Bible Study March 6, 2024

Romans 8:26 – 28 (NASB)

“26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

There are times in our lives we are so surprised to hear something that we cannot respond. Then there are those times when we hear a word we respond when we should keep silent. It seems to work that way.

We see the first comment occur when we pray that we are without words to say. We then repeat things we have said in the past and maybe they become habitual. One thing I have been saying recently that we should pray the scriptures. In fact, last Sunday in our message notes I added five scriptures that were good to pray. They were: Psalm 143:8, Psalm 84:1, Psalm 3:6, Isaiah 30:21, and Proverbs 16:3.

Then there are times we just cannot think of the words we want to say that is where verse twenty six comes to mind. The Spirit will find the right words we need to speak. To the charismatic praying in a prayer language helps them pray.

When words evade us our heart will be translated into words that the Holy Spirit will speak to our Heavenly Father to bring us peace. I believe praying in the Spirit is a special blessing God gives to His followers.

“The Spirit-filled, prayerful Christian actually possesses the mind of Christ, so that his reactions to the external world are the same a Christ’s.” A. W. Tozer.

God Bless.

Bible Study March 5, 2024

Romans 5:20 – 21 (ESV)

“20 The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul talked a much about sin and grace even writing in Romans 6: 1 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?” So, shall we then continue in sin that grace may abound? Paul replies with a resounding “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). To desire to continue in sin shows a misunderstanding of this abundant grace and a contempt for Jesus’ sacrifice. Either we believe what God says is true or we don’t.

Satan is roaming about telling us God is a liar and cannot be trusted. And unfortunately many people believe his lies. It’s time we stake a stand against Satan and what he tells us. What Jesus is telling us is that His grace is sufficient for all things in all situations.

Paul Bunyan was imprisoned for preaching without a license by the Anglican Church. This occurred in 1660 and he was told he could be released if he chose not to preach at private gatherings. He spent twelve years in prison but refused to stop preaching. During his time in prison he wrote Pilgrim’s Progress and his autobiography.

Bunyan would say that his conversion was a “a miracle of precious grace” as most of us would say the same thing. Bunyan truly experienced God’s grace in his life. He wrote “His whole gospel is a gospel of grace, words of peace, and salvation.”
God Bless.

Bible Study March 4, 2024

Exodus 14:21 – 25 (NASB)

“21 Then Moses reached out with his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right and on their left. 23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. 24 But at the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians each said, “Let me flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians.”

How many of the millions of Israelites stood at the Red Sea before crossing of the Red Sea thought God would deliver them? Maybe a one-third, one half, how many do you believe saw deliverance? After all they had been in captivity and freedom must have seemed something in the far future to them.

They were on the banks the Egyptian army was getting closer and there was no way out for them. Life and death hung in the balance. The only way out was to trust in God that he would bring their deliverance. The water created impending doom for them with it before them and the Egyptians coming up behind them.

Their only choice was to believe they would be spared and that took a great amount of faith with what stood before them. What if the waters parted would the land be dry so they could walk across the riverbed, what if the river flowed back together once again before they all crossed? The big what if?

By faith they marched.

“It’s always to early to quit.” Norman Vincent Peale.

Bible Study Marc 1, 2024

Romans 8:15 – 17 (ESV)

“15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

So many verses in the Bible talk about fear and ways to avoid it. Peter writes “Cast all your fear on Him who cares for you.” That seems to indicate to me that we are not to worry about the stuff that crosses our path, yet we do.

Paul writing to the Romans tells us we did not receive the spirt of slavery to fall back into fear. We are adopted into the family of God. Do our children worry when mom and dad are around? They find comfort knowing they are close. Should we not feel the same about our heavenly Father, He is close to us.

Satan will attempt to put us into fear and worry that takes away our peace but we should overcome Satan because Jesus has overcome the world where Satan rules with his demons.

Paul uses these verses to help us understand we are now adopted into the family of God therefore we should not fear. It is because of His grace that adoption occurs. When we are adopted we are chosen that means someone saw something special about us and they chose us, that is the picture of Jesus lifting us up.

When we become family members we have rights and privileges of being in the family. Celebrate that accept who you are. We are now part of the heavenly kingdom celebrate it.

“All are equally welcome to Christ, and all have equal need of Him,” Adam Clarke.

Bible Study February 29, 2024

Matthew 22:15 – 22 (ESV)

“15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”

Happy Leap Year.

I have been reading different articles on Christian Nationalism recently since it seems to be at the forefront these days.

The information I am sharing today comes from Religious News Service. The first thing we must understand is what is Christian Nationalism. The best explanation I can find is Christian Nationalism says our rights come from God. My comments follow – Our rights do not come from the government the government is to protect our rights.

We have privileges as Americans such as the right to vote, that many in other countries do not have.

The following came from RNS. “A new report released Wednesday (Feb. 28) found that roughly 3 in 10 Americans express some sympathy for Christian nationalism, with its greatest popularity concentrated in the Southeast and Upper Midwest.

The findings appear in a study from the Public Religion Research Institute, which probed public support for Christian nationalism as part of a broader survey of more than 22,000 adults. To assess feelings about Christian nationalism, respondents were asked whether they completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree or completely disagree with five statements, including “the U.S. government should declare America a Christian nation” and “U.S. laws should be based on Christian values.”

“Mississippi and North Dakota showed the highest levels of support for Christian nationalism, with Adherents and Sympathizers making up 50% of those states. They are followed by Alabama (47%), West Virginia (47%), Louisiana (46%), Tennessee (45%), Kentucky (45%), Nebraska (45%) and Wyoming (45%).

States exhibiting the least support for Christian nationalism were Oregon (17%), Massachusetts (18%), Maryland (19%), New York (19%), New Jersey (20%) and Washington (20%).” I do not believe these statistics would surprise anyone.

“The survey found support for Christian nationalism concentrated in two religious groups: white evangelical Protestants (66%) and Hispanic Protestants (55%). Christians who ascribe to beliefs often associated with Pentecostals and charismatic Christianity, such as modern-day prophecy, spiritual healing and the prosperity gospel, were particularly drawn to the ideology.”

“The survey also offered a potential preview of how Christian nationalism — and the political coalitions associated with it — could end up shaping this year’s presidential election. Asked about immigration and access to guns, about 50% of Adherents said they would only vote for a candidate who shared their views on the issues.”

How does this apply to the scriptures for today? Matthew tells us the Pharisees and the Herodians (followers of Herod) plotted to trap Jesus as they attempted many times. The Herodians were not a religious sect but a political group that supported Herod. They came to Jesus in the context of these verses and paid Him several compliments, yet trying to trap Him. They were attempting to put Him n a no win situation. We see that today many issues come up especially in politics and religion.

Jesus understood he was under Roman rule so he had to pay taxes to Rome. However Jesus wasn’t fazed He knew what they were up to. They didn’t care for His answer they just wanted to destroy Him. Is that not what we are seeing today?

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Bible Study February 28, 2024

John 7: 37 – 39   (ESV)

“37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Man has sought many different ways to find God in their lifetime. There are monks who go into seclusion, some never speak only spend time in prayer and meditation. There are many eastern religions that have practices and beliefs contrary to what the scriptures teach. They may find us much different also.

In our nation many people go on retreats to get away and read, pray, and find a closer relationship with Jesus. Many pastors take a sabbath day and those that do not should do so. These are good times.

But the best way to find the needed relationship with Jesus is to follow His words above “let him come and drink.” This is a practice we should make every day in our lives. I had the privilege of speaking with a young man yesterday who told me he had been given a devotional and he has found great help in reading it daily. I walked away encouraged by what he said.

Jesus invites us to come anytime, any day, any way to seek Him and spend some time with Him. The quality is more important than the quantity. It is what we learn and how we grow from what we read that brings us closer and deeper in our relationship.

I would encourage you to find some time on a daily basis to read, pray, and meditate on what you have read. Make notes, list prayer requests, list the dates those prayers were answered. Just find some time.

“You made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless till they rest in you.” Augustine.

God Bless.

Bible Study February 27, 2024

Psalm 55:16 – 19 (ESV)

“But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon     I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. 18 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. 19 God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah. because they do not change and do not fear God.”

Looking at verse nineteen my thoughts took me to 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” We are being transformed into a different image. Hopefully it is the image of God.

We all change I know I am different this year than last year. I feel different, my hair is grayer, but most of all my image has changed as I live day to day. I have no problem with any of that as long as I stay steady toward the image of Jesus.

We must be certain that as we change in our personalities, hearts, habits, thoughts, and with those we are in relationship with that we are heading in the right direction. I recently saw a commercial for some insurance company with two birds one asking the other which way is north and he points up thinking it is north. We cannot allow ourselves to not know where we are headed or we lose our pathway.

Allow Christ to guide your path and you will remain in the right direction.

“I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s forward.” David Livingstone.

God Bless.

Bible Study February 26, 2024

2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18 (ESV)

“16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

This is late today been dealing with computer issues today but thankfully the Geek Squad resolved my issues.

I remember my first pastorate right out of collage in a small town in central Illinois. It was a rural community where farming was very popular. One family that attended the church were very supportive of everything that we did. Glen always had great crops when others had failed, he got rain at the right time, harvest season was always dry for him but others around him did not enjoy the same success.

Steve Jobs when fired from Apple said it was the best thing that happened to him when he was brought back to lead the company. He saw failure as a back door to success. He found his calling.

Christians can also believe that in the midst of some type of failure that recovery and success will come. God is at work reshaping our circumstances and finding good in them for us. To the addict who comes clean He has a new plan for them the same is true for all of us He has a plan.

If things are not going right in your life thank  God for what He is doing behind the scenes to change your circumstances. Better days will come.

“The Christian message is for those who have done their best and failed.” Unknown.

God Bless.