Bible Study January 14, 2025

Genesis 12:10 – 13

10 “Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”

Genesis 20:1 – 5

“From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”

There are two instances in the book of Genesis that tell us of Abraham lying about Sarah his wife when he said she was his sister. You can read the full account in Genesis 12:10 -12 and Genesis 20:1 – 18.

We discussed these verses last evening in our Bible study. Is it alright to lie?

I shared a question that arose in a Christian Theology class when in college when this question was asked. “If you are hungry is it okay to steal bread?” What if your family is hungry is it acceptable to steal bread?” They brought about various opinions.

Before answering the question “is it okay to lie” do not miss this verse seven. “Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” God was speaking to a non-believing king Abimelech.

Abraham was a prophet in the eyes of God yet he lied. Now you may say she is indeed his sister (which is truth) but she is indeed his wife (which is also truth).

How do you answer the question in your heart? Think about it I will add additional thoughts tomorrow.

God  Blees you in your thoughts.

Bible Study January 13, 2025

James 5:13 – 17

The Prayer of Inspiring Faith Daily

13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

Do you pray, do you believe what you ask for will be granted? Do you pray in the will of God? (By the way the will of God is found in the scriptures). I have talked to many people over the years about these questions. They end their prayer “If it’s God’s will”, but He has stated His will in His Word. If it is in His Word, it is His will. Let me share some thoughts I have.

First, when we read this verse the first question asked is “are you suffering?” What is the answer to that question? It is found in the next three words “let him pray.” Is prayer the first thing we do or the last thing? Suffering can take many forms from illness, to hunger, to broken relationships, the answer is prayer. I know many people will believe that is a simple answer but it is truth.

Second, If you are sick James says we should call the elders of the church to pray over the one who is sick, anointing them with oil, then pray. There are a coupe of keys to this verse. One we acknowledge we need prayer. The second is the prayer of faith.

Whose faith is it? I believe it can be the faith of the one who is sick or it can be the faith of those praying. Why do I say that? Yesterday we had a report of a man who had cancer that had been healed. The man sharing the story said, “we had been praying for this man with cancer.” I am certain knowing the man who shared it that he had prayed and most likely told the sick man he was praying for him.

Third, what happens when we pray for the sick? The answer is found in verse fifteen. “15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”

Fourth, exercise your faith that others will be healed and delivered from their infirmities. You may be the key to their healing, exercise your faith, believe in what you pray, then give the praise for healing to One who delivered the healing- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We all should be about our Father’s business.

Bible Study January 10, 2025

2 Timothy 2:14 – 19

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

How do we know what is right and how to do it? We simply follow the instructions. Sometimes they seem so simple they are humorous. As an example we have this bottle of shower soap with these instructions: “Apply body wash and massage into a fragrant lather. Rinse and feel refreshed.” To me this is rather obvious. I’m uncertain what else you might do with this bottle. However, I know you have seen the warning on a hair dryer “Do not use in the shower.” Possibly because someone did use it in the wrong place.

The greatest source of instruction for any human being is the scriptures .

The Bible was written by about forty main contributors, though the exact number is disputed. The Old Testament had thirty contributors and the New Testament ten contributors. The Bible containing sixty-six books was written over a period of about 1,500 years by people from different backgrounds, including scholars, shepherds, kings, and commoners.

Yet we look around at nature, see the change of seasons, see the beauty of a sunrise or sunset and many believe it just happened.

The context of the scripture above was for Timothy not to spend a great deal of time with the false teachers in Ephesus because it does no good. Rather Timothy was to teach the Scriptures to the Ephesian Church. Believers need to be equipped to deal with the heresy they encounter. It is the same as federal agents being able to identify counterfeit currency we should be able to identify counterfeit theology.

If a church body does not align with the scriptures and when confronted refuse to accept them they you should consider moving on to a new body where the scriptures are taught under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Look at what your church believes, what it teaches and be certain you are not sitting under counterfeit theology.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 9, 2025

2 Timothy 2:14 – 19 (New King James Version

Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to [d]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Do you know the use of the name “The Bible” does not appear in the scriptures. In fact the term Bible takes its name from the Latin Biblia (‘book’ or ‘books’) which comes from the Greek Ta Biblia (‘the books’) traced to the Phoenician port city of Gebal, known as Byblos to the Greeks. (World History Encyclopedia).

From a human perspective we might ask how did we get the name “Bible. “The biblical scholar F. F. Bruce notes that John Chrysostom appears to be the first writer (in his Homilies on Matthew, delivered between 386 and 388 CE) to use the Greek phrase ta biblia (“the books”) to describe both the Old and New Testaments together.

After a bit of introduction there. So which “scriptures” should I read? There are a number of translations available. If you were to go to Bible Gateway you have at your fingertips a number or translations. Many people like the King James saying it is the most authentic, but can you easily understand what it says with all the “thou”s” it contains?

Some recent translations are excellent. Many people choose the New International Version, many like the English Standard Version (my favorite along with others), the New American Standard Bible (1977). A recent translation came out titled “The Legacy” Bible is also excellent. I will on occasion and in this Sunday I am quoting from Eugene Peterson’s translation “The Message.” He has a unique way of saying some things. If you want to really take a look at the scriptures from a Jewish perspective our Praise Band Leader in Ohio Greg put me onto “The One Man Bible.” Unfortunately it is not on Bible Gateway. But it gives deep meaning.

With that what is the best translation for me? The simple answer is the one that you will read. Check out Bible Gateway for some different translations, find one you are comfortable with then get a good study Bible (there I go using that term again). You can find great prices on Bibles from Christianbook.com. There is also an online bookstore called “Thrift books” you can find some deals.

Any questions send me a note I’ll be happy to help. We have a bookshelf in the foyer of our church for people to get a free Bible if the need one. You might check that out for your church if you do not have one.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 8, 2025

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

If these verses look familiar they are I used them yesterday. As I woke up this morning I was thinking about my mother and dad. They died in 1986 thirty days apart. They had both been sick and suffered from cancer. I see a number of reports and information on those suffering from cancer. Our parents were not unique, many families have faced cancer in the lives of a loved one.

As a pastor I usually do message series over a period of time and try to look at topics as deeply as I can. My next series beginning on January 19^th will focus on heaven. I mention this as I will be sharing about several thoughts on heaven and offering people a way to enter into heaven.

Today I remember hearing and maybe even said it “My mother (dad) is no longer in pain.” But then I asked myself “What about those who have passed the same thing has been said but what if their eternal home is not in heaven. Look at verse four above “no more pain.”

The pain of death on earth is nothing compared to the death in an eternal hell. So, what is my point in this? We need to spread the gospel message to as many as we can, as soon as we can. I will be meeting later today with a son and his dad concerning the Celebration of Life service for his mom and dad’s wife. I do not know yet of her spiritual condition I can only hope at this point that she was a believer and had put her faith and trust in God.

Last Saturday night we had a young lady speak who is involved with Circuit Riders and she explained a simple plan to share the Gospel with others. You might check out what Shiloh Allen said from the video on our Facebook page. It is simple, concise , and to the point. The point I am trying to make is a simple one – you may be the only contact, opportunity a person has to find a relationship with Jesus. Make the offer that is what we are called to do.

God Bless you in you efforts.

Bible Study January 7, 2025

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

I saw a video on the local news last evening that brought these verses to mind. The video was taken from a Ring camera that showed the view of the front porch and a rather large yard in front of the home. The video picked up the scene of a fox walking up onto the parch and walking the length then retreating back into the yard.

Will there be animals in heaven. I remember a movie named “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” I have not watched so I do not know anything about it. But it begs the question of animals in heaven. I have often thought what about our Chow named Mike, our two Shepherds Baron and Cheyenne or our Wheaten Terrier Molly. We have a pit mix also right now so the jury is out on her in my mind.

We know when God destroyed the world by flood that everything in it fell as a result of sin. Since the old heaven is passed away and the new is brought into existence will all things (all good things, there is no evil, sickness, disease, addictions, no hatred, you get the picture) we experienced in the old be into new?

What does scripture say about animals in heaven? A little research found this.

It is possible there will be dogs in heaven, but we have no definite statement in scripture that says “Yes” or “No.” However scripture reveals God creating animals and calling the good. I believe there will be horses in heaven as Revelation describes Jesus returning on a white horse. We read in chapter eleven of Isaiah  describing animals dwelling in peace.

C.S. Lewis, a renowned theologian said animals will go to heaven through their owners’ relationship with God. I’m not certain about that statement.

We do know God loves all things which would include animals. It is His desire to bring happiness to His people maybe they will be there.

Some believe we will see our favorite furry friend in heaven others say no because God does not give them ability to decide to accept Him. I leave with two thoughts:

1. We know the millions of aborted babies will be in heaven, the little ones who cannot decide will be in heaven, and
2. We simply do not know.

Something to think about on the snowy day in central Missouri.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 6, 2025

Ezekiel 36:22 – 27

I Will Put My Spirit Within You

22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. 23 And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. 24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

God has promised a change of heart to the believer. Change is something we all deal with. Seasons change, our bodies change, new subdivisions are being built all around us. Change is inevitable in our world. This past couple of days we have seen significant snowfall. I believe in scooping my driveway we have removed about ten inches of snow and  this morning we were blessed with another four to five inches that was left us overnight. I mention this because as I was watching the weather report on Friday evening the meteorologist said at the conclusion of his forecast “this will change as we get more information.”

We have all the information from the scriptures that we need to live a righteous life. He has laid it out before us. It has not, will not change this we can rest assured of that the God of the universe is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

How do we handle the change that comes into our lives? What steps can I take to better handle all the stuff that comes my way? There are some things we can do:

1. Accept the fact that change will occur. Nothing stays stagnant and if it did many people would be looking for something new (change.)
2. Accept the fact that there a just simply things we cannot change. If we could what would our changes make them better or worse?
3. If it stresses you out seek a friend who you can talk to in confidence and ask for their support.
4. Look for the good in the change maybe not everything is bad that brought about this situation.
5. Embrace it. You may not want to embrace but the adjustment will be much easier to accept.

God Blees, stay safe.

Bible Study January 3, 2025

John 3:16 – 19 (The Message)

16-18 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. 19-21 “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.”

Almost everyone alive has heard these verses especially John 3:16 but today I chose to share The Message translation.

J. J. Watt is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. Considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time,

During one of the bowl games on Thursday a commercial ran for his foundation and a compelling statement come from that commercial. As I remember it this is how it went. “It is not about how many people you knock down it is how many people do you lift up?” As you know J. J. Watt was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2017.

I thought about the words of Jesus in the above passage. Jesus came to lift people up. His own words were “He came to help, to put the world right again.” (The Message). These words may be more familiar  “I did not come to condemn the world but to save it.” In other words He came to lift man out of the depths of sin he had gotten himself into because of disobedience.

How often do we follow those words of life? We see someone and what is our first thought? Why do they look like that? How in the world could they let that happen to them, to their families? The first thing that should come to our mind is WWJD. What Would Jesus Do in this situation, how would He go about lifting this person up? Definitely not condemn them.

I grew up in a church that was evangelical minded I appreciate that but they never seemed to consider maybe a person needs a meal before they trust what we have to say. How can I lift that one in need?

God Bless.