Archive for the ‘Family Bible Study’ Category

Jesus wept…why?

Saturday, May 18th, 2013

Family Bible Study from www.solascriptura.com

Jesus Wept. Why?

The shortest verse in the Bible is, “Jesus wept”, John 11:35. Yet that short verse reveals so much that we need to understand. The Apostle John saw Jesus weep when Mary and Martha, the sisters that Jesus knew well, told Him that Lazarus, their brother, had died.

First, we can see that Jesus had compassion upon those who loved Lazarus. That means that His heart ached when theirs did. He felt their loss, their pain, just as He feels our losses and pains. That is how much Jesus loves His children, His friends. When our hearts ache in circumstances of personal loss, such as the death or serious illness, of a loved one, Jesus feels our loss. We never have to go through such sadness alone.

Second, Jesus knew that He would call Lazarus forth from the grave in which he had laid dead for four days. He certainly did not weep because of the death of Lazarus. He wept because the friends and family of Lazarus were grieving. But Jesus did not continue to grieve. He took action.

Listen: “But didn’t I tell you that you will see a wonderful miracle from God if you believe?” Jesus asked her. So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing Me. (You always hear Me, of course, but I said it because of all these people standing here, so that they will believe You sent Me.)” Then He shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus came-bound up in the gravecloth, his face muffled in a head swath. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” JOHN 11:40-44 TLB

It is proper to be sad when we lose a loved one. Jesus was sad but He knew something we should all understand. Not only would he give Lazarus physical life, again, but Jesus knew that Lazarus, because of his faith, would be given eternal life in a perfect place where there are no tears and no suffering.

Listen to a key teaching about death: “The good men perish; the godly die before their time, and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is taking them away from evil days ahead. For the godly who die shall rest in peace.” ISAIAH 57:1-2 TLB

When we die, we are taken away from evil and delivered to perfection and when those we love die, that is true of them, if they love the Lord. We are simultaneously sad and hopeful. I would have said joyful but that is a word that will fit well when you are reunited with those you love. That is why we tell our family and friends about the love Jesus has for them. We want to be together, in eternity, forever.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns. The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for right before their eyes they see the Lord God bring His people home again.” ISAIAH 52:7-8 TLB

Discuss ISAIAH 57:1-2. Is it still okay to grieve when someone we love has been taken away from the evil days ahead? For a Christian, is death the end or the beginning? What is transitional and what is permanent? Discuss the meaning of this quotation: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 NKJV

Core Christian value: We properly mourn over the death of a loved one but then we are encouraged, knowing that death is physical and not spiritual. Our spirits live on and a reunion of God’s children awaits.

Bruce Caldwell

The Sola Scriptura Project, PO Box 302 Franklin TN

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Do you understand that Satan has a role in your life?

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

April 25, Family Bible Study, from www.solascriptura.com

Who is in charge around here; God or Satan?

To answer that question, let’s begin by listening to a conversation between God and Satan.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. JOB 1:6-12 NKJV

We can see, by this excerpt from the book of Job that God is in charge. Whatever power and freedom Satan has comes from God. If you know the entire story of Job, you know a lot about the limitations of Satan’s power and the nature of our Lord. God is truly omnipotent (all powerful) omniscient (knows all things) and omnipresent (always present). Yet we know that God allows man to be tempted by Satan. Satan is the tempter, the accuser of man and God allows the test. Discuss the difference between someone who tempts you to sin and One who permits the test. Then listen to the words of Jesus:

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” MATTHEW 6:13 NKJV

Only one entity is in total control. That Entity is our God. Listen:

“Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” DEUTERONOMY 4:39 NKJV

“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. “JOHN 12:31 NKJV

Does it seem like life is a test? Do you know who is tempting you to fail to honor and obey God? To whom must you turn if you are going to successfully endure the tests of life? Listen:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 PETER 5:8 NKJV. Satan is the accuser but Jesus Christ “in us” is our strength.
Listen to a verse that you should memorize:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 KJV

Core Christian value: God is sovereign and in complete control. God allows Satan to tempt you and to accuse you but God always provides the love, power and support that you need.

Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project P.O.Box 302 Franklin TN 37064

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We are heirs of salvation…we are family!

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Temple of God, April 8

… you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22, www.solascriptura.com

Father, it is sometimes difficult to admit it, but we were all once strangers and foreigners to You. That was our condition before we learned of Your grace to us and of salvation from Jesus. But now we are citizens of heaven with all of the other saints, we are members of Your household. We are family!

As we learn from the apostles, prophets and Jesus, we build a foundation for our inner temple, where we are able to know You better every day and trust You more every day. Your word says we are the dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Help us Father to be an effective witness of Your love. Let our Joy in You be evident to all, all of the time. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064

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Last here, first there. Disabled here, enabled there!

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Family Bible Study from www.solascriptura.com

We all are created equal, in terms of our heavenly opportunity and we all have equal access to God, but some people, on earth, seem to have big advantages (strength, good looks, quick on their feet and with the eyesight of an eagle), while others have none of those things. It is a very easy thing to be “first”, to have all of the advantages or at least that appears to be the case. But let’s examine what the Bible says about those who have the most advantages.  Listen to the words of Jesus:

“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more”. Luke 12:48. NKJV

We could look at this teaching and say, “Boy, I am sure glad I don’t have much” believing little is expected of you. Money, fame intelligence, speaking ability, and dexterity are all gifts from God. But re-read the words of Jesus up above; do you think all of those gifts carry no particular obligation? What if you were the person with any or all of those gifts? What would you think that God expects of you?

On the other hand, if someone has very few of the visible gifts, does it seem God lets them off the hook? Are they are able to coast along and do nothing, or very little, that would bring honor to God? Can you think of any person who has none or few or these visible gifts, yet they have shown their love for God and man in a very special way?

Yes, there are people who are severely disadvantaged or handicapped here. But listen to how God sees these people: “…God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 7:17. NKJV

The Apostle Paul expressed the same concept when he said: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18-19. NKJV

That does not mean that suffering here should seem good. It does mean that God understands and that He has prepared a role for those who are disadvantaged. Listen: “And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”. Luke 13:30 NKJV. Discuss what it might mean to be first here and last there and vice versa? When could being first here have a bad ending?  Listen to Jesus:

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”. Matthew 23:11-12. NKJV
And… “I will make the lame a remnant and the outcast a strong nation; so the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever”. Micah 4:7. NKJV

For more on this topic, go to www.israelchosenortheenemy.com, ch.24, The Lame, the Deaf and Those Who are “Last” will Emerge as “First”.

Core Christian Value: God loves every soul He created, whether we are fast or slow, blind or not blind, lame or not lame, coordinated or not coordinated; we are all equal before God.

Bruce Caldwell

The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064

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Posted in Christianity, Courage, Family Bible Study, God's Children, God's Gift, Hope, Perseverance, faith | 10 Comments »

Who forgot to water the flowers?

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

September 22

Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com

How many times have you forgotten to water some living thing such as flowers or shrubs? The plants, unwatered, go into shock, wither and die. Water is essential to life for all living things including each of us. Have you ever experienced incredible thirst? The Bible uses the picture of thirst to teach us about living water.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” JOHN 4:7-14 NKJV

First Jesus asked for water to drink and then He explained that if the Samaritan woman knew the gift of God, she would have asked to be filled with living water. What did Jesus mean by “living water”? If the living water from Jesus will cause us to “never thirst again”, what must the living water be? Jesus tells us that we shall be filled, permanently, if we hunger and thirst for righteousness. Our thirst is not only for the water that sustains life, temporarily, but for the living water, that sustains life forever. Listen to Jesus: “‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” “…Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” JOHN 6:35, MATTHEW 5:6 NKJV

What is it to be “filled with righteousness”? Isaiah explains:

“Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation …The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” ISAIAH 12:3, 58:11 NKJV

Jesus then makes it abundantly clear that He wants to satisfy your thirst for righteousness, forever.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. REVELATION 21:6 NKJV

Do you drink, only to find yourself thirsty again? What is the nature of “living water”? Does being filled with living water change things for you? What evidence is there that you are filled with living water?

Core Christian Value: Thirst is real but quenching one’s thirst with water satisfies temporarily. To drink of the living water is to be filled with the righteousness of Jesus. Jesus in us sustains life forever.

Bruce Caldwell, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064

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Pain and sorrow…accompanied by joy?

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Joy in the midst of trials? August 21

From: Family Bible Studies, www.solascriptura.com

How can I feel joyful when my life and the world around me are falling apart?

First, let’s understand what God prescribes in a Psalm from David: “…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12 NKJV

In the midst of difficult circumstances, how can you possibly be “full of joy”? If you are not a Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit in you, the answer is that, in all probability, you can not. Look carefully at the verse above. Those who put their trust in the Lord, rejoice. Those who are defended by God shout for joy. Those who love the name of God are joyful, in Him. The verse says that the Lord will bless the righteous and surround you with a shield and favor you. Yes, trials will come but you are never going through them alone if you love the Lord. What can you focus on if you feel alone and are hurting?

People who are depressed and sad, even though they love the Lord, are sometimes experiencing pain, mental and/or physical and the pain is real. Jesus experienced pain and rejection. Listen:

“…(Jesus Christ) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:7-11 NKJV

He who suffered for us, joyfully presents us to the Father, cleansed of our sin. These verses tell it all: “… when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:40-42 NKJV

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord……..Romans 8:33-39.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV

Jesus knows our circumstances. Do you feel His presence in all things at all times? Whether you do or not, His Spirit is always present. Is it o.k. to feel sad? Listen to James, Jesus’ brother: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Yes we will feel sad and depressed but the power of the Holy Spirit will lift your spirit.

Core Christian Value: Joy is the condition of a believer’s life. Not joy in suffering or rejection, but joy in knowing that through every circumstance the Holy Spirit is with you, comforting and guiding you.

Bruce Caldwell

The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064

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The mystery of the Holy Spirit, revealed.

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Family Bible Study  www.solascriptura.com July 25

We are now in physical bodies. We have a spirit and Jesus made it possible, by his atoning sacrifice (taking our sins upon Himself), for our spirit to be united with His Spirit. Since we know all physical bodies will die it is important to know that our spiritual selves do not die. Our spirits will live on, either separated from God or joined with God. If we make the choice to join our spirit with His Spirit, then from that time on we have the gift of the Holy Spirit (this is a choice God calls us to and one He knew we would make because He is omniscient, he knows all things including every action and thought of every person from the beginning of time and for eternity).

What is the Trinity? It is sometimes difficult for us to know whether to pray to God, to Jesus or to the Holy Spirit. When you pray do you tend to say “Father” or “Lord” or “Jesus” or “Holy Spirit? Which is right? They are all correct because all are present all of the time awaiting your prayers.   John teaches us that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are “One”. “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” I John 5:7 NKJV

The Holy Spirit is an entity, sent by the Father and the Son to abide in us constantly and forever. It is this Holy Spirit in us that gives us the strength, courage and will to be like Jesus. It helps us love God with all our hearts, mind and soul and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Holy Spirit in you is an “eternal” condition. Jesus said, “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…” Matthew 28:19 NKJV

This next verse presents a preview, so to speak, of what God intends for each of us: “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV. When you are baptized in water you are following the example of Jesus and the Father will send the Holy Spirit to you as you declare your discipleship.

I speculate, but doves seem to always be around and I know the Holy Spirit is always present in me but the doves seem to be reminding me that He is present. I feel the same way about a gentle breeze. Have you ever felt the presence of the Spirit in the comforting caress of the gentle breeze? Listen to the words of Jesus: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 NKJV

“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 NKJV. Do you know that God sends the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you? Discuss times that you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. How can God be omnipresent, constantly in you and around you? Jesus called the Holy Spirit the comforter, helper, teacher, counselor, the Spirit of truth, dwelling in you. You are no longer an orphan! (John Ch. 14 & 15)

Core Christian Value: There are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, The Word and The Holy Spirit and these three are one. Jesus is the Word, the Light sent from God, the Holy Spirit, sent.

Bruce Caldwell

The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064

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