises from God for His children.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Lesson 13
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe ..." NIV
The same verse in NASB: "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe ..."
Hebrews 13:13 " Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore." NIV
Hebrews 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." KJV
We conclude this study with three scriptures to consider. The first one should lead us to ask whether we are worshiping God with reverence and awe. Are we showing gratitude?
Dictionary.com defines worship this way: "reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred." Not the best definition I've seen, and it reflects a religious, but not necessarily Biblical view. Some folks think in terms of an emphasis on an emotional experience. Others consider rituals as a central component. How does the Bible describe worship to God?
The second scripture is somewhat puzzling. What does it mean? Read the context to see what is being said to us here.
The third scripture takes us to sacrifice. What sort of sacrifice does God expect from us? How often and where are we to sacrifice? What are the rewards? Is there an unacceptable sacrifice? What are the consequences?
Since this is our last week together, it is time to look back on everything we have covered. Quite a lot of material, huh? What are at least three of the most significant thoughts that you have taken from this study? I would like for us to share those thoughts together.
God is good! His Word reveals His will and His love. We hunger and thirst for righteousness. And we are being filled and satisfied! Matt. 5:6.
Lesson 12
Consider Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ..."
There is no denying it - it is human nature to choose the easy way rather than the hard way. We would rather have a simple solution than a complicated one. We would choose an easy job before a difficult job. And certainly we would wish for an unencumbered path through life over one filled with struggles and challenges.
But when it comes to our spiritual path, we are promised a way that will never make sense from a worldly perspective. On the one hand, Jesus tells us "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt 11:30). But in Luke 9:23, he says "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
This verse in Hebrews tells us we are to run a race with perseverance. Evidently it is not going to be easy!
What do you make of this?
In Christ,
Bill
There is no denying it - it is human nature to choose the easy way rather than the hard way. We would rather have a simple solution than a complicated one. We would choose an easy job before a difficult job. And certainly we would wish for an unencumbered path through life over one filled with struggles and challenges.
But when it comes to our spiritual path, we are promised a way that will never make sense from a worldly perspective. On the one hand, Jesus tells us "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt 11:30). But in Luke 9:23, he says "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
This verse in Hebrews tells us we are to run a race with perseverance. Evidently it is not going to be easy!
What do you make of this?
In Christ,
Bill
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Lesson 11
Talk to most parents, and they will be glad to tell you about how their children grew up. Many families even have a spot in the house with markers posted to show their childrens' height at different ages. We know that growth and (hopefully) inevitable maturity are a part of life. In fact, growth is expected. We seek medical help if growth does NOT happen as it should.
In our spiritual lives, God expects us to grow and mature. And He warns us that we MUST grow. Otherwise, we should seek help to grow and mature as we should!
This week we consider Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God ..."
What danger is there in not growing? What are some signs of lack of growth? What practical steps can we take to be spiritually "healthy"? Do I ever finish "growing up"?
Remember those on our prayer list, study the scripture above in it's context. Come ready to share and learn!
P.S. Here is a link to just one article on spiritual growth to start you thinking.
In our spiritual lives, God expects us to grow and mature. And He warns us that we MUST grow. Otherwise, we should seek help to grow and mature as we should!
This week we consider Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God ..."
What danger is there in not growing? What are some signs of lack of growth? What practical steps can we take to be spiritually "healthy"? Do I ever finish "growing up"?
Remember those on our prayer list, study the scripture above in it's context. Come ready to share and learn!
P.S. Here is a link to just one article on spiritual growth to start you thinking.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
Lesson 10
This week we focus on two more passages from Hebrews:
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22
Hebrews emphasizes that we can now come near to God with confidence! Our great high priest, Jesus, makes that possible. Don't overlook the description of us "approaching" and "drawing near" to God. How is that significant? What obstacles might there be to hinder us from being able to approach God's throne? What does it mean to have a "sincere" heart?
Continue your study and prayer this week. We have much to be thankful for. Tell God what He means to you today!
See you soon!
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22
Hebrews emphasizes that we can now come near to God with confidence! Our great high priest, Jesus, makes that possible. Don't overlook the description of us "approaching" and "drawing near" to God. How is that significant? What obstacles might there be to hinder us from being able to approach God's throne? What does it mean to have a "sincere" heart?
Continue your study and prayer this week. We have much to be thankful for. Tell God what He means to you today!
See you soon!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Religion Made Simple
I was inspired to discover Scotty Stidham on the Internet one day. I share his message with you in the hope that you too will be inspired. Click the link below and feel free to share!
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Lesson 9
Consider two new passages in Hebrews:
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
We are in the book of Hebrews again, where the writer is forcefully showing us that Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else. We need look no further. He is the "way, the truth and the life" according to John 14:6. In these two verses in Hebrews, we are told to "hold fast". Makes me think of being in the path of an imminent storm with straight line winds bearing right down on me, making it difficult to stand. I need an anchor!
Read all of Hebrews for a greater understanding and consider why, how, and when we should hold fast spiritually.
Remember those on our prayer list, and tell God you love Him in your prayers this week. See you soon!
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
We are in the book of Hebrews again, where the writer is forcefully showing us that Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else. We need look no further. He is the "way, the truth and the life" according to John 14:6. In these two verses in Hebrews, we are told to "hold fast". Makes me think of being in the path of an imminent storm with straight line winds bearing right down on me, making it difficult to stand. I need an anchor!
Read all of Hebrews for a greater understanding and consider why, how, and when we should hold fast spiritually.
Remember those on our prayer list, and tell God you love Him in your prayers this week. See you soon!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Lesson 8
Our text for this lesson is Hebrews 4:11 "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."
Other translations will read "... let us be diligent ...". Sounds similar to our scripture for the last lesson, doesn't it? Read the 4th chapter of Hebrews, looking for places the writer describes and refers to God's rest. His focus is hard to miss. Christians need to be reminded of God's rest, and be confident in their Christian walk. We are to be active, and not passive. Let's look forward to another great study together. Your preparation will enhance your benefit. Hope to see you there!
P.S. Please continue to pray for all those we mentioned today.
Other translations will read "... let us be diligent ...". Sounds similar to our scripture for the last lesson, doesn't it? Read the 4th chapter of Hebrews, looking for places the writer describes and refers to God's rest. His focus is hard to miss. Christians need to be reminded of God's rest, and be confident in their Christian walk. We are to be active, and not passive. Let's look forward to another great study together. Your preparation will enhance your benefit. Hope to see you there!
P.S. Please continue to pray for all those we mentioned today.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
"O The Love Of My Redeemer" by Josh Caterer
Highest heights or darkest deeps, Be there pain or poverty
There is nothing that can keep, My Redeemer's love from me
All alone though I may feel, All the world my enemy
Still there's no one that can steal, My Redeemer's loves from me
O the love of my redeemer, Never failing come what may
He has purchased my forgiveness, and has washed my sins away
Although burdened by the weight, of great trial or tragedy
None of these can separate, my Redeemer's love from me
Though the earth's foundation shake, driving wind or raging sea
Neither death nor life can take, my Redeemer's love from me
O the love of my redeemer, Never failing come what may
He has purchased my forgiveness, and has washed my sins away
Through this worlds few passing days, and through all eternity
I will never cease to praise my Redeemer's love for me
O the love of my redeemer, Never failing come what may
He has purchased my forgiveness, and has washed my sins away
He has purchased my forgiveness, Jesus washed my sins away
LISTEN HERE
Monday, April 14, 2014
Lesson 7
Is fear ever a good thing? Is fear ever a bad thing? We all have experienced fear, and we know it can be a very powerful emotion. Can you describe your most fearful moment? But how does the Bible define fear? Consider the text for this lesson:
"Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it." Hebrews 4:1
Please read the passage in context and be ready to discuss this together. Hope to see everyone of you there!
"Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it." Hebrews 4:1
Please read the passage in context and be ready to discuss this together. Hope to see everyone of you there!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Lesson 6
Here are the verses we will study in this lesson:
I Thessalonians 5:6
I Thessalonians 5:6
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
I Thessalonians 5:8
But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
This letter to the Christians at Thessalonica is focused on the second coming of Christ. The admonition in these scriptures above is certainly applicable to us today! Do you agree? Consider how that may be true for you and those you care about. What matters were cause for vigilance among the Thessalonians? What reason do YOU have to be alert and sober? How do we go about remaining sober and alert?
Meanwhile, remain vigilant about your Bible study of these "Let Us" lessons! 
Our blessings are all in Him.
Our blessings are all in Him.Question
Class,
Remember the question I asked at the beginning of our last class? I asked if you had seen God at work last week. I will ask you that same question now. Did you think about how God was at work this past week? Did you see Him at work in your own life or those around you? Did you see him open a door of opportunity for you last week? Did you pray for Him to work in your life? He has created you to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Expect and seek His will and you will be blessed!
His promise. Luke 11:28
Remember the question I asked at the beginning of our last class? I asked if you had seen God at work last week. I will ask you that same question now. Did you think about how God was at work this past week? Did you see Him at work in your own life or those around you? Did you see him open a door of opportunity for you last week? Did you pray for Him to work in your life? He has created you to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Expect and seek His will and you will be blessed!
His promise. Luke 11:28
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Lesson 5
This week we will study Galatians 5:25 ... "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
There always seems to be interest in the Holy Spirit. But I wonder how much we truly understand about the Holy Spirit. We should start this study by disregarding what someone else may have told us before, what we have read in books, or our own opinion. Our goal is to understand the Holy Spirit more clearly through a careful study of scripture alone.
Ask yourself several questions before going further:
There always seems to be interest in the Holy Spirit. But I wonder how much we truly understand about the Holy Spirit. We should start this study by disregarding what someone else may have told us before, what we have read in books, or our own opinion. Our goal is to understand the Holy Spirit more clearly through a careful study of scripture alone.
Ask yourself several questions before going further:
- Who is the Holy Spirit?
- What characteristics of the Holy Spirit can I discover in scripture?
- What role does the Holy Spirit have for a Christian?
- How am I to respond to the Holy Spirit?
- What does it mean to "live" and "walk" by the Spirit?
Now let's go to the scriptures for answers! We will discuss this together on Sunday. Hope to see you there.
Please also remember everyone on our prayer list. Romans 8:26-27
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Is it REALLY important to read the Bible?
Of course, it is important to read the Bible! Does that sound like something we can all agree on? Perhaps. But do we "practice what we preach"? How much time do we spend reading/studying the Bible outside of our organized worship.
Americans overwhelming (77%) believe morals and values are declining in the U.S. The most-cited cause for the decline is a lack of Bible reading. Where are we Christians on this? Consider your own individual and truthful answer ...
Americans overwhelming (77%) believe morals and values are declining in the U.S. The most-cited cause for the decline is a lack of Bible reading. Where are we Christians on this? Consider your own individual and truthful answer ...
Lesson 4
This week our focus is on the "Let Us" passage found in II Corinthians 7:1
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Look for the keywords in this verse. What about this word "defilement". What does it mean exactly? What other word is used for defilement in other translations? What or who was the source of the Corinthians' defilement?
What does it mean to "perfect" holiness? Are we perfect in God's sight? Why or why not?
Can we perfect holiness without cleansing ourselves?
What does it mean to fear God?
Can we be holy if we do not fear God?
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Look for the keywords in this verse. What about this word "defilement". What does it mean exactly? What other word is used for defilement in other translations? What or who was the source of the Corinthians' defilement?
What does it mean to "perfect" holiness? Are we perfect in God's sight? Why or why not?
Can we perfect holiness without cleansing ourselves?
What does it mean to fear God?
Can we be holy if we do not fear God?
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Share the Word
Are you looking for a way to share the Word with those seeking to learn?
Here is one way: World Bible School
Monday, March 10, 2014
Lesson 3
In this lesson, we take a look at I Corinthians 10:8-9. Each verse begins with our phrase "let us". As with our other passages, we need to read much more than these two verses to understand what is being taught.
When 23,000 people die in one day, it is tragic! How did they die? Was it avoidable? Were there any warning signs?
Take the time to read and study I Corinthians 8, 9, and 10. Decide for yourself what the apostle Paul is teaching in those three chapters and why it was necessary. Then consider this: how can this message apply to me in my Christian walk? We will be discussing that and more in this lesson. I hope you will join us in class!
When 23,000 people die in one day, it is tragic! How did they die? Was it avoidable? Were there any warning signs?
Take the time to read and study I Corinthians 8, 9, and 10. Decide for yourself what the apostle Paul is teaching in those three chapters and why it was necessary. Then consider this: how can this message apply to me in my Christian walk? We will be discussing that and more in this lesson. I hope you will join us in class!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Ukraine Christians Need our Prayers
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Lesson 2
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
We should be constantly aware that the world does not see things the same way that Christians do. When it comes to judgement, everyone has an opinion about when and how, even whether or not we should judge. Study the scripture in context. Look up other scriptures related to judgement. Here are some questions to consider:
We should be constantly aware that the world does not see things the same way that Christians do. When it comes to judgement, everyone has an opinion about when and how, even whether or not we should judge. Study the scripture in context. Look up other scriptures related to judgement. Here are some questions to consider:
- How does the world view judgement?
- How should the child of God view judgement?
- What does Paul mean when he says we should not put an "obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way"?
- Am I exercising godly judgement?
Pray for godly wisdom in this area. Ask yourself if someone has ever been a stumbling block to you. Now ask yourself if you have ever caused someone else to stumble. If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, how did/should you handle it?
See you in class!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Lesson 1
Wait a minute! I thought I was special! That may have been the attitude of the Romans before they received Paul's letter to the church at Rome.
Our first focus scripture in this "Let Us" study is Romans 3:8 "And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just."
To be able to understand this scripture in context, we will need to read (at least) the first three chapters of Romans. Try to decide what Paul's main message is. Who is his audience? What do you know about those who received this letter? What did they need to learn? What can I take from this message?
Our first focus scripture in this "Let Us" study is Romans 3:8 "And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just."
To be able to understand this scripture in context, we will need to read (at least) the first three chapters of Romans. Try to decide what Paul's main message is. Who is his audience? What do you know about those who received this letter? What did they need to learn? What can I take from this message?
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