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Monthly Archives: December 2019

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
August 10, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What are some ways we label or categorize others?
  2. Why is the belief in heaven and hell waning, while the belief in reincarnation becomes more popular?
  3. *What are some common examples of separating clean from dirty, fresh from spoiled, or good from bad?

Explore It

  1. How did Jesus describe His Second Coming? (25:31)
  2. Where will all the nations be at Christ’s return? (25:32)
  3. According to Jesus, how will the people of the earth be divided? (25:32-33)
  4. How will Jesus divide humanity? (25:33)
  5. *What will Jesus say to those on His right? (25:34-36)
  6. Why will the group on Jesus’ right be blessed? (25:35)
  7. *How will the “sheep” respond to Jesus’ words on that day? (25:37-39)
  8. *What criterion will Christ use to judge people? (25:40)
  9. What will Jesus say to the “goats” on His left? (25:41)
  10. Why will the goats be judged? (25:42)
  11. What will cause the goats to be judged? (25:42-43)
  12. What defense will those on Christ’s left use to justify themselves? (25:44)
  13. What will hell be like? (25:46)

Get It

  1. *How do people usually determine whether they will be nice to somebody?
  2. *How would your behavior change if you treated each person in your life as if he or she were Jesus?
  3. In what way does this parable motivate you to tell your friends about Christ?
  4. How would you counter the idea that this passage teaches salvation by good works?
  5. What change does true faith make in a person’s life?
  6. In what specific ways has your faith in Christ changed you?
  7. Who are the needy people around you?
  8. What resources do you have available to you for serving the needs of others?

Apply It

  1. *What act of kindness or mercy toward the needy can you do today?
  2. In what practical, realistic way can you begin today to treat each person you meet as though he or she were Jesus Himself?
  3. Without being overbearing or pushy, how can you serve your non-Christian friends this week?

 

King James Version – Matt 25:31-46

The description of the last judgment

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

 

The Fellowship of the Believers

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
The Fellowship of the Believers
March 11, 2017
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. *What possessions do you have that you enjoy sharing with others?
  2. Which of your belongings would you not want to share with anyone else? Why?
  3. How would you describe your life-style: self-centered, family-centered, or others-centered?

Explore It

  1. *What were the activities of the early church? (2:42)
  2. How did the new believers approach what they did? (2:42)
  3. *What unusual deeds did the apostles do? (2:43)
  4. *How did people respond to what was going on? (2:43)
  5. What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44-45)
  6. Why might the early Christians have had “everything in common”? (2:44)
  7. How were the goods distributed among the early believers? (2:45)
  8. How often did the believers meet? (2:46)
  9. Where did the early believers meet? (2:46)
  10. How did the early Christians meet together? (2:46-47)
  11. What did the Christians do when they met together in homes? (2:46-47)
  12. What was the spirit of the believers in all they did? (2:46-47)
  13. What was the growth of the early church like? (2:47)

Get It

  1. What were the early believers actually doing when they “broke bread”?
  2. How do the activities of the early church compare with the activities of your church?
  3. *How do you think your church should be more like the early church?
  4. *In what ways should your church be different from the early church? Why?
  5. The early church was joyful, victorious, and full of praise. How would you describe the spirit of your church?
  6. When do you most enjoy spending time with other believers?
  7. Would you describe your church as self-centered or others-centered?
  8. How is the celebration of Communion meaningful to you?
  9. What “miracles” have you witnessed in your church fellowship?
  10. In what ways do you see your church growing?

Apply It

  1. *What can you do to help your church be more like the early church?
  2. How can your daily prayers help bring about spiritual renewal in your church fellowship?

 

Acts 2:42-47 New King James Version (NKJV)

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [a]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [b]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[c] them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [d]to the church daily those who were being saved.

 

 

 

 

 

The Dead Are Judged

Believers Life Style Bible Study
September 2, 2017
The Dead Are Judged
Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What is your favorite book? Why?
  2. What is one time you remember getting in trouble as a child?

Explore It

  1. What particular vision begins this portion of John’s revelation? (20:11)
  2. How will creation react to the “great white throne” judgment? (20:11)
  3. What will be the effect of God’s presence on “earth and sky” at the great white throne judgment? (20:11)
  4. Where will the final judgment of all people take place? (20:11-12)
  5. Who will be involved in the final judgment? (20:12)
  6. What records will be used to judge everyone? (20:12)
  7. How does God keep track of what people do in this life? (20:12)
  8. On what basis will people be judged at the end of time? (20:12-13)
  9. From what diverse places will the dead assemble for this judgment? (20:13)
  10. What will happen to death and Hades? (20:14)
  11. How did John describe the lake of fire? (20:14)
  12. What will hell be like? (20:14)
  13. What will happen to those whose names are not found in the Book of Life? (20:15)
  14. Who will be thrown into the lake of fire? (20:15)

Get It

  1. How does a person get his or her name recorded in the Book of Life?
  2. How is it significant that earth and sky fled from the presence of the one seated on the throne of judgment?
  3. What is the “lake of fire”?
  4. What does it mean that death and Hades “were thrown into the lake of fire”?
  5. What does it mean that “the lake of fire is the second death”?
  6. What is the only way we can escape the lake of fire?
  7. Who are the people whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life?
  8. What is the value in knowing that we will be judged for the way we live?
  9. Why should the certainty of future judgment affect the way we live?
  10. How should the certainty of future judgment affect the way we live?

 

Apply It

  1. What can you do to remind yourself of the reality of a future judgment?
  2. What step do you need to take today to ensure that your name is written in the Book of Life?
  3. How can you help a friend or family member avoid a future in the lake of fire?

 

King James Version – Rev 20:11-15

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Supporting Scripture:

“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thes. 1:9).

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6).

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Peter 2:9).

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:10-11).

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever….And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:10, 15).

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).

“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup” (Psalm 11:6).

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Isaiah 33:14).

“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh” (Isaiah 66:24).

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1).

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Prophet without Honor

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
A Prophet Without Honor
July 8, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58
Presented by Michael Webb

 Open It

  1. What do you like best and least about your hometown?
  2. What would your family say you were like as a little kid?
  3. How would your high school or college friends react if they heard you were in a serious Bible study?
  4. What former classmate has surprised you since you graduated from high school? Why?

Explore It

  1. What did Jesus do when He finished telling His parables? (13:53)
  2. Where did Jesus go? (13:54)
  3. What did Jesus do in His hometown? (13:54)
  4. Where exactly did Jesus preach? (13:54)
  5. What was the public response to Jesus’ message? (13:54)
  6. What kinds of questions were the folks in Nazareth asking? (13:55)
  7. What family ties did the townspeople of Nazareth recognize Jesus as having? (13:55)
  8. How did the people feel about “one of their own” saying wise things and doing amazing miracles? (13:57)
  9. How did Jesus explain their reaction to Him? (13:57)
  10. What did Jesus not do in Nazareth—at least in any great amount? Why? (13:58)
  11. What caused Jesus to refrain from doing miracles in Nazareth? (13:58)

Get It

  1. How would you react if a guy from your neighborhood started doing miracles and claiming to be God?
  2. What are some ways we limit the work of Christ by our unbelief?
  3. Why are we more often impressed by people we don’t know than by people we do know?
  4. Why do we have a tendency to downplay the accomplishments of people we are close to?
  5. How did your family react when you placed your trust in Christ?
  6. In what ways do you struggle to live down your past?

Apply It

  1. What are three things you need to trust Christ for in the coming week?
  2. How can you strengthen your faith in Jesus during this time so that He can work in and through you?
  3. What family members or old friends will you commit to visit or call in the next month to tell them about the change Christ is making in you?

 

Christ is condemned by His own countrymen

53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Ministry of Reconciliation

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:11 – 6:2
November 5, 2016
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. When have you seen someone change in a significant way?
  2. What about you is most difficult for your acquaintances to understand or accept?

Explore It

  1. Why did Paul try to persuade others to follow Christ? (5:11)
  2. Why was Paul concerned about justifying his ministry to the Christians at Corinth? (5:12)
  3. How were Paul’s opponents building themselves up at his expense? (5:12)
  4. What motivated Paul? (5:14)
  5. Why did Christ die for everyone? (5:15)
  6. How did Paul change the way he looked at people? (5:16)
  7. What is true about every person in Christ? (5:17)
  8. What happened when God sent His Son to earth? (5:18)
  9. What does God do with our sins when we are reconciled to Him? (5:19)
  10. How is a Christian an ambassador? (5:20)
  11. Why did Paul try to persuade the Corinthians to respond to God’s Word? (6:1)
  12. Why should we listen carefully to the message about Christ? (6:1-2)

Get It

  1. How do Christians sometimes take pride in ministries that give them attention and popularity?
  2. How is it possible for us to be motivated both by the fear of the Lord and Christ’s love?
  3. Why was it necessary for Christ to die in order for us to be reconciled to God?
  4. In what ways do people today receive the grace of God in vain?
  5. In what ways are all Christians new creations?
  6. For what other Christians are you concerned?
  7. How can you encourage your Christian friends to listen to God’s Word?
  8. How did God make His reconciliation with you?
  9. How can you personally be involved in the ministry of reconciliation?
  10. What difference does it make that Christians are counted as Christ’s ambassadors?
  11. Where is your ministry of reconciliation?
  12. To whom are you an ambassador?

Apply It

  1. What is one way you can represent Christ to your friends and coworkers this week?
  2. What Christian friend can you encourage to listen to God’s Word? How?

 Scripture Text for Lesson:

 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (NKJV)

 11  Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
12  For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13  For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
14  For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
15  and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16  Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19  that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20  Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
21  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Jesus Clears the Temple

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Jesus Clears the Temple
Scripture References
Mark 11:12-19
February 6, 2016
Presented by Michael Webb

 Open It

  1. *If you could change one thing about your church, what would it be?
  2. How well do you think your church fulfills its purpose?
  3. Over what are you most likely to lose your temper?

Explore It

  1. Where did the events of this story take place? (11:12)
  2. Where did Jesus go? Why? (11:12-13)
  3. *Why did the fig tree have no fruit? (11:13)
  4. *What did Jesus do to the fig tree? Why? (11:13-14)
  5. How did this event differ from every other miracle Jesus performed? (11:13-14)
  6. *What do both the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple tell us about Jesus’ attitude toward the people of Israel? (11:13-17)
  7. What happened when Jesus entered the temple area in Jerusalem? (11:15-18)
  8. Whose authority was Jesus challenging when He drove the money changers from the temple area? (11:17)
  9. What was Jesus saying about His own authority? (11:17)
  10. Why was Jesus so upset about the “marketplace” atmosphere in the temple? (11:17)
  11. How did the crowds and the religious leaders react to Jesus’ actions in the temple? (11:18)

Get It

  1. Why do you think Jesus cursed the fig tree?
  2. How do you think the disciples reacted to hearing Jesus curse a fig tree?
  3. *The fig tree had leaves but no fruit; what is one area of your life that looks good, but isn’t producing what God wants?
  4. *How can you grow and become more productive in one of your weak areas?
  5. What difference does it make to you that Jesus showed anger?
  6. What practices in the church today do you think hinder non-Christians from coming to Christ?
  7. Where is God’s temple today?
  8. How should we treat God’s temple?
  9. How do you need to change your attitudes or actions when worshiping?

Apply It

  1. *What specific steps can you take this week to concentrate on a weak area of your spiritual life, aiming to bear fruit for the Lord?
  2. How can you show respect for God’s temple?

 

The Fig Tree Withered

12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

And His disciples heard it.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city.

Christian Beginner’s Brief Case for Christianity

The Believers Life Style Bible Study

Christian Beginner’s Brief Case for Christianity

10  Things a Christian should know about God and Christianity

Here are the 10 things (not necessarily in any particular order) that I thought a new Christian should sink down deep into his or her heart, head and hands as he or she travels their first year with Jesus:

  1. The one thing that the Bible emphasizes more than us loving God and people is that God loves us. He loves us first and most. God isn’t in heaven plucking a daisy saying, “I love you” when you obey and “I love you not” when you sin. He cannot not love you (Rom. 5:8 and 1 Jn. 4:16).
  2. Your motivation to and the purpose of learning, serving, worshipping, giving, reaching, reading, praying, etc. is to grow relationally more in love with God and people (Mt. 22:36-40).
  3. You not only are saved by grace, but you grow by it, too. A common trap for new and growing Christians is trying to clean up their lives without God’s help. This is a false equation: The less you sin = the less you need God’s grace. You can’t sin less and love more without the strength of God’s grace.
  4. Don’t trample all over the Great Commandment (love God, love people) trying to obey the Great Commission (go and make disciples). New and enthusiastic Christians often do this. Instead, lead people to Jesus by loving people to Jesus (1 Cor. 13:1-3). If they ask you why you live the way you do, humbly and simply share with them why you put your hope in Jesus.
  5. Love your neighbors—your literal neighbors—the ones you have, not the ones you wish you had. Do this because you are a Christian, not just because you want them to be Christians.
  6. Focus on Jesus, His cross, His resurrection and His kingdom. When you confessed Jesus as the living Lord and Messiah, you never said—and will never say—anything more meaningful. Jesus is God with skin. No other “religious leader” (Moses, Buddha, Muhammad) is His equal. They were mere men; Jesus is God who became a man. He is the center and circumference—the hub and rim of all of life and creation. All of the world’s greatest gifts—love, life, truth, grace, etc.—have a name. Jesus.
  7. God cares about your whole life, not just your “spiritual life.” It is a mistake to think that God is only concerned about a section of your life called “your soul” or “your spirit.” God cares about and is to be Lord of all of your life—personal, emotional, social, familial, financial, physical, vocational, sexual, intellectual and so on.
  8. Love other Christians who go to different churches (or no church at all) and who aren’t like you. Unfortunately, many Christians and churches view their “brand” of Christianity as the only true or most true type of Christianity. They may not think they are the only Christians, but they do think they are the best or most right ones. This is a prideful and sinful attitude that grieves Jesus and dismembers His body. Strive for unity in the body of Christ by praying humbly and thankfully for other Christians.
  9. Pray with your Bible open. There are many different spiritual exercises (fasting, solitude, serving, etc.), but the two most important ones are communicating and communing with God through prayer and listening to and learning about God through the Scriptures. Prayerfully read about Jesus (in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Prayerfully read about the beginning of the church in a book called Acts. Prayerfully read some letters written by Christians for Christians—some good ones to start with are James, Philippians and Ephesians.
  10. Find a Christian mentor. You will need help and encouragement in this journey with Jesus. Ask an older Christian (of the same gender as you) to mentor you. Look for someone who displays the attitudes and actions that were described above. Be a blessing to them in return.

Christianity is not a list, but a life; it’s not a chart, but a charter. But new Christians will learn new things. Some of those things will be true but not important. Some things will be off by degrees that can lead them astray. Other things will be just plain wrong. Help new Christians learn to follow Jesus by being their best at what matters most to Him.

 

 

25 Scriptures Every Believer Should Know:

The more we know God’s Word, the better equipped we are as believers to minister, teach and model Christ with our very lives. The whole Word of God is important, and no verse less valuable than any other. As we study and memorize the Bible, we do however find some verses that help us understand key truths. If you aren’t already amassing your own list, these are just some suggestions to get you started. Commit the following 25 scriptures to memory–about one every-other week—and you’ll have them in your head in just one year.

The Human Condition
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God Provides
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God’s Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Know God’s Word
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

God’s Adoptive Process
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Trusting God
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Our Priority
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

The Believer’s Body
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Roman 12: 1-2

Security in Christ
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

God’s Eternal Provision
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40

The Great Commandment
Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

One Way to God
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Serving Others
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  James 1:27

Jesus Foretold
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The Great Commission
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

The Nature of Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

True Disciples
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

What We Should Value
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

God Keeps His Promises
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

God Hears Us
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19

Temptation
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Beginning
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

The End
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13

 

Treasures in Heaven

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Treasures in Heaven
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:19-24
December 5, 2014
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only three possessions with you, what would you choose and why?
  2. What valuable possessions do you have that cannot be replaced?
  3. What are some things you’d never give up, no matter how much money you were offered for them?

Explore It

  1. Where did Jesus urge His followers not to “store up treasures”? Why? (6:19)
  2. Why did Jesus discourage stockpiling things? (6:19)
  3. What can happen to a person’s material possessions? (6:19)
  4. Where did Jesus encourage us to invest our wealth? Why? (6:20)
  5. Why is heaven a better place to “bank” than earth? (6:20)
  6. What does the location of a person’s treasure say about that person? (6:21)
  7. What is described as the “lamp of the body”? How is this so? (6:22)
  8. What is the result of “good eyes”? (6:22)
  9. When will people’s lives be full of darkness? (6:23)
  10. What did Jesus say about serving two masters? (6:24)
  11. Why did Jesus say we cannot serve two masters? (6:24)
  12. What two masters did Jesus mention in this context? Why? (6:24)

Get It

  1. How have you felt whenever you have lost a valued possession?
  2. How can we “store up . . . treasures in heaven”?
  3. How can we determine where our treasure is (and thus where our hearts are)?
  4. What sort of things do you think about most?
  5. Where does your mind naturally gravitate to in those moments just before you go to bed?
  6. How clear is your spiritual vision right now?
  7. What masters most often fight for your allegiance?
  8. In what ways do you serve money?
  9. In what ways can you master your money?

Apply It

  1. How could you make an investment in eternity today?
  2. What committed Christian friends could help you evaluate your use of money in the next month?

King James Version – Matt 6:19-24

Where our treasure is to be kept

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

The World Hates the Disciples

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
The World Hates the Disciples
Scripture References:
John 15:18-16:4
February 7, 2015
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What are some things that you hate or dislike?
  2. Why are some non-Christians antagonistic toward Christianity?
  3. What causes people to hate each other?

Explore It

  1. What did Jesus want His disciples to keep in mind? (15:18)
  2. Whom does the world love? (15:19)
  3. Why does the world hate Jesus’ disciples? (15:19)
  4. What did Jesus want His disciples to remember? (15:20)
  5. What difference does it make that the world does not know God? (15:21)
  6. Why do the people of the world have no excuse for their sin? (15:22)
  7. What is the significance of hating Jesus? (15:23)
  8. What has made the world fully accountable for its sin? (15:24)
  9. What did the world’s hatred fulfill? (15:25)
  10. What would the Counselor do when He came? (15:26)
  11. Why did Jesus say that His disciples must testify about Him? (15:27)
  12. For what reason did Jesus tell the disciples these things? (16:1,4)
  13. What was going to happen to the disciples for following Christ? (16:2-3)

Get It

  1. What is “the world”?
  2. If you were one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, how would you have responded to His warning about the world’s hatred?
  3. How does the world today hate the followers of Jesus?
  4. When have you experienced the hatred of the world?
  5. How does the world today display its hatred for Jesus and God?
  6. How has God chosen you out of the world?
  7. How and when do you still feel a part of the world?
  8. Who is “the Counselor”?
  9. How does the Holy Spirit testify about Jesus to the world?
  10. How are you a testimony for Jesus?

Apply It

  1. How can you be a testimony for Jesus today? To whom?
  2. How should you adjust your expectations of being accepted by non-Christians?

 

 

King James Version – John 15:18-16:4

A comfort in the hatred and persecution of the world

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

The work of the Holy Spirit, and of the apostles

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

Christ comforts His disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit, His resurrection and ascension

1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

 

 

The Workers are Few

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
The Workers Are Few
Scripture References:
Matthew 9:35-38
April 11, 2015
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. In what situations do you tend to feel compassion?
  2. What missionaries do you know personally?
  3. *What do you pray about on a regular basis?

Explore It

  1. Where did Jesus go? To do what? (9:35)
  2. Where did Jesus teach? (9:35)
  3. What did Jesus preach about? (9:35)
  4. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus heal? (9:35)
  5. *What emotion did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds of people around Him? (9:36)
  6. Why did Jesus feel as He did? (9:36)
  7. *What helpless animals were the people compared to? (9:36)
  8. In what terms did Jesus describe the situation He and His disciples were observing? (9:37)
  9. How did Jesus describe the number of people helping others come to Him? (9:37)
  10. Who did Jesus tell His disciples to discuss the lack of workers with? (9:37)
  11. *For whom did Jesus tell His disciples to pray? (9:37)

Get It

  1.  For what non-Christians do you feel compassion?
  2. How would you describe the spiritual and moral state of the majority of the people in your town or on your campus?
  3. *Who are the non-Christians in your life?
  4. *What can you do to help people see their need for Christ?
  5. What skills, gifts, abilities, or talents can you use to help others come to Christ?
  6. What barriers stand in the way of people you know listening to the gospel?
  7. What can you do to overcome your friends’ and neighbors’ objections or reservations about following Jesus?

 Apply It

  1.  *For what non-Christians will you pray regularly from now on?
  2. What missionaries can you pray for this week?
  3. How can you make a difference today in the life of someone who is “harassed and helpless”?

The Compassion of Jesus

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[a] 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[b] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

 

 

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