Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Wisdom: Worldly & Spiritual


Monday, December 26, 2011: 1 Corinthians 2:1 – 2, 4 – 5 (NKJV)                  What should our faith be based on?
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
What should our faith be based on? Our faith is based on the power of God, not crediting it to man’s wisdom.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2011: 1 Corinthians 2:6 – 7 (NKJV)                   What should our erudition be based on?
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory
What should our erudition be based on? Once a believer, our wisdom is on God’s preordained wisdom.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011: 1 Corinthians 2:10, 12 – 13 (NKJV)                   Who educates us in God’s wisdom?
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things 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. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Who educates us in God’s wisdom? The Holy Spirit uses men to so educate us.
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Thursday, December 29, 2011: 1 Corinthians 2:14 – 15 (NKJV)                   Who receives this insight?
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
Who receives this insight? This insight is foolishness to natural man but is discerned by a spiritual man.
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Friday, December 30, 2011: 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV)                   Who has the mind of Christ?
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Who has the mind of Christ? All believers have this positionally. (Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus Phil 2:5)

Lineage


Monday, December 19, 2011: 1 Chronicles 24:1b, 7 – 10                  Who was Zacharias?
The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Now the first lot fell to … the eighth to Abijah
Luke 1:5 (NKJV)
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
Who was Zacharias? Zacharias was a priest from the line of Abijah, of Eleazar, of Aaron.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011: Luke 1:67, 76 – 77                   What did Zacharias prophecy?
Now his (John the Baptist’s) father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
      “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
      For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
      To give knowledge of salvation to His people
      By the remission of their sins

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011: John 1:29 – 35                  Were these prophecies fulfilled?
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

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Thursday, December 22, 2011: 2 Samuel 5:13b – 16 (NKJV)                   The lineage of David, the King.
Also more sons and daughters were born to David. Now these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
1 Chronicles 3:1a, 5b (NKJV)
Now these were the sons of David who were born to him … in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon—four by Bathshua (Bathsheeba) the daughter of Ammiel.

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Friday, December 23, 2011: Luke 1:26b – 27 (NKJV)                  What were Joseph and Mary’s lineage?
the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
What were Joseph and Mary’s lineage? Joseph was of Solomon and Mary was of Nathan, both of whom were sons of David through Bathsheeba.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Baptism: John's and the Holy Spirit's


Monday, December 12, 2011: Acts 18:24 – 25 (NKJV)                   Does erroneous teaching of the Bible exist?
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.
Does erroneous teaching of the Bible exist? Yes, it does. So does incomplete knowledge. Apollos was in the latter category: we all need to learn more.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011: Acts 18:26 (NKJV)                   How should a person be corrected?
So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
How should a person be corrected? He should be taken aside privately and gently put right.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011: Acts 18:27 – 28                   Does this passage place importance on baptism?                 
And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Does this passage place importance on baptism? No, the importance is placed on Jesus Christ, the One all scripture point to.
Thursday, December 15, 2011: Acts 19:1 – 3                  Can a believer not know the Holy Spirit?
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
Can a believer not know the Holy Spirit? Without the rest of the story, it seems so.
Friday, December 16, 2011: Acts 19:4 – 6 (NKJV)                   What is the conclusion about the two baptisms?
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
What is the conclusion about the two baptisms? John’s baptism: repentance. Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: symbolically showing that Jesus Christ died for your sins and arose and accept Him as Savior and Lord. The gift of the Holy Spirit is power to proclaim Christ, never to promote self.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Should the Church be unified?


Monday, December 5, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:10 – 11 (NKJV)                  Should the Church have denominations?
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
Should the Church have denominations? No, the Church should be united. But this is not the case.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:12 – 13 (NKJV)                  What name should we carry?
Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
What name should we carry? We should carry the name of Christ: we’re Christians. In reality, we’re Catholics & Protestants, Baptists or this or that.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 18 (NKJV)                  What was Paul’s mission?
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
What was Paul’s mission? Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles, to whom he preached Christ crucified.
Thursday, December 8, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:20 – 21 (NKJV)                  What is preaching?
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
What is preaching? It is foolishness to those who think they are wise; it is salvation to believers.
Friday, December 9, 2011: 1 Corinthians 1:22 – 25 (NKJV)                  Why does Paul preach Christ crucified?
For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Why does Paul preach Christ crucified? This is the power and wisdom of God.

Monday, November 28, 2011

God's Expressed Will


Monday, November 28, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 4 (NKJV)                   What is God’s expressed will?
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor
What is God’s expressed will? God wants believers to abstain from sexual immorality by possessing his own vessel in sanctification and honor.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 4:6 – 7 (NKJV)                   What is defrauding?
That no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
What is defrauding? Not possessing your own vessel but another’s.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 4:8 (NKJV)                   Who were they rejecting?
Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
Who were they rejecting? Not Paul’s advice but God who has given us His Holy Spirit.

Thursday, December 1, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NKJV)                   What love is this?
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another
What love is this? This is NOT what the world calls love: this is selfless love.

Friday, December 2, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – 12 (NKJV)                   What are we to be to unbelievers?
That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
What are we to be to unbelievers? We are to be examples of quiet workers.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Copycat Exorcism


Monday, November 21, 2011: Acts 19:11 – 12 (NKJV)                   What was unusual about Paul’s miracles?
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
What was unusual about Paul’s miracles? God used not just Paul but also handkerchiefs or aprons belonging to Paul to validate the message of salvation.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011: Acts 19:13 – 14 (NKJV)                   What did the Jewish exorcists’ try to do?
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
What did the Jewish exorcists’ try to do? The copycats tried to use the ‘formula.’ They were without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011: Acts 19:15 – 16 (NKJV)                   What was the result for the copycats?
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
What was the result for the copycat exorcists? The demon they were trying to exorcise showed the seven sons of Sceva what they lacked.
Thursday, November 24, 2011: Acts 19:17 – 18 (NKJV)                   What was the result of the attack?
This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
What was the result of the attack? The story spread. It magnified the Name of the Lord. As a result, many believed and confessed that they were now believers.
Friday, November 25, 2011: Acts 19:19 – 20 (NKJV)                   What was a collateral result?
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
What was a collateral result? Sorcerers who dabbled in evil spirits burned their books, recognizing their implication. In conclusion, miracles linked to Paul magnified God and validated Paul’s message.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Slave Girl and the Jailer


Monday, November 14, 2011: Acts 16:16 – 17 (NKJV)                  Was the slave girl possessed by an evil spirit?
Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
Was the slave girl possessed by an evil spirit? Yes, she was. However, her own spirit made her follow Paul and declare him as servant of God and proclaimer of the way of salvation.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011: Acts 16:18 – 19  (NKJV)                  Why was Paul annoyed?
And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
Why was Paul annoyed? The demon’s actions on the girl annoyed Paul and using Christ’s name, he released her.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011: Acts 16:20 – 24 (NKJV)                  What did the slave masters do?
And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
What did the slave masters do? Their desire for money made them overlook the message of salvation. Instead, they brought false charger against them to put them into prison.

Thursday, November 17, 2011: Acts 16:25 – 28 (NKJV)                  What were Paul and Silas doing in prison?
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
What were Paul and Silas doing in prison? Their feet were restrained but they were praying and preaching! The earthquake that opened the restraints was not as powerful as the message that opened the prisoner’s hearts.

Friday, November 18, 2011: Acts 16:29 – 33 (NKJV)                  Why did the Philippian jailer ask about salvation?
Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Why did the Philippian jailer ask about salvation? He realized that the slave girl was right.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Saul's Encounter


Monday, November 7, 2011: Acts 9:1 – 6 (NKJV)                                     What did the light do for Saul?
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
What did the light do for Saul? Saul fell to the ground. He recognized Jesus Christ as Lord.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011: Acts 9:7 – 8, 10 – 11 (NKJV)                       What happened to Saul?
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
What happened to Saul (but not to those with him)? He became blind and had to be lead to his destination, Damascus.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011: Acts 9:13 – 16 (NKJV)                               What was Ananias’ objection?
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
What was Ananias’ objection? Ananias was afraid for his own safety but was commanded to go.
Thursday, November 10, 2011: Acts 9:17 – 18 (NKJV)                                    What did Ananias do?
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
What did Ananias do? Ananias obeyed the Lord and a miracle followed.
Friday, November 11, 2011: Acts 9:19 –Acts 9:20 (NKJV)                               What action did Saul take?
So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
What action did Saul take? Saul immediately preached that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.