Bible Study April 8, 2025

“Changes Come No Matter What…?

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18 -19 (ESV).

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV).

How do you handle changes that come into your life? We all face them and many changes will come during our lifetime. Do you cope well with all that happens?

For some those are difficult questions to answer. Many people just like the status quo let life go on and I’ll follow along taking whatever is handed out to me – whether good or bad that’s just life. But is it really?

Far too often we allow the world to dictate to us what we should or should not be doing. There exists in our world the philosophy of hedonism. It simply says you should prioritize pleasure and immediate gratification over other values. We all have heard of Hugh Hefner and all the media hype about Playboy. That exemplifies what hedonism is in our society.

But Jesus said we should rule our world through Him. He said things would come along that we might like and we can be drawn into them oftentimes to easily. However, we can only live this life once we are fully committed to living under the guidelines He has established for us. The long term benefits certainly out weigh the immediate gratification that come with the pleasures that Satan shows us.

If caught in his (sins way) way of life be willing to make a change turn from the immediate pleasure to the long term benefits of living free in Jesus. He change will be amazing once done.

God Bless.

Bible Study April 7, 2025

“Visions”

Acts 9:10 – 14

10 “Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

Visions are an interesting phenomenon in our world. Yet they existed back in Biblical times and were seen by people in several different instances. The one above as an example placed great concern on a man by the name of Ananias. He was told to go see the greatest persecutor of the early church in history.

When we are obedient amazing things begin to happen to both us and those around us. In the case of Ananias, Saul of Tarsus had his name changed (by God) to Paul and he became the greatest evangelist of his day. Ananias was obedient to the call of the Spirit.

Often we tend to overlook the simple things looking for the magnificent when the seemingly smaller thing can lead to a much greater outcome. God used this vision to bring about greater things but he also uses them for o way to communicate with people, to show us His plans, purposes, and in many cases, future events as he did with John in the Book of Revelation.

Never back away from sharing a vision God gives you. It will not only benefit you but those who hear your word. Visions can encourage and strengthen  other believers but they can inspire hope and faith.

Should you receive a vision pray for discernment, share it with someone whom you trust to be honest with you. One such vision was shared yesterday during our morning worship service at Asbury Chapel. God is moving across the world.  

For many years in many Christian universities, colleges, and even divinity schools where the scriptures should be taught have gotten away from teaching the scriptures. Even though that is happening there is Christian renewal going on across America in our colleges and universities. Pray for those students to remain strong in their faith.

God Bless.

Bible Study April 3, 2025

“Relationships – the One In the Middle”

The concept of “two becoming one” in scripture is rooted in Genesis 2:24, which states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. This idea is further explored in other biblical passages, including Ephesians 5:31-32 and Mark 10:8-9.

For today let us think about the order of relationships established by God. God first created man to have fellowship with Him. He was placed in the perfect environment and given a job to do “tend the Garden.”

But God seeing man was alone note it was not Adam that saw he was alone it was God who saw it (2:18b). So God creates woman from a man and gives her to Adam as a helper. Adam and Eve ultimately have three sons Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Here is how God established His plan. Man was to first worship God. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” You can further say it is the responsibility of the woman to first love God and you would correct. Then God Gave man a woman for companionship. It is God first, spouse second then God gave Adam and Eve children. The order was established by God: Love God first, your spouse second, then your children. That is biblical.

However, we have it all wrong or so it seems too often wrong. The spouse is put on the back burner so to say in order to cater to the children and their needs when that is out of order. We should drive society; society should not drive us. It is okay to tell your children “NO.”

You have the right to disagree with me (as though I need to give it to you) but many marriages are broken because we no longer follow the outline God gave us. So how do we fix it? There are some simple steps to begin with:

1. See what scripture teaches us about marriage, then follow what you learn,
2. Pray together that God will always keep the love for one another in the fore front of your relationship,
3. Do things alone, go to a movie, have dinner alone, Have intimate times, The most intimate thing a person can do for another is pray for them,
4. Be intentional about sharing conversations, but also be a good listener,
5. Leave your work at the office your time at home should be fully devoted to your spouse and family,
6. Support and encourage each other lift your spouse to highest level,
7. Keep you in-laws out of your marriage, this is your marriage not theirs. They have their own.
8. Forgive and work through disagreements.

Give it a try you might find a deeper meaning to marriage.

God Bless.

Bible Study April 2, 2025

“Money On Loan From God”

A few days ago I was asked to provide some scriptures on tithing by a wonderful lady in our church. I believe tithing is an Old Testament command and the New Testament is based on grace. The New Testament concept of giving I believe is based on Jesus giving His life for us there is no way we can out do Him. Here is what I provided her. Much of it contains scripture.

Here are some scriptures on tithing / giving. I am giving you both Old Testament and New Testament references.

In the Old Testament tithing / giving emphasizes returning some of our possessions to God to show gratitude. It is the idea of giving the first of the harvest or the offspring of the herd but only giving the very best. That was what got Cain in trouble.  In the New Testament and Jesus death on the cross we are encouraged to give from the heart for what He has done for us.

Old Testament Examples:

Leviticus 27:30:

“A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.”

Proverbs 3:9-10:

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Malachi 3:10:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Genesis 28:20-22:

Jacob vows to tithe to God if He protects him on his journey and provides for him.

New Testament Principles:

2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For by the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” What is interesting here is that when we give to God the Men will give to us. It is not to give to get but the principle of sowing and reaping.

Mark 12:41-44:

Jesus observes a poor widow give her entire livelihood to the temple treasury, highlighting the importance of giving sacrificially.

1 Corinthians 16:2:

Paul instructs the church to set aside money for the poor on the first day of the week, emphasizing the importance of consistent and proportional giving.

Some Thoughts:

Tithing and giving are seen as expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings and recognition of His provision. We see this throughout the scriptures but most evident in the New Testament.

The scriptures call believers to be good stewards of their resources, recognizing that everything belongs to God. Resources  is more than money.

The New Testament emphasizes giving from the heart, not out of obligation, but from a place of love and generosity. If Jesus gave His all (I believe He did) then what an I give in return?

Giving is an act of faith, demonstrating trust in God’s provision and His ability to meet our needs.

Giving supports the church, the spread of the gospel, and other ministries that advance God’s kingdom. This is one way we can simply spread the message of salvation.

I would be interested in your thoughts.

Bible Study April 1, 2025

“Circumstances”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New Living Translation)

16 “Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

What is your first thought when you read these verses? Does God have it for me because of what I am going through? Or maybe “Why do bad things happen to good people (from James Dobson). Is there something I have done that puts me in this place or these circumstances I am in?

No one really knows our complete situation but us. People see us going through tough times and some will pray for us, some will think “I’m glad that’s not me”, (I’ve actually had people tell me this) or other thoughts come one’s mind.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with a lady that in all appearances must be in a great deal of pain yet she always has a smile on her face. She sees life from a perspective “always be joyful.” She will ask for prayer for others never asking for herself. She believes this quote “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” (Alphonse Karr in 1853).

Many who attend our church have met a man who goes through equally difficult health issues yet I get a hug from him every week. Both of these people are faithful in their infirmities.

“Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to It” The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude is more important than what happens to us. It is more important than anything such as education, money, yes our circumstances. Attitude can change your life.

We can have a choice about our attitudes which make or break your company, your home, or your church.

We can change our attitude we have that choice everyday to embrace or allow it to embrace us. I will confess that I told our church council I resign (only to myself) often on my way home from a meeting then the next day I am back at it. My attitude is “deal with it and move on.” I will admit telling people “to forgive and move on” was not the advice they wanted. It is a choice.

We may not be able to change the facts but we can change how we see them and react to them. Are you willing to change your attitude to deal with 10% of the circumstances in your life?

Give it a try, God Bless.

Bible March 31, 2025

“The Busyness of Life”

Proverbs 16:3:

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

1 Corinthians 10:31:

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Today brings a busy couple of weeks for me. Today as an example is prepping for our Bible Study tonight, continuing to work on our reenactment of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, working on a job description, reading, studying, praying, and I almost forgot a message for nest Sunday begins for me today. I never ask for more hours in a day.

Then I saw these two verses one from the old Testament a second from the New Testament.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do. He knows what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and He knows all will be accomplished. Let Him establish your plans and help you set priorities. All the planning we do must be done keeping His plans for our lives as our primary focus. When we allow God to direct our steps we are in submission to Him. When this happens our plans will be achieved.

Secondly, all the stuff we think we must get done and much of it must be accomplished will get done. But we must keep our focus on our source. Everything we do should be done with a heartfelt desire to please God.

Paul indicates all we do should be a heartfelt desire to bring glory to God. I know all that needs to be done will be done because my goal is to do it for the kingdom. Patience is not one of my virtues but He continues to show me how to be more patient in all that needs to be done.

Application for today: slow down, seek His face, and work diligently to accomplish His plan for your life.

God Bless.

Bible Study March 28, 2025

“Storms of Life”

Luke 8:22-25 (Living Bible)

22 “One day about that time, as he and his disciples were out in a boat, he suggested that they cross to the other side of the lake. 23 On the way across he lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger. 24 They rushed over and woke him up. “Master, Master, we are sinking!” they screamed. So he spoke to the storm: “Quiet down,” he said, and the wind and waves subsided and all was calm! 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” And they were filled with awe and fear of him and said to one another, “Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?”

No one is immune to storms coming in their life. Even the disciples Jesus’ closet followers of the day were subject to storms coming in their lives. They cannot be avoided but I believe they can be lessened to the effect they have on us.

Fear takes away our joy, our peace, our comfort zone. We all wish we could be at peace every moment of our lives but that is not reality. Different things affect each of us, there is no magic solution to the trials in life. Our scripture today as written above says the disciples “screamed” that the ship ws sinking. They had genuine fear about what could have happened to them.

Did they really think Jesus would allow them to drown? I doubt it but do we get so caught up in a trial that we think Jesus has abandoned us? We all know Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us, but do we really believe that? Trials bring about troubling times and our minds can play unfair games with us.

Yesterday it rained in the St. Louis area. Opening day was delayed waiting for “the storm” to pass and pass it did. When the rain was gone the sun came out as it always does, we just needed to wait for the storm to pass by.

The same thing is true in our lives we all know the storm passes by because  no one has lived their complete life in a storm that I m aware of. The Son will shine on you once again. You may think you have been abandoned by the Lord but He is there with you. I am reminded of Paul’s word to the Ephesians to “Stand Firm” then “Stand Firm” once again.

When we stand firm the storms of life will not overtake you but you will storm tested to face whatever comes your way.

God Bless.

Bible Study March 27, 2025

“Who Can Be a Disciple?”

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19 -20 NKJV).

Jesus talked a great deal about forgiveness and turning your life around. Repentance is making a one hundred eighty degree from the path you are on to the path you should be following.

But the commandment Jesus gave was to go and make disciples of all nations. Not everyone will be called to go to Uganda but I know a lady that ws called there and is giving her life for that country. I applaud her.

The mission of the church must go beyond salvation. Paul told the church at Corinth “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 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; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”

Discipleship must follow the forgiveness of sin in our lives, in other words we must grow beyond childhood in our Christian walk.

Being a disciple of Jesus means actively learning from and following his teachings and example, committing to living a life that reflects his values and actively participating in spreading his message.

Bobby Harrington says being a disciple consists of three key characteristics of a disciple:

He/she follows Jesus

He/she is being changed by Jesus

He/she is committed to the mission of Jesus

Who can be a disciple? Anyone willing to serve.

God Bless.