Bible Searchers: 2006
Table of Contents
Acts 21: January 2006
The Apostle Paul and his company continued on their journey toward Jerusalem. His love for his brethren, his kinsmen, burned in his heart, and so great was his desire to be in Jerusalem that he ignored the voice of the Spirit through the disciples. At Tyre, the disciples showed their affection by helping them on their way and all joining in prayer. When they arrived in Cæsarea, they stayed with Philip the evangelist and his four daughters. A prophet named Agabus told the Apostle that the Jews would bind him and deliver him to the Gentiles. Paul was unmoved and his answer was that he was ready to die for the Lord Jesus. Finally, they arrived at Jerusalem and the brethren gladly received them. They told him that the Jews that believed numbered many thousands but they were all zealous of the law. This is sad, for the books of Romans and Galatians had been written before this, showing that they were not under law but under grace. Nonetheless, he submitted to their suggestion and was about to offer sacrifices when the Jews laid hands on him in the temple. As they sought to kill Paul, tidings came to the chief captain, who delivered him out of their hands. Why were they so angry with this man? He was determined to find out. However, Paul requested that he speak in his own defense. His request was granted and when a great silence was made, he spoke to the multitude in the Hebrew language.
1. What did the ____________ at Tyre say to Paul through the Spirit?
Acts 21:___
And
2. How did Paul ____________ those who besought him not to go up to Jerusalem? Acts 21:___
Then
3. At the first, there were only a few ____________ that believed. What does it say about their numbers now? Acts 21:___
And
4. What tidings came to the chief ____________ of the band?
Acts 21:___
And
5. Paul could speak Greek. But what language did he speak when a ____________ silence was made? Acts 21:___
And
Twice, or Two Times: January 2006
If a person calls out your name twice, they must really want to get your attention. It could be a very urgent matter or an emergency. They want to make sure you heard, so your name is repeated. This happened many times in the Bible - not only calling persons, but cities and other areas. When God repeats a word, it is because it is very important. Notice John 5:24: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The word “verily” is repeated again in verse 25 because the Lord was stating a very important fact.
In Luke 10:41, Jesus called Martha’s name twice. Perhaps she was so busy with serving that He had to get her attention in this way. What about that man who was persecuting Christians? The Lord called, “Saul, Saul,” and then changed the course of his life. Jesus lamented over a city that He loved, saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem” (Matthew 23:37); they had refused Him and judgment was about to fall on that guilty city. God even calls three times: see Jeremiah 22:29 and Ezekiel 21:27. What important statements are made in both these references!
1. Whose name was repeated twice before he replied, “Here am I”?
Genesis 22:___
2. To whom did the Lord say, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat”? Luke 22:___
3. When the Lord called Samuel’s name twice, what did Samuel say?
1 Samuel 3:___
4. What will many workers of iniquity say to the Lord in that day?
Matthew 7:___
5. What does “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” mean? Matthew 27:___
Acts 22: February 2006
What a picture we have here! The Apostle was bound with two chains, standing on stairs, surrounded by Roman soldiers, and all the multitude was below, silently listening to what he had to say. He related his credentials and his zeal for the law. He wanted letters from the high priest and elders so he could punish any believers he could find in Damascus. Don’t you think the Lord Jesus knew what this man was doing to those who loved Him? Indeed He did, and He was about to arrest his course of life! On his way to Damascus, a great light from heaven made him fall to the ground and a voice said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Saul replied, “What shall I do, Lord?” He had an obedient spirit. Are we willing to do whatever the Lord wants us to do? After a while, Saul returned to Jerusalem, but while he was praying, the Lord told him to get out of the city quickly because they would not receive his testimony. Instead, he was going to be sent far off to the Gentiles. The audience listened up to this point and then said, “Away with this fellow.” Now the chief captain was really confused - he still didn’t know why there was such an uproar against Paul. So he commanded his soldiers to scourge (torture) their prisoner and thus extract the truth from him. Then Paul told them that he was a Roman. Now it was the chief captain who was afraid, for it was unlawful to scourge an uncondemned Roman citizen.
1. Why did Paul want ____________ from the high priest and elders before going to Damascus? Acts 22:___
As
2. When Paul said, “What ____________ I do, Lord?” what answer did he receive? Acts 22:___
And
3. The Lord told Paul to get ____________ of Jerusalem quickly. Why?
Acts 22:___
And
4. Paul was going to be sent to the Gentiles. Why did the Jews want to do ____________ with him? Acts 22:___
And
5. Why were the examiners and the chief ____________ afraid?
Acts 22:___
Then
Continue: February 2006
We live at a time when it is very easy to give up doing what is right. Doing the right thing is often looked down upon and it is difficult if you are not popular because most people disagree with you. Discouragement sets in and we soon “go along with the crowd.” The Scriptures would encourage us to walk in obedience to God. His way is the path to happiness for the Christian. The Lord Jesus said in John 8:31, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed.” He also said, “Continue ye in My love” (John 15:9). How are we to do this? By “building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 20-21).
It is recorded of the early disciples that “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Before the dear Apostle Paul departed to be with Christ, he wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, encouraging him to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of” (2 Timothy 3:14). Believers in various cities were exhorted “to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). To continue on in the faith is not described as being easy, but it will meet with God’s approval.
1. What sacrifice are we to offer God continually? Hebrews 13:___
2. In what things did the disciples continue with the Lord? Luke 22:___
3. What benefit will come if we continue in the doctrine? 1 Timothy 4:___
4. Because grace abounds, what should we not continue in? Romans 6:___
5. What did King Darius say with a lamentable voice to Daniel? Daniel 6:___
Acts 23: March 2006
Now we find Paul addressing the Jewish council (called the Sanhedrim). Saying that he “lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” he stirred up the anger of the high priest, Ananias. Paul was not slow to reply, calling him a “whited wall.” Sometimes, when we reply too hastily, we say the wrong thing. Paul should not have spoken to the high priest the way he did, because he knew what the Bible said in Exodus 22:28.
Paul soon realized that the council was composed of both Sadducees and Pharisees and their beliefs were different. The Sadducees didn’t believe in a resurrection, an angel or a spirit. The Pharisees did. They started to oppose each other and might have pulled Paul in pieces had not the chief captain rescued him. How discouraging it must have been for the Apostle! The next night, the Lord stood by Paul and told him to “be of good cheer”; he was being sent to Rome. But the Jews didn’t want him to escape, so about forty of them bound themselves together to kill him. However, his sister’s son heard of their plot and told the chief captain. He had two centurions prepare soldiers, horsemen and spearmen to conduct Paul safely to Cæsarea.
1. Why was it wrong for Paul to revile the high ____________ ? Acts 23:___
Then
2. Was it the ____________ or the Pharisees who say that there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit? Acts 23:___
For
3. Who ____________ by Paul to encourage and cheer him? Acts 23:___
And
4. More than forty Jews ____________ themselves under a curse. What was their purpose? Acts 23:___
And
5. How many soldiers, ____________ and spearmen were going to accompany Paul to Cæsarea? Acts 23:___
And
God's Army: March 2006
For every soldier that is in the front line of the battle, there are several that are behind the lines supporting him. In World War II, the U.S. Army had only about 30% on the front lines. The rest helped them as engineers, quartermasters, supplying ordnance, communications, chemicals and transportation. It is the same in the work for the Lord. Not all are in the front line of battle. Not everyone is a preacher, an evangelist or a teacher. Not all are called to be missionaries in other parts of the world. The Lord has support personnel in His army too. There are prayer warriors who daily commend those in the front lines to God in fervent prayer. There are devoted Christians who live sacrificially so they can send financial support to the front lines. Others provide food and accommodations for those who come in face-to-face conflict with the enemy. Others are engaged in printing material that will be used to carry the good news to distant lands. Then there are many women at home who are raising sons and daughters for the Lord’s service. When the battle is over, the Lord will reward equally (1 Samuel 30:24) those who had a supportive role and those who were in the front lines. He knows how important is each individual’s contribution to the victory. What we may consider to be a lowly part of the work will someday be seen to be the very position God wanted us to fill in His ranks.
1. Whatsoever the Lord puts into our hand to do, how are we to do it?
Ecclesiastes 9:___
2. How did Epaphras labor fervently for the Lord’s people?
Colossians 4:___
3. Dorcas was a disciple who lived in Joppa. What good works and alms deeds did she do? Acts 9:___
4. What did Shobi, Machir and Barzillai do to help David and his men?
2 Samuel 17:___ and ___
5. A voice was heard from heaven. What did it say concerning those which die in the Lord? Revelation 14:___
Acts 24: April 2006
It did not take long for Ananias the high priest and the elders to come down to Cæsarea - only five days. They also engaged the services of an orator (one who can speak well) named Tertullus. He called Paul “a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.” Any conspiracy against the Roman government was a capital offense. These charges were not true. In his defense, Paul replied that he went to Jerusalem to worship, not to profane the temple, and that he believed all things which were written in the law and in the prophets. Felix knew what Paul was talking about, for he had knowledge of the way. He told a centurion to guard Paul and give him liberty to entertain his relatives. Felix often heard what Paul said about “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” and trembled. Don’t you think that Paul also told him how to escape the judgment to come by receiving the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour?
1. In order to gain the favor of Felix, what nice things did an orator named ____________ say about him? Acts 24:___
And
2. Tertullus said things about this ____________ which were false. Can you find several false things in one verse? Acts 24:___
For
3. How many of the things which are ____________ in the law and in the prophets did Paul believe? Acts 24:___
But
4. What amount of ____________ was the centurion allowed to give Paul?
Acts 24:___
And
5. As Paul reasoned of righteousness, ____________ and judgment to come, what happened to Felix? Acts 24:___
And
The Trinity: April 2006
We would not know anything about God unless He revealed Himself. This He has been pleased to do in the Bible. Creation shows us His eternal power and divinity (what is of God). But divinity is not the Godhead. The word “trinity” brings before us the thought of a plurality of Persons in the Godhead. At the baptism of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended “like a dove” and abode upon Him, and God the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Notice how the Trinity, or the Godhead, all worked in the resurrection. In John 2:19 the Lord Jesus, speaking of His body, said that “in three days I will raise it up.” Romans 6:4 says that “Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,” and 1 Peter 3:18 says He was “quickened [given life] by the Spirit.” John 20:17 shows us that the Father is a distinct Person and is God. First John 5:20 tells us that Jesus Christ is the true God. The fact that the Holy Spirit is a Person and is God can be seen in the following scriptures: Matthew 4:1; John 16:13; Acts 10:19; 13:2,4; 20:28; Romans 15:30. Those who say that the idea of the Trinity comes from paganism do not know their Bibles nor the history of idolatry. The Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans had several gods who were separate, often fighting each other, with no unity or harmony.
In Matthew 28:19 the three Persons are named by Christ in the formula for baptism. Also, each person of the Godhead is referred to as Lord. In Matthew 11:25 the Father is referred to as Lord, in Acts 10:36 Jesus is referred to as Lord and in 2 Corinthians 3:18 the Spirit is referred to as Lord. Yet, there is but one God (1 Timothy 2:5). At the end time, Satan will have an imitation of the Trinity in the Roman beast, the false prophet and himself. See Revelation 13:4,11; 20:10.
1. If the Son can do nothing of Himself, whom does He copy? John 5:___
2. What fullness dwelt in Christ bodily? Colossians 2:___
3. Can you find one verse that mentions Christ, the Spirit and God?
Hebrews 9:___
4. Through whom is it that we have access by the Spirit unto the Father?
Ephesians 2:___
5. Jesus went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed. Who were the other two Persons of the Trinity named in this verse? Acts 10:___
Acts 25: May 2006
The new governor, Festus, had arrived at Cæsarea, and then he went up to Jerusalem, the capital of the province. The Jews had not forgotten Paul and they again brought accusation before the new governor. Although these Jews which came down from Jerusalem laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, they could not prove them.
It was at this point that Paul, who was a Roman citizen, appealed to Cæsar for judgment. Festus then conferred with the council, and it was decided to grant Paul’s request and send him to Cæsar. It was the custom among the Romans to give an accused man a fair trial and answer for himself. However, Festus didn’t have any specific charges against Paul and thought that the Jews only had certain questions against Paul as to their own superstition. King Agrippa was expert in Jewish customs and questions and wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Therefore, Festus was happy to have Agrippa and Bernice (his sister) hear the case before sending Paul as a prisoner to Rome. The Lord allowed all this so that those in high places would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. God works everything according to the counsel of His own will.
1. What did the Jews do, which came down from ____________ and stood round about? Acts 25:___
And
2. After Festus ____________ with the council, what decision did he come to? Acts 25:___
Then
3. What was the manner of the ____________ when a man was accused?
Acts 25:___
To
4. What questions did the Jews have ____________ Paul? Acts 25:___
But
5. Why did Festus want Paul examined before he would send him as a ____________ to Rome? Acts 25:___
For
Greatness: May 2006
After reigning 72 years, King Louis XIV of France died. He called himself “the Great.” He had the most magnificent court in Europe and his body was put in a golden coffin with one candle above it to signify his greatness. Before the preacher began to speak to thousands at the memorial service, he reached down and snuffed out the candle, saying, “Only God is great.” How true this is! All other boasted greatness will pass away. God will “stain the pride of all glory, and bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth” (Isaiah 23:9). Indeed, among those that are saved, “not many wise men . . . not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” Years ago, men wanted to build a tower whose top would reach unto heaven (Genesis 11), but God hindered them. There were twin towers in New York City that also came down September 11, 2001. Were they not emblems of man’s greatness? Remember the king who said, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built”? Well, that great city was soon destroyed. At one time “men of a great stature” inhabited the land of Israel, but they were all destroyed. Many people think in their hearts that they are great. Notice what Haman thought (Esther 6:6): “To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?” Well, he was in for a big let-down! May the Lord keep us with low thoughts of ourselves, and let “each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). Not to the great, the Lord says, but “to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word” (Isaiah 66:2).
1. What did Jeremiah have to tell Baruch about seeking “great things”?
Jeremiah 45:___
2. Why did the angel of the Lord smite Herod? Acts 12:___
3. Great authority will be given unto the beast. Why will the world worship him? Revelation 13:___
4. Whom did the Lord say would be great among His disciples?
Matthew 20:___
5. Who were the merchants of that great city Babylon? Revelation 18:___
Acts 26: June 2006
Would you be happy if you were in Paul’s position? As he realized the great opportunity he had to speak about his Lord and Saviour, it made him happy! He relates his life as a Pharisee and then mentions the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was now standing and being judged for the hope of their fathers. He once thought wrongly and persecuted many of the saints in Jerusalem, putting them in prison and consenting to their death. However, the Lord had His eye on this sinner and was going to change his life. One day, as he was going to Damascus to persecute Christians there, at midday he saw a light from heaven, shining round about him and he fell to the earth. A voice from heaven said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” What a shock it must have been to this religious man to realize that what he was doing was all wrong.
After Paul relates his God-given mission and the resurrection of Christ from the dead, Festus could not contain himself and told Paul that he was mad. Paul affirmed that he spoke words of truth and soberness and then turned to Agrippa, who said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” The reply, which the Apostle Paul gave, could be true only of a person who was fully dedicated to the Lord.
1. For what was Paul now standing and being ____________ for?
Acts 26:___
And
2. What did Paul do to many of the ____________ in Jerusalem?
Acts 26:___
Which
3. At midday, what did Paul see ____________ round about him and them that journeyed with him? Acts 26:___
At
4. When Festus said that Paul was ____________ , how did he reply?
Acts 26:___
But
5. Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Then what did ____________ say? Acts 26:___
And
A Threefold Cord: June 2006
In Ecclesiastes 4:12 we read that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Have you ever seen the heavy ropes that tug boats use to pull other ships? They are very strong. So is the rope that we use to play “tug-of-war.” It can break, but not very easily. Remember the new cords that they bound Samson with in Judges 15? They were very strong cords but were quickly broken when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson.
When a Christian couple is married, how good it is when the Lord is brought into their married lives to strengthen, guide and encourage them in all that they do. Two are better than one, but a bond of three is stronger yet. Often we read in Scripture of something being repeated three times, either a question or an action. How it impresses the saying or the event on the mind - it is not soon forgotten! Man is a three-part being. Notice this lovely verse written to Christians: “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Lastly, the Godhead, or the Trinity, is invoked in 2 Corinthians 13:14: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.” There is no stronger threefold cord than this!
1. How many times was a great sheet let down and drawn up again into heaven? Acts 11:___
2. A messenger of Satan buffeted Paul. How many times did he beseech the Lord that it might depart from him? 2 Corinthians 12:___
3. “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” How many times did the Lord say this? John 21:___
4. How often did the Lord pray saying the same words? Matthew 26:___
5. There was darkness over all the land for how many hours?
Matthew 27:___
Acts 27: July 2006
This chapter shows, among other things, how the Apostle Paul walked in close fellowship with the Lord. The Lord communicated His mind to His servant, and as a result, all 276 people on board the ship escaped safe to land. Had they followed Paul’s admonition from the first, they would have been spared much loss, but the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship more than Paul. To begin with, a south wind blew softly and they thought that sailing was safe. But not long after a strong northeast wind blew and the heavens became dark. These mariners were guided by the stars at night, but when neither sun nor stars appeared and the storm continued, all hope that they should be saved was taken away. Do you think anything is too hard for the Lord? No! At this very time an angel of God stood by Paul and told him, “Fear not.” What a comfort it must have been to his heart! He told them to be of good cheer and to eat for their health. Before he began to eat, in the presence of them all, he gave thanks to God. It was a testimony to all those men. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
When the ship broke apart, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners lest they should swim out and escape. However Julius, the centurion, was courteous to Paul and wanted to spare his life, so he kept the soldiers from their purpose. Because the Lord wanted His servant to be brought before Cæsar, all on board were safe. Today, the world is a safer place because Christians are still here.
1. Did the centurion believe Paul more than the ____________ of the ship?
Acts 27:___
Nevertheless
2. Why was all hope that they should be ____________ taken away?
Acts 27:___
And
3. What did the angel of God say to ____________ ? Acts 27:___
Saying
4. Before Paul began to eat, what did he do in the ____________ of them all? Acts 27:___
And
5. Why did the centurion prevent the ____________ from killing the prisoners? Acts 27:___
But
Retracing Steps: July 2006
When going astray, we want to retrace our steps as quickly as possible. Perhaps we were led astray by wrong information, by evil people, or by our own willfulness. When we realize we are on the wrong road, how good it is to return to where we made the mistake and continue on the right road, or the path in life that is for our good. Could it be possible that some prefer going in a direction that will lead to harm at the end? Yes, sadly, this is all too often the case. Such must suffer the consequences of their own choosing. God sets out many warnings in the Bible as to where different roads lead and encourages us to listen to the wisdom of His directions. How gracious and patient He is with us when we fail, and He gives us opportunity to correct our ways. The Bible has numerous accounts of people and nations who retraced their steps when they were going in the wrong direction and also of those who refused to return.
1. Ruth was told to return after her sister-in-law. What was her reply?
Ruth 1:___
2. When the countenance of Laban was not toward Jacob as before, what did the Lord say to him? Genesis 31:___
3. The children of Israel believed a wrong report. To where did they wrongly want to return? Numbers 14:___
4. When the prodigal son came to himself, where did he want to go?
Luke 15:___
5. To whom will Israel return when their transgressions and sins are blotted out? Isaiah 44:___
Acts 28: August 2006
Melita, which means “honey,” is the island of Malta. The wrecked company were received by the islanders with hospitality, and they made them comfortable in spite of the cold rain which fell. It was God who moved their hearts to show kindness for the sake of His servants. God will always repay what is done for Him or His servants, and so He used Paul to work miracles among the people. The chief man of the island was Publius, and his father was sick. But Paul prayed and laid his hands on him and healed him. When others were likewise healed, the favor was returned with many honors before they left on their journey. At Puteoli, other believers were found, for Christianity had spread rapidly. When the brethren from Rome heard that Paul was coming, they went to Appii Forum and The Three Taverns to meet him. What an encouragement this was! Finally they arrived at Rome where Paul was given separate living quarters. He invited the chief of the Jews to his lodging and expounded the kingdom of God out of the law of Moses and the prophets. Would they listen to the message? Isaiah had stated a long time ago that their heart, ears and eyes would be turned from the Lord. As a result, the gospel would go out to the Gentiles. Have you believed the gospel?
1. What ____________ did the people of Melita show all that escaped the sea? Acts 28:___
And
2. The father of ____________ was sick. What did Paul do for him?
Acts 28:___
And
3. When the Apostle met brethren at ____________ Forum and The Three Taverns, how did it affect him? Acts 28:___
And
4. When the Jews came to Paul’s lodging, what was ____________ unto them? Acts 28:___
And
5. Concerning this people, what does it say about their heart, ____________ and eyes? Acts 28:___
For
Feelings: August 2006
We all have feelings. Sometimes we are sad, and sometimes we are happy. When a friend gets into trouble, we feel sorry for him or her and pray for them or try to help in any way possible. When the weather is fair, we feel good, but when it is bad, we are often gloomy. Reports that come to our ears affect our feelings, as well as what happens to us each day. Do you think that the Lord Jesus had feelings? He was a real man on earth and felt things perfectly. After a very long walk, would you not feel tired? So did He. If you didn’t eat for many days, wouldn’t you be hungry? So was He. If good news came, you would be happy. So was He. Should you be in the midst of all kinds of sin and suffering, you would feel sorrowful. So did our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible often describes how the Lord Jesus felt on different occasions, revealing His real humanity. There is this difference. We may feel tempted to sin, but not the Lord, because He was holy and could not sin. Let us pray that the feelings we have would be pleasing to God at all times and that the meditation of our heart would be acceptable in His sight (Psalm 19:14).
1. Because the Lord Jesus was despised and rejected of men, how is He described? Isaiah 53:___
2. Why did the Lord Jesus rejoice in His spirit? Luke 10:___
3. How did Jesus feel after a long journey? John 4:___
4. When the leper came kneeling down, how did Jesus feel and what did He do? Mark 1:___
5. They brought the Lord Jesus to the grave of Lazarus. What verse describes His feelings? John 11:___
Romans 1: September 2006
The Epistle to the Romans is rightly placed in our Bibles after the Acts, for its leading theme is the gospel of God, and that needs to be unfolded first. Paul was staying in the house of Gaius, a Corinthian, and used Tertius to do the writing (Romans 16:22-23). How this assembly of believers in Rome originated, we are not told, but they were nearly all Gentiles. The gospel, which is given in this epistle, was given to Paul by revelation. The first proof we are given that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that He was able to raise dead people. What infallible credentials He had! And is God any less powerful today? Is He not giving life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins? In the gospel we see the power of God going out to everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus.
Rather than improving through evolution, we see that man has degenerated. Originally, men knew God, but they chose to follow their own imaginations and foolish devices. Then they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into that which is corruptible. What grief this must have brought to the heart of God - to see those whom He loved turn away from Him. Therefore, we read in verses 24 and 28 that “God gave them up,” both as to their bodies and as to their spirits. When this happens, only corruption and every evil work follow. It is only when men fear the Lord that they depart from evil. The end of this chapter is a sad commentary on how low humanity can sink, even though men know that someday they must face the judgment of God.
1. How was Jesus Christ declared to be the ____________ of God with power? Romans 1:___
And
2. What is the ____________ of God unto salvation to every one that believeth? Romans 1:___
For
3. Man changed the ____________ of the incorruptible God into what?
Romans 1:___
And
4. Because men did not like to retain God in their knowledge, what did ____________ do? Romans 1:___
And
5. Even though men ____________ that God will judge them and that they are worthy of death, do they change their ways? Romans 1:___
Who
Light: September 2006
Light is very pleasant to the eyes. Imagine if you were shut up in darkness all the time! When God said, “Let there be light,” He saw that it was good. In Ecclesiastes 11:7 Solomon said that “light is sweet,” referring to physical light. However, the gospel light is more precious, for it reveals eternal things and feeds our immortal natures. For the Christian, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual light and enables them to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and God’s plan for the world to come.
Light and darkness have nothing in common, and so God divided them. As sons of light, we must not have fellowship with the works, doctrines or deceitfulness of darkness. As children of the day, we should be sober, honest and ready for the Lord’s work. The works of darkness are for those who shall dwell in it forever. Remember that God is light and there was light (day 1) before the sun (day 4). “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6). If God has put that light in your heart, He will keep it burning until this world’s night is past and we are in His eternal day.
1. We were once darkness, but we are now light in the Lord. How are we to walk? Ephesians 5:___
2. What four things are said of those who are called out of darkness into His marvelous light? 1 Peter 2:___
3. A repentant person will deliver his soul from going into the pit. What about his life? Job 33:___
4. What will give light and understanding to the simple? Psalm 119:___ (hint: after verse 100)
5. Why did the city have no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it? Revelation 21:___
Romans 2: October 2006
Even in the heathen world there were those who spoke against immorality and other vices. There were moralists, reformers and philosophers who condemned evil, but they also were sinners. God sees all mankind to be on the same level. All practiced evil because all had an evil heart. God did not immediately judge, but rather showed goodness, forbearance and long-suffering to man, if perhaps he would repent and turn from his evil way.
God does hold out a promise to those who in faith seek Him. If they continue to patiently seek for glory and honor and immortality, God will give them eternal life. This is the gift of God (Romans 6:23) to all those who receive His Son as their Lord and Saviour. They are the only ones who can have glory, honor and peace at the end, because God has promised it.
There is coming a day when everything is going to be made manifest. Man has a conscience that tells him that he is doing wrong. Inwardly, he knows that someday he will stand before God. Their secrets will then be exposed and judged by Jesus Christ, to whom all judgment has been committed (John 5:22).
The Jewish people had the advantage over others in that they had the law of God and knew His will, whereas other nations were in darkness. But they didn’t keep God’s law - they broke it and dishonored God. Therefore, the only people whom God considers to be a Jew are those who inwardly have their hearts changed by being “born again” (John 3:7).
1. What is God’s purpose in showing forbearance, ____________ and goodness to man? Romans 2:___
Or
2. If a person patiently seeks ____________, honor and immortality, what will God give him? Romans 2:___
To
3. Who will have glory, honor and ____________? Romans 2:___
But
4. Who will God have judge the ____________ of men’s hearts?
Romans 2:___
In
5. In the sight of ____________, who is a Jew? Romans 2:___
But
Strength: October 2006
Have you ever experienced a time of trial or heavy labor and were given strength to endure, which surprised you? In the middle of danger, you were calm; when bereaved, you were trusting; when slandered, you did not retaliate; when sick, you were patient. Actually, God gives unexpected strength when trials come upon us - more than we have in ourselves. It enables cowards to be brave, foolish ones to have wisdom, and quiet ones to know what to speak. Our own weakness may make us hold back, but God’s promises can make us brave. In Isaiah 41:10 we read, “I will strengthen thee.” We can call on the Lord to strengthen us “according to Thy word.” When we consider our own strength, it is less than we thought and less than we need. But God is omnipotent (has all strength) and will give to us that needed strength. When He strengthens us for the trial or difficulty, human weakness is no longer a consideration.
1. When Asaph’s flesh and heart failed, who strengthened him?
Psalm 73:___
2. What was Paul’s experience in Asia so that he despaired even of life?
2 Corinthians 1:___
3. How will the Lord undertake for the faint and for those that have no might?
Isaiah 40:___
4. After we have suffered a while, what will the God of all grace do for us?
1 Peter 5:___
5. When all men forsook the Apostle Paul, who stood with him and strengthened him? 2 Timothy 4:___
Romans 3: November 2006
The chief advantage that the Jew had over the Gentile was that he had the oracles of God. They possessed what the Gentiles did not have, the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God. What we call the Old Testament is, therefore, the Word of God, in which God spoke to His covenant people. In these oracles are found great promises for the Jew, which will be fulfilled in their national restoration.
Some had accused the Apostle and others of saying, “Let us do evil, that good may come.” This report was false. The enemy of our souls likes to say bad things about those who love the Lord Jesus.
In the sight of God, all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, had sinned. Like sheep, all had gone out of the way and none sought after God. What an awful description we have presented in this chapter as to the entire human race. There was only one perfect Man who ever lived. Do you know who He is?
The Jews, who were under law, broke it, and the Gentiles sinned without the law. It was given to prove to man that it was impossible to be justified before God by the deeds of the law. The grand conclusion of this chapter is to show that the only way sinful man can be justified is by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Why did the Jew have a great advantage? Because to them were given the ____________ of God. Romans 3:___
Much
2. What slanderous ____________ about believers was being circulated by some? Romans 3:___
And
3. How many are ____________ out of the way and become unprofitable?
Romans 3:___
They
4. Can anyone be ____________ in God’s sight by the deeds of the law?
Romans 3:___
Therefore
5. If not by the deeds of the law, how then can a ____________ be justified?
Romans 3:___
Therefore
A Man of God: November 2006
What an honored designation - to be known as a man (or woman) of God! Such a person would reflect God in his walk, his talk and his thoughts. It is not those who say they are godly, but rather those who live godly lives who earn such a reputation. Perhaps you can think of someone whom you would call a “man of God.” In the Bible, Moses is called “the man of God” five times, and David, three times. Also, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and some of the other prophets are so designated. In the New Testament, Timothy is called a “man of God” (1 Timothy 6:11), showing that we also should have the character that would merit such a title. A man of God was sent to Eli, another to Jeroboam, another to Ahab, and also one to Amaziah. Although God would occupy us with their message rather than with them, His messengers, they will be rewarded for their services. We, too, should be content, knowing that He takes notice, and give a faithful testimony, deliver His message, and He will reward in a coming day.
1. What is the description of the man of God who obeys all Scripture?
2 Timothy 3:___
2. What did the man of God say to Amaziah about the hundred talents?
2 Chronicles 25:___
3. When the Shunamite’s son died, to whom did she want to run?
2 Kings 4:___
4. Name six things that the man of God is to follow? 1 Timothy 6:___
5. When the Lord showed Elisha what would happen to Ben-hadad, what did the man of God do? 2 Kings 8:___
Romans 4: December 2006
Abraham and David are now brought before us to illustrate the truth of justification by faith. Both of these men were justified because they believed God. So today, ungodly people who cannot do good works are justified by God when they put their faith in the Lord Jesus. Those who do so are really happy, or blessed, because they know that their iniquities are forgiven and their sins are covered. We have the written Word of God to assure us of our eternal salvation. Do you ever thank God for a Bible in your language?
The promises to Abraham (Genesis 17:48) were made long before the law was given. God accounted him righteous because of his faith, not because of the law. What a wonderful God we have, who met us in all our need as lost, guilty sinners and provided a Saviour who would wash the sins away of all who trust in Him. Only God could have devised such a plan of salvation. Only God could quicken (give life to) the dead and call those things which are not as though they were. If God can save our never-dying souls, can He not also provide everything else in life that we will have need of? Indeed He can! Let us learn to trust Him more fully, for what He has promised He is able also to perform.
1. How can the ____________ be justified? Romans 4:___
But
2. What does it say of those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose ____________ are covered? Romans 4:___
Saying
3. Was the promise that Abraham should be heir of the world through law or ____________? Romans 4:___
For
4. Who can ____________ those things which be not as though they were?
Romans 4:___
As
5. Although Abraham was a hundred years old, what was he ____________ persuaded about? Romans 4:___
And
Compassion: December 2006
Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another’s suffering or misfortune, with the desire to ease the pain or remove its cause. Do you know any compassionate people? Those who take pity on others and are sympathetic? We all have had such feelings at one time or another. It is good, not only to share the joy of others, but their sorrows as well. Perhaps we cannot do anything to help someone who is in great pain, but there is Someone who can, so we pray to Him for them. As Christians, we are to have “compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). Did you know that “it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not”? The Bible tells us that God’s compassions “are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). The early believers took joyfully the spoiling of their goods because they knew that in heaven they had a better and enduring inheritance. They also had compassion on the Apostle Paul in his imprisonment (Hebrews 10:34). The loving Apostle John asked this searching question: “Whoso hath this world’s goods and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17).
1. When a leper came and kneeled down before Him, how did the Lord feel?
Mark 1:___
2. The servant said, “Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.” Then what did the lord of that servant do? Matthew 18:___
3. How did the father feel when he saw his returning son a great way off?
Luke 15:___
4. Besides being gracious and long-suffering, how else is the Lord God described? Psalm 86:___
5. What did the Lord Jesus do for two blind men? Matthew 20:___