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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Philip and the Eunuch

Monday, October 31, 2100: Acts 8:26 – 29 (NKJV)                   Who spoke to Philip?

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

Who spoke to Philip? An Angel of the Lord gave Philip instruction. Also, the Spirit spoke to him. They are one and the same.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: Acts 8:30 – 33 (NKJV)                   What did reading and understanding mean then?

So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

      “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

      So He opened not His mouth.

      In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation?

      For His life is taken from the earth.”

What did reading and understanding mean then? Reading out loud appeared to be the practice. But Philip was asked to explain what the passage meant.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: Acts 8:34 – 36a (NKJV)                   Who was the prophet Isaiah writing about?

So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water.

Who was the prophet Isaiah writing about? Jesus Christ was the person in prophecy. Note that Philip spoke not of himself but preached Jesus Christ.

Thursday, November 3, 2011: Acts 8:36b – 38 (NKJV)                   What could have hindered the Eunuch?

And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

What could have hindered the Eunuch? Lack of personal faith in Jesus Christ was the only hindrance.

Friday, November 4, 2011: Acts 8:39 – 40 (NKJV)                   What happened next to Philip?

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

What happened next to Philip? The Spirit ‘beamed’ Philip miles away to the town of Azotus.

Stephan, the first Martyr

Monday, October 24, 2011: Acts 6:6, 8 – 10 (NKJV)

Why was Stephen’s wisdom irresistible?

And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Why was Stephen’s wisdom irresistible? It was not his own, but given by the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011: Acts 6:11 – 14 (NKJV)

What was the accusation?

Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

What was the accusation? Stephan was accused of speaking against the Temple and Mosaic customs.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011: Acts 7:35 – 39a (NKJV)

What was Stephan’s rebuttal?

“This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

“This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear. This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected.

What was Stephan’s rebuttal? Their fathers rejected Moses and now they reject Moses’ prophecies.

Thursday, October 27, 2011: Acts 7:51 –53 (NKJV)

What was Stephen’s counter-accusation?

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

What was Stephen’s counter-accusation? Their fathers persecuted and killed all the prophets: now they murdered the one Moses prophesied about, Jesus Christ.

Friday, October 28, 2011: Acts 7:56 – 58 (NKJV)

What was verdict?

(Stephen) said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

What was verdict? There was none pronounced, no deliberation occurred. They cast him out of the city and stoned Stephan to death.