Bible Minute

357magnum · #41 26th February 2010, 12:03 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 25, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

What's Best for Us

Years ago Ivory soap was one of America's favorite soaps. What made it so popular? It could float. But this attribute was not intentional--at least to start with. It was due to a mistake in its original production. In 1878, Harley Procter and James Gamble decided to create a new white soap that would rival the castile soaps made by their competitors. Their soap was a success, but in 1879 a worker accidentally allowed the soap solution to be over mixed. The new version of the soap was an immediate success because it bobbed to the surface of the water. That's the way it is in our lives. God turns even those things we consider evil into something good.

What Does God Say?

"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 'Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.' So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, 'Before your father died he commanded, saying, "Thus you shall say to Joseph: 'I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.'" Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

"Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, 'Behold, we are your servants.'

"Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.' And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:15-21, NKJV).

*— Joseph recognized that his brothers meant him evil, so why didn't he punish them?
*— How did Joseph demonstrate that he truly forgave his brothers?
*— Joseph saw that God brought good out of evil not only for him, but for whom?

My Thoughts

Keep in mind that Joseph's transformation from slave/prisoner to second-in-command in Egypt didn't happen overnight. When he was sold into slavery, he was a teenager. When he was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, Joseph was a mature man. But during all this time, Joseph never wavered in his commitment to the Lord.

Some people become angry and even bitter at God because a tragedy occurs for no seemingly good reason. What advice would you give them based on the life of Joseph?

My Part

Maybe you or someone you care about has been unjustly treated. Write out this event in as much detail as you can. Bring this story to the Lord (maybe you would like to actually spread the page(s) out before the Lord as Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:14). Ask the Lord to 1) bring about justice in His own time, 2) bring good out of this for you and others, 3) give you patience and a positive attitude while you wait for Him to work. Then take the papers and destroy them putting the whole situation into God's hands.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #42 28th February 2010, 01:02 AM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Feb 26, 2010
Topic: God's Care, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust

When God Writes Your Story

Are you someone who peeks at the last pages of a novel, just to make sure the story turns out all right? Then you probably find it frustrating when God doesn't give you a sneak preview of how your own story goes. It's true, when we read the accounts of people in the Bible, we have the benefit of knowing how their stories end. But imagine what it must have been like for someone like Joseph who had no clue about the outcome of his own story. What do you do when you're in the midst of adversity and have no idea how it's all going to turn out? The Bible tells us.

What Does God Say?

Joseph started out just fine as his father's favorite son, with a gift for dreams (Genesis 37:3-11). But not everyone appreciated him. In fact, his brothers hated him enough to try to kill him, but sold him into slavery instead (Genesis 37:12-36).

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph ended up working for a powerful man, and that seemed fine until the boss's wife made false accusations which landed him in prison (Genesis 39). While still a prisoner, Joseph earned a privileged position, one where he was able to interpret some dreams for a couple of people who might provide him a way out. But he was forgotten and left alone again (Genesis 40). That's the first half of Joseph's story--setbacks, injustices, a few glimmers of hope and then...nothing.

Nothing except that "the LORD was with Joseph" (Genesis 39:2, 21, 23), and we see over and over that Joseph held onto his faith in God. Even a meteoric rise to power as second in command over all Egypt (Genesis 41) didn't change his faith in God.

Then Joseph faced an even greater test: His brothers, the very men who started the trouble, showed up again when he had the power to take revenge (Genesis 42-44). In fact, when the brothers figured out who they were dealing with, that's what they feared the most.

But Joseph, without reading the end of the book, expressed his own faith in God's perfect plan. In Genesis 45:4-8, we read, "And he said, 'I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God'" (ESV).

Even later, after their father Jacob died, the old fears resurfaced and Joseph once again told his brothers, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:19-20, ESV).

My Thoughts

God can bring good out of evil. Joseph's entire life demonstrates that fact. What made the biggest difference for Joseph was that he trusted God to carry out His perfect plan...even if it was personally unpleasant or uncomfortable for him. Read through Genesis 37, 39-45, and 50 on your own with these questions in mind?

* What are some of the things Joseph says about God?
* How do you see his view of God influencing his actions?
* What are some times when he demonstrated confident faith?
* You see Joseph's brothers operating without much faith in God. How did that work for them? What characterized their actions?
* How would you describe your faith in God to write your story?

My Part

Remember, Joseph didn't know how his story would end, but he was willing to trust God to do what was best, even when life was at its worst. Rejection, attempted murder, slavery, injustice, prison--Joseph held onto his faith through all that because he believed God was good, God was greater--and God knows the end of the story.

So, where are you at now? What answers are you anxiously waiting for? Are you willing to let God work it all out for good? You've read Joseph's life statement in Genesis 50:20, but what would your life statement be? Take a few moments to think it through and write it down. Keep it in your Bible or make it part of your prayer time as you commit your life to God.

357magnum · #43 1st March 2010, 01:19 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 1, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation

Hiding from the Light

Cockroaches are creatures of the night. Turn on a light and they hurriedly scatter to find refuge in some other dark place. The same is true for those caught in the darkness of sin. They fear the light because it will reveal their deeds for what they truly are--at best empty; at worst evil.

When we come to Christ, however, we are no longer part of that darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). As creatures of the light, we should live differently than those who are still in darkness. Let's take a closer look at those differences according to God's Word.

What Does God Say?

Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

'Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.'"

* What were we before we received Christ according to verse 8?
* If we walk in the light, what kind of fruit will we produce?
* What are we to do with the works of darkness?

My Thoughts

Walking in the light brings responsibility. We can see; the rest of the world can't. Those who walk in darkness can't see to make choices, but we who walk in the light can tell the difference between what's pleasing to the Lord and what is of the world. That means we have the responsibility to refuse to participate in "the unfruitful works of darkness."

God's Word clearly tells us what kind of choices we should make as children of the light. Colossians 3:8-9 says, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices." (ESV)

My Part

Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him.

357magnum · #44 3rd March 2010, 07:27 PM

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 2, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Fellowship with God's People

On a hot summer day when you've been outside working, there's nothing like a tall glass of cold water to quench your thirst. It does something for your body that a soft drink could never do. And even though a glass of water may seem plain by comparison, when that liquid touches your lips, you know it's exactly what you need.

Fellowship with other believers works in a very similar fashion. You get something out of your relationships with fellow Christians that you just don't get from other relationships. Let's look at what John had to say about that in his letter.

What Does God Say?

In the first chapter of 1 John, the apostle makes this statement, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another" (1:7, ESV). "Walking in the light" means living like Jesus lived. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are saying that we commit ourselves to living the kind of life that brings honor to Him.

The relationship we begin with Jesus also brings us into a relationship with others who have put their faith in Him. John says this is a sign of our salvation (see 1 John 1:7).

That doesn't mean that we're wrong for having relationships with people who aren't born again. If we don't constantly seek the company of believers, it doesn't mean that we're not saved. But if you've ever spent long periods of time among non-believers and then felt the refreshment and invigoration that comes from fellowship with other followers of Christ, you know how true John's statement is.

My Thoughts

As you read 1 John 1:5-7, think about the following questions:

* Why is a relationship with God necessary for a relationship with other believers?
* What might prompt a person to claim fellowship with God yet still be walking in darkness?
* Do you have solid relationships with other Christians? How does that help you as you walk with Christ?

My Part

One thing we need to understand is that our salvation is never based on what we feel. If today you don't particularly crave the company of other Christians, that doesn't mean you're not saved. Remember, salvation is based on who God is, not on what you do or feel. If you have given your life to Christ and accepted His redemptive sacrifice on your behalf, then nothing will ever change the fact that you are indeed saved. And secondly, if you're not involved in your local church, why not call today and find out what opportunities are available?

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #45 3rd March 2010, 07:28 PM

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 3, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation, Forgiveness/Unforgiveness

Bothered By Sin

Do you like the feeling of discomfort you get when you know you've done something wrong? Neither do I. But the Bible tells us that to be bothered by sin, while very uncomfortable, is often an indication of spiritual health--even of our salvation.

What Does God Say?

* First, let's get a handle on what the Bible teaches about those who are not bothered by sin.

"And yet you say,
'I have done nothing wrong.
Surely God isn't angry with me!'
But now I will punish you severely
because you claim you have not sinned" (Jeremiah 2:35, NLT).

"And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil" (John 3:19, NLT).

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth" (1 John 1:8, NLT).

1. In the Jeremiah passage what did God find so objectionable about the people's attitude toward sin?
2. Why do people love darkness more than light(see John 3:19)?
3. Who are we deceiving if we say we have no sin?

* Second, notice what the Bible says about the source of conviction.

"And when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment" (John 16:8, NLT)

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:10, NASB).

1. Who will convict the world of sin?
2. Who are we making a "liar" if we say we haven't sinned?

* Third, notice what the Bible assures us is possible when we honestly acknowledge our sin and deal with it through Jesus.

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17, NLT).

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19, NLT).

"Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?'"

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:37-38, NLT).

* Why did God send His Son into the world?
* How can you have your sins wiped away according to John 3:17?
* What will you receive when you turn to God?

My Thoughts

* How do you respond when you are bothered by sin?
* What is the right response to sin according to the scriptures we just read?
* Are you bothered by one sin in particular? What is it?
* What besides that important step of confessing that sin and receiving forgiveness for it, can you do so you will bothered less and less by that specific sin?

My Part

What's bothering you right now? Is there any sense of conviction of sin? Then it's a good time to talk to the Lord. Give Him your guilt, receive His mercy and forgiveness, and ask for His help in living His way.

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, NLT).

You can count on that! Guilt and shame will be replaced with gratitude and peace.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #46 4th March 2010, 11:04 AM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 4, 2010
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Obedience Is Proof

So, how do you know you're saved? How can you--or anyone else--tell that you belong to Christ? That you know Him? Well, it's a big question, but the answer couldn't be simpler.

What Does God Say?

It's right there in 1 John 2:3: "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments" (ESV). If you know God, if you've trusted His Son Jesus to be your Savior and you're a new creation in Christ, the evidence is in your obedience. You obey--or keep--His commands.

John goes on to say, "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:4-6, ESV).

Knowing God means obeying God. Loving God means obeying His commands. Abiding in the Lord means walking as He walked. When you love and respect someone, you want to do what pleases him or her. In John 14:15 and 21, Jesus says, "'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.... Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him'" (ESV).

Salvation through Christ makes your relationship with the Father possible; obeying His commands makes it visible.

My Thoughts

So, you belong to Christ and you obey His commands. What are these commands? Start with John 15:10-17.

* What is the foundational command?
* How is that put into action?
* What else should result from obedience?
* What benefits might you find in obedience?

The Word of God is packed with commands or instructions that will reveal our relationship with God when we obey them. Here are just a few; jot down any commands you find:
Romans 12:9-21
Hebrews 13:1-18
Ephesians 5:1-21

My Part

Are you going to keep His every command perfectly? No. When you fail to keep those commands, does that cancel your salvation? No. Your salvation is safe and secure because it's the work of Christ, and it doesn't depend on you.

Keeping the commands of Christ is evidence--outward confirmation that your life has changed. And even when you slip up or don't get it right, God in His grace gives you an opportunity to try again. First John 1:7 tells us "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" and in verse 9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). He cleans us up, sets us back on our feet and renews our desire to obey Him.

So, how are you doing? Can those around you tell that you belong to Jesus because you obey His commands? Do they see that you love like Jesus does? Are there a few commands you struggle with? In what areas have you seen improvement? Obedience is just the evidence or proof. And you not only have God's Word to show you the way but the Holy Spirit to guide and give you power to obey.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #47 5th March 2010, 12:51 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 5, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational

Nothing but Ashes

As someone said, "It's not what we possess that counts, but what possesses us." When we come to love the world and the things of the world, it comes to possess us. And then we're in trouble.

The apostle John warns us about this in his letter, 1 John. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

* What two things are we not to love?
* What three things are from the world?
* What will eventually happen to the world and everything it desires?

My Thoughts

When John says to not "love the world," he is not talking about people; he is talking about the philosophy or value system of the world. What does the world value? It values sensuality; it values power; it values possessions. But none of these last. The richest, most beautiful, most powerful people in the world sooner or later pass on. Even the world itself is not permanent; Peter reminds us: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10-11, NASB). All the world values will be gone. Those who love the world and the things of the world will be left with nothing but ashes.

My Part

Jim Elliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." What are you putting ahead of God today that will be gone tomorrow? What could you replace it with that will be eternal?

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #48 8th March 2010, 12:57 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 8, 2010
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times

Looking for His Return

A soldier returning from Iraq appeared at his child's school. When he walked into the classroom, all the children looked up in wonder, but one child's mouth gaped open and his eyes grew wide in surprise. He scrambled from his chair and ran, launching himself into the arms of his parent. Have you seen that video on television or YouTube?

Think about how you'll feel when you, as a child of God, see your Lord return.

What Does God Say?

"And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT).

"We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:13, NASB).

1. What can you expect on the day Christ returns?
2. What makes you personally look forward to that day?
3. What does Titus 2:13 mean by "the glory of our great God and Savior"?
4. What are some reasons you might not be anticipating that day?

Read the following verse from 1 John:

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2, NKJV).

Dr. Kroll, Teacher for Back to the Bible radio and TV, comments on the verse:

"If you are saved and you want to be like the Lord, you're looking forward to this day that He describes in verse 2--that we'll be like Him. If that's of interest to you, it's probably proof that you are born again, that you're in the family of God."

The apostle Paul adds one other characteristic of those who truly are the children of God.

"For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which comes from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News"(Colossians 1:4-5, NLT).

My Thoughts

Are you born again? Have you experienced the transforming work of Christ in your life? All those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord have new life, eternal life, life given to them by the Spirit of God. Now, they are the children of God and love the Lord, His Word, His people and His appearing.

Their heart cry is this:

"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, NKJV).

My Part

The early Christians had a unique greeting. When meeting Christian brothers or sisters, they would say, "He is coming again." And the response would be "Maybe today."

Imagine the day the Lord returns. What does it look like in your mind's eye? Now, draw the picture that's in your head.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #49 10th March 2010, 03:01 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 9, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation

God's Cure for Habitual Sin

The post office in a small town received a letter that was addressed to "Any Sinner." It was undeliverable because every person in the town qualified! The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It also tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8 ).

If you have trusted Christ, you have been saved from your sin by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross (see 1 John 1:7).

Does that mean, then, that you will never have a problem with sin again in your life? No. Like the bumper sticker says: "Christians are not perfect; just forgiven." Every believer is tempted, and may sin against God. If that happens, we're to confess our sin and receive God's gracious forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9). But there is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to practice sin. Let's see what the Bible has to say about "practicing sin."

What Does God Say?

1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) says "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who Â does not love his brother."

* What prevents a Christian from making a practice of sin (v.9)?
* What two groups of "children" do you see in this passage (v. 10)?
* What two characteristics prove that people are "not of God"(v. 10)?

My Thoughts

The word, "abide," is seldom used in ordinary conversation these days, so when you hear it or read it in the Bible, you may wonder about its meaning. The dictionary says that to "abide" means "to remain in a place, to continue to be sure or firm, or to dwell."

Jesus talked to His disciples about "abiding" in John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

1 John 3:6 (ESV) says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." Now let's put the dictionary definition into the verse to clarify what "abiding in him" means. It would read like this: "No one who continues to be sure and firm in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."

How can you be sure and firm in Christ? Read 1 John 3:24 and answer the questions.

* Who abides in Christ? (Look at John 15:12 for one of Christ's commandments.)
* Who confirms that Christ dwells in the believer?

This verse, joined with 1 John 3:9, tells us that the Holy Spirit plants the seed of God's truth in a believer's heart, so that the transformed believer cannot continue to practice a life of sin, even though he or she can never be totally free from sin in this life.

My Part

Read through the Book of 1 John (it isn't very long) and jot down the reference for each verse where you find a form of the word "abide." Go back over your references and consider how each one affects you.

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17. It clarifies what God has done to enable a Christian to abide in Christ and not practice sin.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING

357magnum · #50 10th March 2010, 03:03 PM

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 10, 2010
Topic: Love, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation

Love One Another

"Love one another." You'll see that phrase over and over again in the New Testament. Why? Because it's the new commandment, the law of Christ: love one another. It's visible proof that you've received the gift of salvation and belong to Christ.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:14 tells us, "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead" (NLT). You can know for sure that you've passed from death to life (salvation through Christ) because of the love you have for others in the same condition (saved through Christ).

Because this is true, it's also a command. Look at 1 John 4:7: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (ESV). In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples--and us--that "a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (ESV).

Love for others is proof of your salvation. When you obey the command to love, when you follow Jesus' example of love, others will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong to Him. So, how do you do it--how do you love like Jesus loved?

My Thoughts

Read through these passages with the following questions in mind.

John 15:12-16

* What is Jesus' example of love like?
* What will the result of loving one another be?

Romans 12:9-10; 13:8-10

* What attitudes go with "love one another"?
* What actions does this love take?
* What does this love not do?

Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22

* What attitudes mark our love for one another?
* What actions does this love take?
* How have you shown this love? What else can you do?

My Part

When we talk about love, we often turn to 1 Corinthians 13. It shows us real love, the kind God pours into our hearts when we belong to Him (see Romans 5:2-5). But sometimes we don't understand the actions that should characterize our love.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (ESV).

List each thing that love is or does, and jot down ways you show love. For example:

* How do you demonstrate patience?
* What situations can you think of today that require your kindness?
* What does your relationship with a friend or spouse look like when you "believe all things" or "bear all things"?

This is love in action, not emotion or an impossible goal. This is "love one another" lived out today in you.

Good News! -- The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD! -- God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things! -- "GOD'S GRACE" and "OUR WORKS" -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1623 to 1863 ) -- Thanksgiving Proclamations ( 1961 to 2001 ) -- JESUS CHRIST - VERY GOD - LORD - SAVIOUR - MESSIAH - KING