Directional Bible Ministries: Recent Episodes
Dwayne Spearman
We wrap up our study in Ephesians today by taking a closer look at verses 11-24 where Paul speaks about the armor of God and sends his final greetings.
In our study today from Ephesians 6:1-10 we see Paul still addressing the issue of submission, but now focuses on the relationships between children and parents, fathers and children, servants and masters, and masters and God.
Our study today comes from Ephesians 5:28-33 where we conclude Paul's discussion about the relationship between Christ and his body by way of comparison with the marital relationship.
In our study today from Ephesians 5:26-27 we address the issue of who is speaking, the difference between interpretation and application, and that these verses are not talking about water baptism or that the church is the Bride of Christ.
In our study today from Ephesians 5:22-25 we take a look at that controversial concept of submission, what it really means, why it is needed, and how God made us to fulfill different roles.
In our study today from Ephesians 5:14-21 we see Paul encouraging believers to wake up, walk carefully, and realize that the time is short and the days are evil.
In Ephesians 5:5-13 Paul continues to address how followers of Christ should walk, the vices and sins that they should stay away from, and how to respond to those who are not doing so.
Our study today is taken from Ephesians 4:31-5:4 where Paul continues to speak of practical matters for the believer regarding how not to grieve the Holy Spirit in our relationships with others and ourselves.
In our study today we find Paul continuing with practical application for the Body of Christ. This includes how we are to put off the old man that walked in his former lusts, put on the new man that walks in the Spirit, and the results that should follow.
Our study today is from Ephesians 4:12-21 where we see the Apostle Paul talking about the reason for the temporary ministry gifts were to bring unity into the Body of Christ until the revelation of the mystery was completed and how that it should bring not only unification, but also maturity to the Body.
Today we find ourselves in Ephesians 4:11 where Paul is talking about the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
In our study today from Ephesians 4:8-10, we take a closer look at a passage that is oftentimes misunderstood. We are reminded that context is key to the true interpretation of any passage of Scripture.
In our study today from Ephesians 3:20-4:7 we see Paul giving a doxology at the end of chapter 2, inviting us to walk deserving of our calling, describing how and why, and assuring us that God has given us everything we need to do it.
In our study today from Ephesians 3:14-19, Paul offers a prayer for strength in the inner man, that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith, that they might be rooted and grounded in love, understanding, and the love of Christ.
In our study today from Ephesians 3:9-13, we see Paul stating that his purpose in life was to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery to the extent that even the principalities and powers in heavenly places would know, the phrase faith of him, and his desire that they should not not feel sorry for him, but realize that everything that he was going through was actually for them.
In our study today in Ephesians 3:6-8, Paul continues his explanation that believing Gentiles and Jews are now in the same body and partakers of the same promise, and he expresses his gratitude that God still chose to use him who was formerly a blasphemer to preach it.
Today we take a closer look at Ephesians 3:3-5 where Paul discusses the mystery that was only revealed to him as he had mentioned "afore in a few words", various views on that statement regarding dispensational theology, and briefly conclude with who the "holy apostles and prophets" are with whom he says that he revealed it to.
In our study today from Ephesians 3:1-2 we see Paul explaining that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ because of the message that he taught regarding Jew and Gentile now being one in the Body of Christ because of the dispensation of grace that had been given to him. We also take a closer look at dispensationalism, define it, and compare it to covenantalism.
In our study today from Ephesians 2:16-22, we take a look at how by removing the enmity between Jew and Gentile, God has made one new man. Therefore the Jew and Gentile are now fellow citizens in the household of God. We also take a look at who the prophets and apostles are that he refers to.
In our study today from Ephesians 2:10-15, we find Paul describing how the Body of Christ is God's workmanship that was created in Christ and it was made possible when the law ordinances was removed making both Jew and Gentile one.
Today we find ourselves in Ephesians 2:6-9 where the Apostle Paul declares that we have been raised with Christ to sit in heavenly places, so that one day he will show the exceeding riches of his grace toward us, and reminds us that our salvation was purely by grace and not anything that we could have done to deserve it.
In our study through Ephesians today, we break into chapter two where Paul reminds us that even through we used to walk according to this world in our trespasses and sins, and obeyed the desires of our flesh, now we have been made alive in Christ because of his great love toward us.
In our study today we take a closer look at Paul's prayer, break it down, and discuss what it means to us, Christ's place of honor, heavenly places, principalities and powers, and the world's future subjection to him.
In our study today we take another look at verse 10 regarding the fulfillment of times, and Paul's specific prayer for the Ephesian believers.
Today we explain what Paul meant when he was speaking about those who had trusted after that they had heard the word of truth which was the gospel of their salvation, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and the earnest of our inheritance which will be realized one day.
In our study today, we take a look at the dispensation of the fullness of times when God gathers all things together in him and the inheritance that we have been predestined to that we might be the praise of his glory.
In our study today we find Paul telling the Ephesian believers that they have been redeemed through the blood of Christ because of the richness of God's grace and that his ministry since his salvation was to make all men see the revelation of the mystery that was revealed to him.
Today we take a look at Paul's introduction to the letter and some of the spiritual blessings that believers have in Christ.
Today I introduce the book and explain why I feel the need to study through the book again and when and where Paul wrote the letter.
Today in our study we find the Apostle Paul addressing the issue of the husband and wife relationship and the natural order that God has established. Of course, this order is largely rejected in the West, and is, I believe, one of the major reasons that our homes and nation are falling apart.
In our study today from Ephesians 5:18-21, we find Paul still dealing with the matter of how children of God should be redeeming the time by understanding what the will of the Lord is, not being focused on the temporal, and being filled with the Spirit. We also take just a brief look back at chapter one and some interpretive issues.
In our study today we look at Ephesians 5:8-18 where Paul is still speaking on practical matters such as how the child of God is to no longer have fellowship with those in the darkness, but should instead be living a life that would expose the darkness and bring it to the light.
I really intended on picking up my study in Ephesians 5:8, but instead ended up sharing a little bit of my journey about how I arrived where I am today theologically. I hope that it is an encouragement and a challenge.
In today’s study we see Paul transitioning from doctrinal to practical. His subject is, now that he has explained the mystery and the manifold wisdom of God that was previously hid in Christ, this is how we as believers in Jesus Christ should be walking.
In our study today, Paul is still focusing on the practical for how a child of God should be living as imitators of God and not the lost world around them.
Today we still find ourselves in the book of Ephesians looking at verses 28-32 as new material. In these verses, Paul continues to focus on the practical as to how a believer should be walking in their faith and not as "other Gentiles."
In our study today we continue in the book of Ephesians where Paul begins talking about practical matters regarding how believers should walk in their faith. He does this by looking at how the unbelieving walk and why they do so.
In our study today we continue looking at Paul's words to the Ephesian believers trying to identify exactly who he was addressing, the purpose of the offices or gifts listed in verse 11, and the importance of being grounded in the Word of God.
In our study today, we take a closer look at Ephesians 4:12 where Paul says that the gifts were given to the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. What exactly does that mean?
Today we look at Ephesians 4:11 where Paul lists the gifts or positions that Christ gave to the church.
In our study today we take a look at Ephesians 4:8-10 where Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18 regarding what happened between Christ's crucifixion and ascension.
In today's study, we look at Ephesians 4:4-7 where Paul is encouraging them that they are in this thing together and that God has given each of them everything they need to fulfill the calling that He has given to each of them.
Today we take a look at Ephesians 4:1-3 where we find Paul encouraging the church in how they should walk in their callings.
Since it has been a while since I have done any recording, I have a new laptop, and upgraded software, I decided to just do a bit of a recap with where we are in Ephesians. We will jump into chapter 1, verse 1 next time.
In our study today we see Paul praying that the believers would have boldness by building up the inner man so that they may be rooted and grounded in love in order to comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height to be filled with the fullness of God.
Today we take a closer look at Ephesians 3:17-19 where Paul prescribes how believers could know the love of Christ that passes knowledge.
Today we take a closer look at Ephesians 3:14-16 where Paul begins a prayer for the church that they would be strengthened in the inner man to share the manifold wisdom of God.
In our study today, we take a closer look at Ephesians 3:1-10 where we find Paul explaining how he was a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles, the dispensation of the grace of God which was not known but had now been revealed through him that the Gentiles were now fellow heirs of the same body.
In our study today, we pick up in Ephesians 2:8-22 where we see Paul explaining that both Jew and Gentile are now saved by faith and not works, that the nation is his workmanship for good works, that in time past the Gentiles were without Christ, aliens, and strangers without hope, but now have been brought nigh by the blood of Christ, and the wall of separation has been removed and we are, both Jew and Gentile, the Body of Christ.
In our study today, we introduce chapter 2 where we see Paul comparing how both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles once walked according to the course of this world and the prince of the power of the air, but God has shown mercy by raising them up together in Christ.
Seven Reasons for Right Division Reason #1: The Bible must be rightly divided in order for it to make sense and not contradict.
Knowing what belongs to you is just as important as knowing what does not belong to you. If we are going to grow in our knowledge of the Bible, we must understand that it must be rightly divided for it to make sense and not contradict. The church today fails to do this on so many levels. In today's study we are looking at how to divide truth for the nation from truth for the church.
Knowing what belongs to you is just as important as knowing what does not belong to you. If we are going to grow in our knowledge of the Bible, we must understand that it must be rightly divided for it to make sense and not contradict. The church today fails to do this on so many levels. In today's study we are looking at how to divide truth for the nation from truth for the church.
Today we pick up in chapter 2 and look at verses 1-3 where we see that we who believe have been quickened, no longer dead in our trespasses and sins, and no longer walk after the course of this world, or the prince of the power of the air or the children of disobedience.
In today's study we begin in the latter part of verse 14 to discuss redemption, the purchased possession, Paul's prayer for those who love the saints, the inheritance of the nation, the hope of our calling, God's exceeding greatness and mighty power in raising Christ from the dead sitting him at his right hand above all principality and power, and that Christ is the head of the church which is his body.
In our study today we look at verses 21-23 where we see Paul concluding his prayer for those who love the saints that they would see the greatness of God in raising Christ from the dead where he now sits at his right hand above all principality and power not only in this world but the one to come, all things are under his feet, and that he is the head of the church which is his body.
Today we look at verses 19-21 where we see that Paul's prayer is that the Gentile believers would see the exceeding greatness and his mighty power in raising Christ from the dead, sitting him at his right hand above all principality and power.
Today we look at verses 14-18 where we discuss the purchased possession, the inheritance of the nation, redemption, his prayer for the believing gentiles, and the hope of our calling as compared to their election.
In today's study we take a look at the latter part of verse 14 to discuss redemption, who the purchased possession is, and Paul's prayer for those who love the saints.
In today's study we discuss what exactly is the mystery of his will is, the inheritance that Israel is predestined to receive, the word of truth and how it is shared, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Today we take a look at Ephesians 1:15-17 where we see Paul's thankfulness for the Gentile believers and their love for their fellow Jewish believers, and his promise to keep them in his prayers that they may be filled with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of our Lord.
In today's study we focus on verses 12-14 we we talk specifically about the inheritance of the nation and that they are the purchased possession that Paul is talking about.
In today's study from Ephesians we dig into verses 13-14 by looking at the pronoun changes, the ones who first trusted, the word of truth, the sealing of the holy Spirit of promise, and the inheritance.
In our study today we do a little bit of review clarifying the offer of the kingdom and why it could not have been made available until after the death and resurrection of Christ, and why it is important to rightly divide even the Paulene Epistles.
In today's study we review a bit and then look at verses 10-13 where we see Paul talking about the fullness of times when Christ will bring all things together in him, inheritance and predestination again, that it was the nation who first trusted, and that the word of truth must be spoken to be received.
In today's study we introduce the book by carefully taking a look at when and where it was written, establish who the audience was, discuss the issues of predestination and adoption, and God's wisdom and prudence.
In today's study, we cover verses 5-9 where we see that we need to be careful to not force our modern day definition of a word on Scripture making it say something that it does not. Also, we see that everything that God does is according to his wisdom and prudence.
In today's study we look at verse 4-5 where we see Paul establishing that God has chosen Israel before the foundation of the world and that they are predestined to the adoption according to the good pleasure of his will. These verses are often times misinterpreted when they applied to the Body of Christ.
Today we continue our study through the book of Ephesians by looking at verses 1-3 and establishing who the audience is that Paul is writing to.
In today's study we introduce the book of Ephesians. To do that, we look at when it was written, from where it was written, and by whom it was delivered.
I am currently working on a verse-by-verse study through the book of Ephesians that we will begin shortly. Here are some of my initial thoughts.
Many teach today that upon salvation, we the church (Body of Christ) become part of spiritual Israel. My third point is that for them to do this, they must ignore the teaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery to Paul.
Many teach today that upon salvation, we the church (Body of Christ) become part of spiritual Israel. My second point is that for them to do this, they must reject the significance of God's separation of Israel from the Gentiles.
Many teach today that upon salvation, we the church (Body of Christ) become part of spiritual Israel. My first point is that for them to do this, they must deny the precise fulfillment of prophecy given specifically to Israel.
Many teach today that upon salvation, we the church (Body of Christ) become part of spiritual Israel. Not physical Israel, but a spiritual one. My question today is if the Bible truly teaches that?
We conclude our study today through the book of Galatians by taking a closer look at Paul's concluding remarks and admonitions to the church in Galatia regarding restoration of those who had fallen and their restoration.
In today's study, we see Paul encouraging the Galatian believers to avoid the teaching of the Judaizers who were telling them that they needed to place themselves back under the Law, but to instead walk in the Spirit and the liberty that had been afforded to them by the the gospel of grace. He also encourages them to be quick to restore those who had stumbled in their walks, keeping in mind that it could also happen to them.
In our study today we see Paul encouraging the Galatian believers to stand fast in the liberty that has been given to them by their simple faith in Christ's completed work on the cross. He also warns them to steer clear of those who were telling them that they needed to place themselves back under the works of the law, and that to do so, would forfeit grace.
In our study today Paul continues to make his arguments against the Judaizers who were attempting to lead the Galatian grace believers back into law. He does this by allegorically comparing Hagar and Sarah and Ishmael and Isaac. His conclusion is that they needed to cast out the legalists.
In todays study, Paul continues to plead with the Galatian believers to not be mislead by the Judaizers who were trying to alienate them from him and lead them to the bondage of the law. His desire was that the relationship that they had with him in the beginning be restored, and lets them know that he is not their enemy.
In todays study we see how that we are now the sons of God because God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. Therefore, we are no longer servants, but heirs through Christ. Specifically, Paul is addressing Galatians Gentile believers that made up the Body of Christ; both Jew and Gentile of which we are a part of today.
In today's study, we see that those who are of faith are heirs according to the promise that God gave to Abraham. This is possible because Christ fulfilled the law so that both Jews and Gentiles can now be saved simply by faith.
In today's study, we review verse 19 and work our way through verse 28 where we see Paul continuing to show to the Galatian believers that the law was given to preserve the nation until Christ should come, the law was the nation's schoolmaster, until they could be justified by faith just like Abraham. Now, we are all the children of God by faith and faith alone.
We continue our study by reviewing a bit of 3:15-18 and taking a closer look at verse 19 to discover why the law was given and possibly why the angels were involved.
We continue our study by reviewing 3:10-14 and continue to verse 18 where we see Paul saying that Abraham received the promise through faith and that through Christ the blessings of Abraham has come to the Gentiles.
We continue our study through the book of Galatians today where Paul is declaring that our faith must be in Christ's completed work on the cross and not a mixture of law and grace.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where Paul continues to make the argument that the gospel that he preached must be received with the same faith that Abraham had when God made the covenant with him, i.e., without works.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where Paul is doubling down against the false teaching that was being introduced to them that they must also keep the law in addition to faith to be saved. We also see that Paul is making a case that just as Abraham believed simply by faith without works, so must they.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where Paul is doubling down against the false teaching that was being introduced to them that they must also keep the law in addition to faith to be saved.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul continuing to argue that the believing Jews should not try to move back under the law from which they have been delivered by the gospel of grace, and we also look at the difference between the "faith of Christ" and "faith in Christ."
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul confronting Peter for his blatant hypocrisy which also caused others to stumble and also reminding them that grace believers are justified by faith and not the works of the law.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul continuing to share his unique calling to the Gentiles, being given the right hand of fellowship from the Jerusalem church, his remembrance of their poverty, and his confrontation with Peter for his duplicity in regards to the Law.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul continue to share that the grace believers would never subject themselves to the Law and also continued to affirm that his gospel was for the uncircumcision (Gentile) while Peter's was for the circumcision (Jew).
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul sharing how was encouraged to go up to Jerusalem to speak with the Twelve about the revelation that he had received that the Gentiles were no longer required to come under the Law of Moses to be saved.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul telling how that after he visited Peter in Jerusalem had made his way into Syria and Cilicia where he was unknown by face, but reputation only, and that they marveled that he who had persecuted them in time past was now preaching the faith that he had once destroyed.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see Paul making it clear that the revelation that he had received from the Lord was exclusively given to him as evidenced by the fact that he did not confer with the Twelve, his persecution of the Jewish believers, and how grateful he was that God had separated him to the grace gospel. We also discuss in more detail when exactly Paul did receive the revelation of the mystery.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see that Paul, in his effort to preach the Gospel of Grace, was trying to persuade men so that he might be a servant of Christ, that the gospel that he preached was not after man, neither received by man, but by revelation, and how prior to his conversion he persecuted the church of God.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see that Paul is deeply concerned about those who were preaching another gospel to them in an attempt to place them back into the bondage of the Law. He goes on to warn them that even if an angel from heaven preaches it to them, they should not believe it.
We continue in our study of the book of Galatians today where we see that Christ's crucifixion was for both Jew and Gentile and required for both Kingdom and Grace gospels, and that the Body of Christ must be removed before God will turn his attention again back to the nation of Israel.
We begin a new study today through the book of Galatians where we briefly introduce the book, emphasize the importance of the dispensational view, Paul's unique positions as the apostle to the Gentiles and the churches to whom he wrote.
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we conclude with inerrancy and canonization.
We continue our study today in Romans 11 where we see that Israel has indeed stumbled nationally by rejecting their Messiah. However, God is not through with them forever. Instead, their rejection resulted in salvation being offered to the Gentiles in hopes of provoking them to jealousy that they too might come to salvation. He goes on to warn Gentiles that once they also fall into unbelief, He will once again turn his attention back to the Nation of Israel.
We continue our study today in Romans 11 where we see that Israel has indeed stumbled nationally by rejecting their Messiah. However, God is not through with them forever. Instead, their rejection resulted in salvation being offered to the Gentiles in hopes of provoking them to jealousy that they too might come to salvation. He goes on to warn Gentiles to not be quick to boast in that fact, because if God spared not his own people, what will be do to them.
It has been a while since I looked at these verses, so today's study is a recap of verses 1-15 where we see that Israel had indeed stumbled nationally by rejecting their Messiah. However, God is not through with them. Instead, their rejection resulted in salvation being offered to the Gentiles in hopes of provoking them to jealousy that they too might come to salvation. At issue in this study is, "Who are these Gentiles spoken of?" The Body of Christ? Proselytized Gentiles? Or Gentiledom as a whole?
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we continue looking at proofs of inspiration, e.g., fulfilled prophecy, scientific accuracy, historical accuracy, and transformed lives.
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we start looking at proofs of inspiration, e.g., the Bible itself, its indestructability, transmission, etc.
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we look at Inspiration and the various views of what it is.
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we will look at Special Revelation and start looking at Inspiration.
The Word of God is central to the whole of the Christian faith. I would submit to you that the entirety of our faith rests upon it. To adequately understand the topic, we must take a look at several issues. Today, we will look at General Revelation.
We continue our study today in Romans 11 where we see that Israel has indeed stumbled nationally by rejecting their Messiah. However, God is not through with them forever. Instead, their rejection resulted in salvation being offered to the Gentiles in hopes of provoking them to jealousy that they too might come to salvation.
We continue our study today in Romans 11 where we see that Israel was chosen by grace, those who had accepted the Kingdom message had received what the others were seeking, and that there are Old Testament passages that say the nation's rejection was in God's plan.
Today, we began a new study in Romans 11 where we see that God has not, and never will, forsake the nation of Israel.
In today's study, we continue to look at the prophecy of the coming Messiah, his crucifixion, and the foretold destruction of Jerusalem that would result.
In today's study we find one of the greatest prophecies in all of the Bible that predicts the coming of the Messiah to the very day, the difference between a Julian and a Babylonian calendar, and the Triumphal Entry.
We continue our study today in Daniel, chapter 9, where we see Daniel's prayer being interrupted by the angel, Gabriel, and he is told that 490 years are determined for the nation of Israel.
In today's study, Daniel knows what God has in store for the future of the Gentile nations, now he intercedes on behalf of Israel to find out what God has in store for them.
Today, we get into chapter 9 and discover why the nation had been exiled into captivity and how long that captivity was prophesied to last.
In today's study, we see the interpretation of Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat, and how Antiochus Epiphanes was a type of the coming Antichrist.
Today in our study, we pick up in 7:18 and work our way down through 8:19 where we find the interpretation of Daniel dream in regards to the four beasts, but also we are introduced to his next vision of the ram and the goat.
In today's study, we spend a little bit of time catching up since we last left off, and then continued to look at the beasts, the little horn, the Ancient of Days, and also comparing the visions that Ezekiel and John saw.
Today we conclude our study on the subject of baptism by looking at the ministry of Paul where he explained that he was not sent to baptize as the Twelve were and that the only baptism for us today is spiritual and occurs at the moment of salvation.
In today's study, we take another look at the issue of baptism and look to the second argument that is used today for baptism in the church: Jesus' baptism.
The question that I have been struggling with since I moved away from an Acts 2 view of the birth of the church is, "What about baptism?" Is that for us today? Where are we told in Scripture that we are to be baptized? Is it required for salvation as some say? Or is it just required for obedience? Today, we look at the first argument the church uses for it today.
In today's study, I just offer some concluding thoughts in regard to what I have learned through this study and how it truly affects the lens or filter through which I see the rest of Scripture.
In today's final study of the book of Acts, we find Paul making his defense before the Jews in Rome and being asked to clarify what he thought of this sect that is spoken against everywhere. Paul proceeds to explain that Jesus was the hope of Israel and they listened until he quoted from Isaiah 6 about how the Jewish nation would not see, hear, or understand and that God sent salvation to the Gentiles without them.
In today's final study, we find Paul speaking to the Jews again, but this time about the sect that was followers of Jesus. Paul did this by expounding the Hebrew Scriptures from morning until evening, and he lost many of them when he quoted Isaiah 6 about how it was foretold that they would refuse to see and hear the truth.
In today's study, Paul finally arrives in Rome and is allowed to stay by himself with a guard that was assigned to him. He then goes to the synagogue and begins to explain why he was there and that he was innocent of the charges that the Jews were making against him in regard to denying the law of Moses, circumcision, and the customs.
In today's study, we find Paul leaving the island after having wintered and ministered there for three months, making his way to Rome, and catching up with some brethren just outside the city for seven days. His goal is almost in sight; to take the gospel to the center of the Gentile world.
In today's study, Paul and his companions still find themselves at sea and things are seemingly going from bad to worse. However, an angel of the Lord appears unto him with encouragement that while the ship was going to sink, all on board would be saved if they did not try to flee, and that he would safely arrive in Rome.
In today's study, we find Paul encouraging those on the ship to be of good cheer that God will save them all if they will all stay on the ship. Amazing how the prisoner is now in leadership. No doubt, God had given him favor with his Roman guards.
In today's study, Paul and his friends are passing through a storm on his way to Rome. In these verses, we find details of the voyage and how Paul was used by God to lead the passengers to safety.
In today's study, we find Paul boarding a ship that is bound for Rome so that he can stand before Caesar. After a few days of good sailing, things start to go bad as the ship enters what appears to be a typhoon, and measures are taken to save themselves.
In today's study, we find Paul still before Agrippa giving his testimony for the third time. Of course, his point is to prove that he is not guilty of the accusations that were being leveled against him by the Jews which were initially in regard to him not teaching the Mosaic Law but had transitioned to him being a seditionist in an effort to get him indicted by Roman law.
In today's study, Paul wraps up his testimony before Agrippa who admits that he had almost been persuaded to become a Christian and determines that Paul had done nothing wrong, but he had already appealed his case to Caesar.
In today's study, Paul is still defending himself before Agrippa by saying that he was teaching exactly what Moses and the prophets taught.
In today's study, Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa by pointing out that he has been nothing but faithful to preach the resurrected Lord since his conversion experience on the Damascus Road years before to both Jews and Gentiles, and has never taught contrary to Moses as he was supposedly being accused.
In today's study, we find Paul giving his testimony for the third time before Agrippa. We also find that each time he shares it, there is a new piece of information in regard to the details given.
In today's study, we find that Festus had replaced Felix as governor and was trying to figure out what to do with this man Paul who was being accused by the Jews. Paul is brought before him to give an account of the complaints that had been made against him and decides to try to get him back to Jerusalem to give an account of himself before the Jews again. Paul refuses at this point and appeals to Caesar. Festus then takes Paul to Agrippa to find an accusation that he might write in regards to Paul's appeal.
Today we find Paul standing before King Agrippa giving a defense of himself by sharing a bit of his testimony when he was a faithful Pharisee himself, very zealous of Judaism, and persecuted those who followed Jesus of Nazareth unto death. We also take a little closer look at the word saints.
In today's study, we find Paul before delivered by Festus to stand before Agrippa. Most of the text is merely a recounting of everything that had happened to Paul from his initial arrest in Jerusalem and appearing before Felix and then Festus. Festus clearly realized that he had nothing to charge Paul with and sought Agrippa's help so that he would know what to write to Caesar.
In today's study, we still find Paul before Festus trying to defend himself from the accusation of the Jews, but Festus, being a politician, was playing political games. In the end, Paul realized that his only recourse was to appeal to Caesar.
In today's study, we find Paul standing before Festus once again denying the charges that were being leveled against him by the unbelieving Jews. We also point out only three viable explanations for why Paul was still preaching the Law of Moses.
In today's study, we find Paul before the council in Jerusalem attempting to give a defense of himself in regard to the accusations that were laid against him. However, the council was divided over the issue of the resurrection. Upon hearing that some of the Jews had made a pact to kill Paul, he escorted him to the governor, Felix, before whom Paul would again explain his innocence in regards to all that he was accused of except being a follower of Jesus who had resurrected from the dead.
In today's study, we find Paul standing before Felix defending himself from the allegations that were being leveled against him by the Jews. In so doing, he points out that while he was not guilty of being pestilent and seditious, he was guilty of being a follower of Jesus and does believe in the resurrection from the dead.
In today's study, we find that a plot was revealed to kill Paul, he is immediately moved and place into the care of Felix the governor where he is also formally accused by Ananias and the elders.
In our study today, we discover yet another plot to kill Paul by the unbelieving Jews. The conspiracy was apparently leaked and Paul's nephew was able to bring it to the attention of the Roman captain.
In today's study, we find Paul before the council in Jerusalem attempting to give a defense of himself. He quickly realized that they were already determined to condemn him. So, perceiving that the council was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, he sets about to divide them over the issue of the resurrection and succeeds.
In today's study, find Paul arriving in Jerusalem where he gives an update on what God is doing among the Gentiles. He was also informed that some of the believing Jews were concerned that he was not teaching obedience to the Mosaic Law to the other Jews. A plan was put in place to show them that was not the case, but it ended with his arrest after Jews from Asia came and stirred up the people.
In today's study, we find Paul giving a brief testimony of his experience on the Damascus road and how God told him to get out of Jerusalem and to go to the Gentiles. At this point, the Jews turned on him and the Romans had to get involved to save his life.
In today's study, Paul has been saved from being torn apart by the Jews by a Roman soldier who had confused him with an Egyptian who had made trouble earlier and disappeared. After Paul clarified it was a case of mistaken identity, he requests permission to give a defense of himself from the accusations that were being made against him by the Jews.
In our study today, we find Paul reporting to James and the elders in Jerusalem what God was continuing to do among the Gentiles and attempting to demonstrate that he was not teaching that the Jews were to forsake the Mosaic Law as he had been accused.
In today's text, we find Paul finally arriving in Jerusalem where he meets with James and some of the elders there to give an update about what God is doing among the Gentiles through his gospel. They also inform Paul that God is still working mightily among the Jews as well in their acceptance of the Kingdom Gospel, but that he is going to have to clarify to some of them that he is not teaching the Jews to forsake the law of Moses.
In today's study, we find Paul addressing the Ephesian elders in his final farewell, warning them of the wolves that would come in after his departing, acknowledging that he would never see them again and that he was prepared for whatever awaited him in Jerusalem upon his arrival.
In today's study, we find Paul leaving Ephesus and boarding a ship on his way to Jerusalem. We also find that he is being warned repeatedly about what awaited him upon his arrival there, and yet, Paul believes that is exactly where the Lord wanted him to go.
In today's study, we still find Paul saying goodbye to the Ephesian elders warning them of what was to come after his parting and how he behaved himself among them as an example that they should live by.
In today's study, Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the wolves that would rise up from among them and spare not the flock, and how they were to watch and remember what he had taught them during his time in Ephesus.
In today's study, we find Paul still in Ephesus ministering to both Jews and Gentiles, taking a closer look at the word church and its uses, a riot, the Feasts of Israel, a sleeping Eutychus, his address to the Ephesian elders which included words of endearment and warning, and Paul's determination to make it to Jerusalem by Pentecost.
In today's study, we find Paul in Ephesus addressing the Ephesian elders saying goodbye, declaring that he is free from the blood of all men there in that he has been faithful to share what the Lord told him to with them.
In today's study, we find Paul leaving Troas, pressed to make Jerusalem by Pentecost, passing through Miletus, and calls for a meeting with the elders in Ephesus to recount all that has happened to him while ministering to them.
In today's study, we find Paul leaving Ephesus and headed for Macedonia and Greece, stirring up unbelieving Jews, we discuss the seven feasts of Israel and meet Eutychus who is known for only one thing in the Bible; falling asleep.
In today's study, we find Paul in the middle of another uproar in Ephesus that was being spearheaded by those who made images of and worshipped the goddess Diana. We also take a closer look at the word church in the text and discuss how we need to be careful in regard to the word's context.
In today's study, we find Paul back in Ephesus where he meets twelve men who had only knew of the baptism of John, the sons of Sceva attempting to cast out a demon, and creating another riot because the business and religious people there felt that his teaching was going to harm their livelihood there in Ephesus where they worshipped the goddess Diana.
In today's study, we find Paul still in Ephesus dealing with demonic possession, people turning away from sorcery as a result of his teaching, and the artisans of Diana provoking a riot because they rightly believed that Paul's teaching was going to destroy their livelihood.
In today's study, we see that God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul, discuss the sign gifts, Paul's ability to heal long term, the Kingdom, covenants, and was introduced to the sons of Sceva.
In today's study, we find Paul still in Ephesus where he continued for two years teaching the word of the Lord to both Jews and Greeks.
In today's study, we find Paul back in Ephesus where he meets twelve men who apparently had not heard that Jesus was the Christ even though they had been baptized by John the Baptist and were looking for the Messiah.
In today's study, we find Paul receiving encouragement from the Lord, his continued ministry in Corinth, his vow, his decision to return to Antioch, ministry in Ephesus, the end of his second missionary journey, the beginning of the third. and are introduced to Apollos.
In today's study, we find Paul ministering in Corinth where he accuses the Epicureans and Stoics of being too superstitious in their worship. He then begins to identify The Unknown God that they have been ignorantly worshiping and encourages them to repent of their idolatry and to turn to the one true and living God.
In today's study, we discuss what kind of vow it was that Paul possibly took which would also explain why he was so pressed to get to Jerusalem, the conclusion of his second missionary journey, and we are introduced to Apollos.
Today we see Paul being accused by the Jews of teaching contrary to their Law, the deputy wanting nothing to do with it because it was not a case of a violation of Roman law, resulting in Sosthenes being beaten before the judgment seat.
In today's study, we see Paul receiving a word of encouragement from none other than the Lord Himself. There is no doubt that Paul needed it after all that he had been through at the hands of the Jews. As a result, he ended up staying in Corinth for a year and a half teaching the word of God among the people.
Are we living under the New Covenant? We will answer this over the next few sessions together.
In today's study, we find Paul reasoning and persuading in Corinth, we discuss why we worship on Sunday today, and that even though the Jews, for the most part, rejected Paul's message, many received it, and the church at Corinth was established.
In today's study, we find Paul still reasoning with the Athenians, discussed how the resurrection is necessary for both the Kingdom and the Grace gospels, and Paul's introduction to Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth.
In our study today, we see Paul still addressing the philosophers of Athens by explaining to them who this Unknown God is who they have been worshipping and what they need to be doing about it now that they know.
In today's study, we find Paul in Athens speaking with the Epicureans and Stoicks about The Unknown God that they worshiped in ignorance.
In today's study, we Paul leading the Philippian Jailer to faith, being forced to use his Roman citizenship card again, and his ministry in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.
In today's study, we find Paul waiting in Athens for Silas and Timothy. However, as he saw the idolatry of the city, his spirit is stirred and he begins to dispute with them.
In today's study, we see Paul and Silas fleeing from Thessalonica to Berea because the unbelieving Jews were continuing to stir up the people against them and their message, and we also find that the Bereans were more open to receiving the message because they were more willing to compare Scripture with Scripture to see if what was being said was true.
In our study today we find Paul and Silas reasoning in the synagogue in Thessalonica where some did believe both Jew and Gentile, but the unbelieving Jews being moved to envy began to stir up the city against them and accused them of insurrection.
In today's study, we see Paul and Silas being cared for by the Philippian jailer and his conversion. the magistrates realizing their error in condemning a Roman citizen and attempt to dismiss him, and Paul entering into yet another Jewish synagogue trying to convince them that Jesus had to die.
Today in our study, we see that the council in Jerusalem thought it good that Judas and Silas be sent along with Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch to verify everything that had taken place, a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in regards to John Mark, the beginning of the second missionary journey, the circumcision of Timothy, the conversion of Lydia in Philippi, the casting out of a demon, Paul and Barnabas' imprisonment and miraculous deliverance, and salvation of the Philippian jailer.
In today's study, we see Paul dealing with a demon-possessed girl, the first of many sufferings for preaching the gospel, his supernatural deliverance, and the salvation of a Philippian jailer.
Today in our study we see that the Holy Spirit directed Paul and his companions into Macedonia, the conversion of Lydia, and the issue of Paul's revelations.
In today's study, we see Paul and Silas visiting Derbe where they caught up with Timothy who would join the journey after he had been circumcised.
Today we see Judas returning to Jerusalem and Silas choosing to remain behind and work with Paul, a departing of ways with Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, and the danger of reading things into Scripture.
We are continuing to work our way through the book of Acts verse-verse. Today we see the conclusion of the council that the Gentiles did not have to be circumcised or come under the Law in any way. However, it was determined that there were certain "necessary" things that they deemed should not be done by the new Gentile believers lest they should cause a rift with their Jewish brothers.
Today in our study we see that the council decided it would be best that two from their number, Judas and Silas, be sent with Paul and Barnabas to confirm everything that had been decided in regards to the Law and the new believing Gentiles, things that they considered to be necessary so that they did not knowingly cause their Jewish brethren to stumble, and the rejoicing that occurred over the decision.
Today we see James and the church at Jerusalem agreeing with Paul that the Gentiles should not be forced to come under the Law by circumcision, but did decide that it would be best if they avoided some things that would cause their Jewish brethren to stumble. To this end, a letter is issued.
Today we see James taking over the conversation and pointing back to the prophet, Amos, to show that it has always been God's plan to reach the Gentiles.
Today we see that Peter has wrapped up his final words in the book of Acts in regards to salvation coming to the house of Cornelius under his teaching, and now James takes over the conversation by further elaborating and will eventually delve into the Old Testament to show what God is doing among the Gentiles.
We are continuing our study through the book of Acts by looking at the necessity of general and special revelation, how worldviews affect how we interpret our surroundings, Paul's understanding of his weaknesses, church leadership, and why it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and settle the issue of the necessity of the Law for salvation.
Today we find Paul in Jerusalem sharing what God had been doing among the Gentiles through the Gospel of Grace and Peter's acknowledgment that if God was indeed saving them them, who were they to stand in their way by placing the yoke of the Law on them.
Today we discuss the precedent for missionaries being sent out by local assemblies and Paul's journey to Jerusalem to share what God was doing among the Gentiles.
Today in our study we discuss why Paul refers to the Kingdom and church leadership in regards to elders.
In today's study we take a look at what might have happened after Paul had been stoned in Lystra by comparing his testimony in 2 Corinthians and discuss what kind of infirmity he might have had based upon other verses.
Today we are going to look at the difference between general and special revelation as Paul address the people who are calling him and Barnabas gods.
Today we see from the text that the transition from Peter to Paul, from Jerusalem to Antioch, and from the Kingdom Gospel to the Grace Gospel is continuing to take place even more pronounced as Paul presents the the gospel for the first time, the unbelieving Jews turn on him, and the Gentiles begin to respond.
In today's study we find Paul and Barnabas having to flee for their lives once again to Lystra and Derbe where they healed a crippled man and were immediately hailed as Gods.
Today we pick up our study in chapter 14 where we find Paul and Barnabas in Iconium in the synagogue and the unbelieving Jews were still stirring up the people against them, but they remained faithful in the face of opposition.
Today we see that many of the Gentiles responded to the preaching of Paul while the unbelieving Jews continued to work against him and his message by contradicting and blaspheming him.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 13:38 where we find what appears to be the first presentation of the Gospel of Grace, we discuss the difference between remission and forgiveness, Law and Grace, and how that when Old Testament passages are quoted in the New Testament they must maintain their original meaning.
Today we pick up our study in Acts by seeing that even though the Jewish people read the Old Testament Scriptures every week that foretold of a coming Messiah, they crucified him in ignorance anyway, fulfilled the prophecies and the promises that were made to the fathers.
Today we continue go into Acts 13 with a brief introduction, discussing how Elymas and Sergius Paulus could be types, the doctrine of the Lord, and the coming conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, the churches in Asia Minor, the participants in the Jewish synagogues, the baptism of repentance, and the ignorance on behalf of the nation that led to the crucifixion our Jesus.
Today we continue in Acts 13 by looking at the significance of the departure of John Mark, Asia Minor, the participants in the Jewish Synagogues, and the baptism of repentance.
Today we continue in Acts 13 by reviewing a bit, discussing how Elymas and Sergius Paulus could be types, the doctrine of the Lord, and the coming conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 13:1-12 where we see Barnabas and Saul being sent out on their first missionary journey from the the church in Antioch. We also see that Saul is called Paul for the very first time and we discuss its significance.
Today we will be covering Acts 11:26-12:25 where we see Barnabas being sent to find Saul in Antioch, the death of the first apostle besides Judas, Peter's imprisonment and miraculous release, and the painful death of Herod.
Today we will pick up our study in Acts 12:1-19 where we see the death of James and the arrest of Peter and his deliverance.
Today we will pick up our study in Acts 11:26-12:4 where we see Saul and Barnabas ministering to Gentile believers in Antioch.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 11:25-26 where we see that they were first called Christians in Antioch. We also jump forward to Acts 13:9 where Saul was to be called Paul going forward and discuss the significance of that.
Today in our study we look at Acts 9:36-11:25 where we see Dorcas being raised from the dead, the conversion of Cornelius and its significance, and Peter's report to the church at Jerusalem.
Today we continue our study by looking at Acts 11:1-21 where we find Peter reporting back to the church in Jerusalem what had happened at Cornelius' house.
Today in our study we cover Acts 10:34-11:3 where we see Peter sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom with Cornelius, his response and subsequent baptism. We also discuss why Cornelius can not be called the first Gentile Christian.
Today we continue our study in Acts 10 where we find Peter at Cornelius' house wondering what he was there for.
Today we are picking up our study in Acts 10 where we find Cornelius and Peter receiving visions and the significance of them.
Today we will be looking at Acts 9:15-38 where we see Paul receiving his sight and teaching Christ in Damascus that he is the Son of God, the three year period between Damascus and his visit to Jerusalem, and Peter's subsequent journey to Lydda and the healing of Tabitha.
Today in our study we look at Acts 9:26-32 where we find that the believers, no surprise, feared Saul, and the shift goes back to Peter once again.
Today we look at Acts 9:21-29 where we see Saul preaching Christ by proving that he was the long-awaited Messiah, and we also discuss this three year period between when he left Damascus and finally showed up in Jerusalem in v.26 because many speculate that this is when he received the revelation of the mystery.
Today we take a look at Acts 9:10-20 where we continue with Saul's conversion and the beginnings of his ministry.
Today we take a look at Acts 9:10-20 where we continue with Saul's conversion and the beginnings of his ministry.
Today we look at Acts 9:10-14 where we meet Ananias and discuss the law of first mention.
Today our study is taken from Acts 9:5-9 where we see Saul's conversion and its significance. We also discuss a few misconceptions in regards to Saul's unique calling.
Today we take a look at Acts 8:26-34 where Philip meets the Ethiopian Eunuch who is reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Today we take a look at Acts 8:1-25 where we look at why the apostles decided to stay in Jerusalem while many others were scattered as a result of the prosecution, why they message preached as simply Christ and not the crucifixion, Simon the Sorcerer, the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven, and why the apostles were sent to pray over the Samaritans.
Today we take a look at Acts 8:13-19 where we find Simon and discuss why the Samaritans needed the apostles present to receive the Holy Spirit.
Today we take a look at Acts 8:8-12 where we discuss Simon the Sorcerer and if their is a difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today we cover Acts 53-8:1 as we complete Stephen's message to the nation and are introduced to Saul, the future apostle to the Gentiles.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 7:31-35 where we see Stephen wrapping up his message of accusation against the nation.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 7 and work our way down to v.53 where we see Stephen continuing to show that the nation was rejecting their Messiah.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 7 where we take a closer look at Stephen's address to the nation.
We pick up our study tonight in Daniel 7 where we find Daniel revealing and interpreting his own dream that goes all the way down to Christ’s second coming.
Today we continue our study through the book by looking at Danie 6:10-7:7. In these verses, we find Daniel's miraculous delivery from the lion's den and the interpretation of his own dream.
Today we cover Acts 5:41-7:16. We see that the apostles are still very much involved in life at the Temple, seven are chosen to help with the distribution in Jerusalem, Stephen is arrested and begins his speech before the council.
In our study today, we look at Daniel 5 - 6:9 where we find Daniel interpreting the writing on the wall, the fall of Babylon, and Daniel still being favored in the next administration under Darius and the Medo-Persians.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 5:34-35 and take an even closer look at the difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace. We also take a bit of detour in an attempt to understand when Paul first heard the Gospel of Grace and what that meant for him and us.
In our study today we look at Daniel 4:1-5:6 where we find Daniel once again giving an interpretation of a dream to King Nebuchadnezzar which foretold of the king's humiliation that would take place until he realized who the true God of Heaven was. We also get into chapter 5 to introduce King Belshazzar and the infamous writing on the wall.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 4:32 and work our way down to Acts 5:35. In these verses, we continue to see the distinction between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace. We also see how the Kingdom Church operated in regards to the authority that had been given to the Apostles who still insisted that the nation repents in regards to killing their Messiah.
Today we continue looking at the issue of inspiration by taking a look at the Bible's historical accuracy and the lives that have been transformed by it.
Today we look at Daniel 3 to see just how God delivered the three Hebrew men as they remained faithful to Him in trusting that He was indeed able. We also take a closer look at several types in the Bible that points to God's deliverance of His people.
We pick up session 4 today in our study on the Word of God by looking at further proofs of inspiration that include prophecy and scientific accuracy.
In today's study, we wrap up chapter 2 where Daniel interprets the king's dream, and he and his companions are rewarded. Then we see in chapter 3, that the king's memory of the God of Daniel was relatively short-lived in that he decided to make an image that everyone was to worship on pain of death.
Today we continue our study on how the Word of God came to us by looking at some proofs of inspiration.
Today we pick up in our study in Acts 4 after Peter and John had been arrested and were standing before the Sadducees. Their arrest was the direct result of their insistence that Jesus had risen from the dead. The problem was that the Sadducees did not believe in the possibility of a resurrection.
Today we continue our study on how the Word of God came to us by looking a little closer at the issue of inspiration.
Today we pick up our study in Daniel 2 and cover vv.1-43. This chapter is primarily about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah not only revealing the dream to King Nebuchadnezzar but also giving the interpretation which lays out the future of the Gentile nations and the future Kingdom of God.
Today in celebration of the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, we take a look at Exodus 12 to see how he fulfilled everything for us in regards to the Passover Lamb.
Today we begin a new study looking at the Bible and how it came to us by dealing with the first issue of revelation or how God revealed Himself to us.
During our Palm Sunday study last week I mentioned that I believe that when Jesus came down the mountain that day that he went straight to the temple to restore the Glory to Israel. In this brief study, I take a look into why I said that.
David said in Psalm 18:17-18, "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." So too, no matter what we face today, we do not have to be discouraged, nor give in to doubt or worry. Instead, we can call on God and start declaring His promises in our lives.
Today we pick up in Daniel 1:6 and complete the chapter. We see the commitment level of Daniel and his friends to remain pure and undefiled in spite of the obvious pressure that was being placed upon them by their new culture. We also take a closer look at the issue of peer pressure and call to obedience in all of our lives.
Today we celebrate the day that our Lord entered the eastern gate riding upon a donkey called Palm Sunday. However, do you know that that very day was foretold in the book of Zechariah and Daniel? As a matter of fact, Daniel foretold of the very day that it would happen!
Today we begin a new weekly study through the book of Daniel. We will look at verses 1-5 where we will find that King Nebuchadnezzar had carried away the southern kingdom of Judah and will look to the Scriptures to find out why and for how long.
Today we pick up in Acts 3:21 and complete the chapter and introduce chapter 4. In these passages, Peter points to Jesus as the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy about a Prophet that would come, the Gentiles were still not in focus yet, i.e., the Body of Christ, and that the offer of the Kingdom was still on the table.
Today we continue to look at the necessity of literal interpretation by comparing what could've, should've, would've happened had the nation of Israel collectively turned to their Messiah; as compared to what did happen.
Today we pick up our study in Acts 3:16 and work our way down to verse 21. In these verses, we find Peter explaining that the nation had crucified their Messiah in ignorance and that if they would but repent and be converted, their sins would be erased and the times of refreshing would come.
Today we pick up our study by taking a look at Acts 3:13-16. We see how the nation of Israel stands accused of killing their Messiah even after Pilate was determined to let him go, and instead, they had asked for a murderer in his place.
In today's study, we pick up in Acts 3:1 and work our way down to verse 12. In these verses, we see Peter continuing to use the "keys", the continuing fulfillment of Joel 2, and the purpose of the sign gifts.
In lieu of a live study since I am traveling, we discuss the absolute necessity of learning to view the book of Acts as a transitional book.
Today, we continue looking at the book of Acts by reviewing some fundamentals of interpretation and defining Acts 2 Dispensationalism versus Mid-Acts Dispensationalism. This study was originally posted on Facebook and YouTube.
Today is our first study together before we continue into the Book of Acts. I thought that it would be a good idea to just rehearse the road that I have traveled to this study with you. This study was originally posted on Facebook and YouTube.
Why are our churches empty? In this short devotion, I will offer four reasons why I believe they are.
We continue our study of the essential beliefs of dispensationalism. Today we look at the belief that types do exist but national Israel is not an inferior type that is superseded by the church.
In today's devotion, we address the issue of the inspiration of the Bible and what that means.
In Hebrews 9:15 we are told that Christ is the mediator on the New Testament. What does that mean?
We all have that page in our Bibles between Malachi and Matthew, but are we really living in the New Covenant?
The next essential belief to dispensationalism is that Israel and the church are distinct and cannot be identified as one with the other.
We pick up our study through the book of Acts today in Acts 2 which deals with the day of Pentecost.
Today, I am going to stop just a bit to give a primer on Pentecost, i.e., what it was and what it was not.
In today's study, we take a look at verses 1-5 and discuss the author, what happened during the forty days between the resurrection and the ascension, and the promise of the Father.
Today in our Back to Basics series, we look at Basic #11 which says, "We believe that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person believes and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, trusting Him to save, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit, all his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord."
The purpose of this study is to show that the book of Acts is a transitional book. The Nation of Israel was being set aside for rejecting their Messiah and his offer of a kingdom for a Body of Christ that would be made up of all nations.
Have you ever heard someone say that Dispensationalism is new? My contention is that it is not by showing that even apostles were also dispensational in their thinking as well.
Today, we look at Basic #9 which says, "We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious death on the Cross, was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, ascended back to the right hand of God the Father, and ever lives to make intercession for us."
We pick up on Basic #8 today in our Back to Basics series which says, "God the Father is the personal, transcendent, and sovereign Creator of all things."
Today we look at Basic #7 which is that we believe God is eternally existent in three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Today, we look at basic #6 - We believe in the inspiration and the preservation of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, are the inerrant, inspired, infallible Word of God and that it is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
Today, we cover basic #5 - The worship of God should be fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have been truly worshipping Him.
Today, we continue to take a look at Basic #4 which says that the worship of God should be intelligent.
Today, we continue our series on Back to Basics and look at basics #3 and #4: the worship of God should be inspirational and intelligent.
Today, we begin a new study that takes a look at the essentials of the Christian faith that we must all believe.
Today's thoughts come from Acts 4:1-22 where Peter and John are called before the council to answer a few questions about the healing of the lame man.
In today's study from Matthew 17:3-27, we take a longer look at the Transfiguration, the healing of the demon-possessed young man, and the apostles continued inability to see the impending crucifixion.
In today's study we look at Matthew 16:21-17:2 and see what it really means to follow Christ and the significance of the Transfiguration.
In today's study from Matthew 16:13-20, we take a look at Peter's Confession to determine exactly what was being said and which interpretation is the correct one.
In today's study from Acts 3:18-26, we again talk about who Peter was addressing, Israel's failed national repentance, and discussed what would have happened had they repented.
In today's study from Acts 2:42-3:17, we continue to see the characteristics of the Kingdom Church and mystery that was still to be revealed about the Body of Christ today.
In today's study from Matthew 16:1-12, we take a look at why the Jews still demanded a sign after all that he had already done and the tag-teaming that was going on between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
In today's study from Matthew 15:21-39, we review the healing of the Canaanite women, the issue of faith, and the lesson learned from the feeding of the four thousand.
Some more challenging thoughts on what was happening on the Day of Pentecost. Again, who was Peter addressing in these verses? Was it the church that you and I are in today? What was he wanting Israel to do and why? What if they had repented? What would have happened next?
In today's study from Matthew 15:15-28, our Lord shows us that we all have a heart problem and goes out of his way to heal a Gentile woman to demonstrate his love and reprove Israel.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTZge0AM7o&t=397s
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/directional-ministries/matthew-part-76
On the Resurrection Morning, we take a look at the importance of the resurrection and the false theories that surround it.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y52S-3E7X0&t=9s
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/he-is-risen/1055135341353553/
Today, we wrap up our look at Palm Sunday as it was prophesied in the Old Testament book of Daniel.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/palm-sunday-part-3/1053786034821817/
This week we are taking a closer look at Palm Sunday and see that it was actually prophesied in the Old Testament book of Daniel.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/palm-sunday-part-2/1052861674914253/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ3y5GI7OOM&t=790s
This week we are going to be taking a closer look at Palm Sunday and see that it was actually prophesied in the Old Testament book of Daniel.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/palm-sunday-part-1/1051914415008979/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/YIMFKpTvgDw
In this study, we take a look at five fundamentals for interpreting the Bible correctly so that it makes sense and does not contradict.
Video: https://youtu.be/FAh954fo3UA
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/fundamentals-of-bible-interpretation/1050683348465419/
Just a few more thoughts on what was happening on the Day of Pentecost. Why did Peter say, "this is that" in regards to Joel 2:28-29? Who was Peter addressing?
Today, we take a quick look at the temple and the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:1-3.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/the-temple-and-two-witnesses/1046193232247764/
In today’s study from Matthew 15:1-14, we see our Lord rebuking the religious leaders for their disobedience to the Law in order to keep their own traditions. We also see that we can be guilty of the same.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/matthew-151-14/1042223289311425/
In today's study from Galatians 6:11-26, Paul concludes his letter by encouraging them to take care of each other, stay away from those who would place them back under the Law, and by reminding them that their boast should be in Christ alone.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-611-26/1040375579496196/
In today's study from Galatians 6:2-10, Paul continues to speak about how we are to behave toward one another in the church to the end that we fulfill what he calls "the law of Christ".
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-61-10/1038789419654812/
In today's study from Galatians 5:25-6:1, Paul deals with the issue of willful sin in the church and how we are to deal with it. It is to always be done with "affectionate admonition" with the realization that we too a capable of the same thing.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-525-61/1035742189959535/
In today's study from Galatians 5:16-26, Paul makes it very clear that as children of God we are not to walk in the flesh, but in the Spirit. He even goes on to say that it's impossible for a true child of God to continually walk in the flesh.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-516-26/1031968890336865/
In today's study from Galatians 5:11-16, Paul declares that the cross is offensive to those who reject Christ and that our liberty in Christ does not mean that we can just do anything that we want.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-part-17/1030499657150455/
In today's study from Matthew 14:26-35, we take a look at Peter's faith that got him out of the boat and those who were healed who desired to only touch the Lord's hem.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/matthew-1426-35/1029149777285443/
In today's study from Galatians 5:1-10, Paul continues to exhort his readers to stand strong in the grace that Christ offers and continues to warn them (and us) that to add anything to grace is ultimately placing trust in the Law that could never save.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-part-16/1027601260773628/
In today's study from Matthew 14:13-25, we take a look at the possible prophetical significance of the feeding of the five thousand and our Lord walking on water.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/matthew-1413-25/1019681244898963/
In today's study from Galatians 4:24-5:1, Paul continues to drive home the point that salvation is the result of the completed work of Christ and encourages his readers to stand fast in the liberty that has set us free from the condemnation of the Law.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-424-51/1015964238603997/
In today's study from Galatians 4:17-23, Paul takes a look at two historical sons to prove that there is a big difference between living under Law which brings bondage versus living under Grace which brings freedom.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-417-23/1015300952003659/
In today's study from Galatians 4:7-16, Paul reminds his readers that they are no longer children under the Law, but have been declared joint-heirs with Christ through faith. He then acknowledges that many of them might find his words offensive as many so often do when we bring truth into the conversation.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-47-16/1013909422142812/
Today in Galatians 3:21-4:6, we see that Paul continues to emphasize that we are no longer under the Law, but have been made free through the promise of the coming Messiah, and now both Jew and Gentile, are one in Him.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-321-46/1011752339025187/
In today's study from Galatians 3:15-20, Paul shows us that the purpose of the Law was to merely point out our sin and that it was never meant to provide the solution.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-315-20/1010551642478590/
In today's study from Galatians 3:1-14, Paul continues to hammer home the point that we are saved by faith and not by the works of the Law. To prove this, he points out that Abraham was declared righteous long before the rite of circumcision.
Today, we conclude our study on the three views of the rapture by looking at the Mid-Tribulational and Pre-Tribulational views.
In today's study from Galatians 2:11-21, we see Paul rebuking Peter for his hypocrisy. He goes on to argue that keeping the works of the Law is not the way to salvation, but faith alone in the finished work of Christ.
In today's study from Galatians 2:6-10, Paul warns that his gospel is one of liberty and not bondage that would place men back under the same Law that Christ came to free us from.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-26-10/1006972409503180/
Today, we are going to take a look at what is referred to as the Rapture of the Church. We will look at the fact of the rapture in Scripture and then at the various views as to its timing.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/the-rapture-of-the-church-part-1/1006321536234934/
Today, our lesson comes from Galatians 2:3-5 where Paul talks about his visit to Jerusalem to discuss the issue of keeping the works of the law in order to be saved because some in the early church was teaching that it was necessary.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-23-5/1006077979592623/
Today we continue our study in Galatians 1:18-2:2 by taking a closer look at our Lord's family and Paul's return to Jerusalem.
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-118-22/1004592406407847/
Today we look in Galatians 1:15-17 to see Paul's calling into the ministry and his time of preparation in the desert.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-115-17/1003813173152437/
In today's study from Galatians 1:11-14, we take a look at the conversion of the Apostle Paul and discuss his life before he met the Christ.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-111-14/1002028476664240/
In our study today, we wrap up with a quick review and the Biblical View of creation.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/the-creation-account-part-4/1001842440016177/
In our study today from Galatians 1:8-10, we see that men have a tendency to corrupt grace and the gospel. Therefore, we need to be careful to not do the same. We also see that we are each called to be volunteer servants of Christ.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-18-10/1001775950022826/
In today's study, we continue to look at the various accounts of creation by discussing the Gap Theory and Naturalistic Evolution.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/the-creation-account-part-3/1001448430055578/
In our study today, we take a look at Galatians 1:3-7 to see the true message of the gospel and that there is nothing that anyone of us can do to earn it in and of ourselves.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-13-7/1001332643400490/
Today we take a look at Galatians 1:1-2 and introduce the letter as the Declaration of Emancipation from legalization.
Notes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/notes/building-lives-international/galatians-11-2/1001327620067659/
In today's study, we continue to look at the various creation accounts to include the Pictoral Day, Old and Young Earth Creationism.
In today's study, we are going to look at the creation account as found in Genesis 1 - 2 and discuss the various views starting with the mythological view.
In today's study from Matthew 14:1-12, we take a look at the death of John the Baptist and his relationship to Elijah.
In today's study, we wrap up with a quick review and deal with the issue of canonization.
In today's study, we continue looking at proofs of inspiration as found in history and transformed lives. We also look at the issue of inerrancy and what it means.
In today's study, we look at proofs of inspiration that include the Bible itself, its indestructibility, its transmission, its fulfilled prophecy, and its scientific accuracy.
In today's study, we wrap up chapter 13 by looking at vv.53-58 again to see how we can limit God in our unbelief and the consequences that are sure to follow.
In today's study, we begin to take a look at the Bible in regards to inspiration and preservation.
In today's study from Matthew 13:53-58, we see that we can learn several things about our Lord from his homecoming.
In today's study, we take a look at the final Kingdom parable of the Dragnet in Matthew 13:47-50 and what it means.
In today's study, we take a look at the parables of the treasure and the pearl in Matthew 13:44-46.
In today's study from Matthew 13:31-32, we take a look at the right and wrong interpretations of the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
In today's study from Matthew 13:31-32, we take a look at the right and wrong interpretations of the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
In today's study from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-30, and 36-43, we wrap up the first parable with a look at the last soil and discuss the parable of the Tares and the Wheat.
In today's study from Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-22, we continue to look at the Parable fo the Sower and the four soils.
In today's study from Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23, we begin to take a look at the much misunderstood Kingdom Parables.
In today's study from Matthew 12:43-45, we take another look at these verses to see the application for the church today.
In today's study from Matthew 12:41-45, we see that our Lord declares that the people of the ancient city of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba will rise up against Israel for rejecting him as their long-awaited Messiah.
In today's study from Matthew 12:33-40, our Lord speaks to how we each are going to be held accountable for our words and the sinfulness of looking for signs.
In today's study from Matthew 12:31-32, our Lord warns them of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What did he mean by that? Can we commit it today?
In today's study from Matthew 12:16-30, we see that the religious leaders accuse our Lord of casting out demons by the power of the prince of demons.
In today's study from Matthew 12:9-15, we see our Lord healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath Day and the sad response of the religious leaders who were even more determined to destroy him.
In today's study from Matthew 12:1-8, we see the religious leaders beginning to turn on him and his message, and he begins to demonstrate that he is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law.
In today's study from Matthew 11:20-30, we see a change in the tone of our Lord as the message of the kingdom is being rejected.
In today's study from Matthew 11:12-19, we take a look at the ministry of John the Baptist.
In today's study from Matthew 10:40-11:11, our Lord wraps up his commissioning of the Twelve by telling them their reward for taking the message of the kingdom, the reward of those who received their message, and his response to John the Baptist about him truly being the one that was promised to come.
In today's study from Matthew 10:34-39, our Lord continues to encourage the disciples that they were to take up their crosses because their's would be a message that will cause division and come at a personal cost.
In today's study from Matthew 10:24-33, our Lord commissions his disciplines to take the Gospel of the Kingdom throughout Israel but warns them to be prepared to pay the cost.
In today's study from Matthew 10:11-23, our Lord tells His disciples, a word of caution and encouragement as He sends them out to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.
In today's study from Matthew 10:5-10, we see the calling of the twelve apostles, their mission, method, and ministry.
In today's study from Matthew 9:23-10:4, we see how our Lord responded to ridicule, how he further proved that he was the Great Shepherd, and the calling of the Twelve.
In today's study from Matthew 9:18-38, we look at how our Lord set out to prove that he was indeed the Great Shepherd of the scattered sheep of Israel.
In today's study from Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus explains that Law and Grace is an either/or proposition.
In today's study from Matthew 9:1-13, we see that the Great Physician has come to heal our sick bodies, sick souls, sick hearts, sick natures, sick minds, and sick spirits.
In today's study from Matthew 8:28-34, we take a look at demons and discuss their origins.
In today's study from Matthew 8:1-18, we take a closer look at the healing of a leper, a centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and discuss why our Lord did these healings.
In today's study from Matthew 7:24-29, we conclude our look at the Sermon on the Mount as our Lord speaks of two foundations upon which we can choose to build our lives.
In today's study from Matthew 7:15-23, Jesus warns his disciples about False Prophets and how to know them.
In today's study from Matthew 7:6-14, our Lord addresses false prophets, receiving good gifts, the golden rule, and the strait gate.
In today's study from Matthew 7:1-5, we take a closer look at the issue of how and when we are to judge others.
In today's study from Romans 14:1-15:7, we look at how the Bible says that we should respond to doubtful issues that are not dogmatically addressed in Scripture.
In today's study, we take a look at Matthew 6:24-34 to find that we have only one Master, and that by rememebering that, we can overcome anxiety.
In today's study from Matthew 6:16-23, our Lord discusses some practical spiritual matters in regards to fasting, giving, and looking.
In today’s final study from Matthew 6:9-14, we look at the elements of compassion, dependence, and acknowledgement in regards to prayer.
In today's study, we are still in Matthew 6:9-14, and are looking at the elements of submission and petition in the Lord's Prayer.
In today's study from Matthew 6:9-14, we continue to look at what is called The Lord's Prayer.
Today, we continue to see what the Bible truly says in regards to the issue of divorce and what it doesn't.
In today's study from Matthew 6:1-8, our Lord speaks on the issues of almsgiving and prayer.
In today's study, we look at Matthew 5:33-48 to see that in order for us to be like our Father in Heaven, we must love our enemies.
In today's study from Matthew 5:33-45, we discuss our Lord's instructions in regards to oaths, retribution, and compassion.
Today, we are going to take just a bit of a detour to discuss in detail what the Bible says about divorce.
In today study from Matthew 5:27-32, we take a look at the seventh commandment in regards to what constitutes adultery and why it happens.
In today's study from Matthew 4:5-7, we are going to look at the final temptation of our Lord.
In today's study from Matthew 4:5-7, we take a closer look at the second temptation of our Lord in regards to the pride of life as mentioned in 1 John 2:16.
In today's study from Matthew 4:3-4, we take a closer look at the first temptation to discover that we are all tempted in the same way and need to look to Christ's example to overcome.
In today's study from Matthew 3:13-17, we take a look at the significance of our Lord's baptism.
In today's study from Matthew 2:11-18, we look at who and who was not at the birth of Jesus and how God used dreams and prophecies.
In today's study from Matthew 2:1-10, we take a look at who the wise men were, where they came from, and how they knew where to look.
In today's study, we move into Matthew 1:18-25 and take a closer look at the birth of Christ and its significance.
Today, we again take a look at the genealogy of Jesus and notice some names that are missing and the differences between the one given in Matthew and the other in Luke.
Today, we start to take a look at Matthew 1:2-17 to discover that there are actually gentiles found in the genealogy of Christ and how the new Jewish converts struggled with this.
In today's study, we see that Jesus was uniquely qualified to be the fulfillment of both the Davidic and Abrahamic Covenants.
In today's study, we find out why Jude compared the rebellion of false teachers with that of Korah, Dathan and Abiram in the Old Testament.
In today's study, we conclude our look at the "Error of Balaam" as mentioned in Jude 11.
In today's study we take a closer look at what Jude is referring to in regards to the accusation that false teachers, and those who follow them, have gone the "Way of Cain."
We continue our study today taking a closer look at why God deemed it necessary to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In today's study, we take our first look at why the Lord God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In this study we take a look at the Sons of God who lost their first estate in regards to who they were and what they did.
Today we look at the first example of those in time past who rebelled against God and the judgment that was brought upon them as a result: the Children of Israel.
We continue in this study looking at these ungodly men that had crept into the church that Jude is warning us about.
In today's study, we continue to look at the characteristics of every Christian and look a little closer at what some call the five fundamentals of the faith.
Today, we conclude our look at the Passion Week that began with the Triumphal Entry of Christ through the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Today, we continue to take a look at the Passion Week that began with the Triumphal Entry of Christ through the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Today, we continue to take a look at the Passion Week that began with the Triumphal Entry of Christ through the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Today, we take a detour to study the Passion Week that began with the Triumphal Entry of Christ through the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Today, we take a moment to consider this event called the Rapture and discuss the three dominant views in regards to its timing.
In today's study from Galatians 1:8-10, we see that men have a tendency to corrupt grace and the gospel. Therefore, we need to be careful to not do the same. We also see that we are each called to be volunteer servants of Christ.
Today, we take a look at Galatians 1:1-2 and introduce the letter to the Galatians as the Declaration of Emancipation from legalism.