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11th July 2012, 04:50 PM
|  | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
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| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
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Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | |  God or Jesus?
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 11, 2012
Topic: Jesus, God
God or Jesus?
Is it possible to believe in God and yet not be certain about Jesus? Not according to the Bible.
Receive
The Bible makes this seemingly outlandish claim:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation" (Colossians 1:15, NLT).
And then Scripture goes even further:
"My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him" (Matthew 11:27, NLT).
And to tie it all up, God's Word also says:
Jesus answered, "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who my Father is. If you knew me, then you would know my Father, too" (John 8:19, NLT).
Is it possible for someone to know the God of the Bible and not know Jesus? The Bible says that the more you know Jesus, the more you know God?
Reflect
Which is more important on an airplane, the right wing or the left wing? If you're going to fly, you must have both wings.
List the truths the Scriptures above teach about the connection between God and Jesus.
Respond
The God of the Bible is known only through His Son, Jesus. The only way to a relationship with God is through Jesus.
"'Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me'" (John 14:6 KJV).
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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12th July 2012, 08:20 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Knowing God
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 12, 2012
Topic: Christian Living/Situational
Knowing God
How do you go about getting to know someone better? You spend time with them. You learn what they like and what they don't like. You talk with them. But what about God? Can we get to know God the same way we get to know other people? Can we actually personally know God? Let's dig deeper into His Word to see what it has to say about knowing God.
Receive
"And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, 'I know God,' but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:3-6, NLT).
"The Father and I are One" (John 10:30, NLT).
"Where is your father?" they asked. Jesus answered, "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father" (John 8:19-20, NLT).
In light of these verses, ask yourself the following questions:
Is it possible to know God and not know Jesus?
What does the Bible say about someone who claims to know God but doesn't follow the commandments?
How do we show God that we love Him?
Reflect
Some people think that since we can't see God, we can't really know Him. How, again, do you get to know someone? It's by spending time with them, right? You don't get to know someone because you can see them; it's spending time with them that helps you get to know them. To get to know God, you must spend time with Him in prayer and through reading His Word. Ask yourself these questions:
Do I really know God personally (have I asked Jesus to be my Savior), or do I just know about Him? If you need help with this, go to the "Meet Jesus" page on our website.
Am I spending quality time with Him each day?
Respond
Like any relationship, the one you have with God demands your time and effort. Spend time with God every single day. Get to really know Him by reading the Bible and spending quality time in prayer.
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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13th July 2012, 04:48 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
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Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | The Sacrifice Like No Other
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 13, 2012
Topic: Salvation
The Sacrifice Like No Other
Maybe you've wondered why the Old Testament has so much to say about sacrifices and offerings. The first murder in the Bible came about when Abel's offering was accepted by God and Cain's wasn't. In the Book of Leviticus, you find chapter after chapter full of detailed instructions to the priest of Israel about how to properly approach God through animal sacrifices and other offerings. According to Numbers 28 and 29, there were at least 1,273 official offerings each year, making nearly two million sacrifices in the years from Moses to Christ, not to mention millions and millions more private offerings. But every one of them was insufficient in itself to accomplish the lasting forgiveness of sin!
Next, turn to the New Testament. We find there a breath of fresh air! Carefully read what God says in the following verses from the Book of Hebrews.
Receive
"And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:11-14, ESV).
On the cross, Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God, paid the price for your salvation with His own blood, then "sat down at the right hand of God," because the saving work He came to accomplish was eternally completed by that single sacrifice.
Reflect
Have you thought about what Christ's sacrifice on the cross means to the believer? In the following verses, you will find several gifts that He obtained for you through His death. Look up these Scriptures and write down all the benefits you find.
Romans 6:5-6
Galatians 2:19-20
Galatians 3:13
Colossians 2:13-14
Hebrews 2:14-15
Respond
Go back through each of the items you recorded in the section above. Think over what each one means to you personally. As you go through the list, thank God in prayer for the riches He has given you because of the sacrificial death of Christ.
If you haven't made these riches your own, you can right now by believing Christ and asking Him in prayer to forgive your sins and save you. He is ready and waiting!
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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17th July 2012, 01:34 AM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Gift of the Spirit
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 16, 2012
Topic: Salvation
Gift of the Spirit
When you're in school and looking for a job, there's really only one thing you're concerned about--what the job pays. Once you're out of school and looking for a career, though, the size of the paycheck isn't all that matters. You have to begin looking at the benefits a company offers such as the kind of insurance coverage you get, the retirement plan and how many sick/vacation days a year are being offered.
Because you will be spending a significant part of your life in your career, the benefits package is very important. The Christian life also comes with a benefits package. We all know the big benefits--salvation from our sins and an eternity in heaven; but that's not all.
Receive
In his letter to the Romans Paul lists several benefits that come with faith in Christ. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, ESV).
We've been justified and can now have peace with God. Through our faith, we've been "set right" with God. Before, we were under His judgment; now we are under His mercy and can experience the peace of knowing that our God and Savior is in control.
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2, ESV).
Because we are now under God's mercy, we have access to His grace--the giving nature of God. Read through your Bible, and find all the promises God makes--you'll have a hard time counting them. Now, that we've been made right with God through our faith, we stand ready to receive those promised gifts.
"God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5, ESV).
And then we come to the greatest gift given to believers this side of heaven--the Holy Spirit. The person of God Himself dwelling inside each of us. The Holy Spirit is God's assurance that He will come again. He is your seal of salvation and the proof of your faith.
We'll look at this more in the next section.
Reflect
As you read Romans 5:1-5 do the following activities and answer the questions:
Write out some of the benefits you enjoy every day because you believe in Jesus. (They might be included in the preceding verses or they could be other benefits you recognize.)
How does the Holy Spirit make it possible for us to experience hope and peace?
What's your current motivation for serving?
How is it that we can even rejoice in sufferings?
Respond
One thing that distresses many young Christians is that they don't feel saved. But think of it this way: There are a lot of things that are true about you even if you don't necessarily feel it. Your brain is working now; your heart is beating; your lungs and other organs are working like they should and the majority of the time you're not consciously aware of it. And just because you're not explicitly aware of the Spirit's presence in your life a hundred percent of the time, that doesn't mean He's not there. But over time and with the Spirit's guidance, you'll find yourself becoming more and more like Christ.
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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18th July 2012, 08:08 AM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Better Life
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 17, 2012
Topic: Bible Study/Theories
Better Life
There are a lot of things I need to renew regularly: my driver's license, my magazine subscriptions, my medical prescriptions and my home owner's insurance (to name just a few). But when it comes to my salvation, that's permanent.
Receive
It wasn't always like this though. The author of Hebrews tells us about a time when men and women had to seek atonement from their sins regularly. It was when the Jewish people lived under the Old Covenant, the Law of Moses.
"For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near" (Hebrews 10:1, ESV).
On a certain day, the high priest of Israel would make a sacrifice and the sins of the people would be covered. But one year later, he would make another sacrifice and the year after that and the year after that....The sacrifice of goats and bulls was never enough to permanently remove the stain of sin--only to temporarily cover it. As a result "in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin every year" (Hebrews 10:3, ESV).
It's one thing to live with the constant responsibility of renewing your licenses, prescriptions and insurance but imagine having to constantly renew your salvation. What a depressing life! But cheer up, we can have a better life.
"But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God....For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:12,14, ESV).
What the blood of bulls and goats couldn't accomplish, the blood of Jesus did. After Christ had removed our sins with His blood, we read that, "he sat down." His work was done. There is no more need for sacrifices; no renewals are necessary.
When we ask Jesus to cover our sins with His blood, He does it. They are gone forever. As a result, we can have a better life knowing that no matter how bad we mess up, our salvation is secure.
Reflect
As you read Hebrews 10:1-3 and 10-14, think about the following question:
Have you ever felt like you had lost your salvation? What does Hebrews 10:12,14 say about this issue?
Respond
Find a good Bible dictionary or a reputable Bible website such as searchgodsword.org or studylight.org and look up the following words: Atonement; Sanctification; Forgiveness. What do each of those words mean? How do they relate to the life of the believer?
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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18th July 2012, 01:00 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Jesus the High Priest
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 18, 2012
Topic: Jesus
Jesus the High Priest
Ever had to go to the boss's office for an evaluation? That can be an event filled with anxiety. But how much more anxiety will there be when you stand before God for an evaluation of your life? The Bible says that Jesus, as your High Priest, can help. Here's what the Bible teaches.
Receive
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe" (Hebrews 4:13-14, NLT).
In the Old Testament, the Jewish people had a high priest whose job it was to make things right with God for the sinning Israelites. Because we also have sin in our lives, we need help in dealing with the consequences of it. In Jesus, God has provided a way to deal with all the sin in our lives. God did it out of love.
"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10, NLT).
Reflect
Isn't it a wonderful thing that because Jesus died on the cross, He can make us right with God?!! Do you ever feel anxious about being in God's presence? Does it make a difference to know that God loves you and accepts you because of our High Priest, Jesus?
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22, NLT).
Respond
Jesus understands things that perhaps the high priests of the Old Testament didn't understand about our sins. But, better than that, because He is God, He can do something about them. Why not take a few minutes now and thank God for His love and mercy, and thank Him that Jesus is our High Priest who takes away our sin and makes us right with God.
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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20th July 2012, 12:56 AM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | The Understanding High Priest
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 19, 2012
Topic: Jesus
The Understanding High Priest
The office of high priest was the highest office of spiritual leadership in Israel. The man who held this office was responsible to bring the people's needs and sins before God, to seek forgiveness and aid, and also to represent God to the people. But even the best priest was a needy sinful man, like those he represented. That made him an imperfect high priest. However, God made provision for that: through Jesus, our perfect High Priest. He is the One who understands our weakness and offers hope.
Receive
Jesus is the High Priest who sympathizes with our needs. He understands what it is to be a frail human being, to wrestle with temptation and suffering. Hebrews 4:15 tells us "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (ESV).
And God had a reason for this according to Hebrews 2:17-18: "Therefore he [Jesus] had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (ESV).
Because He experienced suffering and temptation as a human, Jesus understands and sympathizes with our pain and suffering. However, He wasn't limited by sinfulness or imperfections like we are, which made Him the perfect High Priest, one overflowing in mercy to the sinner. Hebrews 9:26 also tells us that Jesus was not only our priest but our sacrifice, the one who set us free from sin. "He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (ESV).
Reflect
How does Jesus know what you're going through? He was tempted too. Read Matthew 4:1-11 (or Luke 4:1-13) and see what He faced. Now, the situations may look different but the underlying issue is there. Check these and jot down parallels in your life.
Temptation to seek a quick fix for physical needs (Matthew 4:3):
Temptation to test God (Matthew 4:6):
Temptation to worship someone or something other than God to gain power and significance (Matthew 4:9):
Each temptation was Satan's way of giving Jesus a shortcut around God's plan. But Jesus instead held onto the Word of God and submitted to doing God's will God's way. This is especially true in what was probably His last temptation just before He was betrayed (Luke 22:39-46).
What kind of temptations do you wrestle with the most?
How has God's Word helped you overcome these temptations?
What effect has temptation had on your walk with God?
Respond
So, what does your battle with temptation have to do with Jesus as your High Priest? Remember, He knows; He sympathizes; and He understands. Look at Hebrews 4:14-15, " Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (ESV).
Now add verse 16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (ESV). Jesus not only understands, He offers you the mercy you need and the grace to help in time of need. When you struggle, go to your perfect High Priest for real help.
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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20th July 2012, 06:58 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Faithful Jesus
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 20, 2012
Topic: Jesus
Faithful Jesus
God called Moses to serve as a leader and priest to His people. He was to speak to them on God's behalf and intercede for them before God. Moses was passionately faithful in his task--even willingly offering himself in place of the people when God wanted to punish them. Sure, he made a few mistakes but God recognized him as one of His most faithful servants. Jesus does the same things Moses did: speaking to people on God's behalf, interceding for them before God--but His faithfulness far outstripped Moses'.
Receive
Hebrews 3:1-6 shows us how Jesus' faithfulness was superior. "Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses--as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope" (ESV). Moses was a faithful servant, carrying out God's commands. But Jesus was a faithful Son, fulfilling God's plan.
In what other way was Jesus faithful? He was faithful as the high priest, making the sacrifice for our sins, according to the will of God. "'You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings' (these are offered according to the law), then he added, 'Behold, I have come to do your will.' He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:8-10, ESV).
Through Jesus' faithfulness to God the Father and doing His will, you and I have salvation and more. He was the faithful priest who not only offered the required sacrifice but was Himself that sacrifice.
Reflect
Moses was not officially a high priest (his brother Aaron was) but he did much of the same work. Read Hebrews 5:1-10. Describe what a priest was to do before God and on behalf of the people.
How did Moses do these things?
How did Jesus fulfill the same responsibilities?
What examples do you find of Jesus' faithfulness?
What do you see Jesus doing on your behalf as your High Priest?
Respond
So, what does this have to do with us now? Well, knowing Jesus was faithful in all He did here on earth gives us confidence that He will continue to be faithful to God and to us today and forever. Read Hebrews 10:1-18 and see what Jesus has already done for us. Then read Hebrews 10:19-25.
How are we to respond to Jesus now?
What example do we follow in how we approach God?
How does this influence our actions or fellowship with other Christians?
What will you do today to be faithful like Jesus is?
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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23rd July 2012, 10:13 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | God's Anger
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 23, 2012
Topic: God's Love
God's Anger
What makes you angry? Maybe it's when someone says something unkind to you. Perhaps it's when another driver pulls out in front of you and almost causes an accident. Or maybe it's at work when you don't feel you're being treated fairly.
Did you know that God also gets angry? But God's anger is not like human anger. Let's look at what the Bible tells us about why God gets angry and what we can do about it.
Receive
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming (Colossians 3:5-6, NIV).
What are the "these" that God is angry at?
What does Paul tell Christians to do about "these"
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2, NIV).
How has Jesus dealt with the issue of sin?
How does this affect you and me?
"That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:30-32, NIV).
What might happen when Christians willfully sin?
Instead of anger, however, what is God's motive for doing this?
Reflect
What would you think of parents who didn't get angry if someone was threatening to harm their child? You'd probably wonder if those parents truly loved their boy or girl. In a similar way, because God loves you and me, it's understandable that He would get angry when He sees the damage that sin does to us.
But unlike a child who is threatened by an outside source, sin is wrapped up in the person of the sinner. God's wrath can't be directed toward sin without also being directed toward the person in whom the sin dwells. Romans 1:18 says, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (NIV).
Those who accept Christ as their Savior, however, avoid that wrath. Romans 5:9 assures us, "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" (NIV).
Those who reject Christ ultimately will experience the full brunt of God's anger at sin. Romans 2:5 says, "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed" (NIV).
Which situation do you want to see in your life?
Respond
If you've not accepted Christ as your Savior, take time now to ask God to forgive your sins. Turn from them and put your trust in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross. Then thank God for His forgiveness and for His love and ask Him to help you live in a way that pleases Him.
If you already personally know Christ, then give thanks that through Him you have escaped God's wrath toward sin.
Additional Scripture: Romans 8:33-39; Mark 3:5
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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24th July 2012, 07:17 PM
| | AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace
64
| | Join Date: 21st March 2003 Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 12,453
Blessings: 9,037,195 My Mood
Reps: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (power: 9,223,372,036,854,800) | | Jesus Above Angels
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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll
Distributed Freely by Back To The Bible
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Daily Bible Study
Date: Jul 24, 2012
Topic: Jesus
Jesus Above Angels
Angels are popular today. Nearly every major newspaper and magazine over the last few years has run a story about angels. And, of course, many stores offer angel statues, angel jewelry, angel pictures, etc. In fact, a few years back a survey discovered that there are more than 140 stores in the United States that specialize solely in angel paraphernalia.
While angels are certainly a reality, do they deserve all the attention they're receiving these days? Let's look at what the Bible says.
Receive
"For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16 ESV).
"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen" (Romans 1:24-25 ESV).
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 ESV).
Who created the angels?
What happens when people focus on that which was created rather than the Creator?
What is the true purpose of angels in their relationship with humans?
Reflect
Today's fascination with angels borders on worship. Do you find yourself more attracted to angels than Jesus? Memorize Hebrews 1:4. The next time you're tempted to buy another "angel item," remind yourself who is better--angels or Jesus.
Respond
Take a look around your home and garden. You may also want to consider the jewelry you wear. Is there any indication that angels may be holding a more prominent place in your life than Jesus? Consider removing items that might distract you or others from the Person who should be the primary focus of your attention and adoration.
__________________ Love In Christ,
Tom
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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