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Knowing How to Pray

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Prayer
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:5-15
October 3, 2020
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What images or thoughts spring to mind when you hear the word “prayer”?
  2. *What role did prayer play in your family’s life when you were growing up?

Explore It

  1. According to Jesus, what wrong motivation prompts some individuals to pray? (6:5)
  2. *What name did Jesus call people who pray for show? Why? (6:5)
  3. Where do hypocrites prefer to do their praying? (6:5)
  4. What type of reward will religious showmanship bring? (6:5)
  5. *How did Jesus command His followers to pray? (6:6)
  6. Where did Jesus suggest we talk to God? (6:6)
  7. *What type of reward will humility in prayer bring? (6:6)
  8. What did Jesus have to say about repetitive or long, windy prayers? (6:7)
  9. What insights or facts about God are revealed in this passage? (6:6, 8, 9)
  10. To whom did Jesus tell us to pray? (6:9)
  11. What should be our attitude toward God? (6:9)
  12. What should be our attitude toward God’s kingdom and will? (6:10)
  13. What should be our attitude toward life’s necessities? (6:11)
  14. What should be our attitude toward those who have wronged us? (6:12)
  15. What should be our attitude toward temptation? (6:13)
  16. Why is it crucial for us to forgive those who wrong us? (6:14-15)

Get It

  1. What common or overused phrases do you hear frequently repeated in people’s prayers?
  2. If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?
  3. *If Jesus commands us to pray in secret, what is the value of public prayer?
  4. Why do many Christians feel uncomfortable praying out loud?
  5. *When you pray in front of a group, how can you concentrate fully on what you are saying to God rather than how your prayers sound to others?
  6. Why do we often use special language or words for talking to God?
  7. What sins or offenses by others do we find especially difficult to forgive?

Apply It

  1. *What changes do you need to make in your prayer life?
  2. What strained relationship will you seek to repair this week by forgiving an offense?

 

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-15 (NKJV)
5  “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7  And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8  Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name
10  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
11  Give us this day our daily bread.
12  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
13  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Knowing How to Pray

What Kind of Baggage Do You Carry?

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: What kind of Baggage Do you Carry?
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 4:13
September 19, 2020

 Summary

Have you ever considered how the intangible baggage of past experiences and personal sin hinder your journey with Christ?  Hebrews 12:1-3 compares the Christian life to a race and encourages believers to “lay aside” those things that impede their progress. The baggage in our spiritual lives isn’t

always easy to recognize, even though it leads to unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy and defeat. Oftentimes, our efforts to change fail, and after confessing the same sins, we find ourselves falling right back into them. In order to victoriously run the course God has planned, we must identify what hinders us and lay it down with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Identifying Our Baggage

There are two different words in Hebrews 12:1 that describe the things that slow us down and create obstacles in our lives. They are:

Encumbrance. This is anything that keeps us from effectively living the Christian life. An encumbrance can come in many forms, but the most common ones that cause believers to falter are:

  • A poor self-image. Negative comments can cause us to doubt our value, especially if we experience stern criticism when we’re young.
  • A defeatist attitude. If we feel we’re beaten down by our circumstances, we’ll never try.
  • Feelings of rejection. Being devalued by others hurts and leaves us feeling unwanted.
  • Perfectionism. If we think everything must be done flawlessly, we won’t try anything we
  • can’t do well.
  • A fear of failure. We’ll miss wonderful opportunities from God if we let anxiety
  • hinder us.
  • Procrastination. Putting off tasks keeps us from accomplishing what needs to be done.
  • A lack of self-control. If we can’t restrain our impulses, we’re easily led off track.
  • A lack of concentration. When our minds drift from one activity to another, we won’t accomplish much in life.
  • A negative attitude. Pessimism hinders our thinking and has a negative impact on our work and relationships.
  • A suspicious attitude. Being mistrustful of others’ motives keeps us from accepting love and friendship.
  • Indecision. An inability to make decisions prevents us from moving forward.
  • Sin. The second hindrance is “the sin which so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1). This does not mean sin in the general sense of the word but instead refers to a specific one, an area of weakness that:
      • Requires us to be continually on guard.
      • Often snares us because it’s tempting and difficult to resist.
      • Divides our minds when we think about it.
      • Hinders our relationships with others
      • Surfaces when we pray
      • Strikes at our self-respect
      • Breaks our fellowship with God

All believers have certain sins that weigh them down more than others. they include:

  • Unforgiveness. When we can’t let go of past hurts, it damages us and hinders us
  • A critical spirit. If all we do is criticize, we hurt others and ourselves.
  • A jealous spirit. Craving what others have often leads to unhappiness.
  • Greed. A desire for more leads us to take advantage of others to get what we want.
  • Pride. God hates it when we are conceited about our social standing, possessions, or physical appearance.
  • Deceit. habitually lying or telling half-truths makes us deceptive.
  • Lust. When love is replaced by lust, our desire is out of control.
  • Unbelief. Although we may claim to believe the Bible, we’re often unwilling to trust in God to provide for our needs.
  • Anger. Perpetual anger robs us of happiness and destroys our relationships.
  • Bitterness. This poison infiltrates our thinking and prevents us from giving
    and receiving love.
  • Slander. Spreading lies about others makes us malicious and destructive.
  • Love of Money. A continuous desire for wealth easily trips us up
  • Idolatry. Whatever we place before our heavenly Father is a false idol.

CONCLUSION:

The Lord has planned the best race for each of us. However, we can’t win and fulfill His plan until every hindrance is laid aside. We don’t have to carry heavy spiritual burdens and continue failing in our efforts to overcome the sin in our lives because God is ready to set us free if we’ll believe in Him. By faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must make a conscious choice to do away with whatever is displeasing to Him. It’s only when we finally unload it all and fix our eyes on Jesus that we will truly be able to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1)

 

Scripture References: The Race of Faith

Hebrews 12:1-3, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through [a]Christ who strengthens me.

What Kind of Baggage Do You Carry?

No One Is Righteous

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: No One Is Righteous
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Romans 3:9-20
September 5, 2020

Open It

  1. *In what ways are all people the same?
  2. If you were on trial in front of God, what are some of the things He would judge you on?
  3. Do you consider yourself to be a good person?  Why?

Explore It

  1. How did Paul compare himself to others? (3:9)
  2. *How are Jews and Gentiles alike? (3:9)
  3. Who is righteous? (3:10)
  4. What is our natural tendency toward God? (3:11)
  5. What is the result of turning away from God? (3:12)
  6. *What is human nature? (3:12)
  7. How do our conversations and speech reflect our sinful nature? (3:13-14)
  8. *What are the characteristics of people who stand condemned before God? (3:13-18)
  9. What does God’s law show us about ourselves? (3:19)
  10. What is the purpose of having God’s law? (3:19-20)
  11. What reward does a person receive for observing the Law? (3:20)

Get It

  1. How do you feel when the Bible describes you as standing guilty before God?
  2. How can Christianity be described as “good news” when it teaches that all people are guilty before God?
  3. *What reasons would you give for describing people as either basically good or basically evil?
  4. *How would you explain this passage to a person who believes that he or she is good and not guilty of any serious sins?
  5. How will God judge His chosen people, the Jews?
  6. How can we sin with our mouth?
  7. For what are we accountable to God?
  8. What misinformation about God’s judgment have you believed at one point in your life?

Apply It

  1. *What “laws” do you need to put aside in your life in favor of the true righteousness God offers?
  2. With what believer could you meet and spend time in prayer and confession? When?

 

 

Romans 3:9-20 (NKJV)
9  What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10  As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;
11  There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.
12  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13  “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14  “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15  “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16  Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17  And the way of peace they have not known.”
18  “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19  Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20  Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

No One Is Righteous

Wives and Husbands

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Wives and Husbands
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:22-33
August 15, 2020

 

Open It

  1. What husband-and-wife team do you greatly admire?
  2. *In your view, what one quality or ability sustains a marriage relationship?

Explore It

  1. What service should wives render to the Lord? (5:22)
  2. What is the relationship of the husband to the wife? (5:23)
  3. How is Christ’s headship of the church an example to the husband? (5:23)
  4. *How is the relationship of the church to Christ an example to wives? (5:24)
  5. How are husbands commanded to love their wives? (5:25)
  6. How did Christ prepare a bride for Himself? (5:26-27)
  7. *How should husbands love their wives? (5:28-30)
  8. How is the bond between husband and wife greater than the bond between parent and child? (5:31)
  9. *How does the bond between Christ and the church illustrate the love of a husband for his wife? (5:32)
  10. In sum, what are the responsibilities of the husband and wife toward each other? (5:33)

Get It

  1. *How should both husband and wife model themselves on Christ?
  2. *Why would unselfishness be an essential part of a Christian marriage?
  3. What should a Christian wife give her husband?
  4. How should a Christian husband care for his wife?
  5. How does a healthy Christian marriage relationship honor the Lord?
  6. What are some ways local churches can help Christian couples strengthen their marriages?

Apply It

  1. *What is something you can do to help a Christian couple strengthen their marriage?
  2. How can you treat your spouse with more respect and love this week?
  3. How can you express your thankfulness to Christ today for making you His bride?

 

 

Ephesians 5:22-33 (NKJV)
22  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
24  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
28  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
29  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
30  For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
31  “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33  Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Wives and Husbands

Love

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Love
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

August 1, 2020

 

Open It

  1. What, to you is an unmistakable demonstration of love?
  2. *Who is the most loving person you know? Why do you think so?
  3. What qualities do you associate with love?

Explore It

  1. What makes speaking in tongues, faith, generosity, and even martyrdom worthless? (13:1-3)
  2. How could a person use spiritual gifts in a useless manner? (13:1-3)
  3. *What do we gain if we don’t have love? (13:3)
  4. Why is love important? (13:3)
  5. *What qualities does love have? (13:4-8)
  6. Why will prophecy, tongues, and knowledge pass away? (13:8-9)
  7. How will we be different when we see Christ? (13:10-12)
  8. What is our spiritual imperfection like? (13:11)
  9. How do adults and children act and reason differently? (13:11)
  10. How will our knowledge of God change when we see Christ? (13:12)
  11. *What is the greatest of all gifts? (13:13)

Get It

  1. Why do you think Paul wrote about love to the Corinthians?
  2. Why might it be easy to use a spiritual gift without love?
  3. How can a person demonstrate love?
  4. How should Christians demonstrate love for each other?
  5. *In what practical ways can you show a love that never fails?
  6. How did Jesus exemplify love?
  7. Why won’t prophecy, knowledge, and tongues be necessary when Jesus returns?
  8. *When have you received the love described in this passage?
  9. What is difficult about loving?
  10. What expectations do you have, knowing you will see Jesus face to face one day?

Apply It

  1. What will help you to remember to use your gifts in a loving way?
  2. *How could you show love to a difficult person this week?

 

 Scripture for Lesson:

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NKJV)
1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

Love

Spiritual Blessing In Christ

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-14
July 25, 2020

Words to Understand:

  1. Salvation – deliverance from the power of sin; The salvation that comes through Christ may be described in three tenses: past, present, and future. When people believe in Christ, they are saved (Acts 16:31). But we are also in the process of being saved from the power of sin (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12). Finally, we shall be saved from the very presence of sin (Rom. 13:11; Titus 2:12–13) Salvation is a free gift from God. It is by grace alone man is saved. Man can do nothing whatsoever to save himself.  Man cannot earn, win, or merit salvation. All man can do is accept the fact that God says He will save him; Every aspect of Salvation is born out of the purpose and the will and the plan of God that when it is accomplished it may be solely and only to the praise and the glory of God. God has saved us in order that He might be glorified; therefore, all our salvation belongs to His credit.
    Salvation is received by faith.  Faith comes through your belief in Jesus Christ.
    Read:( Ro 3:27, 4:2, 5: 1 Cor 1:31) Free offer of Salvation (Ro 11:6)
  2. Grace — Undeserved favor, unearned blessing, unmerited goodness and kindness. grace is giving us something we don’t deserve or could not obtain for ourselves.  Means all the favors and gifts of God, all good and perfect gifts.
    Read: Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:6-7 
  3. Holy – means to be set apart and consecrated to God. Same word used for Saints.
    Read: 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Cor 7:1, Eph 4:24 
  4. Blameless — means to be free from sin, dirt, and filth; means to be without blemish; to be without fault and defilement.
    Read: Ph 2:15, Col 1:21-22
  5. Foreordained –  To know beforehand. It does not mean that God chooses some persons for salvation and everyone else for eternal punishment.  Scripture teaches the exact opposite.
    Read: Jn 3:16, Ro 10:13, 1 Tim 2:3-4 
  6. Predestination — means to destine or appoint before, to foreordain, to predetermine, to mark off or to set off.  Read: Jn 6:37, Jn 6:39 
  7. Adoption – To place as a son. Adoption is by Jesus Christ.  God accepts us because we believe and trust His Son. Gods purpose of adoption is that we might live forever
    Read: Ro 8:28
  8. Glory – beauty, power, or honor; a quality of God’s character that emphasizes His greatness and authority. God’s moral beauty and perfection of character. This divine quality is beyond human understanding (Ps. 113:4). All people “fall short” of it (Rom. 3:23) Magnificence of God, Light of Gods Character
  9. Redemption — To buy back.  Deliverance or setting a man free by paying ransom. God redeems man because of the riches of His grace.  He loves man with an unbelievable love – a love that spurs Him to save man no matter what. God redeems man once and for all, purchases and removes him from further sale.  Redeemed eternally
    Read: Gal 3:13, 4:5, Col 4:5
    Redeemed through the Blood of Jesus Christ; Mt 20;28, Ro 3:24;7:23: Heb 9:15 
  10. Forgiveness — means to send off, to send away, to release, to let go.
     
  11.  Sin — means transgression, trespass, a falling by the way, deviating form the way.
    Read: Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18 
  12. Wisdom — means seeing and knowing the truth. It is seeing and knowing what to do. Wisdom is found in Jesus Christ and promised to those who search after Him.
    Read: 1 Cor 1:30, 2:10-16, Eph 1:8, James 1:5 
  13. Prudence – good judgment, and common sense. Means seeing how to use and do the truth. It is seeing the direction to take. Understanding, insight.
    Read: Eph 1:17-18, Col 1:9, 2 Tim 2:7, 1 John 5:20
  14. Inheritance – means heritage.  God takes the believer and makes him is own heritage and possession.  The believer is made the inheritance of God. The believer receives his inheritance by hearing the word of God and believing and trusting in Jesus Christ.
    Read: Dt. 9:29, Dt 32:9, Is 43:1, Mal 3:17, 1 Peter 2:9 
  15. Sealed: You are sealed with the Holy Spirit for a lifetime once you become a true believer. 
  16. Earnest means pledge, guarantee, a down payment. The Holy Spirit is given to the believer to give the believer perfect assurance of his salvation.

 

Open It

  1. How often do you compliment others?
  2. How do you usually respond when someone compliments you?
  3. *What blessings have you received recently?

Explore It

  1. How was Paul made an apostle? (1:1)
  2. To whom was the letter addressed? (1:1)
  3. What greetings did Paul extend to the believers at Ephesus? (1:2)
  4. *How has God blessed believers? (1:3)
  5. When did God’s work of election take place? (1:4)
  6. What is the purpose of God’s election? (1:4)
  7. What did God determine beforehand for those who believe in Christ? (1:5)
  8. What is the goal of God’s election? (1:6)
  9. What is redemption? (1:7)
  10. *What does the work of Christ do for the believer? (1:7)
  11. What has God given the believer? (1:8-10)
  12. When will everything be brought together? (1:10)
  13. How did God’s plan include people of different cultures? (1:11-12)
  14. *What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those called to receive spiritual blessings in Christ? (1:13-14)

Get It

  1. What are spiritual blessings?
  2. *In everyday language, how would you describe the spiritual blessings given to you?
  3. How do you picture the persons of the Trinity at work in your life?
  4. How should knowing that you were chosen to be in the family of God affect your involvement in evangelism?
  5. What has Christ done on our behalf?
  6. How have you benefited from the grace of God?
  7. *For what work of God on your behalf are you most thankful? Why?
  8. Why did God do this amazing work for us?

Apply It

  1. *How can you say thank you to God this week for what He has done for you?
  2. What do you need to do differently to live for the praise of God’s glory this week?

 

Ephesians 1:1-14 (NKJV)
1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5  having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6  to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
7  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8  which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9  having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10  that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.
11  In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12  that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

Spiritual Blessing In Christ

Life Through The Son

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Life Through the Son – John 5:16-30
Presented Online by Michael Webb
July 11, 2020

 Open It

  1. What different groups of people have suffered persecution throughout history?
  2. *What are some of the positive aspects of your relationship with your parents?

Explore It

  1. Why did the Jews persecute Jesus? (5:16)
  2. Whose work did Jesus do? (5:17)
  3. Why did certain Jews want to kill Jesus? (5:18)
  4. *What did Jesus say that the Son could do? (5:19)
  5. What did Jesus tell the Jews that He would show them? (5:20)
  6. What did Jesus say He was able to do? (5:21)
  7. To whom did God entrust all judgment? (5:22)
  8. *Why did God entrust judgment to Christ? (5:23)
  9. How did Jesus say a person can gain eternal life? (5:24)
  10. What time did Jesus say had already come? (5:25)
  11. *What did Jesus say the Father has in Himself that He has granted to the Son? (5:26)
  12. What time did Jesus say was coming? (5:28-29)
  13. Whom did Jesus say He desires to please? (5:30)

Get It

  1. In what way does the world persecute Christians today?
  2. How have you been persecuted as a believer?
  3. When have you experienced pressure not to practice or share your faith in Christ?
  4. Why does the world persecute Christians?
  5. *How can we honor the Son and the Father with our lives?
  6. How can we know for sure that we have eternal life?
  7. *Why should we feel secure in our relationship with God?
  8. How should we prepare ourselves for Jesus’ judgment?
  9. In what way are we like Jesus with respect to our relationship with God the Father?
  10. In what way is Jesus an example for us to follow?

Apply It

  1. *What steps can you take this week to enjoy more fully your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
  2. What can you do today to bring honor to God?
  3. How will you allow Jesus’ example in this passage of Scripture to influence your life this week?

 

John 5:16-30 (NKJV)
16  For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.
17  But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
18  Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.
19  Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
20  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
21  For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
22  For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,
23  that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
24  “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
25  Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.
26  For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,
27  and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.
28  Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice
29  and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
30  I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

 

Life Through The Son

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus – John 3:1-21
Presented Online by Michael Webb
July 4, 2020

 Open It

  1. When have you felt like you wanted to start life all over again?
  2. Why do people like to get new things (such as clothes, cars, or gadgets)?
  3. What is the best gift you have ever received?

Explore It

  1. To what group did Nicodemus belong? (3:1)
  2. At what time did Nicodemus visit Jesus? (3:2)
  3. Why did Nicodemus believe Jesus was from God? (3:2)
  4. What is the qualification for seeing the kingdom of God? (3:3)
  5. What did Nicodemus think Jesus meant when He said that a person must be born again? (3:4)
  6. *What is required to enter the kingdom of God? (3:5-6)
  7. How did Jesus compare the wind to the Spirit? (3:8)
  8. Why should Nicodemus have understood what Jesus said? (3:10)
  9. About what category of things did Jesus say He was talking? (3:12)
  10. Who did Jesus say had gone to heaven? (3:13)
  11. How did Jesus compare Moses’ snake with the Son of Man? (3:14)
  12. What is the result of believing in the Son of Man? (3:15, 18)
  13. How did God demonstrate His love for the world? (3:16)
  14. Why did God send His Son into the world? (3:17)
  15. How does the person who lives by truth respond to the light? (3:19-21)

Get It

  1. When would you say you were born again?
  2. How would you describe what it means to be born again to someone?
  3. What were some of the circumstances that led you to Jesus?
  4. What were some of the things that caused you to believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
  5. Why are spiritual truths often hard to understand?
  6. What are a few spiritual truths that you struggle to understand?
  7. How does God’s gift of His Son affect our lives?
  8. How can a person live by the light?

Apply It

  1. How will you change your daily routine to better appreciate and enjoy God’s gift of His Son?
  2. For what specific spiritual truths will you seek answers this week?

 

Scripture for today’s Lesson:

John 3:1-21 (KJV)
1   There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9  Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10  Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13  And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Jesus Changes Water to Wine

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Jesus Changes Water to Wine – John 2:1-11
Presented Online by Michael Webb
June 27, 2020

 

 Open It

  1. Why are people interested in miraculous or supernatural events?
  2. *What makes an event miraculous or supernatural?
  3. What supernatural or miraculous events have you witnessed?

Explore It

  1. Where did the wedding take place? (2:1)
  2. Who was at the wedding? (2:1-2)
  3. What did Jesus’ mother say to Him? (2:3)
  4. *What was Jesus’ response to His mother? (2:4)
  5. How did Jesus’ mother respond to His reply? (2:5)
  6. What were the water jars used for? (2:6)
  7. What did Jesus tell the servants to do? (2:7)
  8. To whom did the servants take the water? (2:8)
  9. What happened to the water? (2:9)
  10. *What was the banquet master’s response? (2:10)
  11. *Why did Jesus perform this miracle? (2:11)
  12. How did Jesus’ disciples respond to this miracle? (2:11)

Get It

  1. How have you had faith in Jesus’ power this week?
  2. *What is something you would like Jesus to change in your life?
  3. *What recent miracle has Jesus done in your life?
  4. How does Jesus reveal His glory to us today?
  5. In what ways has Jesus transformed you into a new person?
  6. How has Jesus given you a new life?
  7. What things has Jesus done that have caused you to have faith in Him?

Apply It

  1. *What is one specific habit or characteristic you will ask God to change in your life this week?
  2. How will you enjoy today the new life Jesus has given you?

 

Scripture for the Lesson:

John 2:1-11 (KJV)
1  And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2  And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6  And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9   When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11  This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

 

Jesus Changes Water to Wine

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
June 20, 2020
Scripture: John 1:43-51
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. How do people feel when they find something that’s been missing for a for long time?
  2. What famous people would you like to meet? Why?
  3. *About what things are people today skeptical?

Explore It

  1. How did Jesus and Philip meet? (1:43)
  2. What did Jesus say to Philip? (1:43)
  3. *How did Philip respond to Jesus’ invitation? (1:44-46)
  4. What did Philip do after he followed Jesus? (1:45)
  5. What did Philip tell Nathanael about Jesus? (1:45)
  6. *Why was Nathanael skeptical that Philip had found the Messiah? (1:46)
  7. How did Nathanael respond to the fact that Jesus was from Nazareth? (1:46)
  8. What did Jesus say when he saw Nathanael? (1:47)
  9. What was Nathanael’s response to Jesus’ greeting? (1:48)
  10. Why was Nathanael surprised? (1:48)
  11. Why did Nathanael call Jesus the Son of God and the King of Israel? (1:48-49)
  12. What were the greater things to which Jesus referred? (1:50)
  13. What did Jesus tell Nathanael he would see? (1:51)
  14. Who is the Son of Man? (1:51)

Get It

  1. What about Christ stirs skepticism today?
  2. *What stereotypes about Christ prevent people from trusting Him today?
  3. What convinced you that Jesus was the Son of God?
  4. *What makes Jesus qualified to rule our lives?
  5. How is Jesus the King of your life?
  6. What do you have in common with Jesus?
  7. How can Jesus’ identity as the Son of God inspire your confidence in Him?

 

 

Apply It

  1. How will you show your trust in the God who knows all about you this week?
  2. *How would you share your faith with a skeptical person this week?
  3. In what way will you recognize Jesus as the ruler of your life today?

 

 

Scripture for today’s Lesson:

John 1:43-51 (NKJV)
43  The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”
44  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45  Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote–Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46  And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
47  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48  Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49  Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
50  Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
51  And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

 

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
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