Bible Study - Matthew 9

Read Matthew 9

I want to pull out a few points that really spoke to me in this chapter.

•  In verse 4 Jesus asks "why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?" I believe that this also parallels to verse 29 where Jesus says “According to your faith let it be done to you” for me this shows that you have to believe for God to work in and through you. If you don't have faith then you can't let go of what is holding you back. You will only keep second guessing yourself and never be able to fully commit to anything but fear. 

• Verses 9-13 Jesus  tells us that He came to help those who need help, not the ones who don't. His disciples were not well to do with faith in God, they were (probably foul-mouthed and perverted) fisher men who could care less about having a faith. But God chose them. I don't know who you are or what your profession is, or what makes you tic. But I do know that God doesn't make mistakes, and He created you to be a light to those in the dark.

• 'Don't spoil a good thing' that is what Jesus is saying in verses 14-16. I love this point. Just let good things happen, and enjoy them while you can. If God is in your life, don't act like He's not. Bask in His presence and enjoy it!

 

•  Acknowledging God and surrenduring -to Him, in faith, is all we have to do to receive His grace and all healing love. Everyone in verses 18-38 knew this nad saught the Lord with all thye had believing and accepting His grace.

Bible Study - Matthew 8

Read Matthew 8

I have been learning a lot about the power of having my own relationship with God, and not just basing my spiritual walk by the words of those around me. As important as it is to take council in others, it is more important that we take the time to grow our personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. 

I am encouraging you today, take some time to meditate on this passage and see what God would have you see.

Notes Sunday, June 1st

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

• The more you know the Bible, the more you know God. The better you know God. Trying to live without the Bible is like trying to paint with a screwdriver. 

Romans 10:17 

• Since the Bible is the word of Christ, who is God, then it is through the Bible that we know God. If we know God we can listen to Him, and know what He has promised us in life. 
• If you know the promises of God, you can stand on them. 
• If you don't know God you will make assumptions and have no promises to stand on.

Romans 7:24-29

• When God gives us primises we can stand on them like the wise mans house on the rock.

1 Peter 1:22-24

• Everything changes, but God's will will never change. It abides forever.

Psalms 18:2

Hebrews 6:19-20

• Gods word is our stronghold, our anchor. 
• God is likened to a rock at least 59 times in the Bible. 

If your life is dependant on never having trouble, you will be miserable.

The world needs people who can weather through the storm. 

People who god without God fall apart in every storm.

Your life has to be founded on the Word, not listening to your pastor. Yes, it is good to listen and learn from others, but your faith has to be your own, not someone elses.

Your faith has to be in Christ. The word Christian means Little Christ so as we go through our lives we are to be Christ to those around us. The way we learn who Christ was, is by reading the Bible. 

Reading the Bible is also one way that God talks to us. Just give Him a chance.

 

Worship + Quick Thoughts - I'm Not Who I Was

Quick Thoughts: It's crazy how much a person changes when they accept Christ into their life. I can be difficult. Very difficult. To let God consume your life, and change everything about you that is not pure. But honestly, it's the best decision you will ever make. God will show you what your talents are. Things that you never thought, or imagined, you could do, just come right out. At that point you will have nothing to do but give all the glory to God. And that's what love is all about.

Ever since I truly abandoned myself to God last year, I am not who I was.

(The sacrifice? It was worth it)

Bible Study - Matthew 7

Read Matthew 7


- Don't judge others before considering your own flaws.
What area(s) of your own life do you need to critique?
- God can't help you unless you reach out to Him and recognize what He has already done for you. So He likes it when you look for Him, and He will answer.
Where are you not reaching to God, and abandoning your life to Him?
- You have freedom of choice, not freedom of circumstance.
- God knows the consequence for every option you face. But the choice is yours.
Which path will you chose? Weigh your options before you make a choice.
- Also, be wise in who you confide. Many will come to you claiming to be pure of heart, and good tidings. But look at what kind of fruit they yield.
Do you have good, Christian, believers to confide in?
- Act upon the words of Jesus, and you will prosper. But do nothing with His teachings and your works will be washed away.
 Do you apply God's words to your life?

Worship - With All I Am

Notes - Sunday, May 25th

• You have freedom of choice, not freedom of circumstance.
• As a person thinks in his heart, so is he.
• There will be no outward change in behavior until there is an inward change in thinking. 
• Jesus came to live in your heart not your head.

Deuteronomy 7:7-9 , Deuteronomy 30:19-20

• We chose
• God's way or the World's way.
• God choses 
• He knows the consequences to both blessings and curses.
• The fact that you are living declares that He loves you and that you were created for His purpose.

Matthew 7:13-14

• 2 choices in life; hard or easy (blessings or curses)
• If this is the good life why aren't we happy?
• Before you commit yourself to something ask; "How happy are the people who have already committed themselves to this thing?"
• You can't go into what God made you to be until you sacrifice everything to Him.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference. 

~ Robert Frost ~

Bible Study - Matthew 6

Read Matthew 6

The resounding message in this chapter is DON'T SHOW OFF,  BE HUMBLE!!
Don't tell the world of your most recent donation to charity.
Don't pray as a braggart where all can see.
Don't show the world that you are fasting.
Don't store your goods on earth.
Don't worry about earthly things.

So I will leave you with this:
Be humble in everything you do, and remember that your success is just a platform for you to show God to the world on. Be confident in who God has made you to be, and humble in His success because of it.

Bible Study - Matthew 5

Read Matthew 5

There are so many different points that I could make here. But I will keep it simple. Our natural reaction
when someone insults us, or asks something of us, is to push back or ask for something back. I caught myself doing this just yesterday. But Jesus tells us to give more than what was asked of us. Jesus tells us that when someone is mistreated, we are to help them up. When someone is rejected we are to accept them. And all these things we are to do in love.

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are here to create a culture of honor, and respect. We are here to be the body of Christ. And Christ is God; 

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
We are here to be love to those without love. To show them that they have worth, and that someone cares.
Do Something: Show someone love and respect when the world says they don't deserve it. Encourage those around you find their identity in Christ, not things of this world.

Notes - Wednesday, May 14th

Freedom: you have to admit that you are hurting for Jesus to be able to help you. Otherwise you will keep pushing Him away, and try to fix things yourself.

The Prodigal Son (Read)
We have two ways we can relate to God. As a slave or as a child. God will always see us as His children, but it lies with us to decide if we accept that or not.

Galatians 4:4-9 (Read)
Romans 8:16-17 (Read)
God wants you to relate to Him as your father.
Submission as a slave is submission through fear, but submission as a child is submission through love.
A child's worth never goes down, but the value of a slave fluctuates, and is based on performance.
God doesn't come to you because you deserve it, He comes to you because He loves you.
"Your worth is found in the eyes of God, and the eyes of God alone"
Don't talk yourself out of the freedom God has for you.
He's not interested in what you can do for Him.
What we do for God is an overflow of sonship.

Where do you find your worth?

Worship - Forever

Bible Study - Matthew 4

Read Matthew 4

I think that sometimes we underestimate the sacrifice that goes in to being a follower of Christ. We see here that the disciples left their jobs, families, and lives, but do we really understand what that means? Today, we don't understand what it means to be separated from someone for pretty much any length of time. With all our technology, a week feels like an eternity to not talk with someone. In the Bible days, they didn't have any of this. The only form of communication was through letters, and sometimes, not even that. It was a big deal to leave home, and follow Jesus. And these men did it with everything to lose. But because our God is good, they didn't lose anything. Instead, they gained everything.

You see following God means completely letting go of your current life, and turning to His ways. Never once looking back to how life once was. Never once being tempted by the Devil. And always conquering through Christ.

Bible Study - Matthew 3

Read Matthew 3

The word repent, as defined today means to:

"feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin."

However, this is not the way it is used in the Bible. When John the Baptist says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He does not mean show regret! He means change the way you think about how you live. Change the way you view your situation, because God is coming, and He want's to be able to relate to you.

Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayer? Wonder if He will ever do anything about it? Well, He does, and He will, we just need to learn how to ask the right question. You know how when you go to a different country, or place, even if they speak the same language, you can't really communicate with people all that well until you understand the culture? Well it's much the same way with God. You can ask Him questions all day long, and not get any answers or response. Not because He is not listening, but because He does not understand the nature of your questions. 

You see, God speaks in the culture of heaven. The culture there is a culture of love and honor. Not of self worth and advancement. So often our prayers are focussed on ourselves, and our own worth, when they should really be about what God wants, and how to honor others.

When we repent, and change our way of thinking, we gain access to God, and the plans He has for us.

Bible Study - Matthew 2

Read Matthew 2

God already has a plan for your life. And it's a darn good one, too! Because Joseph trusted God, and listened to him, God's plans for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus' life were fulfilled. 

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11

God is not going to tell you anything that will harm you. It may hurt at the time, and you may not understand it, but God is always working for your future.

I have a friend who shared his testimony with me the other day and it goes something like this:

"God gave me a job that payed less than my last one, working once a week, so that I can go to Ecuador and minister this summer. And my wife, her dream is to be a nurse, but God has given her a job in a daycare. Where her co-workers pray for her trip to Ecuador, and offer support. I didn't understand it at first, but now I see that even though I may not be completely comfortable now, He has put me in a position to do what I really want to do; love."

Bible Study - Matthew 1

Read Matthew 1

Jesus was born 42 generations after Abraham. Who waited 20 years for God to fulfill his promise of a legitimate son. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Over and over again we see God working in places that we feel abandoned. God never let go of the promise he gave Abraham, and because of that, Abraham's great great... great grandson was the husband of Jesus Christ's mother!! Imagine what great things God has planned for your future, and your family, if only you listen to Him, and hold onto His promises!  The prospects are innumerable!

God is Always With You

Last August, I decided not to play volleyball(something that I have been doing for my whole life), so that I could focus on missions, school and track. I had been really disappointed all Summer that I was unable to attend any open gyms with the team. After the fact, I realized that my not being there was the opportunity the other girls needed to develop the needed skills to take over my position.

"And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

In September, I got a concussion. Since just a few weeks ago I have been able to start competing, and getting back into life. Through this process, I have learned so much! One of the biggest things I have learned is that God is ALWAYS there, even when you can't see Him. There were so many times that I just wanted to give up. But God would put someone or something in my life to remind me not to. To remind me that I can be the person I know God has called me to be. To remind me that this is only a setback, and that I will get through, and be so much stronger than before.

God is always with you, working towards your better future. It's hard not to know what is happening. It's hard to feel like you will never be whole again. But when you hold onto the promises God has given you, you know that you will exceed any previous, or outside expectation that was thrust upon you.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11

The Greatest Event in History

"What was the ultimate goal of Jesus' -the son of God- crucifixion?"

This questioned was asked in my church service today, and received many common, yet true, answers; for our sin, so that we can have eternal life, etc. You get the idea. But none of these were the ultimate goal, the ultimate goal, was so we can have a relationship with God.

^{Matthew 27:50-51}

⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Mark 15:37-38 

³⁷ With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

³⁸ The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Luke 23:45b-46

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The curtain of the temple was what separated the presence of God from the people, it was many inches thick, separating the people of this world from God. When the curtain was torn, the spirit of God was released to the people. That we can have a relationship with Him, that we can speak freely with Him, and He with us. Without this relationship with Him, we will not be able to enter into the eternity that He wants for us.

^{Matthew 7: 21-23}

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

If I know about Jesus, but do not know him, I have nothing. Jesus has risen from the dead that we may have a relationship with him, that we might know him. Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship. A relationship that Jesus paid for with his precious blood. A relationship that we do not deserve. Nor a relationship that we can earn by good works, or looks. 

Take some time to honor the man who gave it all for (your name here).

Remember Why You Are Here

I want to encourage each of you to find time through out your day to just spend time with God. Whether it's listening to worship music, praying, reading your bible, listening to sermons, etc. God just wants to be with you. Your best friends aren't the people that you have never met, or that you never spend time with, they are the people that you spend lots of time with. You learn about each other, and watch the other grow, and you see what they go through, and stand by their side through it.

Each of us has a unique and specific reason for being here today, no matter where on earth or what day of what year it is. God had crafted you, his masterpiece...

^{Ephesians 2:10}

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

..., and placed you precisely where you are, to do the good things that He has planned. God doesn't want us to go through our life looking for the next person who comes along who makes us feel loved, because that love is only temporary. God wants you to see that he is here, waiting for you to see Him. That He has a plan for our lives, but we have to be willing to rest in his supernatural love. God is the I Am, He is everything that you are longing to find, and He is right here waiting for you to turn around and fall into His arms of love.

So as you go about your day, remember why you are here, and rest in the Lord.

He'll take care of the rest.

Worship - You Make Me Brave

Bible Study - Acts 28

Read Acts 28

When storms come, and you feel like God is no where to be seen, just remember that He has a master plan and you are one of the pieces to the puzzle. He has places for you to go, things for you to do and people for you to meet. Things, places, and people that you can never imagine seeing. If you would listen to God in obedience, you would see these things.
Because Paul listened to God, and had faith in Him, many people were healed.
as I look back on Acts I see the love of God, and that even when I am unaware, He is with me. He is working on something so much bigger than I can ever imagine, and I love it!

Worship - You're Beautiful

Bible Study - Acts 27

Read Acts 27

Again we see God working for Paul through the storm, literally.
What situation in your life right now, do you feel like God has left you, and nothing good is going to come? Take that situation and apply Paul's situation in the storm to it.
Paul knew, and stood on what God had promised him. That, is how they made it through the storm. And that, is how you will make it through yours.

Bible Study - Acts 26

Read Acts 26

I love how much I can relate to Paul right now, and how God is using Paul's story to affect my life 2000 years later. Even though Paul has been locked up for the greater part of three years, he never gives up faith in God. 
Paul holds on to the promise that he was given when this all started;

Acts 23:11 

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

As God has promised Paul, God has promised me. Because of His promises, I know that I will prosper, and that I have a hope and a future;

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Paul knows these things, and he knows that it is only through his faith in God that he has come this far. That is his testimony, and mine. I know that I have only come this far because I have faith in God. And because of this, He has already started to use me to affect those around me for good. 

Acts 26:22

But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.

As much as it may never look like it, God is always by your side, preparing you for battle, and fighting it with you. He is always up to something good in our lives, even when we can't see it. That is where faith comes in. We have to trust Him enough to know that He has not left us, and that He will keep his sacred promises with us.

Dear Parents - Confide in Your Children

Dear Parents,

Tell your children what troubles you, confide in them. When they are in their teen years they need to know more than ever what the real world is like. They need to know that life is not about

relationship status, getting drunk and having sex. Our teens need to know that they are valuable, unique, trusted, and above all; loved.

It can be difficult to maintain a close, intimate relationship with your child. during their Jr/Sr high school years especially. Tell them something that you appreciate them doing, something unique about them that you enjoy seeing, something you wish they did differently - constructive criticism here, don't bash them for doing something incorrectly, tell them why you would have them do it differently. Tell your child what bothers you, let them know what your values are, and the battles that you are facing.

Let your children know that it is ok to mess up, but that we need to learn from each mistake. Let them know that you mess up too, you are human. Just like them.

Worship - Letting Go

Worship - 10,000 Reasons

Awesome worship song right here!

Bible Study - Acts 25

Read Acts 25

It is crazy the things that people will dispute. As Christians it is important to hold our ground, and stand up for what we believe.

If someone has a legitimate problem with something we have done. Let them say so, but do not fight back in harshness. Instead speak clam, and in a tone of love. If it is for God that trial comes to you, do not be afraid, for He is with you.

Be bold in what you do and say, but do not try to overwhelm people, or try to force love into them. For they will submit out of utter fear, rather than love. That is no good equation for success.

Bible Study - Acts 24

Read Acts 24

I want you to do some thinking on this one.

Looking at verses 24-27:
Why was Felix afraid of the words he heard from Paul?
Why was Felix partial to the Jews?
Why did Felix not want to make the decision himself?

How does this chapter apply to your life?
Do Something: Now, apply it to your life.

Bible Study - Acts 23

Read Acts 23

God is always watching over us, He will never look away from us. This is shown in chapter 23 when Paul's nephew heard what was being planned, and was able to tell Paul and the commander. Thus saving Paul's life from ambush.

In the midst of the chaos, God tells Paul that he will live to teach in Rome as he has in Jerusalem. When we give our lives to God, He will bless us beyond our imagination.

Do Something - Trust in The LORD

It can be very difficult sometimes to trust that God is with us, and that He is going to help us through our situation. Recently I lost a friend, not to death but to mere circumstance, and by no fault of my own. Even though I can't help but blame myself and feel like I have let them down. While part of me has been living in a world of uncertainty other bits have followed the example. Instead of only being uncertain of my training time-frame, I am now uncertain in my relationships as well. Uncertain how to help the ones I love and trust dearly. As difficult as this has been for me, it has been more difficult to just give it up to God. There has been a pressure on my of late that I have been unable to give into for fear that I will lose control of the situation. But as I give into it, and give it up to God, I realize that I never had control of the situation in the first place. Nothing in my power could have, or will, changed anything. God is the only one who I can trust to help me through this, and I am trusting Him to do just that.

God can handle your inability to handle what is going on.

Romans 8:28 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Psalms 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 41

My pastor has preached much on this very subject lately, but when this all happened, I felt completely lost. So my advice to you is; Don't just listen to what others have to say, listen to them and meditate on it, spend time with God over it. Being a Christian is not about being religious and showing up to church, or reading your Bible. It's about being with God, and having a relationship with Him.

Do Something: After you read this, listen to this song and meditate on what God has promised you. Just be with Him, have a relationship with Him.

Bible Study - Acts 22

Read Acts 22

We need to understand and accept that not everyone is going to understand and accept our testimony. Paul was denied many times by many people, especially the Jewish people.

Here we see Paul's strength, and faith, in God. Paul does not fight the crowds, but speaks to them peacefully in their own tongue. He uses the rights God gave him at birth, and stands upon them.

Again, God could have placed us anywhere at any time, but He placed us precisely where we are so that we can be used to full potential.

Bible Study - Acts 21

Read Acts 21

We need to understand that God has placed us on this earth at a certain time and place that is specific to our calling. We are all going to die from this life, it's just a matter of what we accomplish for God while we are here. This life is worth nothing to us if we don't risk it for the glory of God. Paul knew this.

It is important to take counsel in our companions whom God has given us. While the Spirit was warning Paul through his friends, Paul was not afraid of what would happen to him. Even though it was evident that this would mean death, Paul was more than willing to give his life for the glory of God. Am I saying Paul's friends weren't hearing from God? No. I am saying that ultimately Paul knew what had to be done no matter the earthly consequences.

Video - And The Bride Wore White

Here is a great inspirational video for a great book by Dannah Gresh!

Learn more about her ministries at secretkeepergirl.com

Bible Study - Acts 20

Read Acts 20

I don't know about you, but when I read first person in the Bible it gives me a different sense of connection. I love that Luke had a heart to write down all of Peters words, but I also love that he puts in his own words and stories. It is a valuable thing to be able to hear a testimony first hand (I know that in the Bible we have translations, and it is written, so it is not perfect, but I get a sense that it's coming right from Luke). It gives the feeling that the stories are more real, because you are hearing them from someone who was there. (All the stories in the Bible are very real, I simply want to put emphasis on the way it comes across) This feeling arouses the question "Well can't God do that with me?" The answer is yes! God is willing to work through your life, you simply have to be willing to do what He tells you to. When you accept that God is willing you will begin to seek Him, and ask for Him to help you through things, and you will want to be welcomed into His home!

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; 

he who seeks finds; 

and to him who knocks the door will be opened."

Who Are You?

Too often lately I have found myself questioning who I have become. I look ate my life and see only the bad things - the failures, the decisions poorly made, the opportunities lost - when I should be looking at the good things - the promises, the triumphs, the good choices, the lessons learned. The past few days I have stood in front of the mirror to look myself in the eyes and tell myself who I am, what my life is about, that everything will be ok because I am a child of God. I just need to trust Him; His timing is perfect. But the conscious decisions I make will also affect my outcome.

I want to share with you some of the things that I can remember saying through the Spirit one night. These were things that were reassurances of who I am and will be and are based off the question "Who Are You?"

Nothing is about you, it's all about God. You are a piece to His puzzle, a very important, unique and individual piece that is beyond compare. You are: Child of God, Heir to the throne of Grace, Athlete, Daughter, Friend, Counselor, Teacher, Follower, Leader, Servant, Passionate, Intelligent, Beautiful beyond compare, Gracious, Gifted, Humble, Honorable, Respectful, Loved by the most high God, Confident - Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Not your friends, not your enemies, and most importantly, not yourself.

Confidence and respect were the hardest for me to write down because I fail to see them as I look at even the good parts of my life. Many say I am respectful, but I know all to well that that is not true in all cases across my life. And some would venture far enough to say that I am confident in who I am, but I see a little girl cowering in the corner. But God is doing so much more in my life than I can see on the outside.

I want to encourage you next time you look in the mirror to look yourself in the eyes and declare God's blessings upon your life!

We won't accomplish anything in life if we say "God do with me as You will," then don't listen to anything He says! When we tell God that we are willing, we must truly be willing to do whatever He calls us to do. We need to trust Him with every choice that we make.

Bible Study - Acts 19

Read Acts 19

Here we see the power in publicly accepting Christ. When someone gives up their life's work to follow God, that shows some strong conviction. We saw this in Saul(now Paul), we see it here in the sorcerers, and I have seen it in my own life. It is acts like these that show the strength, power and love of God. We also see in this chapter the importance of knowing scripture and God Himself.

Music - Healing Begins

Bible Study - Acts 18

Read Acts 18

Again we see the importance in knowledge of scripture, and having a relationship with God. It is possible to love God, and His people without these connections, but when push comes to shove, and people are asking you for knowledge, and you don't have it...? It will become more difficult for you to tell people that you believe the Bible, because you will not know what is written in it. Priscilla and Aquilla knew this, and they educated Apollos in the works of Jesus. We need to strive towards the same knowledge.

Bible Study - Acts 17

Read Acts 17

Often we see that the Jews were jealous, and sought to destroy the disciples. As we preach God's word, we need to make everyone aware that God's love is for them too, so long as they accept it. I have heard it said many times that when someone offers you a gift, you must accept it in order for it to become yours. The gift of the Spirit is no different; God has offered it to everyone, but only few choose to accept His perfect and honorable gift.
As Paul saw the destruction and idolatry of the Athenian people, so I see the destruction and idolatry of the people in the world today. Instead of statues and shrines made of precious metals, I see posters and screen savers, and shirts, and pencils, and backpacks, and thousands of other things with the pictures and names of the celebrities who have become the focus of this world. Even in the Christian home! It sickens me how much we have let this world shape our lives! When something goes wrong in your life, and you go to your favorite actor/actress, singer, athlete, or performer, they will do NOTHING for you! But when something goes wrong and you go to God, He will free you of your troubles, and let you rest in His peace! When will we realize the corruption that this world has given us? When will we start doing something about it!? When will we start giving God His rightful praise? Why not now? Why not start with you?

Bible Study - Acts 16

It is one thing to just listen to what others have to say, and going off of that. But it is another to take what they say and apply it to what God has been teaching you. Today I want you to learn how to hear from God, and to know what He is telling you, not what I am telling you. Take some time to pray before you read this, and as you go, write down some things that strike you as interesting, things that you can apply to your life.

Please leave a comment below; I would love to see what you have discovered.

Read Acts 16

Here are some questions that may help you see some of the deeper meanings in this chapter:
What reasons could the Spirit have had to keep them from entering Mysia?
What truly caused the earth to shake, and the jailor to be saved?
Why was it a big deal that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens?
Why did Luke make such a huge point of including the woman that were saved?
Why did he (Luke) use first person for part of this chapter?

Bible Study - Acts 15

Read Acts 15

God's grace is so great that He has given us the opportunity to be His children(His followers). We see this overwhelming love in this chapter.
We also see the devil. It is important to know that when people plot against us(if we are doing the righteous work of God), it is not them, it is the devil inside of them. Here again we also see how much knowledge of scripture helps us to fight the devil in others.

Bible Study - Acts 14

Read Acts 14

Here we see Paul and Barnabas completing their journey that the Holy Spirit sent them on in chapter 13. Many are healed, the lame walk, and more are saved. While in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas were put to a test of their faith when the citizens believed the apostles were gods. But Paul and Barnabas held strong in what they knew was true.

In everything you do, give all the glory to God; remember that without Him, you would have nothing.

Music - Remind Me Who I Am

Bible Study - Acts 13

God will send you out, as He did with Paul and Barnabas. Be bold in what God has taught you and in your faith, for He will always hold true.

We see thru-out this chapter the significance of scriptural knowledge. Barnabas was an excellent student of scripture before he went out to serve The LORD. Therefore He is able to preach with the knowledge of past profits and all they said.

Without the knowledge of scripture we are a lost cause in this world. We would only be able to teach from a standpoint of what God has done in our lives. Which is an important part of teaching, but it is important to know the word of God. Even though it goes much deeper than that.

Isaiah 29:13-14:

The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
 and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me. 
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”