April 25, Who is in charge?
April 25, 2010 Family Bible Study, April 25, 2010 Who is in charge around here; God or Satan? To answer that question, let's begin by listening to a conversation between God and Satan. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:6-12 NKJV We can see, by this excerpt from the book of Job that God is in charge. Whatever power and freedom Satan has comes from God. If you know the entire story of Job, you know a lot about the limitations of Satan's power and the nature of our Lord. God is truly omnipotent (all powerful) omniscient (knows all things) and omnipresent (always present). Yet we know that God allows man to be tempted by Satan. Satan is the tempter, the accuser of man and God allows the test. Discuss the difference between someone who tempts you to sin and One who permits the test. Then listen to the words of Jesus: "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:13 NKJV Only one entity is in total control. That Entity is our God. Listen: "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39 NKJV "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. "John 12:31 NKJV Does it seem like life is a test? Do you know who is tempting you to fail to honor and obey God? To whom must you turn if you are going to successfully endure the tests of life? Listen: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV Satan is the accuser but Jesus Christ "in us" is our strength. Listen to a verse that you should memorize: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV Core Christian value: God is sovereign and in complete control. God allows Satan to tempt you and to accuse you but God always provides the love, power and support that you need. Bruce Caldwell
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March 15 Read, read, read!
What is the big deal about reading the Bible? How many people do you think read the Bible very often, often, not often, or hardly at all? If you are among those who read "not often" or "hardly at all", why is that true? Are you able to you know the heart of God without listening to Him? Read what the Bible says about the Word of God. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:11 NKJV Discuss what the words in that verse mean and then discuss why it would seem unwise to not read the Bible enthusiastically and often. There are many verses that speak to why you should know God's word. "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:9-11
"I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalms 119:15-16 NKJV The 119th Psalm is full of this kind of admonition and encouragement. Discuss each of the verses you just read. Then, ask yourselves, how important is God's word in your daily life? The Apostle Paul had a student named Timothy. This is what he told the young man: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV Listen to the words of the Psalmist: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The entrance of Your words gives light; I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word." Psalms 119:105, 130, 147-148 NKJV Why the early morning…you can make it available! Again, how important is the Word of God to you? Do you sense that a Bible, on a shelf, unstudied, may as well not exist? Discuss ideas about getting more time with the Scriptures. And realize this: "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11 NKJV Discuss what that verse means. Core Christian value: God's word is Holy, it is the truth and I need to absorb as much as I can while I can. The entrance of Your word gives light. It will not always be available.
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But you promised, February 8
But you promised, February 8 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com How many times have you said to someone "but you promised". You were saying that promises count and that a promise should not have been made if you did not mean it. Listen to what the Scriptures have to say about promises (vows, oaths, covenants). "For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us." Hebrews 6:13-18 NKJV Here we see that God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants. God also said that since men make oaths which "end all dispute" that His oaths too are immutable, confirmed and that He can not lie. An oath is serious business, not to be entered into lightly. Listen to a key teaching from our Lord about oaths: "When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth." Deuteronomy 23:21 NKJV. You can see that "oaths not made" are not a problem. In fact, if you abstain from vowing, it is not a sin. You have heard it said, "I swear, by all that is Holy, I swear on my mother's name and so on." This sort of swearing is also advised against. "…you have heard that it was said to those of old,' You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Matthew 5:33-37 NKJV God made a promise to Israel as well. "Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;" Genesis 26:3-4 NKJV Do you tend to make promises that are not necessary? Do you find yourself saying "I swear that is true?" What is the risk in making an oath? Can you think of a way to make a promise in a more tentative way? Is a "conditional: promise o.k.? Have you heard people say "Lord willing" I will do such and so? Core Christian Value: Promises to God are very serious promises and are called "vows". Make no vows you do not intend to keep because promises to God must be kept; same for vows to your friends and family
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A "sippy cup" approach to growth! November, 20
A "sippy cup" approach to growth! November, 20 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little." Isaiah 28:9-10 NKJV Here you see that Isaiah is saying that knowledge and understanding are not gained by infants. They must grow, little by little. Listen to how the writer of Hebrews makes the same point: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV It is clear enough that there are two kinds of students of the word described here. There are those who can digest milk only, that is, the meal an infant can handle and there are those who can digest meat as an adult. Which kind of student of the word are you? Do you feel more like an infant or an adult? To the degree that you feel immature in the word, you have a solution at hand. Listen to Paul's teaching:
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NKJV Paul points you toward the time when your dim vision, of that which you will eventually know, will be made clear when you are in heaven. Even spiritually mature persons only have a dim vision of what is coming. Listen again to Paul describe what is coming: "…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ - Ephesians 4:13-16 NKJV That is our goal. To grow up and become more and more like Christ until that time that we are in fact in His midst, perfected forever. We are, for now, still in bodies that are tempted and which sin on occasion. Paul describes the transitory position of one seeking to be mature in Christ: "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NKJV Is Paul saying that a "carnal" person can not receive "solid food"? What are the characteristics of a carnal person? How does one go about becoming "less carnal".
Core Christian Value: When we first seek a relationship with our Lord, we do so as "babes" and we feed upon the milk of the word. We must not remain infants. As we grow in the word, we mature in Christ Bruce Caldwell
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I am sooooo mad!October 18
I am sooooo mad!October 18 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.comToo often we are angry about something. It is not that anger is an unreasonable response in some situations. Jesus got angry when the "money changers" were misusing the Temple to do business. But, we are not the righteous, sinless Son of God. He teaches us the following: "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,' You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:22-24 NKJV "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4: 29-32 NKJV You have just read the "basics" about anger. Call no man a fool, don't come to God with a gift if you are angry with a brother, speak in a way that edifies, builds up and imparts grace to others and do not grieve the Holy Spirit by being angry. No bitterness, bad temper and evil speaking should overtake you. Be kind, tenderhearted and forgive others just as Jesus has forgiven you. Do you think you can do these things in and of your own strength? I assure you, our "lower nature", our sinful flesh "rules" unless you consciously decide that does not need to be the case. It grieves our Lord when you cave in and get angry! The Holy Spirit in you is the only way you will ever cope with anger. A man I know told his children the following verse every time they would get ready to go to bed, mad: "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV. Then he would make them give each other a hug and say they were sorry. Now maybe they were not truly sorry but they never forgot the lesson. Don't let the sun go down on your anger because when you do you are giving the devil the victory. King David said, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret - it only causes harm." Anger hurts both sides. Do you feel there is victory in "beating up" on someone physically or mentally? Listen to Jesus' brother, James: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:17-18 NKJV. Paul said "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." Colossians 3:8 NKJV. Discuss how you have successfully handled anger or when and why you failed to do so. Is this topic a sort of microcosm, a small scale, of the whole battle between your tendency to sin and your desire to be like Jesus? What steps can be taken to win this battle? Core Christian Value: Do not let the sun set on a family disagreement. God's will for our lives is harmony with Him and each other. Anger is a tool of Satan. Do not let him win.
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The trust and faith of a child, June 19
The trust and faith of a child, June 19 If you have ever held a newborn baby you have looked in amazement at what God can do. Even their breath is pure and clean. For the next several years they are dependent on their parents. They must trust their parents to love and protect them. Their innocence will fade as they work their way through life but at least in the beginning they are pure and they are an example of what Jesus wants us to be in our relationship to the Father. Listen to how Jesus discusses the faith of a child as an example of what he expects of adults. "One day some mothers brought their babies to him to touch and bless. But the disciples told them to go away. Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, 'Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's. And anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom's gates.''' Luke 18:15-17 TLB The next quotation from Jesus makes a point that every parent should not miss. "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:10 NKJV Does that verse mean that the child will not suffer from persecution or neglect? No, it means that no matter what the situation, these little ones have an angel watching over them. Jesus also makes it very clear that anyone who harms a child physically or emotionally is in big trouble.
Listen: "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42-43 NKJV Have you ever felt like you have or ever had a guardian angel? Why do you think that Jesus used the "faith of a child" as an example of what he expects of us all? Do you now trust God, as you once (and hopefully still do) trusted your parents? Core Christian value: Jesus repeatedly held up children -their level of trust, their innocence, their faith- as examples of what he wants us all to be.
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Jesus Wept. Why? May 18
Jesus Wept. Why? May 18 The shortest verse in the Bible is, "Jesus wept", John 11:35. Yet that short verse reveals so much that we need to understand. The Apostle John saw Jesus weep when Mary and Martha, the sisters that Jesus knew well, told Him that Lazarus, their brother, had died. First, we can see that Jesus had compassion upon those who loved Lazarus. That means that his heart ached when theirs did. He felt their loss, their pain, just as He feels our losses and pains. That is how much Jesus loves His children, His friends. When our hearts ache in circumstances of personal loss, such as the death or serious illness, of a loved one, Jesus feels our loss. We never have to go through such sadness alone. Second, Jesus knew that he would call Lazarus forth from the grave in which he had laid dead for four days. He certainly did not weep because of the death of Lazarus. He wept because the friends and family of Lazarus were grieving. But Jesus did not continue to grieve. He took action. Listen: "But didn't I tell you that you will see a wonderful miracle from God if you believe?" Jesus asked her. So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. (You always hear me, of course, but I said it because of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.)" Then he shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus came-bound up in the gravecloth, his face muffled in a head swath. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!" John 11:40-44 TLB It is proper to be sad when we lose a loved one. Jesus was sad but He knew something we should all understand. Not only would he give Lazarus physical life, again, but Jesus knew that Lazarus, because of his faith, would be given eternal life in a perfect place where there are no tears and no suffering. Listen to a key teaching about death: "The good men perish; the godly die before their time, and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is taking them away from evil days ahead. For the godly who die shall rest in peace." Isaiah 57:1-2 TLB When we die, we are taken away from evil and delivered to perfection and when those we love die, that is true of them, if they love the Lord. We are simultaneously sad and hopeful. I would have said joyful but that is a word that will fit well when you are reunited with those you love. That is why we tell our family and friends about the love Jesus has for them. We want to be together, in eternity, forever. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns. The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for right before their eyes they see the Lord God bring his people home again." Isaiah 52:7-8 TLB Discuss Isaiah 57:12. Is it still o.k. to grieve when someone we love has been taken away from the evil days ahead? For a Christian, is death the end or the beginning? What is transitional and what is permanent? Discuss the meaning of this quotation: "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." 1Corinthians 2:9 NKJV Core Christian value: We properly mourn over the death of a loved one but then we are encouraged, knowing that death is physical and not spiritual. Our spirits live on and a reunion of God's children awaits.
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April 25, What I am doing just feels wrong
What I am doing just feels wrong Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com The Apostle Paul presents a point of view you should consider. He says, "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to-what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. Romans" 7:15-16 TLB Paul is teaching us that we know what we should do and when we do bad things, we knew they were bad. He says our conscience proves to us that what we are doing is wrong.
Then Paul says: So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh, what a terrible predicament I'm in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free. Romans 7:23 TLB What Paul describes as our "deadly lower nature", is the "default setting" we find ourselves in at birth. You know what a default setting is. For instance, if your new car measures the mileage as miles instead of kilometers, then the factory has preset the odometer to miles. You can take action to change the default setting to kilometers if you want to, but if you do not do so, it will continue to measure the distance you travel in miles. If you find yourself wanting to change the default setting of your life from dominance by a deadly lower nature, often referred to as the dominance of the flesh, you must take action. You were born in the flesh but God placed in you, a spirit. God wants His Spirit and your spirit to be united, to be as one. When you agree that is what you want as well, you turn to Him ask him to forgive you for all the dumb things (sin) you have done. God promises that He will change the default setting of your heart from one of flesh to one of Spirit, His Spirit in you. You will still have impulses to revert to your old default setting of "the flesh" but God has promised that he will intervene for you. Listen to His wonderful promise: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV How can you escape? First, understand that temptation does not come from God. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me; "…for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone" James 1:13 NIV. Who is the tempter? Remember when the comedian said "the devil made me do it". Does blaming the devil let you off the hook?
Can you defeat temptation by your own resolve? In this life will you ever be "not tempted"? Is victory over temptation ever "yours"? Know this: "God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect". 2 Samuel 22:33 NKJV Do you sometimes feel like there is a tug of war going on inside you? How do you deal with it? Core Christian value: Our lower nature (flesh) is at war with our spirit. We have a "built-in" knowledge of right and wrong. God wants to unite our spirit and His Spirit. He will strengthen us. Bruce Caldwell
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Blasphemy, March 15
Blasphemy, March 15 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com When the Bible speaks of "blasphemy" what does that mean? Merriam-Webster defines it as follows: 1 a: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. b: the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable Now listen to the words of Jesus: "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." Matthew 12:31-32 NKJV Why would Jesus single out blasphemy of the Holy Spirit as the only unforgivable sin? Listen to the words of the writer of the book of Hebrews: "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame." Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV These teachings make it very clear that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a fatal offense. In my opinion, once you have known the peace of Jesus and have experienced His cleansing, forgiveness and love, if you then were to then have contempt for our Lord and God, it would indeed be something that borders on mental illness. To have truly known Him and then to insult Him, makes no sense at all. It is far more likely that if you have claimed to have been born again and then "intentionally insult" the Holy Spirit, the power of Christ in you, in a conscious, hateful manner, you never really entered into His peace and He never really was your indwelling Lord.
Salvation is not for sissies. Do not timidly and half-heartedly seek Him. It would be like getting married and then telling your spouse, "I did not really mean it when I said our vows." Jesus is teaching us that He went to the cross to die for our sins and once was enough! Do not, as it says in Hebrews, ask Jesus to go to the cross again and again, putting Him to open shame. Listen to a description of the soul of one who is saved: "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 NKJV Jesus has cleansed us and will, because of His eternal love for us, continue to cleanse us and empower us via the Holy Spirit. Do you sense His empowerment? Where do you turn for wisdom? Do you understand what it means when it says blasphemy is unforgivable? Discuss the many ways that the world tempts you to deny your Lord. Core Christian Value: The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the only sin in the Bible characterized as "unforgivable". A true believer should never expect the re-enactment of the crucifixion, for his sins. Bruce Caldwell
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WHAT IS THAT AROMA?, February 8
WHAT IS THAT AROMA?, February 8 Have you ever considered the notion that you give off an aroma! We are not talking about whether you use deodorant or not. Listen to this quotation from the Bible: "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NKJV Yes, we have a fragrance and if we love Jesus it is discernable, that is, people can tell that we love Jesus. The verses above teach us that the aroma of Jesus, in us, causes other Christians to notice that love but people whose hearts are far from God, also notice and they feel that we are a testimony, a witness, against their life style. The Christian might say that we are the aroma of life and the one who does not yet love Jesus might say, "What is that smell?" meaning you are making them uncomfortable. The Bible says that it is God's will that no person perish, that is, to be banned from the presence of God forever. Therefore if someone is giving you a hard time because you have the aroma of Christ, it is not time to get into an argument with him or her. God loves them and is waiting patiently for them to repent, to turn from sin, and to have His Spirit and their spirit united. Our job is to love them even if they do not presently respect our love for Jesus. Listen to one more quotation from the Apostle Paul: "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV We are that sweet smelling aroma that pleases God as we walk in love. God is love and to be like Jesus is our goal. No one is perfect, as Jesus was, but His Spirit in you gives you a chance to be an "imitator of God." Discuss whether you think you give off a Christ-like aroma as you live your life. How do you feel about being criticized for trying to be like Jesus? What choices do you have in reacting to someone who thinks you are trying to be too "good"? Core Christian Value: We are to be imitators of Jesus Christ and in doing so we give off a sweet- smelling aroma, one that pleases God. That aroma may not please a person who does not love and honor God. Bruce Caldwell
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Could blessings become burdens? January 12, 2009
Could blessings become burdens? January 12, 2009 From the Family Bible Study link, www.solascriptura.com Have you ever thought about the notion that great gifts create great obligations as well as great opportunities? You have heard or you will hear the following statement about great gifts: To whom much is given, much is required. You could look at that statement in reverse and say "if you don't have much, I guess that not much is required of you". Do you feel you don't have much? Is having "much" always about money, real estate or other tangible assets? No, there are persons whose wealth lies in their heart. They have received the gift of love and they are able to give of it freely.
Would you say that "having a heart to give support, love, and care to others" is a gift? What if you do not exercise the gift? Is it still a gift? Suppose the gift is made freely available to you but you decide to "pass", a sort of no thanks to the offer of "receiving a new heart, one that freely gives love and support to others." There are those who yearn to be righteous, to be like Jesus, but who can't seem to get there. One of those persons was Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who came at night when no one would see him and asked Jesus how He could be doing such marvelous things unless He was from God. In effect, Nicodemus wanted to do the things and have the heart for people that Jesus had. Jesus explained:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jesus went on to say: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" John 3:3, 6-7 NKJV
The Prophet Ezekiel clarified what it means to be born again, to have a new heart: "…I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20 NKJV
To be born again is to receive a new heart, one that is capable of love beyond the heart we were born with. Ezekiel goes on to say: "…get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." Ezekiel 18:31 NKJV Here we learn that a new heart also means a new spirit, one in which His Spirit and your spirit become as one. King David makes the same point. Listen: "0 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NKJV
What gifts has God given you? Do you feel that God has heightened expectations of you because of those gifts? Would you rather not have the gift if the expectations are so high? Where do you feel you can turn for the strength to fully utilize your gifts? Does it seem that a gift not utilized might be taken away? (See Mathew 25:14-29)
Core Christian Value: Our talents, wealth and gifts are accompanied by this instruction: To whom much is given, much is required. The capacity to love is a gift freely given by God. Spend this resource Bruce Caldwell
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Did you say "ask anything"! December 31, 2008
Did you say "ask anything"! December 31, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com The following verse has raised many questions over the years. Listen:
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15 NKJV Clearly, if we ask anything "according to His will", then our will and His will are in agreement. We are asking God to do for us that which is His will. We are invited to ask. This is not a circumstance in which being timid or uncertain is advised. Humility and contrition before our Lord and Savior are always necessary conditions for entering into His presence, but having said that, boldness in seeking His will and asking for His assistance in doing His will for our lives is more than o.k. Listen to the Apostle Paul: (that)…the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him Ephesians 3:10-12 NKJV Paul says we are to be bold and confident through our faith in Him. It is our faith in Him that permits this boldness, not faith in ourselves, but faith in Jesus who we know loves us. The author of the Book of Hebrews further clarifies matters. "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV The "therefore" in verse 16 above refers to the fact that Jesus, our High Priest, knows what it is like to be tempted with sin. It says Jesus sympathizes with our situation. We are not alone as we face trials and our "needs" are not unknown. We boldly enter into the presence of One who knows us, loves us and who lived without sin in a sinful world. If we pray according to His will for us we can confidently know that His will is going to be done. Thus our prayers should always be, Lord willing, I want this or that to occur. Listen to James, the half brother of Jesus as he gives you excellent perspective: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" James 4:13-16 NKJV Do you always remember to say "Lord willing" as you start or end your prayers? Do you realize that His will for your life has already been established? Is it His light on our path that we seek? When you pray for others, do you ask for God's will to be done in their lives? What is God's will for all mankind? Core Christian Value: We are able to ask our Lord for anything and be sure we will receive it if the thing we ask for is consistent with His will. His will for your life has already been established! Seek His will. Bruce Caldwell
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Perfected, yet not perfect, December 11, 2008
Perfected, yet not perfect, Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.comHow can someone be perfected and not perfect? When Jesus went to the cross for our sins, and as we have faith in that fact, he made it possible for us to stand in the presence of God, just as if we had never sinned. He covered us with His perfection by the shedding of His blood. We are cleansed and our sins are as separate from us as the east is from the west. Why then, in the process of living our lives, do we continue to sin? It is because we are not perfect. We strive for perfection but it will elude us until we are joined with the Lord in a state of perfection, heaven. Listen to the apostle Paul, one of God's most blessed followers and one who was chosen to bring God's message to the gentiles: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus". Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV That is a set of verses that everyone should study carefully. Does Paul claim to be perfect? No, he knows he will be perfected in heaven but he confesses that he has not attained perfection. What does it mean to not "have apprehended"? Discuss the possibilities in the context of Paul's words. Does Paul place any value on looking back on his sins? Discuss why he does or does not? When does Paul think that the race is over and that the prize is attained? Discuss how perfection is beyond our grasp during this life? Why is this so? When Jesus went to the cross he eliminated the need for further sacrifices. The writer of Hebrews explains it this way: "But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified". Hebrews 10:12-14 NKJV
His single offering of Himself, for our sins, means that those who are being made more and more like Jesus (saints) have been perfected forever. Define sanctification. Give examples of evidence that one is sanctified. Listen to how John, the beloved disciple, defines it: But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. 1 John 2:5. NKJV Listen to John again as he states the critical element inherent in a perfected child of God:
"If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit". 1 John 4:12-13, NKJV
Core Christian Value: A Christian has been perfected due to the grace of God in our lives and our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. That does not mean we are perfect. We seek to be like Jesus; we press forward. Bruce Caldwell
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Last here, first there, November 20, 2008
Family Bible Studies, www.solascriptura.comNovember 20, 2008 Last here, first there, disabled here, enabled there. We all are created equal, in terms of our heavenly opportunity and we all have equal access to God, but some people, on earth, seem to have big advantages (strength, good looks, quick on their feet and with the eyesight of an eagle), while others have none of those things. It is a very easy thing to be "first", to have all of the advantages or at least that appears to be the case. But let's examine what the Bible says about those who have the most advantages. Listen to the words of Jesus: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more". Luke 12:48. NKJV We could look at this teaching and say, "Boy, I am sure glad I don't have much" believing little is expected of you. Money, fame intelligence, speaking ability, and dexterity are all gifts from God. But re-read the words of Jesus up above; do you think all of those gifts carry no particular obligation? What if you were the person with any or all of those gifts? What would you think that God expects of you? On the other hand, if someone has very few of the visible gifts, does it seem God lets them off the hook? Are they are able to coast along and do nothing, or very little, that would bring honor to God? Can you think of any person who has none or few or these visible gifts, yet they have shown their love for God and man in a very special way?
Yes, there are people who are severely disadvantaged or handicapped here. But listen to how God sees these people: "…God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 7:17. NKJV. The Apostle Paul expressed the same concept when he said: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18-19. NKJV. That does not mean that suffering here should seem good. It does mean that God understands and that He has prepared a role for those who are disadvantaged. Listen: "And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.". Luke 13:30. NKJV Discuss what it might mean to be first here and last there and vice versa? When could being first here have a bad ending? Listen to Jesus: "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted". Matthew 23:11-12. NKJV. "I will make the lame a remnant and the outcast a strong nation; so the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever". Micah 4:7. NKJV
For more on this topic, go to www.jewnumberone.com, ch.37, The Lame, the Deaf and Those Who are "Last" will Emerge as "First". Core Christian Value: God loves every soul He created, whether we are fast or slow, blind or not blind, lame or not lame, coordinated or not coordinated; we are all equal before God. Bruce Caldwell
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Hey Sailor! November 8, 2008
Family Bible Study, November 8, www.solascriptura.comHey Sailor! Getting someone to notice us, whether male or female, has become a driving force in our society. We tattoo our bodies, pierce our bodies, and change our bodies and strive very hard to be noticed. Of course, some of the striving is healthy, such as the desire to stay physically fit but some of it is "over the top". The primary question for a Christian is what motivates us. Are we seeking our personal glory or are we trying to live our lives in a manner that brings glory to God, not ourselves. The Bible offers a key insight to the question of why our body exists and what our mission is. Listen:
…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV
Did you ever think of your body as belonging to God, purchased at a price? When you think about that fact, it helps you focus on the responsibility of having our bodies bring honor and glory to God. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As we move about each day we carry Christ with us into every circumstance. We are, as it says in another verse, "the temple of the living God". Do you feel your body is the temple of the living God? When you present yourself to the world each day, do you feel you are presenting a person that brings glory to God? What decisions might you be making about your appearance that "would not glorify God"? The Bible has some harsh words to say to those who appear to be more focused on gaining personal attention than in glorifying God. Therefore God also gave them up to… the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Romans 1:24-25 NKJV
James, the brother of Jesus, put it another way: "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? How does God seem to feel if we seek to glorify ourselves? Have you ever thought of God as being jealous? Of what could God be jealous? It is our worship of ourselves, or any other false god, that offends God. "The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure." Psalms 101:5 NKJV
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." I Peter 5:5, NKJV
"Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar." Psalms 138:6 NKJV The next time you feel like glorifying yourself, think about what it is that God expects of you. By the way, you will never win this battle in your own strength! Core Christian Value: We are each given certain assets such as beauty, strength, wisdom and compassion. The assets tempt us to feel we are really special. Don't live with a "look at me" attitude.
Bruce Caldwell
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Lukewarm, better than being cold? October 18, 2008
"Lukewarm" better than being cold? Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.comIs it possible that the average Christian thinks of an "evangelical", one who proclaims their faith to others, as a little radical? We know that the Scriptures say that a person should not stand on street corners or in the church or synagogue, praying aloud, in order that they may be seen by men. It appears that Jesus was condemning their motive for witnessing, "so that they could be seen by men". What is your reaction to people who seem to be witnessing in order to bring attention to themselves?
Is there a risk in keeping silent when you should be witnessing of your love for Jesus, either verbally or by your actions? Listen to the words of Jesus on this matter: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad". Matthew 12:30, NKJV. Have you ever felt you could be "scattering", that is pushing people away from Jesus by your inaction?
What things could you do that would indicate to Jesus that you are a "gatherer"? The list you are about to make, in writing or otherwise, is a critically important list. Take your time and think carefully about what you, personally, could do. It may be useful to also list the things you could do wrong, not especially sinful things, but things that make you appear to be prideful, "that you can be seen by men". Let's read a quotation from Jesus: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,* I will vomit you out of My mouth". Revelation 3:15-17, NKJV. This teaching is extremely blunt. It hits us hard because we see that "drifting along with the crowd, singing the songs in church, doing good things on occasion", all are works, by themselves, that could place us in the lukewarm category. Why would Jesus say these words? Are you able to list things that are good works but which may place you in a "lukewarm" position, especially if you do not get around to doing those things that really matter to Jesus? What are the things that really matter in our relationship with Jesus? Think about when you first discovered that Jesus loves you and how you felt when you responded positively to His love. Did you, in all humility and contrition (define those words carefully for the family), confess your sins and ask for forgiveness, cleansing and inner strength? Listen to the words of Jesus about how your "first love" for Him, was such an important moment. "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place — unless you repent". Revelation 2:4-6 NKJV
Our first love and the way we felt when we were first embraced by the love of Jesus, is of great importance. Core Christian Value: The intensity of our first love, the moment that we first knew that Jesus loves us, was a key moment. Is being lukewarm toward Jesus acceptable? Bruce Caldwell
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To be forgiven, September 22, 2008
To be forgiven, September 22, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.comHave you ever felt that you could never forgive someone? Did someone do something to you that you feel makes them unforgivable? Discuss when this might have happened.
Now discuss the crucifixion of Jesus. What were the words of Jesus as He was dying on the cross? "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34. If anyone ever had a right to be angry and unforgiving with people, Jesus did. But what did Jesus teach us about forgiveness? Listen:
"Happy are the kind and merciful, for they shall be shown mercy…and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don't bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen. Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you." Matthew 5:7, 6:12-14
Do you see what Jesus said about refusing to forgive someone? Is there someone you need to go to and to tell them that you forgive them? Listen to Solomon's advice: "Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel. The evil man gets rich for the moment, but the good man's reward lasts forever." Proverbs 11:17-18
When you are showing others mercy and forgiveness, it is good for you! When you are cruel it is your own flesh that you are troubling. How kind and patient should you be? Listen to Jesus' answers: "Sir, how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven times?" "No!" Jesus replied, "seventy times seven!" Matthew 18:21-22 "Try to show as much compassion as your Father does. Never criticize or condemn-or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give-large or small-will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:36-38
The Apostle Paul said: "Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ." Ephesians 4:31-32 "Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13
Now, is there someone you need to forgive? Go with the mercy of Jesus and forgive them, today. Core Christian value: God gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. God forgives us for our sins and He expects us to forgive others who have disappointed us. We must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness.
Bruce Caldwell
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Does God really hear my prayers? August 21, 2008
Does God really hear my prayers? August 21, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com
Let's begin with the opposite question; to whom does God not listen? The answer is immediately clear. "Now we know that God does not hear sinners" John 9:31 NKJV. Have you ever felt that God does not hear your prayers? We know that God wants us to call upon Him and to seek a personal relationship with Him through Jesus and the communion of the Holy Spirit but we also know that if we are completely out of sync with God that it would be like being angry and uncaring toward a friend and then expecting that friend to care for us. First we have to make things right with our friend and then a good relationship can follow but if we do not ask for forgiveness we should not expect it.
It even becomes clearer that God won't listen to us if we are angry and uncaring toward a friend. Listen to Jesus: "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' (means a word of utter contempt, signifying "empty," intellectually rather than morally), shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' (means a person is a godless, moral reprobate), shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:22-25 NKJV Here we learn that if we call a friend, a brother, Raca or fool, which are heavy-duty insults, that Jesus says "First, be reconciled with your brother, then come offer your gift." Are gifts of our selves and our resources to God without value if we are angry towards our brothers? That appears to be the case. Listen to the Apostle John: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." 1 John 4:20-21 NKJV. That is a powerful lesson! We must never condemn a brother in one breath and say we love God in the next. Listen: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:7-11 NKJV There is a wonderful Christian hymn called "trust and obey, for there is no other way…" There are two manifestations of your faith in Jesus. They are to love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself and to be obedient to God's will for your life. If you want God to listen to your prayers, listen to advice from the Apostle John: "…if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him." John 9:32 NKJV Do you feel God hears your prayers? What sort of things might get in the way of God hearing your prayers? How hard is it to forgive someone that has not forgiven you? When the Apostle John said, "we must do His will" to be heard does the reverse of that basically say that if we are not doing God's will, He will not hear us? Is it as simple as "trust and obey"? How does true love manifest itself? Core Christian Value: God is love and he requires us to love others as he loves us. If we are angry with our brothers we must first forgive them before asking God to forgive us and to hear our prayers. Bruce Caldwell
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Love before witnessing? June 19, 2008
Love before witnessing? June 19, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com Should genuine "caring" for someone precede witnessing to them? Perhaps the best way to approach this question is by posing the opposite view. If you do not like someone and they know that you have no concern for their personal needs, do you feel you can still be an effective witness to them? Probably not; it seems we must first, where the opportunity exists, connect with the person on the human level before they are interested in our spiritual message. Compassionate, caring behavior opens doors where inconsiderate and unloving behavior slams them shut. But one could ask "what good does it do to be a friend if the friend we are trying to introduce to Jesus, never wants to move our relationship beyond being pals." The Bible provides a response. "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy… though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2, 14:1 NKJV To prophesy, as used here, means to teach, to share Christ's love with others. If the person you are trying to witness to does not sense that you love Jesus and them, then your love is incomplete and your witness will be weak. They will know us by our love; no love, no witness. Listen to Paul: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NKJV The Father wants you, His child, to love Him and to tell others of His love for them. When Jesus was asked, what the two most important commandments are, He answered: "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV There you have it. The two greatest commandments are to love God and your neighbor. Love is the light you bring to a relationship. Your love for God shines through and God Himself has enabled you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love people that you could never have loved before you knew God. Since Jesus presents you to the Father wrapped in His righteousness, completely cleansed and forgiven, you will find it very logical to extend friendship and support to His children as well. Then they will "hear" you, whether they respond or not. It is our pleasure to witness, not to convert. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a new believer. Discuss persons that you have wanted to witness to but felt that they were not "ready". Then reflect on whether they know you really care for them. Does caring for them mean they have to become perfect in Christ before you will relate to them? Were we perfect in Christ before He came to us? Does it always have to be, "love first, then witness?" Sometimes your love is revealed in your countenance. If you are at peace with the Lord, people will notice. If you have Godly habits, people will notice. Core Christian Value: Our witness is most effective if the person we are witnessing to knows that we love them and if they can see "Christ in us", a person reborn seeking to be like Jesus. Bruce Caldwell
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MAY 18, 2008, Family Bible Study
MAY 18, 2008, Family Bible Study What is the big deal about reading the Bible? How many people do you think read the Bible very often, often, not often, or hardly at all? If you are among those who read "not often" or "hardly at all", why is that true? Are you able to you know the heart of God without listening to Him? Read what the Bible says about the Word of God. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:11, NKJV Discuss what the words in that verse mean and then discuss why it would seem unwise to not read the Bible enthusiastically and often. There are many verses that speak to why you should know God's word. "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:9-11 "I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalms 119:15-16 NKJV The 119th Psalm is full of this kind of admonition and encouragement. Discuss each of the verses you just read. Then, ask yourselves, how important is God's word in your daily life? The Apostle Paul had a student named Timothy. This is what he told the young man: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV Listen to the words of the Psalmist: "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. The entrance of Your words gives light; I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word." Psalms 119:105, 130, 147-148 NKJV Again, how important is the Word of God to you? Do you sense that a Bible, on a shelf, unstudied, may as well not exist? Discuss ideas about getting more time with the Scriptures. And realize this: "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine upon the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11, NKJV. Discuss what that verse means. Core Christian value: God's word is Holy, it is the truth and I need to absorb as much as I can while I can. The entrance of Your word gives light. It will not always be available. Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011 To be removed click here:
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Family Bible Study, April 25, 2008
Family Bible Study, April 25, 2008 Grace, Faith and Works…In That Order, www.solascriptura.com
What is Grace? Grace is a word that describes God's love toward you. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:8-9 "But don't forget this, dear friends that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord." He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent. TLB
That means that God is very serious about His promises and very patient with His children. God does not want one single person to perish, that is, for their spirit to be separated from God and His people, forever. God wants us to repent, that is, to turn away from sin and to love Him, to turn towards Him. But sin did come into the world when Adam was disobedient (with Eve's encouragement). Adam's sin did not surprise God. Nothing ever surprises God. Our God in omniscient, that is, He knows the beginning from the end and He knows what choices man will make. Since God will not let sin come into His presence, He provided a way for each of us, as well as any person who ever sinned, to be cleansed, to be washed as white as snow so that we could stand in His presence, just as if we had never sinned. He sent His Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life among men. Jesus, as a result of being hung on a cross by an angry crowd who did not believe He was the Son of God, died. He died that we might, by believing He is the Son of God, be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. All we have to do, to have eternal life, is to humbly and with sorrow confess our sins, to turn away from sin in the future and to rely upon the power of the risen Christ in us so that we can, by faith, experience on a daily basis, God's protective love. Then God expects us to love Him and obey Him. Some people call the obedience part "works". That just means doing things that God has commanded, such as loving other people, being Baptized, praying to Him about every decision and about our needs and hopes and the needs of others. Works that are rooted in faith please God. Works, simply intended to earn points with God, do not please Him. Faith in Jesus makes your works noticed by God. There you have it! First God's grace to you, second your faith in Jesus Christ and third, your works, those things you do to respond to His love. We need to know that the order cannot be reversed. Discuss why works alone will not bring you eternal life. For instance, if someone is doing a lot of good things, even going to church and tithing and being good to their neighbor, have they yet done the one thing that makes their works lead to eternal life? Why do you think God's grace must precede faith in Jesus? A way to think about that question is to ask yourselves, "what if God had not sent His only Son to take our sin upon Himself." Could enter into God's presence if our sin was still with us? First, it was God's grace. That means, God's riches at Christ's expense, are ours. Are your good works earning you favor with Jesus or do you do good works because you love Jesus and have faith that He is the Son of God? Do you think good works that are not particularly motivated by your faith in Christ are as meaningful as good works based on your love for Jesus? What do you think it means when the Bible says, "do all things as unto the Lord?" Core Christian Value: First God's grace to you, second your faith in Jesus Christ and third, your works, those things you do to respond to His love. We need to know that the order cannot be reversed. Bruce Caldwell
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March 15, 2008, Flattery
March 15, 2008, Flattery Family Bible Study, from www.solascriptura.com Why does the Bible make such a big deal about "flattery" being wrong? What is flattery? The first entry for flattery in Webster's dictionary is: To praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest. Or to: To portray too favorably. Or to: to display to advantage. The basic truth is that flattery is an "over the top" statement generally offered in order to gain advantage for yourself. Have you ever seen someone telling a person how great they are, how wonderful they are, how awesome they are and every other superlative you can think of? A flatterer is one who says things to people and about people in order to gain advantage. The question is; why do we offer flattering comments? For instance, if one kid says to another, "you are a totally righteous dude", do they really mean that or are they saying it so the other kid will like them, include them in their group and so on. No dude is totally righteous and that same dude could become your enemy or worse yet, use you to their own advantage. A genuine compliment of someone's talent is not flattery. It is an honest statement of sincere appreciation of their talent or accomplishments. We should not offer praise or compliments in order to "get something" in return. You may encourage someone and that may result in their liking you but if your motive is not "self-serving", you have done the right thing. Listen to what Jude, the half brother of Jesus and the brother of James had to say about people who flatter: "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage." Jude 14 NKJV. Jude's words match up perfectly with Webster's definition of flattery: Excessive praise, especially if you want to gain favor or advantage, is forbidden. The Apostle Paul adds some information that is helpful. Listen: "For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:18 NKJV Paul taught you that in some cases, flattery and smooth words deceive the "simple". People who are "simple-minded" are easily deceived. You should see flattery for what it is; an attempt to manipulate and control you offered by a person who is seeking something from you. Don't you know when someone is "flattering" you? How does that make you feel? What is an appropriate response to flattery? Should you immediately not trust that person? When you admire the qualities of a person, what sort of phrases can you use that will keep them from thinking that you are a "self-serving flatterer"? For the "adults" in this study, listen to Solomon's words on this subject: "With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him." Proverbs 7:21 a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28 NKJV (men and women, please do not doubt this truth for one moment!). Core Christian Value: Flattery is excessive and insincere praise intended to gain advantage. It is self serving and it is forbidden. Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011 Forward to a friend: http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=161541&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588 To be removed click here: http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=161541&c=207588 Labels: Family Bible Study, flattery
February 8, 2008, Family Bible Study topic, www.solascriptura.com
February 8, 2008, Family Bible Study topic, http://www.solascriptura.com/
I humbly declare that I out ran all of you!
We seem to have an inherent need to brag. We are so proud of our accomplishments that we can not wait to tell someone else how well we have done. Let's think about the nature of a child for a moment. Children thrive on praise, don't they? We sometimes, in our zeal to make them feel good about what they have done or who they are, overly praise them. We go "over the top" in our statements to them, generally because we truly love them and are truly proud, but we sometimes try too hard to lift up their spirits, even when they have not done as well as we and they had hoped to do. This is a tendency that God knows we have and in the Scriptures He gives us some perspective on this matter. Listen: "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:11-12 NKJV We will never stop lifting up our children in praise. We must also try to teach them the importance of humility. When they do well, our praise should be consistent with reality. It is difficult enough to restrain our praise and especially difficult if the praise is intended to console them. Kids are smart. They do not want "false" praise. They do want your unconditional love, not based on their "winning" but based on your genuine support of their intentions. We, as adults, still like praise. Everyone likes praise! Is this true? If so, what advice does the Apostle Paul offer us and what should we teach our children. Listen: "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3 NKJV: James, the brother of Jesus, makes a similar point: "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." James 3:16 NKJV Jesus said "…for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." John 12:43 NKJV Solomon summed this point up by saying, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Then Solomon compares praising yourself with having eaten too much honey. "It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one's own glory is not glory." Solomon continues: "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." And finally, "Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?" Proverbs 16:18-19, 25:27, 26:12 Ecclesiastes 7:16 NKJV Then the prophet Isaiah says, "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15 NKJV Do you see a time when you will ever stop praising those you love? Not likely, but given what you have just read, what are some biblical guidelines about offering praise? It is one thing to focus on how we should properly praise other people but another thing to see ourselves in the proper light before God. If God does not want us to be "proud of ourselves" then how can we react to praise from other men? Core Christian Value: We seek praise from men and we offer praise to our children. Praise can distort God's hope for us. He tells us to come to Him with all humility and contrition, not wise in our own eyes. Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011 Powered by iContact: http://freetrial.icontact.com/ Forward to a friend: http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=153431&s=9864664&c=ZGXK&cid=207588 To be removed click here: http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=9864664&l=19402&s=ZGXK&m=153431&c=207588 Labels: Family Bible Study
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