Grasp the Bible: Recent Episodes
Spring Baptist Church
Grasp the Bible is a podcast of Spring Baptist Church that walks through selected books of the Bible verse by verse to help you understand and apply God’s Word in daily life.
Welcome to episode 225 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the One Who Was Pierced. Today we will cover:
• A question on Faith.
• “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” — Matthew 9:28
Key Takeaways:
• What you believe is what you live — your life reveals your faith.
• Explicit beliefs are what we claim; implicit beliefs are what we actually live.
• Faith is trusting Jesus even when you cannot see the outcome.
• The blind men revealed their belief through their actions, humility, and pursuit of Jesus.
• Faith is not forcing God’s hand — it is trusting His ability.
• What you live reveals whether you walk in self-confidence or God-confidence.
• Jesus asks: “Do YOU believe I am able to do this?”
Quotable:
• “What you believe inspires what you live — and what you live is faith.”
• “Do YOU believe He is able?”
• “Faith is the evidence of things not seen — a willingness to trust, rely on, and cling to Jesus.”
Application:
• Evaluate your implicit beliefs — does your life reveal trust in Jesus?
• Follow Jesus like the blind men — with persistence, humility, and faith.
• Cry out in faith — put words to what you believe.
• Identify Jesus rightly — the Son of David, the Messiah.
• Live out God-confidence, not self-confidence.
• Ask yourself daily: Do I believe He is able?
• Walk in faith that shapes decisions, responses, and obedience.
Connect with us:
Website: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to:
https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 224 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will study spiritual warfare 101.
Key takeaways:
- Most Americans live as practical atheists when it comes to spiritual warfare—we acknowledge spiritual forces intellectually but live as if only physical forces matter.
- Lions don't roar when hunting—they roar to terrify prey into panic. Satan often uses intimidation and fear rather than direct attack.
- Satan seeks total destruction, not just temporary setbacks.
- Persecution is the roar by which he tries to intimidate believers in the hope that they will capitulate at the prospect of suffering.
- The world system promises what it cannot provide—lasting satisfaction, security, and significance.
- Our conquest isn't based on our strength but on Christ's love demonstrated at the cross.
- I'm burdened when believers tell me, 'I'm not good at memorizing Scripture.' Friend, you're not memorizing for a test—you're loading ammunition for a war.
Quotable:
Satan roars to paralyze us with fear, but he conquers through the small compromises we tolerate.
Application:
- We don't fight for victory but from victory. Christ has already won; we enforce His victory.
- Effective spiritual warfare prayer includes:
- Confession of sin to remove footholds
- Praise and worship to enthrone God
- Intercession for others under attack
- Declaration of God's truth over lies
- Identify one area where Satan has been gaining ground—write it down, confess it, and ask God to remind you of your victory over it.
- Pray specifically for other believers under attack. Satan loves isolated Christians. We're stronger together.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 223 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will examine the ministry of presence.
Key takeaways:
- In our fix-it culture, we often underestimate the power of simply being with people.
- Empathy may be inarticulate, because it focuses on entering into the feelings and experience of the sufferer as best we can. But comfort must be articulate and active. Empathy may be silent, but comfort must include speech.
- It's often harder to genuinely celebrate others' successes than to sympathize with their struggles. Envy can make us absent during others' joy, but love makes us present.
Quotable:
Presence doesn't require having all the answers
Application:
- Good counselors know that sometimes the best thing they can do is simply listen. Just the presence of a sympathetic person can provide comfort altogether apart from any spoken words.
- Sometimes the deepest suffering requires the ministry of presence, not the ministry of explanation.
- One purpose of our troubles is to be able to comfort other Christians in their suffering.
- Being present vs. trying to fix: The difference between presence and problem-solving:
- Presence says "I'm with you"; fixing says "I'll change this"
- Presence accepts the reality of pain; fixing tries to eliminate it quickly
- Presence requires patience; fixing seeks immediate results
- Presence honors the person's journey; fixing imposes your timeline
- Sometimes the most loving thing is to resist the urge to make everything better and simply stay close while someone walks through difficulty.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 222 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the One Who Was Pierced. Today we will cover:
A question on Shame. “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
Key Takeaways:
• Shame tells you who you were — Grace reminds you who you are in Christ.
• Shame is not what God desires for us! (Romans 8:1)
• Shame is a self-imposed condemnation.
• Shame Scorns the cross! (Hebrews 12:2)
• Shame happens when we focus on ourselves. Freedom happens when we focus on Jesus.
• You can’t be anchored to grace and swept away by shame at the same time.
Quotable:
• “You can’t be anchored to grace and swept away by shame at the same time.”
• “Shame tells you who you were — Grace reminds you who you are in Christ.”
Application:
• Confess your sin — If you mess up, confess up, get up, and move on! (Psalm 32:5)
• Run to the Father — Tell Him your sin, trust His grace, and walk with Him.
• Pray and Worship — Remember the secret friendship of God (Psalm 32:6–7).
• Submit to Scripture and the Spirit — Correction brings freedom.
• Don’t stay in shame — Walk in freedom, not in sin.
• Walk with Jesus — Freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
Connect with us:
Website: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to:
https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 221 of Grasp the Bible.
In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the One Who Was Pierced.
Today we will cover:
• A question on Healing.
• “Do you want to be healed?” John 5:6
Key Takeaways:
· We all seek healing — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
· Jehovah Rapha is the Lord who heals — the only source of true wholeness.
· Quick fixes may cover pain but can’t cure it.
· True healing begins when we stop chasing the Father’s things and start running to the Father Himself.
· Healing requires humility — coming to the Father first, not last.
· Nothing is too small or too big for God to heal.
Quotable:
• “Don’t run after the Father’s things. Run after the Father.”
• “Quick fixes hide pain — the Father heals it.”
• “When he came to his senses, he ran to the Father — and that’s where healing began.”
Application:
• Run to the Father first — for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
• Remember: God is our Healer. (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:2–3, Jeremiah 30:17)
• Pray together and believe in faith. (James 5:14–15)
• Build your life on faith that lasts, not quick fixes. (Matthew 7:24–27, Proverbs 21:5)
• Hope in the Father who runs toward you and Jesus who restores you.
Connect with us:
Website: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to:
https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 220 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will talk about money.
Key takeaways:
- Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined. Why? Because money reveals what we really believe about God, ourselves, and the future.
- Our checkbooks and credit card statements are spiritual X-rays that show the condition of our hearts.
- Earthly treasures face three threats:
- Rust/corrosion: Things decay and break down
- Moths: Pests that destroy valuable items
- Thieves: People who steal what you've accumulated
- Your treasure determines where your heart goes, not the other way around. When you invest in something, your emotions follow your investment.
- What happens to our treasure happens to us. Where our treasure is, there will be our inner being—our total person.
- Whatever controls your financial decisions controls your life.
- If fear controls your money, fear controls you.
- If greed controls your money, greed controls you.
- Only God should have that level of control.
- All our activities matter, for they reveal the nature of our character.
- We need to remind ourselves that money is non-moral. There is no inherent evil in it and no inherent good. The question of right and wrong has to do with what we do with money.
- Biblical contentment isn't about having enough money; it's about trusting that God provides enough for His purposes.
- Greed is a trap for the rich and the poor and everyone in between. You do not have to be rich to fall to greed.
Quotable:
If anything in this world is everything to you, it is an earthly treasure.
Application:
- If we can't handle money (which is temporary), how can God trust us with spiritual responsibilities (which are eternal)?
- Real contentment and material prosperity have nothing to do with one another.
- How can the Christian learn to be content with simple living? Certainly not by accepting the standards set by this world. An eternal perspective and an attitude of detachment toward things are prerequisites. As an eternal perspective develops, dependence on material things will decline.
- What does your money say about your heart?
- What does your spending reveal about your priorities?
- Do you give generously or grudgingly?
- Are you anxious about money or trusting toward God?
- Does your financial planning include God's kingdom purposes?
- Are you storing treasures on earth or in heaven?
- Let God transform your relationship with money, moving from fear and greed to trust and generosity.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 219 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the one who was pierced. Today we will cover:
· A question on Fear.
· “Why are you so afraid?” Mark 4:40
Key Takeaways:
· Fear and anxiety are crippling things.
· Fear shows up when our focus shifts from faith to circumstance.
· We all face anxiety — but Jesus offers perfect peace.
· Peace is a Person, a Promise, and a Pursuit.
Quotable:
Without internal peace, there will never be external peace. Without eternal peace, there will never be internal peace.
Application:
• Humble yourself in the face of anxiety.
• Cast your anxieties on Him — because He cares for you.
• Feed your faith, not your fears.
• Anchor your mind on Jesus — the One who brings peace in the storm.
Connect with us: Website: https://springbaptist.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 218 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will explore the forgotten doctrine of adoption.
Key takeaways:
- The word “adoption” is not common in the New Testament, being used only by Paul and that only five times (three times in Romans), and it does not occur in the Old Testament at all, since the Jews did not practice adoption. They had other procedures for dealing with the issues of widows and orphans and inheritance.
- Paul took the idea of adoption from Greek and Roman law.
- What is really involved is a set of new relationships—
- new relationships to other people, both believers and unbelievers,
- but above all a new relationship to God.
- No Old Testament Jew ever addressed God directly as “my Father.”
- Adoption means believers have:
- A new identity and security
- Access to the Father
- Inheritance rights
- Family responsibilities
- Confidence in prayer
- Security in trials
- Love for other believers
- Hope for the future
Quotable:
God's adoption of believers wasn't an afterthought—it was His eternal plan.
Application:
- We need to embrace our identity as God's adopted children. We don't have to earn God's love or prove we belong.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 217 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the one who was pierced. Today we will cover:
-
A question on Identity.
-
“Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16
Key takeaways:
· Identity Comes from the Maker
· Our Identity before Christ
· Jesus gives us a new Identity
· How do I believe my God given identity when I feel like this….
Quotable:
“Who Jesus is determines who you are. If He is your Lord, then you are loved, forgiven, chosen, free, and His masterpiece. Your true identity is in what He says, not what you feel.”
Application:
· Identify Distorted self-beliefs
o Know the truth of who Jesus says you are!
· Replace Lies with Scripture
· Anchor Identity in Jesus
· GO TO THE MAKER ….GO TO JESUS
o God defines → I discover.
o God declares → I believe.
o God speaks → I align my feelings and choices to His truth.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 216 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew begins our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the one who was pierced. Today we will cover:
-
The first question Jesus asked, as recorded in the gospel of John.
-
“What are you seeking?”
Key takeaways:
· Andrew and the other disciple were seeking:
o The Lamb of God
o The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
o The Messiah (God’s promised deliverer)
o JESUS
· They knew enough about Jesus to know they wanted to follow Him!
Quotable:
· “You can pursue the right thing the wrong way.”
· “If Jesus is the prize than our other pursuits are instruments of worship.”
· “If our other pursuits are the prize then they are idols that steal worship.”
Application:
- Seek Jesus: Daily
· Seek His will: Does it go against His will for your life?
· Seek His righteousness: Does it lead to sin or idolatry?
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 215 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will explore the benefits of topical preaching.
• Addresses Immediate Needs
Topical preaching allows you to address pressing issues your congregation is facing—whether cultural, spiritual, or personal. It provides a way for you, as a shepherd, to be sensitive to the particular season or crisis your people are walking through and to show how God’s Word speaks directly into those circumstances.
• Connects Scripture to Everyday Life
Topical preaching often begins with the questions people are asking and then draws them to Scripture for answers. This makes God’s Word feel directly relevant and applicable to the struggles, relationships, and decisions of daily life.
• Reaches New Believers and Seekers
A topical approach can provide an accessible entry point for those unfamiliar with the Bible. Instead of beginning in the middle of a long, unfamiliar book, newcomers are guided into Scripture through themes that connect with their everyday questions and needs.
• Allows for Thematic Depth
Some biblical truths, like prayer, stewardship, or discipleship, appear across multiple books of the Bible. A topical series allows you to synthesize these themes and give your congregation a fuller, Scripture-wide view of how God unfolds a particular subject throughout redemptive history.
• Provides Seasonal Alignment
Topical preaching can align with church and cultural calendars—holidays, back-to-school rhythms, or times of national crisis—making the message more timely and impactful.
• Equips for Apologetics
Topical preaching allows you to engage cultural questions—about truth, morality, justice, or sexuality—through the lens of Scripture. It enables you to anticipate and answer the challenges your people encounter in conversations at school, work, or online.
• Reinforces Doctrinal Foundations
Topical sermons give you the ability to teach core doctrines systematically—God, sin, salvation, the church, and the future—ensuring your congregation has a balanced theological foundation.
• Offers Pastoral Flexibility
Not every season in church life is best suited to moving verse-by-verse through one book. Topical preaching allows you to pivot when pastoral needs, cultural circumstances, or church-wide initiatives require a different emphasis..
• Engages Different Learning Styles
Expository preaching builds understanding systematically, while topical preaching organizes truth thematically. This variety can engage different types of listeners—those who prefer logical, verse-by-verse flow and those who connect best with themes and categories.
• Models Biblical Integration
Topical preaching shows your people how to connect passages from across the canon. It demonstrates how to think biblically about life by pulling truth from Genesis to Revelation into one unified theme.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 214 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will explore the art of biblical friendship by examining the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel.
Key takeaways:
- Even best friends don't always understand our struggles immediately.
- Jonathan voluntarily demoted himself from first to second in line.
- Jonathan chose David's life over family harmony.
- Jonathan repeatedly put himself one step away from death to protect his friend.
- When your hands are weak and trembling, a friend comes alongside and helps you hold on.
- True friendship requires regular renewal, not just one-time commitments.
- When a friend wounds you with truth, that wound is faithful—completely reliable and trustworthy. This isn't about friends being cruel or harsh—it's about friends caring enough to do spiritual surgery when necessary.
- True friends present evidence of our blind spots with the goal of restoration.
- We need friends who:
- Share our commitment to spiritual growth
- Approach us with wisdom and humility
- Stay engaged through difficult conversations
- Exercise patience and grace in the process
- We each carry our own backpack, but when someone faces a crushing weight, the community helps carry it.
- Godly friendship creates supernatural strength because God Himself joins the relationship.
Quotable:
God didn't design you to do life alone. The same God who said, 'It's not good for man to be alone,' about marriage also created us for deep, life-giving friendships.
Application:
- Be the friend you want to have. Instead of waiting for others to be good friends to you, start by being the kind of friend you wish you had.
- Invest time and vulnerability. Friendship requires both quantity and quality time.
- Share your struggles, not just your successes
- Ask deeper questions beyond "How are you?"
- Be present during both celebrations and crises
- Create regular rhythms of connection
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 213 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we kick off our Fall series. Today, we talk about those times when God does not make sense.
Key takeaways:
- The covenant God seems to be breaking covenant obligations.
- Habakkuk continuously cries, but God continuously doesn't respond. The prophet feels trapped in a cycle of unanswered prayer.
- If God sees everything and has power to stop evil, why does He merely observe without acting?
- God doesn't just rescue Habakkuk from low places; He elevates him to positions of spiritual authority and perspective that belong to Him.
- Habakkuk chooses joy before he sees any change in circumstances.
- Job 13:15 captures the tension between sovereign suffering and persistent faith. Job's statement isn't passive resignation—it's active, defiant trust. He's saying his relationship with God transcends even life and death. Whether God preserves or destroys him, God remains his God.
- Job understood something profound: his relationship with God wasn't based on what God did for him, but on who God is. This moves beyond transactional faith (serve God to get blessings) to transformational faith (serve God because He's worthy).
- Faith isn't blind optimism—it's confident trust based on God's proven character.
- ·Choosing trust over understanding doesn't mean pretending everything is fine when it's not. Trusting God means bringing your real emotions to Him, not hiding them from Him.
Quotable:
- God has already proven His love at a cross, and that love doesn't change based on your circumstances.
Application:
- Habakkuk shows us that faithful people can question God's methods while remaining committed to God's character.
- We don't live based on what we can see right now, but on what we know to be true about God's character and promises.
- How to pray when confused: Follow biblical models:
- Use the Psalms as prayer templates (especially Psalms of lament like 13, 22, 88)
- Be honest about your feelings while affirming God's character
- Ask for wisdom (James 1:5) rather than demanding explanations
- Pray with others who can help bear your burden
- I want to give you three specific steps to choose trust over understanding this week:
- First, write it down. Write down one specific situation where you're demanding answers from God instead of trusting His character. Maybe it's a relationship, a health issue, a financial pressure, or a prodigal child. Please write it down.
- Second, declare it out loud. This week, I challenge you to speak Habakkuk's words over your situation. Stand in your kitchen, sit in your car, wherever you are, and say: 'Though _____ may not happen the way I want, though _____ may not change, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation.' Fill in those blanks with your specific situation.
- Third, share it with someone. Don't carry this burden alone. Before Sunday comes again, I want you to text, call, or meet with one person and say, 'I'm struggling to trust God with _____. Will you pray with me?'
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 211 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continues our series entitled Taste and See. Today we will cover
· Light
o God’s word is a light (Psalm 119)
o Jesus is the Light (John 8)
o We are the Light (Matthew 5)
Key takeaways:
· Taste and see that the Lord is good.
· Jesus gives you the light of life.
· Put the light on a stand. Don’t hide it.
Quotable:
· “Share the gospel. It’s necessary. Use words.”
· “98-99% of God’s will for your life is found explicitly in scripture.”
· “Not just called to show it, we must proclaim it.”
Application:
-
Use God’s word to expose sin in your life.
-
God’s word not only calls you to action it also convicts your heart.
-
A city on a hill is seen from miles and miles away.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 210 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continues our series entitled Taste and See. Today we will cover
· Water
o As the deer pants for water (Psalm 42)
o Living water (John 4)
o Planted by streams of water (Psalm 1)
Key takeaways:
· Taste and see that the Lord is good.
· Remember the beautiful private friendship, you have with Jesus.
· Jesus laid his life down for you!
Quotable:
· “The depth of my need brings me to my knees and to the one I need.”
· “Jesus revealed himself to the least of the least of the least.”
· “A relationship with God is what we thirst for.”
Application:
-
Plant yourself in your relationship with God.
-
What are you rooted in?
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 210 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our entitled taste and see. Today, we will cover
· The role of the shepherd
o My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
o “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10)
Key takeaways:
· Taste and see that the Lord is good.
· Remember the beautiful private friendship, you have with Jesus.
· Jesus laid his life down for you!
Quotable:
· “Is the Lord your Shepherd?”
· “Is Jesus where your soul is restored? Is he where you find rest? Is it on his promises that you lay claim?”
Application:
-
Pray Psalm 23 directly to the Lord!
-
Don’t miss out on your relationship with Jesus.
-
Remember how much he cares for you!
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider
Today, we embark on a 6-week series called Taste and See. We will dive into illustrations throughout Scripture to help us understand God's Word in a more profound way.
Today, we will be in Exodus 16.
Welcome to episode 208 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our series on Christian citizenship. Today, we tackle the topic of gospel peacemaking.
Key takeaways:
- While we never compromise truth for unity, we also recognize that many of our divisions stem not from essential doctrinal differences but from cultural preferences, political allegiances, or personal animosities that have become inflated beyond their proper importance.
- Principles for gospel peacemaking:
- We must recognize our primary identity in Christ. When our identity in Christ becomes primary, we can navigate differences from a foundation of unity.
- We must practice gospel humility.
- We must cultivate listening love.
- We must distinguish between biblical absolutes and areas of Christian freedom.
- We must practice faith-filled conflict resolution.
- We must commit to speaking truth in love.
Quotable:
- Our peacemaking is most powerful when it flows from personal experience of God's peace. We forgive because we've been forgiven. We pursue reconciliation because we've been reconciled to God. We cross social barriers because Christ crossed the ultimate barrier for us.
Application:
- Regarding political divisions, we must resist the polarization that dominates our public discourse.
- Regarding racial reconciliation, we must acknowledge both the progress made and the work still needed.
- Regarding socioeconomic divisions, we must build communities where "there were no needy persons among them" (Acts 4:34) while respecting the dignity of all members regardless of economic status.
- Regarding generational differences, we must honor the wisdom of older believers while embracing the fresh perspectives of younger ones.
- Practical steps for becoming gospel peacemakers:
- Examine your own heart.
- Build relationships across dividing lines.
- Practice biblical conflict resolution when tensions arise.
- Support reconciliation efforts in your community.
- Model unity around the essentials of faith.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 207 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue in our series on Christian citizenship. Today, we tackle the topic of cultural engagement.
Key takeaways:
- As followers of Christ, we're called to a distinctive way of life that sometimes aligns with and sometimes challenges the prevailing culture.
- Three principles for cultural engagement:
- Christians should be distinctively Christian.
- Christians must be engaged.
- Christians should be thoughtful about our influence.
- Three models of cultural engagement:
- Critical consumption - examine cultural content thoughtfully.
- Common grace collaboration - God's common grace enables non-believers to create good things, discover truth, and promote justice.
- Counter-cultural community - some aspects of our faith and practice will inevitably stand in contrast to the surrounding culture.
Quotable:
- Compromise for the sake of relevance ultimately leads to irrelevance.
Application:
- A balanced approach to cultural engagement requires wisdom and discernment. It means constantly asking questions like:
- What aspects of this cultural element reflect God's truth, goodness, and beauty?
- What aspects distort or contradict God's design?
- How can I appreciate the good while respectfully challenging the problematic?
- How can my engagement bear witness to a more excellent way?
- Cultivate deep biblical knowledge. The better we understand Scripture, the more clearly we can discern what in culture aligns with or contradicts God's design.
- Practice intentional cultural awareness. Pay attention to the messages in the media you consume, the assumptions in the education system, and the values celebrated in entertainment.
- Build relationships with non-believers.
- Find like-minded community. Cultural engagement is challenging to sustain alone.
- Recognize that our ultimate goal isn't just cultural analysis or even cultural transformation, but pointing to Christ through our engagement.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 206 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin a three-week series on our Christian citizenship. Today, we explore what it means to have dual citizenship.
Key takeaways:
- We hold, in a sense, dual citizenship—belonging to God's eternal kingdom while residing in temporal human kingdoms.
- Scripture points us toward a balanced approach that acknowledges both the legitimacy of government and its limitations.
- We respect governmental authority without idolizing it.
- We participate in civic affairs without placing our ultimate hope in political solutions.
- We must remember that our witness extends beyond our explicit political activity.
- Your citizenship in God's kingdom is secure and eternal, while earthly political systems are temporary.
Quotable:
- When we expect government to accomplish what only God can do, we set ourselves up for either idolatry or disillusionment.
Application:
- There are times when Christians must respectfully disobey governmental demands that would require us to violate God's commands.
- Four practical principles:
- First, we recognize the legitimacy of government as an institution established by God, even when we disagree with specific policies or leaders.
- Second, we participate thoughtfully in the civic process.
- Third, we maintain a prophetic voice that transcends partisan divisions.
- Fourth, we recognize the limitations of political solutions.
- Practical applications for living as kingdom citizens in earthly kingdoms:
- Pray regularly for governing officials—especially those you disagree with.
- Stay informed about issues affecting your community and nation, but be selective and critical about your information sources.
- Participate appropriately in civic processes.
- Maintain fellowship with believers across the political spectrum.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 205 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our three-week series on our identity in Christ. Today, we explore the concepts of adoption and inheritance.
Key takeaways:
- God doesn't just pardon us from our sins; He welcomes us into His family, with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance that come with being His children.
- Our adoption required an enormous price—God "sent his Son" to "redeem" us.
- There's a change in status from "slave" to "child."
- We receive the Spirit of God's Son—the Holy Spirit—who confirms our adoption.
- Our adoption makes us heirs—we have an inheritance waiting for us.
- Our trials aren't punishment for wayward children; they're training for beloved children whom God is preparing for an eternal weight of glory.
- What exactly is our inheritance? It includes everything Christ inherits.
Quotable:
- Our status as God's children is secure—not because of our performance, but because of His promise.
Application:
- How should this identity as adopted children shape our daily lives?
- First, it should transform how we approach God.
- Second, our identity as God's children should shape how we view suffering and discipline.
- Third, our adoption should ignite anticipation for our inheritance.
- Live from this identity.
- When you pray, approach God as your loving Father, not a distant deity.
- When you face challenges, remember you're being trained as a beloved child, not punished as an unwelcome intruder.
- When the future seems uncertain, recall the glorious inheritance that awaits you.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 204 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our three-week series on our identity in Christ. Today, we explore the realities of our being a new creation, based on 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Key takeaways:
- When you come to faith in Christ, you don't just become a slightly improved version of your old self—you become a fundamentally different kind of being.
- We died with Christ, were buried with Christ, and were raised with Christ. This isn't something we're striving to accomplish; it's something that has already happened spiritually when we placed our faith in Jesus.
- Our progress in holiness is motivated by both who we already are and who we will ultimately become.
Quotable:
- Becoming a new creation is not rehabilitation; it's resurrection.
Application:
- Your old self is dead. That's a fact. Now live accordingly. This is where many Christians get stuck. We look at our ongoing struggles and conclude, "Well, I must not really be a new creation yet. Maybe when I finally overcome this sin, then I'll be transformed." But this gets the order exactly backward. We don't behave our way into a new identity; we believe our way into new behavior.
- So, how do we begin to live in light of our new creation reality? Let me suggest three practical steps:
- First, know the truth. Spend time studying what Scripture says about your new identity in Christ.
- Second, replace lies with truth. Identify the false narratives you've believed about yourself.
- Third, practice new creation habits. Consciously give God access to your time, your thoughts, your relationships, and your resources.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 203 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin a three-week series on our identity in Christ. Today, we explore what it means to go from broken to beloved.
Key takeaways:
- To understand who we are, we must first understand how God sees us.
- Before we cleaned up our act, before we got our lives together, while we were still defined by our brokenness—that's when Christ died for us.
- Many of us exhaust ourselves trying to earn what God has already freely given. We strive for approval, validation, and worth, unaware that in Christ, these are already ours.
- The battlefield for identity is often in our thoughts.
Quotable:
- Our identity is not earned but bestowed.
Application:
- So how do we begin to live from this new identity rather than constantly striving to achieve it?
- First, we must consistently renew our minds with God's truth.
- Second, we need to practice "identity statements" based on Scripture.
- Third, we must find community that reinforces our true identity.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 202 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 5. Today, we will explore how King David sought God’s face in a two-faced world, focusing on:
- Prayer for God's Justice (vv. 1–3)
- Affirmation of God's Hatred of Evil (vv. 4–6)
- Hope in Fellowship With God (v. 7)
- Prayer for God's Righteousness (v. 8)
- Affirmation of Evil (v. 9)
- Hope in God's Righteousness (vv. 10–12)
Key takeaways:
- David shows us how to navigate this two-faced world with integrity and hope.
- What better way to start the day than to direct one’s thoughts, one’s praise, one’s prayers to God, and look up? Is it not better to face every day, whatever the circumstances, with God than without Him?
- David’s hope is grounded in the character of God. He is confident because he knows who God is.
- Wickedness always alienates us from God, creating a chasm of separation that can only be bridged by repentance on our part and by God’s merciful forgiveness.
- We approach the infinitely holy God—not because of our own worthiness, but through the "credentials" of Christ's righteousness and God's abundant, unfailing love.
- The Scriptures indicate that God has provided a standard for life, or a norm, to guide humankind. To direct one’s life in accord with this standard is to walk in righteousness; that is, in the way that is right.
Quotable:
- Discernment requires looking beyond appealing words to examine both the heart behind them and the ultimate impact they will have.
Application:
- When facing situations that seem unjust or unchanged despite prayer, remember David's example of bringing the same concerns to God each morning.
- Before addressing challenges or injustices, follow David's pattern of first bringing the matter to God. This ensures our responses are guided by divine wisdom rather than merely human reaction.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 201 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 101. Today, we will explore King David’s leadership manifesto, focusing on:
- David’s Witness with God (v. 1)
- A Deeper Look at David’s Personal Integrity (vv. 2-7)
- David’s Warfare for God (v. 8)
Key takeaways:
- Truly transformative leadership begins not with grand visions but with uncompromising personal commitments - commitments that extend from the privacy of our homes to the public squares of our influence.
- David understood the proper sequence for spiritual formation: relationship with God precedes righteous behavior.
- David acknowledges the tension many leaders face between mercy and accountability, between forgiveness and standards.
- Before David can lead others effectively, he must be in right relationship with the ultimate Leader.
- Allowing evil to flourish unchecked is not just socially harmful but spiritually offensive to God.
- Integrity isn't simply about avoiding scandal but about building something that endures.
- David approached integrity not as a passive state but as an active pursuit.
Quotable:
- The greatest threats to leadership don't come from external enemies but from internal compromise.
Application:
- People of integrity demonstrate it in their private lives, in their minds, in their relationships, and in their leadership.
- Daily Reflection Practice: Create a brief evening review asking: "Were my private choices aligned with my public values today?"
- Clear Communication: Articulate your boundaries to friends and colleagues before situations arise that test them.
- Heart Examination: Regularly check your motives to ensure you're acting from devotion to God rather than self-righteousness
- Kingdom Focus: Frame your opposition to evil in terms of God's purposes rather than personal preferences
- Our greatest contribution may not be what we build but who we become—and who we help others become in the process.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Thank you for helping Grasp the Bible reach its 200th episode! This is a milestone that not many podcasts achieve. Pastor Marty and Pastor Darrell provide insights on the podcast and thank our faithful listeners for their continued support.
If you haven't done so already, please leave us a rating and review on your podcast provider to share your thoughts with us (and others).
Welcome to episode 199 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 42. Today, we will cover:
-
The causes of spiritual depression and feeling far from God.
-
How a godly person can win over depression.
-
The depth of our need for the Lord.
Key takeaways:
· The depth of my need brings me to my knees and to the one I need.
· How a godly person can win over depression:
o He takes himself in his hand.
o He challenges himself of what should be done.
o He reminds himself of a great certainty.
Quotable:
· “Identify the lie you are believing and replace it with the truth of God’s word.”
· “Therefore, instead of looking sadly at the past as something I have lost. I will look to it as a foretaste of the many things yet to come.”
· “Is there a cure for Spiritual depression? Yes. But it is not in us. It is in God. The cure is to seek God's face, so ours will not be downcast, which is what the psalmist does.”
Application:
· Take yourself in your hand.
o Take responsibility for your spiritual fuel gauge.
· Challenge yourself to do what you know should be done.
o Hope in God. There is no lasting hope in anything else in this sinful failing world there never has been there never will be.
· Remind yourself of this certainty.
o God has not change and his purposes for me have not changed.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 198 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 73. Today, we will explore the psalmist’s struggle with envying wicked people, focusing on:
- The principle—The Just God Is Good to the Godly (v. 1)
- The perception—Injustice Makes Godliness Seem Futile (vv. 2–14)
- The perspective—The Just God Judges Wicked People (vv. 15–26)
- The practice—Faith in the Just God Gives Stability in the Face of Injustice (vv. 27–28)
Key takeaways:
- The traditional view that God’s goodness is experienced in terms of prosperity, ease, and good health, and these belong truly to the “pure in heart” who maintain proper ritual observance and ethical behavior.
- The problem is that the psalmist has not experienced the expected fruit or consequences of maintaining purity of heart. Instead, the wicked seem to have it now and have it all.
- Those who reject God's ways appear to be rewarded rather than judged.
- The real heart of the matter—the righteous person feeling that it has been to no end to keep his heart pure.
- The truth is, both good and bad happen to everyone, but to the “pure heart” it seems that the wicked never experience the ailments the righteous suffer!
- Sometimes godliness appears futile when measured by worldly standards
- The ephemeral nature of the wicked's prosperity lacks permanence and substance when viewed from God's perspective.
- Even if the wicked possess everything earth offers, they have nothing compared to the treasure of knowing God.
- The goodness of God is not defined by the peace the wicked enjoy, nor is it denied by the affliction suffered by the pure in heart.
Quotable:
- Am I serving God for His benefits or for Himself?
Application:
- Identify your prosperity triggers. What specific situations most challenge your faith when you observe apparent injustice?
- Examine Prosperity Gospel Influences: Asaph's crisis partly stemmed from an assumed connection between righteousness and reward. Examine where prosperity gospel thinking might infiltrate your theology—the belief that faithfulness should always lead to visible blessing.
- Our assessment of reality changes not when circumstances change but when we see them from God's viewpoint.
- Nearness to God itself is good —not what God gives, but relationship with God Himself.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 197 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 21, a Royal Psalm. Today, we will cover:
-
The victory of king David.
-
The characteristics of the true king!
-
The victory of king Jesus!
-
What his victory has done for me!
Key takeaways
● The Lord who crowns with all strength and glory is worthy of all Glory.
● Because of His covenant, He has established us. And we are part of that covenant because we have trusted in the Lord.
Quotable:
● “What it means to me…. Is not that I am the king…. But because of the king of kings and Lord of Lords I can walk in His victory.”
● “It’s like the first ever post game press conference, where David gives credit to God!”
Application:
● As a believer in life’s successes you can have your post game interview and give credit to God, just like Kelvin Sampson, King David, and Jesus.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 196 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 49, a Psalm of Wisdom. Today, we will cover:
-
The wisdom shared in this psalm is universal, proverbial, and problematic.
-
The wisdom shared demonstrates that humanity has a problem, they have been ransomed by God for a price they can’t pay.
-
The wisdom shared shows the negative, meaning it is folly to be confident in mans ability to save themselves.
-
True wisdom is faithful confidence in the Lord, who paid our ransom.
Key takeaways:
· The Main Point of this Psalm is to show “The Fatal Folly of Foolish Confidence.”
· Christ followers can walk in the “Firm Foundation of Faithful Confidence.”
Quotable:
· “Why would the psalmist phrase it as ransom if no one can pay it?”
· “The only one holding us ransom can also pay our ransom”
· “The only one who can pay an eternal punishment is the one who is eternal.”
· “The only one who can make us right is the one who is right.”
Application:
· You can only walk in Faithful confidence if you have faithful confidence.
· Because of Christ:
o We can now be confident in our righteousness.
o We can now confidently enter Holy places.
· Now we can walk in “Blessed Assurance.”
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 195 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 66. Today, we will explore the psalmist’s journey from trials to triumph, focusing on:
- God’s Preeminence (vv. 1-2)
- God’s Power (vv. 3-7)
- God’s Protection (vv. 8-9)
- God’s Purging (vv. 10-12)
- The Psalmist’s Ritual Sacrifices (vv. 13-15)
- The Psalmist’s Personal Sacrifices (vv. 16-20)
Key takeaways:
- All peoples of the earth, whether willingly or unwillingly, will “bow down” before the Lord, singing praise to His holy name.
- Although people ought to praise God and be thankful, they actually do not do it.
- The world should “shout with joy to God” and “sing to the glory of his name.” But it usually does not, simply because it is not aware of the many blessings for which it should be thankful.
- The objective of God’s testing is to reveal and to develop the character He wants.
- Unlike most of us, who make promises easily and then just as easily forget them, the psalmist intends to carry his religious resolutions and devotions through to the end.
- The first benefit of prayer is simply that God hears. We have a vital relationship with Him as we pray, regardless of His answer.
Quotable:
- Having the Lord as one’s God is to expect discipline and correction, testing and refining. Can we praise God for that?
Application:
- Evangelism Application: Remember that every person already belongs to God, whether they acknowledge it or not—we're inviting them to recognize reality, not just join our religion.
- Understand the Purpose Behind Testing
- Testing Can Develop Our Character: Recognize trials as opportunities to demonstrate and develop faith.
- It Can Refine Us: Embrace difficult seasons as God's refining process, removing impurities from your life.
- Practice Costly Worship
- Identify what "fat animals" might represent in your life—your best time, talent, and treasure
- Evaluate whether your giving to God represents your "first fruits" or merely what's convenient
- Practice Heart Examination Before Prayer
- Self-Reflection: Develop the discipline of examining your heart for cherished sin before major prayer requests
- Repentance: Confess and release known sin as preparation for effective prayer
- Integrity: Align your private behavior with your public prayers to avoid hypocrisy
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 194 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 32, a Psalm of Thanksgiving. Today, we will cover:
-
The connection between sin and shame.
-
The lies we tell ourselves, others, and God.
-
The forgiveness of God.
Key takeaways:
We thank God for His Forgiveness!
· His Forgiveness Breaks the Shackles of Sin and Shame on my Spirit
· His Forgiveness is Accessible
· His Forgiveness Changes my view of things
· His forgiveness includes provisions and a guidebook for dummies
· His Forgiveness Covered what was previously covered when I finally uncovered
Quotable:
· “He is available to us! He is Easily Found!
· “I am not a grace Graduate!!”
· “Admit it we are all still a bit of a mess; that's why we need God's grace today as much as we needed it the first day we believed.”
Application:
And because I know I’ve been forgiven it changes my view of things!
· Instead of running from him …. I pray to him.
· Instead of lying about my sin…. I tell the truth about my sin.
· Instead of hiding from him …. He is my hiding place.
· Instead of cowering from him …. He is my protector.
· Instead of feeling the shame of sin ….. I am surrounded by shouts of deliverance.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 193 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 74. Today, we will explore the psalmist’s reaction to God’s seeming disengagement:
- The invocation (v. 1)
- The complaint (vv. 2-11)
- A confession of trust (vv. 12-17)
- A final urgent plea (vv. 18-23)
Key takeaways:
- The question put to God in prayer is “Why are you so angry with us? Is it total anger that is going to last forever?”
- Not only CAN God do all things; He has. He ordains and accomplishes whatever comes to pass.
- As creator and king, the Lord is fully able to handle any challenge that confronts His people individually or corporately, so they must exercise faith by turning to Him in their predicaments and resting their case in His hands.
Quotable:
- By remembering the past, we can find faith for our present needs.
Application:
- It is a desperate thing to be without any word from God. Fortunately, this cannot be said of us in our day. No, our problem is not an absence of God’s Word or God’s teachers.
- Our problem is that we do not value this Word.
- We do not cherish it and study it.
- We do not memorize its important passages.
- Instead, we allow countless lesser things (like television) to take the Bible’s place.
- Believers know that God is in charge and that God is good. So we inevitably return to those convictions, even amid great calamity, anchoring our hopes in God.
- The Lord, in His goodness, does not spoil His obstinate people, but rather, in justice, He disciplines them when their actions and attitudes warrant it.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 192 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 44. Today, we will explore the psalmist’s reaction to a national tragedy:
- God’s Deeds in Time Past (vv. 1-8)
- The Present Distress (vv. 9-16)
- A Faithful and Loyal People (vv. 17-22)
- A Plea for Help (vv. 23-26)
Key takeaways:
- There is no mistaking Psalm 44 as a national lament. It surely is the response of a greatly troubled soul to an overwhelming national tragedy.
- If king and people had been faithful to the covenant stipulations, then why was God not faithful to His covenant commitment to provide defense and deliverance? The root problem, in other words, is precisely the problem of the Book of Job, namely the problem of God. The people have been loyal to God, and yet they suffer!
- It was the essence of the Hebrew faith that the past could always be appropriated for the present.
- The reason for and the purpose of suffering for the people of God find no resolution in this psalm.
- Every child of God has likely been perplexed at times by the fact that the people of God may be called upon to undergo suffering for which there is no apparent explanation.
Quotable:
- Faith makes suffering bearable.
Application:
- Psalm 44, with its concluding prayer, points in the same direction as the Book of Job, namely that there is an immense mystery in God and His ways, but one must continue to trust and to pray.
- Create a record of God’s faithfulness to you through good times and bad times and share it with others, especially your children.
- What do we do when we have been walking faithfully with God, and yet He still allows bad things to happen to us?
- Sometimes we suffer BECAUSE we follow Jesus, not in spite of it. At those times, it would be easier just to go along with the world.
- Since the experience of Jesus on Calvary, we know that suffering, far from being a negation of God’s love, may be the deepest expression thereof. Jesus suffered immensely for us...so much so that it almost beyond comprehension.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 191of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 30, a Psalm of Thanksgiving. Today, we will cover:
-
A congregational psalm for the dedication of the temple.
-
The difference between adoration and confession.
-
How easy it is to go from confidence in the Lord to self-confidence.
-
That we are all in desperate need of God’s grace.
Key takeaways:
· God’s anger lasts a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.
Quotable:
· “David’s death and Israels demise would not earn God praise, but Jesus earns God praise from the Grave.”
· “I exist so that you are PRAISED! ALL to the praise of your Glory!!”
· “David wrote this Psalm for the dedication of God’s temple! He just didn’t know his temple would one day be you and me!”
Application:
No matter where we remember that we praise God because
-
His anger lasts a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime
-
And his favor far more than we deserve!
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 190 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 7, a psalm of praise. Today, we will cover:
- How our God is deserving of our praise because he is a righteous judge.
Key takeaways:
· Jesus is the truly innocent one.
· Jesus is the judge of the peoples.
· Jesus crushed the crown of satan.
Quotable:
· “If you are in Jesus we can make the same claim as David.”
· “In a way Jesus did the opposite of what David prayed for. David asks to be saved from his enemies because of his own innocence, but Jesus leverages his innocence to save his enemies.”
Application:
· Since we are innocent before God we can ask him to act against wickedness.
· We can worship God
o Because of His goodness in judging the wicked as Guilty, while judging us as innocent because of Jesus.
·
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider
Welcome to episode 189 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 92. Today, we will explore some reasons to praise God:
- A Resolution to Praise the Lord (vv. 1-4)
- The Lord’s Great Works and Judgment on His Enemies (vv. 5-9)
- God’s Provision for the Psalmist (vv. 10-11)
- The Fruitfulness of the Righteous (vv. 12-15)
Key takeaways:
- Psalm 92 contrasts the Lord’s punishment of the wicked with His blessing on the righteous.
- The psalmist made God his refuge and the experience was so great he could not keep from singing, nor from praising the Lord.
- The God of the psalmist is an active God who intervenes on behalf of His worshipers.
- Foolish people are blind because they choose not to see. The reason they do not know and will not praise God is that they do not want to know or praise Him. They actually hate Him because He is God, and they are not.
- In the midst of wickedness, God comes as judge of the wicked and savior of the righteous.
- There is no “injustice” in God. Surely, such a God is worthy of our praise.
Quotable:
- God will have the last word, and justice will be done.
Application:
- Our enjoyment of God is expressed in our praise of God, and when we praise God, we do indeed enjoy Him.
- Belief in divine judgment and in the righteous imperative is an acknowledgment that divinely established boundaries of human conduct do exist.
- Do we recognize God as the giver of the temporal benefits we enjoy? Or do we just take them for granted? Worse yet, do we boast of our accomplishments, our hard work, our victories (while blaming others, maybe God Himself, for our failures and defeats)?
- The righteous have a fruitful future to anticipate and enjoy because, even in old age, they will continue to flourish. They do not just retire, but they continue to be productive in life. In fact, for the righteous person, old age can be the time when the long-term returns on the investment of a godly life are enjoyed.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 188 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Psalms, covering chapter 33, a Psalm of praise. Today, we will cover:
- How our Praise can be new every morning.
· How we can sing a new song unto the Lord.
· Why our God deserves our praise.
Key takeaways:
· God is deserving of our praise because God’s Steadfast Love Is Evident
· God’s Steadfast Love Is Evident:
o In His Word
o In His Work
o In His World
Quotable:
· “Our God is steadfast in his love for us!”
o “A steadfast love that was seen through the nation of Israel but that climaxed when God sent His son to DIE on the Cross for our Sins.”
o “A steadfast love that reached across cultural boundaries.”
o “A steadfast love that saw my sin.”
o “A steadfast love that looked beyond my faults and saw my need.”
o “A steadfast love that I need.”
o “A steadfast love that we all need.”
Application:
· Wait eagerly for the Lord.
· As you wait:
o Are we trusting him as our help and shield?
· As we wait:
o We must continually renew our Hearts and beg God to restore the joy of our salvation. So that our faith does not go stagnant and begin to stink, but rather leads us to joy and deeper trust in him.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 187 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 19. Today, we will some of the ways in which God communicates with us:
- The book of creation (vv. 1-6)
- The book of Scripture (vv. 7-10)
- The book of the heart (vv. 11-14)
Key takeaways:
- David gives us three ways God reveals Himself to humanity - through creation, through His Word, and through inner transformation.
- The message of Psalm 19 is that the glory of God displayed in the heavens points us to the grace of God displayed in the Bible.
- All of nature bears testimony to the divine.
- The reflection of God’s praise in the universe is perceptible only to those already sensitive to God’s revelation and purpose.
- As God gave the sun to illumine the earth, he has given the law to enlighten the mind and soul and to illumine man’s path upon the earth.
- God had not only created a marvelous world and provided us with life. He has also included the instructions on how to put it all together.
- God makes us alive through his Word, makes us wise, and makes us glad. And to joy is added discernment.
- Sometimes we treat forgiveness lightly, asking God to forgive us but not really thinking that we are sinners, at least not serious sinners, and treating forgiveness almost as a basic human right.
Quotable:
Creation awakens our wonder, Scripture guides our path, and the Spirit changes our hearts.
Application:
- Seeing the beauty and complexity of creation carries with it the responsibility of acknowledging the Creator both as powerful and as living above the natural order.
- Those who are made alive and made wise by God’s Word do learn to fear Him. Our instinct is to domesticate God and make Him manageable. But the Bible teaches us that God is a genuinely frightening God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 186 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will give an introduction to the Book of Psalms. Today, we will cover:
- The Hebrew title for the Book of Psalms
- The structure of the book
- Authorship
- Literary genres in the Psalms
- Imprecatory Psalms –
- What they are
- Their defining characteristics
- Some examples
- Suggested solutions and interpretations
- Challenges and considerations
- Dates of the Psalms
- Key theological themes
- How the book is valuable for Christians
- Difficulties in studying the Psalms
For the next 15 weeks (or so), we will walk through three Psalms in each category below:
- Psalms of praise
- Psalms of lament
- Thanksgiving Psalms
- Wisdom Psalms
- Royal Psalms
- Imprecatory Psalms
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
Welcome to episode 185 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we wrap up our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 6:10-24. Today, we will cover:
- The exhortation (vv. 10-11, 13, 18-20)
- The Enemy (vv. 11-12)
- The Equipment (vv. 14-17)
- The Final Exhortation (vv. 18-20)
- The Final Greetings (vv. 21-24)
Key takeaways:
- The aim of walking worthily of God is actually a profound struggle that goes beyond simply putting forth more effort or overcoming human obstacles. There are extremely powerful spiritual beings that strategize and carry out plans to derail the best intentions of Christians to live out God’s call in their lives.
- The key to victory in the cosmic battle is spiritual strength, and the reason for the many problems in the church is the tendency of the finite, fallible beings who make up the church to engage the enemy in their own inadequate strength.
- The opposition is not one powerful supernatural being, but a whole range of evil spiritual forces of varying rank, authority, and capabilities.
Quotable:
Believers need to be in a constant state of prayer because they do not know when they will come under a demonic assault and thus need always to be ready.
Application:
- To be victorious in spiritual warfare, believers need to rely on divine
power.
- Knowing the truth of who we are in union with Christ, cultivating the virtues of this new identity, and using the resources available through this new relationship are at the heart of what it means to put on the armor of God.
- If military soldiers know they could be attacked by an enemy at any moment, they don’t wait until the bullets start flying and artillery rains down on them. They put on their protective gear ahead of time so they are protected and ready when the fighting begins.
- The goal of the preparation is “to stand”—to keep from falling into sin and to advance on enemy territory to bring the good news of deliverance to those who are oppressed.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 184 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 5:22-6:9. Today, we will cover:
· Examples of how we submit to one another in 3 specific relatonships
o Wives and Husbands
o Children and Parents
o Servants (Slaves) and Masters
Key takeaways:
· Biblical Submission flows from a filled spirit.
· Biblical Submission is Counter culture.
· Biblical Submission is humbly recognizing God’s ordering of the world.
· Transcendent reconciliation is that he not only reconciled us to himself but also to each other.
Quotable:
- "All people are deserving of dignity, love, and respect.”
- “Man’s headship of his wife was established at creation and defined by Christ. Man’sheadship of his wife is not Lordship. Man’s headship of his wife is a responsibility to care for her ultimate well being.”
- “If the husband's headship of the wife resembles Christ’s headship of his church, then the wife's submission will resemble the churches.”
- “Husbands and wives have a reciprocal relationship. They need each other.”
- “This should not be viewed as an endorsement for slavery but rather an endorsement of Christ, who sees the slave, values the slave, and gives purpose to the slave, when culture says they have none other than to be used.”
Application:
· Putt off Old Self
· Put on New Self
· Imitate God
· Walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom
· Being Filled with the Spirit
o So that we can recognize his rule in our life and in turn willingly submit to the roles he has given us and the duties he has called us to.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 183 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 5:1-21. Today, we will cover:
- Be imitators of God
· But now through Christ we are one.
· We have the same promises.
· We are one people and one body. Come on everybody
Key takeaways:
· Be imitators of God
· Walk In Love
· Walk as Children of Light
· Wal in Wisdom
Quotable:
· “The statement to be imitators is grounded in being a child of God.
· “To walk in love means to exercise love that is self-sacrificial, costly, and offered for the well being of others.”
· “Works of darkness bear no fruit, and the Light exposes works of darkness.”
· “Don’t waste your days, make the days count.”
Application:
· To imitate God, I must be a child of God.
· Transformed believers then are to live according to the love, light, and wisdom that Paul exhorts and our God perfectly embodies.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 182 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 4:25-32. Today, we will cover:
-
Spiritual attributes believers should embody,
-
From Falsehood to Truth
- Righteous Anger vs Unrighteous Anger
- Stealing vs Honest Labor
- Speech that tears down vs Speech that builds up
- Grieving The Holy Spirit vs Honoring the Holy Spirit
- The sin of the heart vs The Fruit of the Spirit
Key takeaways:
· Instead of asking if your outfit makes YOU look good we need to ask daily if our spiritual outfit makes us look like CHRIST.
· The Style Has Changed…It is time to get rid of the old and put on the new.
· Paul is about to share the spiritual fashion rules of what to wear and why it is vitally important.
Quotable:
· “We need a spiritual fit check!”
· “The source of this Fruit is God and we have access to it through the Spirit.”
· “We are not wearing attributes God also wears, we are wearing attributes that God himself is.”
· “He did this all to show the matchless love and grace of God.”
Application:
We need a spiritual fit check. Ask these questions of yourself.
- Are you wearing knockoffs or name brands?
- Christians should be wearing name brands only!
- Who’s hand me down’s are you wearing?
- Attributes the world has passed down? Or attributes only Jesus perfectly wore?
- What did you do with your old clothes?
- Did you get rid of them or did you put them up for later use?
- GET RID OF THEM!
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 181 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 4:17-24. Today, we will cover:
- Exhortation to Live Differently Than Non-Christians (v. 17)
- Description of the Condition and Lifestyle of Non-Christian Gentiles (vv. 18–19)
- The New Identity in Christ and Exhortation to the New Lifestyle (vv. 20–24)
Key takeaways:
- Life is vain, futile, and without purpose, unless it is ordered around God and His purposes.
- The characteristics of lives of unbelievers are:
- They are darkened in their understanding.
- They are separated from the life of God.
- they are ignorant of God in the sense that they have rejected Him and do not know Him personally.
- They have hard hearts.
- They have lost all sensitivity.
- They have given themselves over to sensuality.
- They indulge in every kind of impurity.
- They are full of greed.
Quotable:
- Christian belief includes Christian ethics.
Application:
- Christians are called to live their daily lives in a way that is sharply differentiated from the world around them and from the lifestyle that characterized their pre-Christian past.
- The worldviews and lifestyles of the unbelieving Gentiles are utterly opposed to the new life that these believers have in Christ.
- Once we recognize the emptiness and hopelessness of the old ways, we should be filled with horror at our terrible choices and throw them far away.
- As believers, we must...
- put off the old,
- be made new,
- and put on the new.
Until we have followed through on all of these, we cannot pretend to be living God’s way.
- Those who live holy lives do so by repeated putting offs.
- We must allow the Holy Spirit to reshape our way of thinking and thereby resist the deceitful desires of sin.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 180 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 4:7-16.
· Unity Is important to God
· Unity Was established by God
· Part of our Christian Duty is to pursue Unity
· Jesus Equips us each differently for the health and unity of the church
Key takeaways:
· The giver of spiritual gifts is the ascended Christ
· The types of gifts are extremely varied
· The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts is Service
· Unity Demands the Maturity of Our Growth
Quotable:
· “Christ ascended as a conqueror to the father’s right hand, and his captives being the rulers and authorites he had defeated, dethroned, and disarmed.”
· “Just like moses received the law and gave it to Israel so Christ received the Spirit and gave Him to His people in order to right God’s law in their hearts.”
· “So Although we are unified this unity is not to be misunderstood as a lifeless or colorless uniformity.”
· “When we use our gifts it edifies others, when we don’t us our gifts unity is broken, church growth haults, and we don’t love each other like we should.”
Application:
· Identify Your Role
· Identify Your Gifts
· Walk In a Manner worthy
o Use your Gifts
o Choose to be a useful member of the body or Be a drain on the body
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 179 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 4:1-6. Today, we will cover:
- The Means for Maintaining Unity (vv. 1–3)
- The Basis for Unity (vv. 4-6)
Key takeaways:
- Paul formally begins the second half of the letter, but he does so depending on all he has said up to this point.
- The first is an exhortation to maintain unity within this newly constituted body of believers.
- Although we might expect Paul to encourage his readers to strive to attain unity in the church, he actually implores them to maintain a unity that already exists. That unity is from the Spirit.
- Verses 4-6 emphasize the idea of oneness that should pervade the church.
- Recognition of our calling by God diminishes our sense of self-importance and enables us to cultivate the humility that is so foundational to unity. God did not choose us and call us because we were so awesome. Our calling represents God’s initiative and His unmerited grace upon us.
Quotable:
- Christian belief comes before Christian living. The mindset must be changed before one’s conduct can follow suit.
Application:
- In Paul’s thought, and especially in Ephesians, a changed life comes before good behavior. The new identity in Christ is what produces the good works.
- New Testament ethics centers on living a worthy life before God.
- The virtues listed in verses 2-3 tell us how to live a life worthy of God’s calling.
- It is essential to work on developing Christlike virtues that enhance unity.
- Unity begins by sharing a commitment to a common faith.
- The unity of believers stems from a common calling by God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 178 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 3:14-21. Today, we will cover:
- The Address to the Father (vv. 14-15)
- A Request for Power and Love (vv. 16-17)
- A Request for an Increasing Awareness of God’s Power and Love (vv. 18-19)
- A Doxology (vv. 20-21)
Key takeaways:
- No principality or authority keeps God from supernaturally strengthening His people through the indwelling Spirit and through their relationship to the exalted Christ.
- God possesses extraordinary might, which He is able and willing to impart to His people.
- The church consists of a family (the people of God) living in a sacred structure (the church as a house and a temple) where Christ dwells in and with us.
- Paul wants them to know both the power of God and the love of God. In other words, Paul wants them to be confident that God has the ability to carry out His loving plan of redemption.
- Paul prays that these believers will not only have a profound understanding of the vastness of God’s power, but that they will also develop a much deeper understanding of Christ’s love. In saying this, however, he lets them know that the love of Christ is so great that they will never comprehend the full extent of it.
Quotable:
- It is impossible for the human mind to think deeply enough to encompass the reality of all that God can do.
Application:
- The principal goal of the church is to bring glory to God for all that He is and all that He has done.
- God’s power works in the lives of believers, enabling them to live the lives He calls them to live.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 177 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 3:1-13. Today, we will cover:
- The Revelation of the Mystery to Paul (3:1–7)
- The Nature of Paul’s Stewardship of the Mystery (3:8–12)
- Paul’s Concern for the Readers (3:13)
Key takeaways:
- There is a divine plan, and Paul has been selected to be an administrator of it. At the center of this plan is God’s intent to create a special household of people who actually form a home that He indwells—a corporate body of both Jews and Greeks, whom He has redeemed with his own blood.
- There was no generation among God’s people who could have anticipated the full extent of what God would accomplish through His Messiah.
- At the heart of the mystery God has revealed is the fact that Gentiles now share equally with Jews in the blessings of the new covenant life with God.
- Christ has broken down that wall, making one new people out of two previously divided people. So now both Jew and Gentile approach God equally on that new basis.
- The revelation of God’s wisdom to the powers in the heavenly places happens through the church.
- The Church is not an option for believers, nor is supporting it an option.
Quotable:
- God is in control and is sovereignly and powerfully fulfilling His plan of redemption just as He intended it from the beginning.
Application:
- Because of His kindness, love, and mercy coupled with the reconciliation that has taken place by the blood of Jesus Christ, believers can experience a closeness to God.
- As part of this relationship, God’s people need feel no restraint in approaching God in prayer or worship. They can pray at any time with no fear of being turned away because of ritual impurity or some form of unworthiness.
- Because of what Christ has accomplished, they can approach God with full confidence
- The Church exists as a multiracial and multicultural community. No ethnicity is disadvantaged in the body of Christ. No one, whatever that person’s background might be, is barred from membership and participation in this new community.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 176 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 2:11-22. Today we cover:
- We were two people Jew and please don't Gentile
- But now through Christ we are one.
- We have the same promises.
- We are one people and one body. Come on everybody
Key takeaways:
- Paul first shares that we were all lost and totally depraved, then he shares that Gentiles were strangers without hope.
- But God made you alive, and now, in Christ, you are also one new man.
- Transcendent reconciliation is when He not only reconciles us to Himself but also to each other.
Quotable:
- Main Idea: “God's restoration goes beyond our most desperate need to include our every need.”
- “So, Gentiles remember that not only were you dead but you were hopeless because you didn't have the same promises Israel had. BUT NOW!”
- In Christ, God accomplishes His mission of reconciliation.
- “He did this all to show the matchless love and grace of God.”
Application:
- We must get the vertical relationship (with God) first before we have any hope of getting out horizontal relationships (with others) right.
- I’ve got to get right with God first.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to:
https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider
Welcome to episode 175 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 2:1-10. Today we cover:
- The state of mankind (both Jew and Gentile)
- The way in which God steps in.
- The means by which we access his grace.
- The beauty of God’s word and his redemptive plan for humanity.
Key takeaways:
- We had a heart condition. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. This was a universal condition because we all (Jew and Gentile) were dead in our trespasses and sins.
- Why did Jesus save us? All for the praise of his glory.
- Through this text we see beauty. We see the beauty of God’s power, the beauty in unity, and the beauty of God’s love.
Quotable:
- Main Idea: “It’s all to show the matchless Love and Grace of God.”
- “In response to our spiritual bankruptcy and our spiritual death we get an amazing response …. But God!”
- “He brought us from death to life, he put the miraculous defibrillator on our spiritual chest and brought us back to life.”
- “Faith is the means by which we gain access to the beautiful grace of God.”
Application:
- We must recognize our condition,
- In doing so, we realize our desperate need for a savior.
- In doing so, we realize the commonality we have with all people.
- In doing so, we realize that it was never about us. It wasn’t something I could earn, and it wasn’t something I deserved, but rather, it came from an overflow of God’s love.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 174 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 1:15-23. Today, we will cover:
- The Occasion for the Prayer (v. 15)
- The Thanksgiving and Prayer (vv. 16-19)
- A Description of the Magnitude of God’s Power (vv. 20-23)
Key takeaways:
- Our faith is both a saving faith (we have salvation in Jesus Christ) and a practical faith (we believe that Jesus enables us to live out what he has planned for us.
- Knowing Christ is one of the New Testament’s ways of describing saving faith. The questions which must be asked are: Do we really know Christ? Are we in him? Is he in us? Does he know us? Is there an intimate exchange between him and us?
- The Spirit who came upon the Messiah is the same Spirit who now rests upon his people and provides knowledge, wisdom, and power.
- As an earthly king values treasuries full of silver and gold, God values His people as His wealth and honor.
- Christ can impart to the church all of the empowering resources it needs to resist the attacks of powers and to engage in the mission of filling the world that God has called it to.
- The church is filled with power and grace from its exalted Lord, who, in turn, extends his reign throughout heaven and earth through the church.
Quotable:
- The great need of any church, whether it is healthy or not, is knowing Christ —a better, deeper, fuller knowledge of Christ.
Application:
- Paul calls the Ephesians to love ALL believers. As Jonathan Swift once said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” Our surface Christianity arms us with what we think are proper prejudices and a rationale for criticizing those who fall short, keeping them at arm’s length.
- Do we delight at hearing of the faith and love of others? Do we rejoice in others’ spiritual attainments? Especially revealing, do we praise God when this is happening in places we are not present? Other churches? Other organizations?
- We don’t need more truth or better truth (which is impossible!). We simply need our spiritual eyes opened to the truths that surround us.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 173 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 1:3-14 a doxology of praise to God. Today, we will cover:
The Doxology: (vv. 3-14)
- The Author
- The Audience
- The Message
Key takeaways:
- These verses are a beautiful doxology. A doxology is a short hymn of a verse of praise. It was a huge part of synagogue worship and is still a huge part of our worship services today. Doxalogy in Greek can be separated into Doxa – meaning glory and Logia – referring to an oral or written expression. So it is literally Paul’s written expression of the Glory of God. These 12 verses are a single complex sentence where Paul pours out His praise to God the father.
- Within this passage we see God’s, purpose, will, and working through His son. God’s plan began before creation and is for all times and all people
- God is the initiator and the source. Jesus is the means or the instrument that God uses to accomplish his work and plan. The Holy Spirit helps us and seals us until our glorification with God in Heaven.
- This message includes 8 of the many blessings that God gives believers full access to.
Quotable:
- God the father is the ultimate source of all blessing and, therefore, the ultimate object of praise.
- God’s ultimate plan is to bring together – to ultimately resolve – all things in Christ
- Our natural response when we learn who God is and what he has done is PRAISE!!
- What is our natural response when we learn who we are and what we have done? The depth of our need brings us to our knees and to the one we need.
Application:
- We must get to know our God deeply.
- In doing so we learn about ourselves which drives us closer to Him.
- In doing so we become so overwhelmed with what he has done that we praise Him.
- In doing so we long to live in a manner worthy of what He has done for us.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast providee
Welcome to episode 172 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Ephesians, covering chapter 1:1-2 and introductory information. Drew Bowsher, our student minister, will be joining Pastor Darrell as they walk through the Book of Ephesians. Pastor Drew delivers the message today.
Today, we will cover:
· The introduction (vv. 1-2)
· The Author
· The Audience
· The Message
Key takeaways:
· For 18 centuries of church tradition, it was unanimously believed that Paul was the Author. Some Historical and Theological Arguments were made to question Paul’s authorship. However, no satisfactory alternative author was ever presented. Thus one must conclude Paul is the Author of Ephesians based on the clear evidence of his mission to the gentiles and the support of 18 centuries worth of tradition.
· The book of Ephesians was written to the faithful, saints, in Christ Jesus, located in Ephesus. Ephesus was the capital of the Roman empires Asian province. Therefore, this text was probably for all newly founded Asian Churches by way of Ephesus.
· The Message of the book of Ephesians starts with the beautiful transformation of the gospel, explains the radical difference of those in Christ and concludes with the practical implications and practices of these transformed people.
Quotable:
· We are citizens of two kingdoms, to which kingdom will you bow your knee?
· Come this semester and see How the book of Ephesians reveals to us how to bend our knee to the king of Kings and Lord of Lords while simultaneously residing in a broken world.
Application:
· The book of Ephesians was written in part to help new believers understand who they are in Christ. We can examine Ephesians and learn more about who we are by understanding what God has done for us through Jesus.
· It was also written to show believers how those in Christ should live and walk out their faith. Check out Ephesians to find practical ways to walk and live like Christ.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 171! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss apocalyptic literature. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Book
The Book of Revelation begins with a series of letters to seven churches, addressing their spiritual condition and exhorting them to persevere in their faith. It then shifts to a prophetic vision of heavenly worship, where the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is revealed as the only one worthy to open the sealed scroll, ushering in a series of judgments upon the earth.
Through symbolic imagery, such as the four horsemen, the seven seals, and the seven trumpets, Revelation depicts the escalating conflicts and tribulations that precede the final battle between the forces of good and evil. The dragon, representing Satan, and the beast, symbolizing the Antichrist, wage war against the people of God, but their defeat is certain.
The book culminates with the glorious return of Christ, the establishment of His millennial reign, the final judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell eternally with His redeemed people.
Significance and Impact
The Book of Revelation holds immense significance for Christians, as it provides a prophetic glimpse into the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises. This book offers hope and encouragement to believers facing persecution and trials, reminding them that their sufferings are temporary, and their eternal reward is secure.
The vivid imagery and symbolic language of Revelation challenge us to view the world through the lens of eternity, recognizing that the cosmic battle between good and evil is not merely a physical struggle but a spiritual one with eternal consequences.
Furthermore, the Book of Revelation reminds us of the centrality of Christ as the victorious Lamb, the one who has conquered sin and death, and who will ultimately reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Practical Applications
As we study the Book of Revelation, we can draw valuable lessons for our spiritual journey. The exhortations to the seven churches challenge us to examine our own spiritual condition, repent from complacency or compromise, and remain steadfast in our faith amidst trials and opposition.
The vivid depictions of the eternal rewards awaiting those who overcome serve as a powerful motivation to persevere in our walk with Christ, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal rather than the temporary.
Moreover, the Book of Revelation inspires us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, sharing the good news of salvation with those who have not yet experienced the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion
The Book of Revelation stands as a powerful and enigmatic vision of the glorious finale of God's redemptive plan. Through its vivid imagery and symbolic language, this prophetic book unveils the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, the defeat of evil, and the eternal reign of Christ. May the truths contained within Revelation fill us with hope, encourage us to persevere in our faith, and inspire us to live with eternity in mind, eagerly awaiting the day when Christ will return in glory and establish His everlasting kingdom.
Welcome to episode 170! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the General Epistles. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Books
The epistle to the Hebrews eloquently expounds on the supremacy of Christ and the superiority of the new covenant, exhorting believers to hold fast to their faith and persevere in the face of suffering.
James, the brother of Jesus, emphasizes the practical outworking of faith through good works, wisdom, and the taming of the tongue.
In 1 Peter, the apostle encourages believers facing persecution, reminding them of their living hope in Christ and their calling to holy living.
2 Peter warns against false teachers and emphasizes the reliability of Scripture, while also looking forward to the promise of Christ's return.
The three epistles of John address issues of love, obedience, and discerning truth from error, urging believers to walk in the light and remain steadfast in the teachings of Christ.
Jude, the final General Epistle, exhorts the church to contend for the faith and reject those who pervert the grace of God.
Significance and Impact
The General Epistles hold immense significance for Christians as they provide invaluable wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of the Christian life. These letters remind us of the enduring hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of trials and persecutions, and challenge us to remain steadfast in our faith.
The emphasis on recognizing and rejecting false teachings equips us to discern truth from error, safeguarding the purity of the gospel message. The call to holy living, love, and good works encourages us to let our faith bear tangible fruit in our daily lives.
Moreover, the General Epistles underscore the importance of spiritual maturity, perseverance, and the transformative power of God's Word in shaping our characters and conforming us to the image of Christ.
Practical Applications
As we study the General Epistles, we can draw numerous practical lessons for our spiritual journey. The teachings on perseverance and endurance challenge us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of trials, temptations, and opposition, trusting in God's sovereign plan and the hope we have in Christ.
The emphasis on discernment and identifying false teachings equips us to navigate the complexities of our modern world, holding fast to the truth of Scripture and rejecting ideologies that contradict the gospel.
Furthermore, the call to love, good works, and holy living inspires us to let our faith manifest in tangible ways, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through our actions, speech, and attitudes.
Welcome to episode 168! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the Pauline Epistles. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Books
The epistle to the Romans is considered Paul's masterpiece, laying out a comprehensive exposition of the gospel of grace and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
In 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses practical issues within the church, such as divisions, immorality, and the proper use of spiritual gifts.
Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel, emphasizing the freedom we have in Christ and the futility of attempting to earn salvation through works.
Ephesians unveils the profound mystery of the church as the body of Christ and the believers' calling to unity and spiritual maturity.
Philippians is a letter of joy and encouragement, exhorting believers to live in humility, unity, and steadfastness in the face of opposition.
Colossians confronts false teachings and highlights the preeminence and sufficiency of Christ.
In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses issues related to the second coming of Christ and the need for perseverance in the face of persecution.
The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus) provide guidance for church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly living.
Philemon, a personal letter, appeals for the reconciliation and forgiveness of a runaway slave, exemplifying the transformative power of the gospel.
Significance and Impact
The Pauline Epistles hold immense significance for Christians, as they lay the foundation for our understanding of core doctrines such as justification by faith, the role of grace in salvation, and the nature and purpose of the church.
Paul's teachings on the centrality of Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the call to live a transformed life have profoundly shaped the beliefs and practices of the church throughout history.
Moreover, these epistles provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by the early believers, such as false teachings, moral struggles, persecution, and the need for spiritual maturity. Paul's practical instructions on relationships, ethics, and community life remain relevant and applicable to the modern church.
Practical Applications
As we study the Pauline Epistles, we can draw numerous lessons for our spiritual growth and our role within the body of Christ. Paul's emphasis on grace and faith challenges us to reject any notion of earning our salvation through works or self-righteousness, instead resting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
His teachings on unity, love, and humility within the church remind us of the importance of fostering healthy relationships, working through conflicts with grace, and putting the needs of others before our own.
Furthermore, Paul's exhortations to stand firm in the face of persecution, false teachings, and temptations encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, grounded in the truth of God's Word, and equipped with the whole armor of God.
Conclusion
The Pauline Epistles stand as a rich treasure trove of wisdom, doctrine, and practical guidance for the church. Through these letters, we gain invaluable insights into the foundations of our faith, the challenges faced by the early believers, and the call to live a transformed life in Christ. May Paul's teachings inspire us to embrace the gospel of grace, cultivate spiritual maturity, foster unity within the body of Christ, and boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel in a world in need of redemption.
Welcome to episode 168! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the Book of Acts. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Book
The Book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, empowering the disciples to boldly share the good news of Jesus' resurrection. From there, we witness the rapid expansion of the church, starting in Jerusalem and spreading throughout Judea and Samaria, and eventually reaching the Gentile world.
Through the ministries of Peter, Paul, and other early leaders, we see the gospel transcending cultural barriers, breaking down racial divides, and transforming lives. Acts records the establishment of the first Christian communities, the persecution they faced, and the courageous witness of those willing to suffer for their faith.
Significance and Impact
The Book of Acts holds immense significance for Christians, as it provides a historical account of the early church's growth and the spread of the gospel message. This narrative reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden believers and to work mightily through ordinary individuals who surrender their lives to God's purposes.
The examples of boldness, sacrifice, and unwavering faith displayed by the apostles and early believers challenge us to live with the same commitment and resolve, regardless of the obstacles we may face. Acts teaches us that the church is not a static institution but a dynamic, ever-expanding movement fueled by the transformative power of the gospel.
Moreover, the Book of Acts affirms the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to build His church and to empower His followers to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. It serves as a testament to the unstoppable nature of God's kingdom and the ultimate victory of the gospel over opposition and adversity.
Practical Applications
As we study the Book of Acts, we can draw valuable lessons for our own spiritual journeys and our roles within the broader body of Christ. The examples of the early believers challenge us to be bold in our witness, unashamed of the gospel, and willing to step out in faith, even in the face of opposition.
The diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of the early church remind us to embrace unity amidst diversity, celebrating the richness of God's creativity while remaining focused on the central message of Christ's redeeming love.
Furthermore, Acts inspires us to rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance, gifts, and strength as we engage in the mission of sharing the gospel and making disciples of all nations.
Conclusion
The Book of Acts is a powerful testament to the unstoppable advance of the gospel and the dynamic growth of the early church. Through this narrative, we witness the boldness of the apostles, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and the birth of a movement that would forever change the course of human history. May the stories and examples found in Acts ignite a flame within us, empowering us to be fearless witnesses, committed disciples, and agents of transformation in our communities and the world around us.
Welcome to episode 167! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the first four books in the New Testament: the Gospels. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Books
The Gospel of Matthew, written by a former tax collector, presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited King of the Jews.
Mark's fast-paced account portrays Jesus as the Suffering Servant, emphasizing His miraculous deeds and the call to discipleship.
Luke, a Gentile physician, offers a comprehensive and orderly account, highlighting Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and His teachings on the Kingdom of God.
John's Gospel, written by the beloved disciple, unveils the profound truth of Jesus' divinity, inviting us into a deeply personal relationship with the eternal Word made flesh.
Each Gospel has its unique perspective, yet together they form a cohesive and compelling narrative, unveiling the life-transforming message of the Messiah.
Significance and Impact
The Gospels hold immense significance for Christians, as they are the primary source of our knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. Through these accounts, we encounter the living embodiment of God's love, the One who came to seek and save the lost, and the ultimate sacrifice that opened the way to eternal life.
The teachings of Jesus, recorded in the Gospels, challenge us to live lives of love, forgiveness, and service, just as He exemplified. His parables and miracles unveil the power of faith and the reality of the Kingdom of God breaking into our world.
Moreover, the Gospels testify to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave stand as the cornerstone of our faith, offering us the hope of eternal life and the promise of His return.
Practical Applications
As we study the Gospels, we are invited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to emulate His example of humility, compassion, and obedience to the Father's will. His teachings on prayer, forgiveness, and loving our neighbors challenge us to continually grow in our spiritual maturity and our relationships with others.
The accounts of Jesus' interactions with individuals, from the wealthy to the outcasts, inspire us to extend grace and love to all people, regardless of their circumstances. His call to discipleship reminds us of the cost of following Him, but also the immeasurable joy and purpose found in surrendering our lives to His service.
Furthermore, the Gospels encourage us to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus, seeking to know Him not only as our Savior but also as our Lord, our friend, and our constant companion on the journey of faith.
Conclusion
The Gospels stand as the heart of the Christian faith, offering us an unparalleled encounter with the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through the eyewitness accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we are invited to experience the depth of God's love, the transformative power of Christ's teachings, and the eternal hope found in His death and resurrection. May these narratives inspire us to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, to live lives of love, forgiveness, and unwavering faith, and to share the good news of the Gospel with a world in desperate need of redemption.
Welcome to episode 166! We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the Major Prophets found in the Old Testament. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Books
The book of Isaiah is a masterpiece of prophetic literature, filled with profound messages of rebuke, consolation, and hope. Isaiah's visions foretold the coming of the Messiah, the suffering Servant, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," courageously warned the people of Judah about the impending Babylonian exile and called for repentance. Lamentations, attributed to Jeremiah, is a poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel's visions and prophetic actions were often symbolic and dramatic, conveying God's judgment and the eventual restoration of His people.
Daniel's book combines prophetic visions with narratives of faith, providing insights into the future and the sovereignty of God over human kingdoms.
Significance and Impact
The Major Prophets hold immense significance for Christians, as they offer a glimpse into God's redemptive plan and the coming of the Messiah. Their warnings against idolatry, injustice, and disobedience serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of living a life of holiness and faithfulness.
Through the vivid imagery and powerful language of the prophets, we are confronted with the reality of sin and its consequences, while also being offered the hope of forgiveness, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
The prophecies concerning the Messiah, particularly in Isaiah, point directly to the fulfillment of God's promises in the person of Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of humanity and usher in eternal redemption.
Practical Applications
As we study the Major Prophets, we can draw valuable lessons for our spiritual journey. Their calls for repentance and obedience challenge us to examine our own lives and turn away from anything that separates us from God's will.
The prophetic messages of judgment and consequences serve as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living a life of holiness and integrity. At the same time, the promises of restoration and hope inspire us to persevere in faith, trusting in God's sovereign plan.
Moreover, the Major Prophets' unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's truth, even in the face of opposition and persecution, encourages us to boldly share the gospel and stand firm in our beliefs.
Conclusion
The Major Prophets of the Bible stand as towering figures, boldly proclaiming God's judgment and redemptive plan. Through their powerful oracles and visions, they challenged God's people to repent and return to a life of obedience, while also offering hope – a glimpse into the coming Messiah and the ultimate restoration of God's kingdom. May their messages inspire us to live lives of holiness, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in the sovereignty of our Heavenly Father.
We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the Minor Prophets found in the Old Testament. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
Overview of the Books
Hosea's message of love and faithfulness portrays God's relentless pursuit of His unfaithful people, offering a picture of divine love and forgiveness. Joel's prophecies warn of the coming Day of the Lord and call for repentance, while also promising the outpouring of God's Spirit.
Amos, a humble shepherd, boldly denounced the injustices and oppression of the wealthy, reminding us of God's concern for the poor and marginalized. Obadiah's brief oracle foretells the judgment of Edom for their pride and mistreatment of Israel.
Jonah's story teaches us about God's compassion for all nations and the importance of obedience to His calling. Micah's message echoes the call for justice, mercy, and humility, while also proclaiming the promise of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.
Nahum's prophecy announces the downfall of the mighty city of Nineveh, while Habakkuk wrestles with the apparent injustice in the world, ultimately affirming his trust in God's sovereign plan. Zephaniah warns of the impending judgment and calls for repentance, offering hope for a faithful remnant.
Haggai and Zechariah encourage the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of worship, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives. Malachi's final words in the Old Testament point forward to the coming of the Messiah and the need for spiritual renewal.
Significance and Impact
The Minor Prophets hold immense significance for Christians, as they unveil the depth of God's love, justice, and redemptive plan. Through their words, we witness God's unwavering commitment to His people, His desire for their repentance, and His promises of restoration and hope.
These prophets challenge us to examine our own lives, confront injustice and oppression, and seek righteousness and mercy. They remind us that God's love is not contingent on our faithfulness, but rather, His love is steadfast and enduring.
Furthermore, the Minor Prophets' prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who ushered in the promised redemption and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Practical Applications
As we study the Minor Prophets, we can draw valuable lessons for our spiritual journey. Their calls for repentance and obedience challenge us to examine our own hearts and turn away from sin, seeking a closer walk with God.
The prophets' emphasis on justice and compassion for the marginalized encourages us to actively pursue righteousness, stand against oppression, and extend love and mercy to those in need.
Moreover, the stories of Jonah and Hosea teach us about the depths of God's love and forgiveness, inspiring us to extend grace and offer second chances to those who have strayed.
The promises of restoration and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit fill us with hope and remind us of the power available to us through the indwelling presence of God's Spirit.
We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
These sacred texts offer an intimate glimpse into the human experience, spanning the entire spectrum of emotions, from profound joy to deep lament. The Poetic Books invite us to explore the depths of our relationship with God, seek wisdom for daily living, and find solace in the timeless truths woven throughout their verses.
Overview of the Books
The book of Job grapples with the profound question of human suffering, exploring the concept of faith and trust in God amidst trials and adversity.
The Psalms, a collection of sacred songs and prayers, provide a window into the human soul, giving voice to our deepest longings, fears, and praises.
Proverbs is a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offering guidance for righteous living, relationships, and character development.
Ecclesiastes contemplates the meaning of life and the futility of pursuing earthly pleasures apart from a relationship with God.
The Song of Songs is a beautiful and poetic celebration of love and intimacy, often interpreted as an allegory for the divine love between Christ and His Church.
Significance and Impact
The Poetic Books hold immense significance for Christians, as they offer a profound exploration of our relationship with God and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Through the raw emotions expressed in the Psalms, we find solace and comfort, knowing that our Heavenly Father understands our struggles and is ever-present in our joys and sorrows.
The wisdom found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes guides us in navigating the complexities of life, relationships, and decision-making, helping us to live with purpose and integrity. The book of Job challenges us to maintain unwavering faith in God's sovereignty, even in the face of inexplicable suffering.
Furthermore, the poetic language and imagery found throughout these books enrich our spiritual understanding and deepen our appreciation for the beauty and artistry woven into the very fabric of Scripture.
Practical Applications
As we study the Poetic Books, we can draw invaluable lessons for our daily lives. The Psalms provide a model for honest and heartfelt prayer, teaching us to pour out our hearts before God, whether in praise or lament. Proverbs equips us with practical wisdom for navigating relationships, work, and ethical dilemmas, guiding us toward righteous living.
The Book of Job encourages us to persevere in faith, even when faced with trials that seem incomprehensible. Ecclesiastes reminds us of the futility of pursuing earthly pleasures and possessions, redirecting our focus toward an eternal perspective.
Moreover, the poetic language and imagery found throughout these books inspire us to appreciate the beauty and artistry of God's creation, cultivating a deeper sense of wonder and reverence for our Creator.
Conclusion
The Poetic Books of the Bible are a profound and timeless treasure, offering wisdom, comfort, and a deeper understanding of our relationship with God. Through the raw emotions expressed in the Psalms, the practical guidance found in Proverbs, and the contemplative musings of Ecclesiastes and Job, we are invited to explore the depths of the human experience while finding solace and strength in the unwavering love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the historical books in the Old Testament. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
The historical books of the Bible provide a rich tapestry of narratives that recount the triumphs, failures, and spiritual journeys of God's people. These books offer a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, even in the midst of human frailty and rebellion, guiding us through the tumultuous events that shaped the nation of Israel.
Overview of the Books
The book of Joshua recounts the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes. Judges chronicles the cyclical pattern of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance through the leadership of various judges, such as Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
Ruth's story of unwavering loyalty and redemption provides a glimpse into the ancestral lineage of King David. The books of Samuel narrate the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy, highlighting the reigns of Saul and David.
The books of Kings detail the successive reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, their triumphs and failures, and the ultimate exile of God's people due to their disobedience. The books of Chronicles offer a parallel account, emphasizing the religious and spiritual aspects of the monarchy.
Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle the return of the Israelites from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, while Esther's story showcases God's providential protection of His people in the face of adversity.
Significance and Impact
The historical books hold great significance for Christians, as they reveal God's faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises, even when His people faltered. These narratives underscore the importance of obedience, repentance, and trusting in God's sovereign plan.
Through the lives of individuals like Joshua, Ruth, David, and Esther, we witness the power of faith, courage, and unwavering devotion to God. Their stories inspire us to remain steadfast in our commitment, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Moreover, these books provide a historical context for understanding the prophetic writings and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Practical Applications
As we study the historical books, we can glean invaluable lessons from our spiritual journey. The narratives of obedience and disobedience remind us of the blessings that come from following God's ways and the consequences of straying from His path.
The stories of courage and faith inspire us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The examples of repentance and restoration encourage us to seek forgiveness and pursue a life of holiness.
Furthermore, the accounts of God's faithfulness and provision instill confidence in His unwavering love and care for His children, motivating us to remain steadfast in our walk with Him.
We continue our summer series on biblical genres. Today, we will discuss the first five books of the Bible, or the Law. You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
The books of the Law, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch, form the foundational bedrock of the Christian Bible. These books, written by Moses, provide a glimpse into the origins of creation, the establishment of God's covenant with humanity, and the intricate system of laws that governed the ancient Israelites.
Overview of the Books
· The book of Genesis unveils the breathtaking account of creation, the fall of humanity, and the origins of the nation of Israel through the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
· Exodus chronicles the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the pivotal event of receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
· Leviticus delves into the intricate system of laws, rituals, and sacrifices that governed the religious and social life of the Israelites.
· Numbers records the census of the Israelites, their wanderings in the desert, and the challenges they faced along the way.
· Deuteronomy, the final book of the Law, recounts Moses' farewell discourse, reiterating the laws and covenants made with God before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Significance and Impact
The books of the Law hold immense significance for Christians as they provide the foundation for understanding God's plan of salvation and His covenant with humanity. These books introduce us to the concept of sin, the need for atonement, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The laws and rituals outlined in these books, while no longer binding for Christians, offer insights into the holiness of God and the importance of obedience. They serve as a reminder of our need for a Savior and the grace that God extends through His Son.
Practical Applications
As we study the books of the Law, we can draw valuable lessons for our spiritual journey.
· The narratives of faith and obedience inspire us to trust in God's provision and follow His commands wholeheartedly.
· The laws and rituals teach us about the importance of reverence, holiness, and living a life set apart for God.
· Moreover, the accounts of God's faithfulness and mercy, even in the face of human rebellion, encourage us to cling to His promises and seek forgiveness when we fall short.
We kick off our summer series today! You can also find these episodes on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel. Here is a link to this week's episode.
For the next couple of months, our weekly episodes will be dedicated to exploring the various genres of literature found in the Bible.
Understanding these genres is crucial for unlocking the full meaning and impact of the Scriptures. So, let's dive in and unveil the significance of these literary forms in our study of the Bible.
What is a genre?
A genre, in literary terms, is a specific category or style of writing characterized by its form, content, and purpose. Within the Bible, we encounter a variety of genres, each serving a unique role in conveying God's revelation to humanity.
From the sweeping narratives that recount the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to the poetic expressions that capture the depth of human emotions, from the prophetic oracles that call for repentance and proclaim God's judgment to the epistolary writings that provide practical guidance for the early church, the Bible is a masterpiece woven together with these diverse literary strands.
The Importance of Identifying Genres
Recognizing and understanding biblical genres is crucial for several reasons:
-
Accurate interpretation: Each genre follows specific literary conventions and should be interpreted within its intended context and purpose. Failing to recognize the genre can lead to misinterpretations or incorrect applications of the text.
-
Appreciating literary artistry: By identifying the genres, we can appreciate the richness and complexity of the Bible's literary tapestry. Each genre contributes a unique perspective, allowing us to encounter the multi-faceted nature of God's truth.
-
Contextual understanding: Genres provide valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and theological contexts in which the texts were written, helping us better grasp their original meaning and significance.
-
Relevance for life application: Different genres serve different purposes, from inspiring faith and obedience through narratives to providing practical wisdom for daily living through the epistles. Recognizing the genre helps us apply the truths of Scripture to our lives in meaningful ways.
Today, we will look back over the Book of Galatians and discuss the major themes of the book. Looking at all Paul wrote, we will synthesize it so we can have a more full understanding of the book's message.
God
- Father and Justifier: Believers are adopted as God’s children through Jesus Christ, experiencing grace, peace, and justification by faith, ensuring their belonging to the true Israel.
Christ
- Centrality of the Cross: Salvation is achieved through Jesus' crucifixion, which liberates believers from the old covenant's demands, making circumcision unnecessary.
Plight of Humanity
- Enslavement: Humanity is enslaved to sin and spiritual powers, unable to save themselves, and in desperate need of liberation through Jesus Christ.
Truth of the Gospel
- Justification by Faith: The truth of the gospel is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by observing the Mosaic law.
Centrality of the Cross
- Ultimate Solution: The cross addresses the problem of sin and death, with Christ taking the curse upon Himself, offering redemption and reconciliation with God.
Gift of the Spirit
- Evidence of Belonging: The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives is the evidence that they belong to God and are part of His family.
Law and the Covenant
- End of the Law: With the coming of Christ, believers are no longer under the law; its era has ended, and righteousness is now based on faith in Jesus.
Danger of Apostasy
- Self-Righteousness: Apostasy involves a refusal to trust in Christ’s work on the cross and reliance on self-righteousness.
Conclusion
- Profound Theology: Paul’s theology in Galatians highlights the significance of the cross, justification by faith, and the arrival of the new creation.
Welcome to episode 159 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 6:6-18. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Doing good by the Spirit (vv. 6-10)
- Final summary (vv. 11-18)
Key takeaways:
- Those who benefit from the instruction of teachers should support them, for (as Paul teaches elsewhere), those who receive spiritual benefit should share their material blessings with those who have benefited from them.
- God will not stand for being scorned. He will punish those who spite Him.
- Those who sow to the flesh demonstrate that they belong to the present evil age and will perish, while those who sow to the Spirit demonstrate that they are part of the new creation and will receive eternal life.
- Sowing to the flesh in this paragraph means that one uses one’s worldly goods for one’s own advantage and in accord with selfish desires.
- At the right time, a time known only to God and not disclosed to the Galatians or anyone else, those who have given generously will reap a reward.
- One is righteous either by circumcision or by the cross, as far as Paul is concerned—either by the law or by Christ.
- Those devoted to the law boast in what they have accomplished and in their works, even though they disobey the law. Those who boast in the cross put all their confidence in what Christ has done for them.
- Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, suffers for the sake of the gospel; the marks on his body authenticate his apostolic ministry.
Quotable:
- Rituals and human practices are not fundamental; what is important is whether someone is a new creation in Christ.
Application:
- Believers should use their resources to help their families and those in the church first. Remaining resources should be given to assist those outside the circle of faith who are in need.
- What preachers need, above all, is time to engage in such study and reflection. Hence, the financial assistance of believers in the congregation is of the utmost importance, for it frees pastors to attend to the ministry of the Word and prayer.
- One cannot trust in circumcision and the cross at the same time, for the cross assigns salvation to the Lord, while circumcision focuses on human obedience.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 158 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:22-6:5. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Marks of the Spirit (5:22-23)
- The crucifixion of the flesh (5:24)
- Caring for one another by the spirit (5:25-6:5)
Key takeaways:
- Believers are not called upon to summon up the strength within them, for their new way of life is supernatural, stemming from the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
- The flesh, who we were in Adam, was crucified when we died in Christ. The passions and desires of the flesh are not absent, but they no longer rule and reign.
- Life in the Spirit is not on automatic pilot, for the battle against the flesh continues so that believers must continue to walk by the Spirit and be led by the Spirit.
- Believers sin in unplanned and unexpected ways—hence, the need for restoration by other believers.
- Recognition of one’s own failures will keep believers from arrogance.
- When believers carry the burdens of others, they behave as Christ did and fulfill his law.
Quotable:
- Those who restore the fallen remain humble because they remember their own fallibility and propensity to sin.
Application:
- We are not called upon to work at being more virtuous. We are summoned to walk in the Spirit and to be led by the Spirit. Living in a way that pleases God is the fruit of His miraculous work, not the result of self-effort.
- Instead of becoming arrogant and irritating and envying one another, believers should exercise concern and love for others, so that their goal is to build one another up.
- Arrogance cuts people off from the lives of others, but it is also deceitful, for those who are proud are impressed with themselves when, in actuality, they are nothing.
- Those who envy others find joy in the sins of others since the faults of others are on full display, and they look better by comparison.
- What it means to live in the church of Jesus Christ is to help others as they face the difficulties of life.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 157 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:13-21. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Freedom expressed in love (vv. 13-15)
- Yield to the Spirit (vv. 16-18)
- Marks of the flesh (vv. 19-21)
Key takeaways:
- Paul is concerned that freedom the Galatians enjoy in Christ may be abused and become an occasion for the selfish will to dominate.
- On the one hand, believers must choose to live by the Spirit, while on the other hand, the Spirit empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God.
- The Spirit and the flesh stand in opposition to each other, so neither the desires of the flesh nor the desires of the Spirit are actualized.
- The Spirit’s empowering presence grants believers the ability to conquer the desires of the flesh.
- Doing the works of the flesh cannot be dismissed as inconsequential, for Paul warns the Galatians that those who make a practice of doing such will not inherit the end-time kingdom.
- Good works are not the basis of justification, but they are most certainly, though still imperfect and partial, a consequence of justification.
Quotable:
- We can become enslaved to something by emphasizing our freedom.
Application:
- Freedom manifests itself as love, as a desire to fulfill the needs of others.
- Love asks how others can be served and edified in a way that accords with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- If believers live in the Spirit, then they will not put into practice the desires of the flesh.
- The opposition between the flesh and the Spirit is the normal Christian life, which is not marked by perfection but by war.
- Believers who live by the Spirit will not carry out the flesh’s desires.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 156 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:2-12. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Resist the Dangerous Message of Bondage: It Involves the Requirement of Circumcision (vv. 2-6)
- Resist the Dangerous Message of Bondage:Its Perpetrators will be Judged (vv. 7-12)
Key takeaways:
- If they rely on circumcision for salvation, they cannot lean on Christ for the same.
- Those who attempt to derive their justification from the law are severed from Christ and cut off from grace, for they are attempting to accomplish their own salvation instead of trusting in the grace and mercy of Christ.
- Paul wishes that the opponents who are so enamored with circumcision and the cutting of the flesh would go the whole way and emasculate themselves.
- The Galatians’ progress has been hindered so that they are in danger of not obeying the truth of the gospel.
- No one who teaches falsely will receive an exemption from God’s judgment. Their reputation or stature is irrelevant. If they introduce destructive teaching into the church, they will not be spared on the last day.
Quotable:
- The law tries to find righteousness by doing and obeying; grace and Christ bestow righteousness as a gift.
Application:
- Putting oneself under the law is a burden because perfect obedience is required to be right with God.
- One cannot merely observe part of the law, for it will scarcely do to observe some of its precepts and ignore others.
- No work of the law counts before God as the basis of justification.
- Salvation cannot be divided between the work of Christ and human accomplishment.
- The cross, however, rejects any and all human attempts to be right with God. Righteousness is found only in what Christ Jesus has done for sinners.
- Part of what it means to persevere is to continue to believe in the gospel despite the objections that are constantly raised against it.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
We take a break from Galatians and talk about revival.
WHAT IS REVIVAL?
Revival is the sovereign activity of God whereby he renews his people individually and corporately in vigor, affecting both sincerity of belief and quality of behavior.
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF REVIVAL?
Scripture indicates that a number of characteristics precede revival, including repentance, humility and obedience.
Characteristics which precede revival
- God’s people long for renewal of their lives Ps 80:18 See also Ps 74:22; 80:1-17,19; 85:6
- God’s people must repent 2Ch 7:14 See also 1Ki 8:46-50 pp 2Ch 6:26-27; Isa 64:1-7; Hos 5:15; Ac 3:19
- God’s people experience a new awareness of sin 2Ki 22:11 See also Ps 32:3-5
- God’s people need to be humble Isa 57:15 See also Ps 149:4; Isa 66:2; Mic 6:6-8
- God’s people are revived through God’s initiative Isa 59:16 See also Jer 24:7; 33:6-9; Tit 3:5
Characteristic results of revival
- People experience inward change Heb 8:10-12 See also Jer 31:33-34; Eze 11:19; Ac 2:42-47
- People live obedient lives Eze 11:20 See also Eph 4:1-3; 1Th 1:7-8
- People are zealous for God’s work Ezr 5:1-2 See also Hag 1:12-15
- People are generous in giving Ex 36:5 See also 1Ch 29:6-9; 2Ch 31:3-8; Ac 11:28-30
- People delight in worshipping God Ezr 3:11 See also Isa 12:1-6
- People are joyful Ac 13:49-52 See also Isa 35:1-10; Ac 8:5-8
- God receives praise Ps 40:3 See also 2Sa 22:50 pp Ps 18:49; Ps 51:15; 59:16; 61:8
The Revival of Israel
- Under Hezekiah 2Ki 18:4-6; 2Ch 29:3-5; 30:1; 31:4,9-10,20-21
- Under Josiah 2Ki 23:1-4 pp 2Ch 34:29-33; 2Ch 35:1-3
Revival in the New Testament
- Crowds turn to the Lord Mk 1:5; Jn 3:26; 4:39; Ac 2:41,47; 4:4; 11:21
- The Holy Spirit is active in the revival of believers Ac 4:31 See also Ac 13:9; 2Co 4:16; Eph 5:18
- The response of believers in revival Ro 12:1-2 See also Eph 4:23-24; Php 3:13-14; Col 3:9-14
Welcome to episode 154 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 4:20-5:1. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Stand in Freedom: Argument from Allegory
Key takeaways:
- Hagar was a slave and Sarah was free, and Paul sees spiritual significance in their status.
- The son of the slave woman Hagar (i.e., Ishmael) was born in accord with natural processes, whereas the son of Sarah (i.e., Isaac) was born in accord with God’s promise.
- Paul identifies the Judaizers as the descendants of Ishmael and sees the Galatian converts as sons of Isaac.
- Just as Hagar was Sarah’s slave and Ishmael did not receive God’s covenantal promises, so too Israel’s life under the law was marked by slavery to sin.
- The law puts to death, but the gospel proclaimed by Paul brings freedom. Further, the gospel produces true children for the Lord—children of the promise like Isaac. Therefore, the Gentiles of Galatia should exult with joy because they are the fulfillment of the promise; they are the true children of the Lord.
- Since the Galatians were born of the Spirit instead of the flesh, they were children of the Jerusalem above rather than of Hagar and were thereby children of the promise. Therefore, they are children of the free woman, belonging to the heavenly rather than the earthly Jerusalem.
- Freedom was won for believers by Christ through his redeeming work. Since the Galatians are free from the law in Christ, they must stand in that freedom.
Quotable:
- The law demands obedience and does not grant any power to keep its precepts. It slays but does not grant life.
Application:
- Christ liberated his people so that they may enjoy the freedom of the gospel.
- Christ frees and liberates believers, but the law enslaves and holds captive all those who are under its dominion.
- Liberation from sin, therefore, can never come from the law or from education in moral principles. If swift punishment is meted out, the law can restrain the outward expression of sin. Still, it does not cure the desires of the heart. The only true cure for sin is death, where the old person dies with Christ and a new person is born.
- Sometimes, because of our freedom, we engage in habits that end up enslaving us.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
The two Baptist confessions in this episode are the London Confession, found here, and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, found here.
We will return next week to the Book of Galatians.
Welcome to episode 152 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 4:12-20. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Live in Freedom from the Law: Argument from Friendship
Key takeaways:
- Paul has become like the Gentiles…he is free from the law. Therefore, it makes no sense for them as Gentiles to live like Jews and to submit to the OT law.
- Paul did not think his diseases and sufferings should be separated from his calling as an apostle. The weakness of Paul, manifested in sickness, was the pathway by which Christ’s strength was manifested through him.
- The Galatians are faced with a choice: Either they follow the Judaizers or Paul; either they show zeal for the true gospel or the false gospel that requires circumcision.
- Paul was deeply puzzled over the Galatians’ attraction to Judaism and the OT law. He was not completely sure what to say, and yet his feelings of perplexity did not paralyze him.
Quotable:
- Love responds to people where they are, not where we might hope them to be.
Application:
- God’s regular pattern is to display His strength in and through the weakness of His servants.
- Zeal is a commendable quality, as long as it is directed to the right object. If one is zealous for what is good, one’s life will be pleasing to God.
- One of the great attractions of the church is the love and service shown for one another. As fellow believers we are one body. Therefore, our love is not limited to those who share our same education, race, or social class.
- The beauty of Christ is reflected in the humble and glad suffering of its messengers. It is the gladness and courage of the messengers, despite the pain in their bodies, that heralds the goodness of the gospel to the world.
- Love is anchored in the real world, tackling the problems people face, and it does not give up on others when they are not where we expect or hope them to be.
- We exhort those who are struggling because we love them, and we realize that there is a struggle in the Christian life.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 151 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 3:26-4:11. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Sons of God are Abraham’s offspring (3:26–29)
- Argument from slavery to sonship (4:1-7)
- The Folly of Reverting to the Law (4:8-11)
Key takeaways:
- Believers are all children of God through faith, and they are all one in Christ.
- Faith in Christ is what qualifies one to be a member of God’s people.
- The period of infancy and immaturity refers to the era of salvation history when the Mosaic law was in force. According to Paul, the reign of the law has ceased with the coming of Christ.
- Jesus lived obediently to God’s law, whereas all others violated God’s will. As the one who lived under the law, he took the curse of the law on himself so that he could liberate and free those who were captivated by the power of sin.
- The fundamental proof and evidence that the Galatians are truly God’s adopted sons is that God has given them the Holy Spirit, and their sonship is expressed by their claim that God is their Father.
- The Galatians are relapsing back into paganism, but in a most remarkable way, for their relapse manifests itself in their desire to subject themselves to the Mosaic law.
- Life “under law” is characterized as one in which human beings lived under the dominion and tyranny of sin.
- Before one becomes a believer, one is enslaved to that which is not the true God. Conversion is described as redemption, as being freed from the mastery and tyranny of sin.
Quotable:
- God’s family comprises solely adopted sons and daughters—there are no natural-born sons or daughters in his divine household.
Application:
- All those who are united to Christ are equal as members of Abraham’s family. Therefore, the church should not be marked by social classes and cliques.
- In His own wisdom, God determined when the Son would be sent into the world. If God rules over history, we can trust Him with the particulars of our lives as well.
- The fundamental error of unbelievers is their failure to know and praise and thank God, and hence they turn instead to self-worship and adulation of the creature rather than the Creator. Those who do not know God give worship to someone or something else instead of to the one and only true God.
- Those who are saved demonstrate their new life by continuing in faith until the last day. Their perseverance in faith functions as the evidence that they have truly come to know God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 150 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 3:15-25. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- The Temporary Nature of the Mosaic Covenant (vv. 15-18)
- The Purpose of the Law (vv. 19-25)
Key takeaways:
- If even human covenants are irrevocable and cannot be supplemented, how much more a covenant given by God. In other words, the covenant with Abraham cannot be revoked by a later covenant, nor can additional stipulations be added to it. The covenant with Abraham stands as it was given originally.
- The promises made to Abraham have become a reality in Jesus Christ.
- the Abrahamic covenant focuses on what God does for His people in saving them, while the Mosaic covenant accents human obedience. The Abrahamic covenant celebrates God’s work in delivering His people, whereas the Mosaic summons human beings to keep the law.
- Paul argues that the law was given to increase transgressions, that it was intended to be in force only until the Messiah came, and that the presence of a mediator shows that it is inferior to the promise.
- The law was always intended as an interim arrangement.
Quotable:
- The law says: Do this. The gospel says: Accept this.
Application:
- Those who belong to the family of Abraham do not enter into his family by subscribing to the Mosaic law. They are children of Abraham when they are united to Christ Jesus, the offspring of Abraham. Hence, they receive the promise as a gift.
- Under the promise, the inheritance is obtained as a gift of God’s grace, whereas under the law, the promise is secured through human obedience.
- The law revealed how people should live, but it did not provide the power to enable human beings to live in a way that pleases God. Righteousness would have indeed been through the law if human beings had been able to keep its prescriptions.
- Most secular people, and even many religious people, believe that moral education is the pathway to humane living. If we can only succeed in teaching “morals,” justice and truth will prevail. Paul’s view of the law and the goodness of human beings is much less optimistic. The law is not the solution but part of the problem.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 149 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 3:1-14. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- Paul defends the gospel by experience: The reception of the Spirit (vv. 1-5)
- Paul defends the gospel using Scripture: Abraham and faith (3:6–14)
Key takeaways:
- Paul argues that the Galatians have received the Spirit. He concludes from this that they are justified by faith instead of by works of law.
- The Spirit is the sign that one belongs to the people of God.
- Believing—not doing—was the pathway to receiving the Spirit.
- Since the Galatians have the Spirit, they are members of the new people of God. They are part of the family of Abraham, and hence they do not need to observe the Torah.
- Abraham’s faith was what constituted him as righteous before God. The Galatians, then, do not need to be circumcised to be Abraham’s sons. They are already his children if their faith is in Christ Jesus.
- It was God’s intention from the beginning to bless the Gentiles, as long as they exercised the same kind of faith as Abraham. The Gentiles receive the blessing of Abraham provided that they believe like Abraham.
- Those who do not do everything enjoined in the law are cursed. It is the failure to do all that is written in the law that condemns, not the desire to keep the law!
- The curse of the law lies on all people since the law demands perfect obedience.
Quotable:
- Faith alone is the only way to be right with God. We cannot do anything to merit or earn God’s favor.
Application:
- Both justification (being declared right before God) and sanctification (the lifelong process of being conformed to Jesus’ likeness) are due to the Spirit’s work and are the result of faith.
- The Christian life is a battle to rely on the gospel, and even as Christians we are inclined to look to ourselves and trust in our own achievements rather than relying solely on the cross of Christ.
- Righteousness by faith is taught in both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT). It is not as if OT saints were right with God on the basis of their works, while NT saints are righteous by faith. Paul argues clearly here that Abraham was justified by faith. Therefore, salvation in both the OT and the NT is by faith alone. There is only one way of salvation.
- Legalism is silly and shallow because it is attempted by people who have not and cannot keep God’s commands, and yet somehow they still think they can put God in their debt.
- Law obedience, then, is contrary to faith since it is predicated on obeying instead of believing to obtain salvation, on performing what is required instead of trusting God’s work in Christ. The attempt, then, to be righteous by keeping the law is fundamentally opposed to believing, to trusting what God has done in Christ for justification.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 148 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 2:11-21. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- The need for Paul’s rebuke (vv. 11-14)
- The nature of Paul’s rebuke (vv. 15-21)
Key takeaways:
- Paul’s public reprimand of Peter was warranted because Peter’s sin was committed in the public sphere, and it had public consequences in that others followed his example.
- Peter, by refusing to eat with the Gentiles if they did not keep the food laws, was, in effect, compelling the Gentiles to live like Jews to be part of the people of God.
- Peter and his friends did not act out of conviction but were motivated by fear.
- If members of the covenant people (both Peter and Paul) need to put their faith in Christ to be right before God, and if they cannot be righteous in God’s sight by keeping the law, then it is senseless for Peter to require Gentiles to observe the law for them to have a right relationship with God.
- Reinstituting the law transgresses God’s will because it denies that righteousness is in Christ and returns to the old era of salvation history. Therefore, to reach back to the law for righteousness constitutes sin since it denies righteousness is in Christ.
Quotable:
- Human beings do not stand in the right before God by observing the law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Application:
- Even the most spiritual and advanced Christians, like the apostle Peter, are still liable to sin. No Christian reaches a point where he or she is without sin, and even if we are experienced Christians, we may sin in significant ways.
- None of us live a solitary life. Our sins always have an effect on others.
- As believers, we are responsible for both encouraging and rebuking fellow believers.
- No one can stand before God on the basis of what they have done. Salvation is of the Lord, and it is received by faith alone.
- Righteousness cannot come via the law. If it did, then Christ’s death on the cross is superfluous. Christ’s self-giving on the cross would be completely unnecessary, for right standing with God would be attained through observing the law rather than by trusting in what God has done in Christ to grant salvation.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 147 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 2:1-10. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- The reason for the visit (vv. 1-2)
- The result of the visit (vv. 3-10)
Key takeaways:
- Paul did not need the Jerusalem apostles to endorse his gospel because he received it directly from Jesus.
- If Paul’s gospel diverged from that of the apostles, then his work would likely unravel when the view of Jerusalem became known in the churches Paul planted.
- According to the Old Testament, circumcision was required to be part of God’s people. Those who refused circumcision did not belong to God’s covenant people.
- Paul argued against circumcision, stating that it turned back the clock on salvation history...to the time before Jesus.
- Requiring the law for salvation does not free people from sin but places them under the reign of sin. Reverting to the law is a yoke of slavery because human beings cannot keep the demands of the law.
- The Jerusalem leaders did not establish Paul’s authority; they only recognized that God had given him such authority.
Quotable:
- Any theology that ultimately locates salvation in ourselves and what we do or accomplish is a false gospel. Salvation is no longer the work of God but represents our work, and therefore, we become idolaters who are praised for our contribution.
Application:
- Requiring observance of the law changes salvation from being a work of God to a work accomplished by human beings. So, salvation is no longer of the Lord.
- Living under the law brings bondage in the sense that it does not free people from the slavery of sin. Grace brings freedom, for it does not depend on human beings for righteousness. Therefore, we are freed from depending on what we do as the basis of salvation. We look to Christ alone for his redeeming work.
- We should not venerate any human leader. We are to love the leaders God has placed over us without worshiping them. We should not despise them when we see their faults, for we all fall short in many ways.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 146 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 1:11-24. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- The gospel’s source (vv. 11-12)
- Paul...the persecutor (vv. 13-14)
- Paul...the missionary (vv. 15-17)
- Paul’s relative obscurity in Judea (vv. 18-24)
Key takeaways:
- If the messenger can’t be trusted, then neither can the message. So, Paul defends himself to defend his gospel. But how? With autobiography.
- In Galatians, Paul affirms that the central elements of the gospel were given to him by Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road.
- Before Paul was converted, he was convinced that his persecution demonstrated his zeal for God and His righteousness.
- Just as Isaiah and Jeremiah were called to be prophets, so too the Lord appointed Paul to be an apostle.
Quotable:
- It is important to realize that our zeal and sincerity do not mean that we are necessarily right.
Application:
- Our life, changed by the gospel, is our best argument for the truth of the gospel. We are our best argument.
- While our callings may differ from Paul’s, those Christians who assume that God is uninvolved in their lives could not be more wrong. Each of us is special to Him and “called according to his purpose.”
- We all must make sure that both the beginning and the end of our ministries are entirely centered on God rather than on our reputation or status among people. Too many Christian leaders are motivated more by the acceptance of others than by their desire to please God.
- Sometimes, we domesticate the gospel and forget it is itself the power of God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 145 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapter 1:1-10. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:
- The greeting: Paul’s apostolic authority (vv. 1-5)
- Desertion from the gospel (vv. 6-10)
Key takeaways:
- Paul’s apostleship did not come from a person but from God and Christ. Therefore, the gospel he proclaims is true.
- The Galatians were turning the clock back in salvation history by submitting to circumcision and the Mosaic law. Since Jesus has been raised from the dead, believers are no longer under the Mosaic covenant.
- The grace and peace that come from Jesus Christ are rooted in his self-giving at the cross, where he suffered in the place of believers so that they would be forgiven of their sins.
- The Galatians, by turning to the law and circumcision, have departed from the gospel of grace to one based on human achievement rather than a divine gift.
- There is only one gospel and only one way of salvation. Paul pronounces an eternal curse on any who preach another gospel.
Quotable:
- The gospel equation is this: Jesus + Anything Else = Nothing!
Application:
- A right relationship with God is not obtained by circumcision but only through trusting in the cross of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus, the only righteous One, died on the cross as our substitute so that our sins could be forgiven based on his sinlessness.
- The real tragedy of apostasy is this: we desert God. To apostatize is to forsake the living God for a dead idol, a golden calf of our own making.
- As we strive to move forward in the Christian life, we must remember that we need to go back—again and again and again—to grace. We’ll need to go back to grace in order to move forward in life.
- An effective antidote against false teaching is both a head and heart knowledge of the gospel.
- Any theology that posits works as the basis of our relationship with God is not the gospel of Christ.
- It is far better to be a slave of Christ than to be enslaved to human opinions of us.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
As we prepare to study the Book of Galatians, we take time today to explore the who, what, where, when, and why the book was written.
Next week, we will study chapter 1.
Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we conclude a discussion on Bible dictionaries.
Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we begin a discussion on Bible dictionaries.
Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we will wrap up our discussion from last week on supplemental materials to help you better study, understand, and apply the Bible.
Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we will discuss part one of supplemental materials to help you better study, understand, and apply the Bible.
As we close out 2023 and look forward to 2024, maybe you are already making New Year resolutions. Perhaps one of your resolutions is to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we will build on our last episode and discuss the importance of observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture.
As we close out 2023 and look forward to 2024, maybe you are already making new year resolutions. Perhaps one of your resolutions is to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Today, we will briefly touch on hermeneutics, the science and art of interpreting the Bible.
As we close out 2023 and look forward to 2024, maybe you are already making new year resolutions. Perhaps one of your resolutions is to engage in consistent Bible reading. This 7-week series is designed to help you be a better student of the Bible so you can continue to uncover the hidden treasures in God’s Word.
Although the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by approximately 40 different authors from different backgrounds spanning more than 1500 years, they all tell one story. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to see how the grand narrative of Scripture unfolds. Today, Pastor Darrell will discuss 28 important Bible events (14 from the OT and 14 from the NT) and why they matter in the storyline of the Bible.
Welcome to episode 136 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 5:13-21. The series is called “Unshakable.” Today, we will cover:
- The thing that every Christians knows (v. 13)
- Knowing God (vv. 14-21)
Key takeaways:
- Did you know that you can know that you have eternal life? You can know that you are saved. You don’t have to doubt it, guess about it, or wonder about it. God does not want His children to worry, doubt, or lack assurance about whether they are Christians or not. This is why John wrote this letter.
- Not only can a believer have assurance of salvation, but he also can have assurance that God will hear his prayers and answer them.
- John affirms that we know God hears when we request, not that we have unerring discernment as to what we should be requesting.
- The sin that leads to death, therefore, is the sin of rejecting Christ’s atonement, the sin of calling God’s testimony a lie. Those whose sins do not lead to death commit sins unwittingly and which do not involve rejection of God and his way of salvation.
- John does not forbid praying for those who have left the church and are still in need of God’s transforming grace in Christ; that is just not the situation he is addressing here. It is clear that he is in doubt about the efficacy of such a prayer.
- While the powers of evil may tempt, entice, and otherwise influence the believer, even to the point of lapses into sin, the evil one cannot take hold of a child of God to remove them from the light and life and drag them back into darkness and death.
- One cannot know the Father without belief in His Son, who is the revealer of the truth.
Quotable:
- There are only two possible positions. Everyone is either “of God” or “under the control of the evil one.” Neutrality is not possible.
Application:
- Sometimes our desires are not God’s desires for us. Sometimes what we want is not what our heavenly Father wills. Faith will accept that God’s will is best, and it will trust His plan and purpose, even if it does not understand at the time.
- Since in any given situation we may not know whether what we’re asking is in God’s will, whenever it seems God has not answered, we must receive that in the confidence of knowing we were heard. We do have what we ask according to His will even if His will is “No” or “Not yet.”
- The sin that does not lead to death is the sin of the believer … the sin that does lead to death is most likely that of the unbeliever.
- Any understanding of God incompatible with John’s teaching in this letter would be considered idolatry, defined as false teaching based on a nonexistent spiritual reality.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 135 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 5:1-12. The series is called “Unshakable.” Today, we will cover:
- Obey God and Enjoy the Victory of Faith (vv. 1-5)
- Believe in the Son and Enjoy Eternal Life (vv. 6-12)
Key takeaways:
- Love, obedience, and faith are the three spiritual birthmarks that identify people who are in the family of God.
- Love for God means a love that expresses itself in obedience to His commandments.
- Daily victory comes from recognizing that faith teaches me how to overcome the world.
- What is of the world cannot give us victory over the world.
- Jesus came into his power by the water of his baptism and even more so by the blood of his cross.
- Since we believe the testimony of man, how much more should we believe the testimony of God. What is God’s testimony? Jesus is His son and that he is the only means by which one can have eternal life.
Quotable:
- You cannot claim to love God and be indifferent to His commands. Obedience is the proof of your love.
Application:
- If you love the father, it is a foregone conclusion that you are not only going to love the father who gave birth to you, but you are going to love everybody else in the family as well.
- We must do more than just know the commandments. God is interested to see if we carry them out.
- Love for others is not a sentimental emotion or merely getting along; it is living in right relationships with others and by meeting the need of others for life’s sustaining provisions.
- Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is your Christian life more of a duty you have to force yourself to fulfill?
- Do you feel that if you don’t keep God’s commandments you are afraid of what He might do if you don’t?
- Or do you genuinely desire to obey God’s commandments?
- If I am to overcome the world, I need a force and power beyond my own strength. I am given the weapon of faith.
- When someone rejects God’s love offered in Christ in favor of some other system of belief (or nonbelief), they implicitly declare that they know better than God, thus “making” Him a liar.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 134 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 4:13-21. The series is called “Unshakable.” Today, we will cover:
- Love and Sound Doctrine (vv. 13-16)
- Love’s Perfection (vv. 17-21)
Key takeaways:
- If God is at work in a Christian’s life, the evidence for it will be seen in a combination of love and sound doctrine. In other words, we may know that we have the Spirit because we have come to confess Christ and dwell in love.
- As both creator and judge, God gets to define love and to stipulate how it is to be practiced. But His definition is so unlike the world’s that those who prefer their own, more self-serving definition often reject it.
- Those who are indwelt by God have a relationship with their Judge that is characterized by love. It is this love that allows the believer to have confidence when looking toward that day of judgment.
Quotable:
- Anyone who says that eternal life can come by any way other than Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross is pushing a false gospel.
Application:
- It is not sufficient to believe in the historical Jesus; one must also believe that the man Jesus was the Son of God whom the Father sent to atone for sin. Jesus cannot simply be a prophet, a good teacher, or a moral man.
- The visible manifestation of an individual’s love for God, however, will eventually show up in his dealings with his brothers and sisters in Christ, who indeed are very visible.
- A failure to love others means that a person has failed to see the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ and therefore is unable to love God at all.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 133 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 4:1-12. The series is called “Unshakable.” Today, we will cover:
- Discerning Truth from Error (vv. 1-6)
- Love Others Because God Loves You (vv. 7-12)
Key takeaways:
- Everyone who has a true knowledge of God acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in flesh—that is, that the Son of God became a human being.
- What you think about Jesus shapes every aspect of your theology and worldview.
- People will gravitate to and have an affinity for that confession and teaching with which they are like-minded. Therefore, one who affirms the world’s message is from the world, and, likewise, one who affirms the message that Christ came in the flesh is of God.
- The sending of God’s Son was both the revelation of His love and, indeed, the very essence of love itself.
- The love God has shown (by sending His Son to die for our sins) becomes the motive for our responding to others properly.
Quotable:
- The absence of love in the life of an individual proves that he does not know God.
Application:
- We must listen and evaluate carefully the message and messenger against the infallible authority of Scripture.
- Not everything done and said by a professing Christian is necessarily of the Holy Spirit; they may be speaking from the spirit of the world that has distorted their understanding of the truth of Jesus Christ and his significance.
- To know the love of God is to manifest His love. Without this manifestation one could not possibly know, or ever have known, God or His love.
- How does one express love for God? John tells us that love for God means keeping His commands, which involves how we treat one another.
- Love is always demonstrated by actions.
- Our love for others should recognize their needs, and we should seek to maintain a right relationship with them.
- The love we have for other believers will demonstrate the fact that we are indwelt by God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 132 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 3:11-24. The series is called “Unshakable.” Today, we will cover:
- Love in action (vv. 11-18)
- Live in confidence (vv. 19-24)
Key takeaways:
- Those who do not do what is right hate those who do. To the extent that the believer agrees with Jesus’ testimony about evil and changes their life to do right, those who are of the world hate them for it.
- To hate someone because they are living rightly, and consequently pressuring them by example or teaching to live like the world, is a wish for their spiritual death and is, in effect, spiritual murder.
- John insists that love is to be demonstrated in actions and in truth. Love expresses itself in deeds.
- When our inner voice of conscience nags, God knows that the hearts of His children are in the right place, and we can trust God’s mercy and grace and approach Him in confidence.
- Christian believers can have confidence before God even when their inner voice accuses them.
- Faith in Jesus constitutes obedience to God.
Quotable:
- It is not enough to believe rightly. We must behave rightly. Being precedes doing.
Application:
- Our practice (how we live our lives) proclaims who and what we are.
- Genuine human love is the expression of salvation, not its cause. Loving others in the Christian family is evidence that one has made the transition from death to life.
- Hate is the first step toward murder. A person who hates is no different from a murderer in his attitude. The question is not so much, what are you doing, but what do you want to do?
- Loving others costs us something. We ought to show our love at all cost—even to the point of risking and losing our lives.
- Laying down one’s life as the proper expression of love involves meeting the need of others for the basic necessities needed to sustain life.
- The path to assurance in times of self-doubt is trust in God.
- Only through the power and work of the Holy Spirit can a person love God through faith in Christ and love others rightly.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 131 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 2:29-3:10. The series is called “Unshakeable.” Today, we will cover:
- Be confident and ready for his coming (2:29-3:3)
- Be righteous and do not sin (vv. 4-10)
Key takeaways:
- In Our practice of right living gives evidence that we have truly been born into the family of God. We behave like our Father.
- God has not just shown his love to humans, but he has given it to them in such a way that it becomes a part of them. He lavishes, or imparts, permanent and abiding love to His children.
- Sin is an intentional breaking of God’s moral standard. It is a willful rebellion arising from the deliberate choice of the individual, a direct violation of God’s laws.
- Sin is not amoral. It is not something to which one can be indifferent. On the contrary, sin is a willful disregard for God. It is a rebellious revolt against God’s will.
- John is not suggesting that the child of God will not commit a single act of sin. Rather, the believer will not live a life characterized by sin.
Quotable:
- Jesus is our pattern. We are not to judge our lives by other peoples’ lives, but by Christ’s, who is the standard or goal toward which we are to move.
Application:
- How one lives expresses whether one is born of God or of the devil.
- The world ought to know you’re in the family of God by the way you act. All Christians should live in keeping with Jesus’ own righteous character. His character governs his conduct. So should ours. We should live up to our name.
- In light of the world’s natural depravity and opposition to God, the child of God should anticipate rejection and hatred. Such rejection by the world attests to the reality that the rejected are indeed children of God.
- It is now Christians’ habit of life to pursue purity and holiness as we await the hope of the return of Jesus.
- To be purified we must remain close to the One who is wholly pure.
- One practices righteousness because of his righteous character.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 130 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 2:15-28. The series is called “Unshakeable.” Today, we will cover:
- Our sinful society (vv. 15-17)
- The schism in the church (vv. 18-28)
Key takeaways:
- In light of eternity, all the world has to offer is temporary at best and in rebellion against God at worst. Only a life motivated by obedience to God and his eternal values will survive the passing of the world and all its desires.
- Those who love God must not love “the world,” for by John’s definition, the world is all that is in rebellion against God.
- When John prohibits believers from loving the world, he means not participating in its ways and values.
- The antichrists are those who have and teach a distorted understanding of Jesus Christ.
- Theologically speaking, both the objective, external Word of God and the inward, effectual call of the Holy Spirit are needed for genuine spiritual rebirth.
- There could be no antichrists until the Messiah had come and there was a Christ. That is why the appearance of Jesus marks the start of an era, “the last hour”.
- Spiritual security cannot be found in the latest theological trends that move beyond the need for the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Quotable:
- All human values, ethics, and morality that are defined by fallen people are fatally flawed because they are built on false premises about reality.
Application:
- Even if not an atheist at the philosophical level, anyone who rejects God’s rule of life in some aspect of their behavior is to that extent an atheist in practice.
- Not everything one might hear about Jesus Christ is true, in the first century or in ours.
- Spiritual security cannot be found in the latest theological trends that move beyond the need for the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
- Not unlike the ancient world in which John wrote, our world today is also full of voices claiming spiritual truth as a way to know God.
- The idea of truth by majority opinion leads to the idea that all personal opinions about God are of equal value.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 129 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 2:1-14. The series is called “Unshakeable.” Today, we will cover:
- Jesus is the forgiver of sins (vv. 1-2)
- We must obey God (vv. 3-6)
- We must love God and God’s people (vv. 7-11)
- John addresses the groups (vv. 12-14)
Key takeaways:
- If one could truly be sinless on one’s own, God would be lying in revealing Jesus as the only way to receive eternal life and to have fellowship with God.
- Jesus Christ is our advocate. He speaks to God on our behalf. Jesus is able to be our advocate and to forgive sin because he himself became the sacrifice for sin.
- God in Christ has loved us by redeeming us from sin, and that love has a transformative goal in the life of the believer, that they should love God, both the Father and the Son, which is expressed by love for others.
- You can’t have hate and love in your heart at the same time. It’s impossible.
- We are never more like Jesus than when we love like Jesus loved.
- The secret of spiritual growth and strength is knowledge and practice of the Word of God.
Quotable:
- Character brings about conduct. People do what they do because they are what they are.
Application:
- Christians are caught between a rock and a hard place. We cannot reach sinless perfection in this life, yet we are commanded not to sin. The point is our goal should be to live day by day without committing sin in thought, word, or deed.
- One of the ways you know you are a Christian is if you desire to obey God. If you have no interest in doing what God says, if God’s principles and commandments are of little importance to you, that should be a red flag that you may not be a Christian. Assurance of your salvation is unattainable without obedience to God’s commands.
- When you live the Christian life, your outward conduct should flow from an attitude that characterizes your inner motivation. It is possible to obey and yet do it from an improper motivation in your heart.
- What is the connection between love and obedience to God’s commands? If you love God, you should be able to love your neighbor. If you love your neighbor, you won’t steal from your neighbor or covet his house or commit adultery with his wife or bear false witness against him. If you love your neighbor, all of the other commandments fall into place. If you really love your neighbor, then you’re not going to violate any of the other commandments that have to do with your relationship with fellow human beings. That’s why Jesus said these are the two greatest commandments and why all of the commandments hang on these two: love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 128 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 John, covering chapter 1. The series is called “Unshakeable.” Today, we will cover:
- The prologue to the letter (vv. 1-4)
- Walk in the light (vv. 5-10)
Key takeaways:
- God’s revelation of himself in Jesus and continues by the authoritative testimony of the apostles and others to that revelation. It is Jesus, and not a system of thought, who is the essential core of the Christian proclamation.
- Many professional religionists have a system today. But a system is not life, nor does it transform a life. A system in and of itself is nothing. What Christianity has and the others do not have is life, in fact, the life of Jesus himself, the one who is the creator and sustainer of all life and who as the life is also the light of men (John 1:4). It is Christ, then, who is proclaimed in Christianity.
- Fellowship with the Father and His Son, then, is essentially the same thing as having eternal life.
- To remove oneself from God’s presence through sin is of necessity to remove oneself from the source of life, and therefore, death is the only place to go.
- The truth cannot be in those who deny their sin, because by definition a Christian is one who lives by the truth that Jesus died to cleanse their sin.
- Because of God’s character and His faithfulness to His promises that Christ fulfilled, cleansing from confessed sin is assured.
Quotable:
- If you want to know if a religious movement is Christian or a cult, ask them who Jesus is.
Application:
- As a Christian, what do you do when you sin? What should you do when you sin? Sometimes, even for Christians, sin is something we do and then deny. We love to rationalize it, and we love to refine it. Sometimes we just don’t take seriously the reality and consequences of our sin.
We claim closeness with God but then defy His will and live contrary to His character! Even for Christians, sometimes the three hardest words to say when they ought to be said and like they ought to be said are “I have sinned.” But when we utter those words in sincerity, God’s response is always “You are forgiven.”
- if God is light, then God Himself by virtue of His being and character defines the moral standard of human life.
- The test of truth is not belief—though that is not excluded—but action, deeds, and conduct.
- Only when believers are walking in the light can we have fellowship with God, a fellowship that is embodied as fellowship with one another. Our vertical relationship determines our horizontal relationships.
- People don’t need just more good ethical instruction; rather, they need purification from all that separates them from the presence and purposes of God. Christ’s atonement for sin achieves a reconciliation with God that restores fellowship.
- For any who think, for whatever reason, that they have not sinned, John holds the strongest accusation. Rather than being faithful Christians, they are in fact making God a liar because God says we have sinned, and he sent His Son into the world to atone for the very sin that it has become so popular to deny.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
This episode presents background information to help us establish a firm foundation for understanding 1 John.
In the following weeks, we will explore the book, verse by verse.
Welcome to episode 126 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study in the Book of Ruth, covering chapter 4. The series is called “My Redeemer Lives.” Today, we will cover:
- Boaz’s preparation for court (vv. 1-2)
- The report of the court proceedings (vv. 3-8)
- Boaz’s response (vv. 9-10)
- The public reaction (vv. 11-12)
- The genealogical resolution (vv. 13-17)
- The genealogy of the royal line (vv.18-22)
Key takeaways:
- Boaz continued to demonstrate his character by convening a court the same day he said he would in chapter 3 to resolve the kinsman issue for Ruth.
- The public prayer in vv. 11-12 were fulfilled not only in the genealogy listed at the end of the chapter, but ultimately in Jesus Christ.
- The women view Obed as the redeemer for Naomi, one who would provide rest and security for her. Recall in chapter 3 that this is what Naomi sought for Ruth.
- More than anyone else in the history of Israel, Ruth embodies the fundamental principle of the nation’s ethic: “You shall love your God with all your heart” (Deut 6:5) “and your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18). In Lev 19:34 Moses instructs the Israelites to love the stranger as they love themselves. Ironically, it is this stranger from Moab who shows the Israelites what this means.
- The birth of Obed has historical significance because he lives on and achieves his significance through the lives of his son Jesse and particularly his grandson David.
- In the dark days of the judges the chosen line is preserved not by heroic exploits by deliverers or kings but by the good hand of God, who rewards good people with a fulness beyond all imagination.
Quotable:
- Love is not demonstrated primarily in words; it is expressed in acts of kindness, placing the welfare of the other ahead of oneself.
Application:
- Boaz’s actions at the city gate demonstrated that fulfilling the spirit of the law was more important than the letter of the law.
Download the devotional here.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 125 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ruth, covering chapter 3. The series is called “My Redeemer Lives.” Today, we will cover:
- The scheme (vv. 1-5)
- The night encounter (vv. 6-13)
- The morning sendoff (vv. 14-15)
- The results of the scheme (vv. 16-18)
Key takeaways:
- Naomi’s scheme is not to be interpreted in a sexual manner. Rather, it is designed to make it clear that Ruth is ready for marriage. Furthermore, it is all dependent on Boaz’s character.
- As in chapter 2, the notion of “chance” comes into play. The narrator wants the reader to recognize all the disaster that could befall this plan, but is averted not by chance, but by God.
- The theme of lovingkindness pervades the chapter. Each character is far more interested in the well-being of another, rather than himself.
Quotable:
- The lives of genuinely good people are not governed by laws but character and a moral sense of right and wrong.
Application:
- There are times when God calls us to do our part while He does His. The Christian life is not passive. While God does not need our help in accomplishing His will, He does expect us to be active by being productive and following His plans.
- Character counts. Ruth could have tried to make something of herself by questionable means. But she works hard, demonstrates kindness and respect, and allows others to elevate her.
- People of character act quickly for the benefit of others.
Download the devotional here.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 124 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Ruth, covering chapters 1:21-22:23. The series is called “My Redeemer Lives.” Today, we will cover:
- The new setting (vv. 1:21-2:1)
- The initiative of Ruth (vv. 2-3)
- The grace of Boaz (vv. 4-16)
- The results (vv. 17-23)
Key takeaways:
- For the first time, Ruth takes the lead role in the story. She, an alien in a foreign land, is determined to make something of her life.
- The hand of God is at work! The same hand that had sent the famine (1:1) and later provided food (1:6) is the hand that had brought Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem precisely at the beginning of the harvest (1:22) and has now guided Ruth to that portion of the field belonging specifically to Boaz.
- In a cultural context in which normally foreigners would draw water for Israelites, and women would draw for men (Gen 24:10–20), Boaz’s authorization of Ruth to drink from water his men had drawn is indeed extraordinary.
- Preferring the unknown world of her mother-in-law, like Abraham centuries before, she abandoned her own father and mother and her native land and cast her lot with a people whom she had not previously known. Like Abraham, she had left the security of the familiar (family and land) and committed herself to the unknown.
- For the first time, we encounter the word “redeemer.” As a kinship term it denotes the near relative who is responsible for the economic well-being of a relative, and he comes into play especially when the relative is in distress and cannot get himself/herself out of the crisis. This word will play a major role in the remainder of the story.
Quotable:
- When Jesus redeems, he restores.
Application:
- There are times when we are experiencing adversity and God is working behind the scenes to change our situation, but we may not be aware of it at the time.
- In a similar way that Boaz elevates Ruth (a foreign, widow, woman), so Jesus elevates us to a status we do not deserve.
- By inviting Ruth to eat with Boaz and his men, Boaz dignifies Ruth, giving her the same status as Israelite men. When Jesus saves us, his righteousness is imputed to us so that God sees Christ’s righteousness as ours.
- Jesus is our redeemer who buys us back from the consequences of our sin.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 123 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Ruth, covering chapter 1:1-21. The series is called “My Redeemer Lives.” Today, we will cover:
- The setting for the crisis (vv. 1-2)
- The nature of the crisis (vv. 3-5)
- The response to the crisis (vv. 6-18)
- The interpretation of the crisis (vv. 19-21)
Key takeaways:
- In the midst of our difficulties and struggles, God continues to work out His plans for our lives. They may not be what we plan or expect, but they are exactly what He wants for us.
- The Jewish concept of hesed appears in this chapter. This idea combines our understandings of love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, and loyalty.
- At the end of the chapter, Naomi is bitter, blaming God for her circumstances and seeing herself as a helpless victim.
- At the end of chapter 1, Naomi’s perception is so distorted by pain that she can see nothing good in her situation. Worst of all, her perception of God is twisted. She can see Him only as her judge.
Quotable:
- Adversity has the potential to bring about a low expectation mindset. We expect very little from ourselves, others, and God.
Application:
- Devastating events happen to most of us. One reaction can be to blame God, thinking that He is punishing us for our sins. While that MAY be the case, it could also be that God is using the adversity to purify us and to develop Christ-like character.
- Ruth is representative of each person who has turned to Christ as savior. She abandons all she has ever known for the promises of hope found in Scripture. She leaves behind certainty and comfort for an earthly life marked by tribulation, mockery, and marginalization.
- When we become bitter toward God, we may view Him as...
- is a sovereign being without grace,
- an omnipotent power without compassion,
- a judicial will without mercy.
You can find the 4-week devotional here.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
In this episode, we will provide a brief introduction to the Book of Ruth in preparation for a 4-week series that starts next week.
Pastor Darrell has written a 4-part devotional for the book, covering one chapter each week. We encourage you to download, read, and pray over each one as you follow along in the series. The devotionals can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week is our final podcast in the series. We are in Psalm 150,.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 139.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 103.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 133.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 8.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 73.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on this psalm can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalms 38, 51, & 32.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on these psalms can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 19.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on Psalm 14 can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 14.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel.
Pastor Mark's sermon on Psalm 14 can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 14.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on Psalm 14 can be found here.
Each week this summer, we will take one point from a Psalm Pastor Mark preached as part of his Psalmology series and unpack that point a little more.
This week, we are in Psalm 1.
Catch the video version of this podcast on Spring Baptist Church's YouTube channel found here.
Pastor Mark's sermon on Psalm 1 can be found here.
Today, we look back over 1 Peter and touch on some of the most important aspects of the book.
Welcome to episode 109 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 5. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- The role model (v. 1)
- The responsibilities (vv. 2-3)
- The reward (v. 4)
- Live as servants (vv. 5-7)
- Live as a soldier (vv. 8-9)
- Live as a sufferer (vv. 10-11)
- The final greeting (vv. 12-14)
Key takeaways:
- The Church belongs to God; pastors are given the privilege and responsibility of shepherding it.
- As God’s shepherds and leaders, they are to oversee the church and superintend it.
- Those who serve as pastors are not to serve under compulsion but with a whole-hearted desire, which is God’s will for them.
- Pastors are not to use their positions of authority as an opportunity to oppress those under them.
- As shepherds, pastors serve under the authority of the Chief Shepherd, doing his will rather than theirs.
- Persecution is the roar by which Satan tries to intimidate believers in the hope that they will capitulate at the prospect of suffering.
- Peter wrote the letter to exhort believers and to testify to God’s grace. The grace of God consists of what God has done for believers in Christ.
Quotable:
- The sufferings of this life will seem as if they lasted a little while when compared to the eternal glory that endures forever.
Application:
- Since God resists the proud and pours his grace upon the humble, believers should humble themselves. By humbling themselves, they will experience God’s grace, for God bestows his favor on those who acknowledge their need of Him.
- Worry is a form of pride because when believers are filled with anxiety, they are convinced that they must solve all the problems in their lives in their own strength. The only god they trust in is themselves. When believers throw their worries upon God, they express their trust in His mighty hand, acknowledging that He is Lord and Sovereign over all of life.
- Believers triumph over the devil as they continue to trust God, believing that He truly cares for them and will sustain them until the end.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 108 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 4:12-19. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- Glory and suffering (vv. 12-16)
- Suffering and God’s judgment (vv. 17-19)
Key takeaways:
- An advance warning of suffering helps the readers to be prepared for suffering, so that their faith is not threatened when difficulties arise.
- Suffering is to be expected because its purpose is to test us.
- Those who are insulted as Christians are actually blessed. They may be insulted by human beings, but they are blessed by God Himself.
- If even those who are going to be saved are purified and judged by suffering, then the outcome or result of those who reject the gospel will surely be a greater punishment.
Quotable:
- All unbelief leads to disobedience.
Application:
- If we are astonished when suffering occurs, we may feel overwhelmed, concluding that God does not love us.
- How believers respond to suffering is an indication of whether they truly belong to God at all.
- If believers act like busybodies, we could be considered to be pests who deserve ostracism and mistreatment. We should not behave in a way that gives others justifiable reasons to treat us in an unworthy manner.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide
Welcome to episode 107 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 4:1-11. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- The Triumph – Suffering causes sin to lose its power (vv. 1-3)
- The Testimony – Unbelievers are surprised at the change (vv. 4-6)
- The Tenderness – Suffering should develop our love for other believers (vv. 7-9)
- The Talents – We should faithfully employ all of our God-given spiritual gifts (vv. 10-11)
Key takeaways:
- Everyone who suffers for Jesus first resolved, somewhere along the line, to cease from sinning. After all, the suffering they experience is a result of leaving off with sin.
- Pagans are surprised that believers do not participate in what they consider to be normal cultural activities; in response they criticize, defame, and revile believers and thereby also the God they worship.
- Peter reminded believers of the final judgment of all, assuring them that their perseverance in the faith matters and that those who practice evil will be assessed and condemned on the final day.
- The coming judgment will not only bring sinners into account but will also reverse the judgments of men.
Quotable:
- Christians forgive faults in others because they know the forgiving grace of God in their own lives.
Application:
- Believers are to arm themselves with the intention to suffer. Like soldiers preparing for battle, believers should prepare themselves for suffering.
- In the Western world we take for granted the segregation of private and public spheres, but public festivals, in which the gods were venerated, were considered a civic duty in the Greco-Roman world. Those in Peter’s day who did not fit in with the mores of society would be discriminated against in daily life and that they would be the object of abuse.
- In light of the arrival of the end. Peter exhorted his readers, however, to pursue virtues that are a normal part of New Testament advice.
- Believers should think sensibly as they contemplate the brevity of life in this world.
- Spiritual gifts are given to serve and to help others, to strengthen others in the faith. They are bestowed for ministry, not to enhance self-esteem.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 106 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 3:18-22. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
· The Christ – His Death (v. 18)
· The Christ – His Journey to the Spirit World (vv. 19-20)
· The Christ – His Resurrection (v. 21)
· The Christ – His Ascension and Exaltation (v. 22)
Key takeaways:
· Suffering is not a sign of divine displeasure. Precisely the opposite. Those who suffer for the Christ will be glorified as he was.
· Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, went and proclaimed victory over the imprisoned spirits (the fallen angels of Gen. 6:1-4).
· Noah’s ‘salvation’ was brought about by the same act of judgment that destroyed the wicked.… The way God rescues the righteous is by destroying their enemies.
· Just as the chaotic waters of the flood were the agent of destruction, so too the waters of baptism are waters of destruction. Believers survive the death-dealing baptismal waters because they are baptized with Christ. They are rescued from death through his resurrection.
· Christ died for believers, the righteous for the unrighteous, and hence believers enter into God’s presence on the basis of God’s grace alone.
Quotable:
· Believers have no need to fear that suffering is the last word, for they share the same destiny as their Lord, whose suffering has secured victory over all hostile powers.
Application:
· If God preserved Noah when he stood in opposition to the whole world, He will also save his people, even though they are now being persecuted.
· Just as Noah was delivered through the stormy waters of the flood, believers have been saved through the stormy waters of baptism by virtue of Christ’s triumph over death.
· The resurrection and ascension of Christ gives us a certain hope that our own victory has been secured.
· Peter wants to encourage us by saying, “Take heart, you too shall one day win!”
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 105 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 3:8-17. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- Responsibilities of all believers (v. 8-17)
Key takeaways:
- The Christian life is not one of passivity for Peter. A life of goodness does not simply happen as believers meditate quietly in their rooms. Believers must make a conscious effort to turn from evil. They must devote themselves to what is good.
- Peter was not promising that believers would escape rejection and harm in this world. Instead, Peter assured believers that nothing can ultimately harm them if they continue to walk in God’s paths, that the pain inflicted on them now is only temporary, and that they will be vindicated by God on the last day.
- Suffering is an indication of God’s blessing. Since believers are blessed by God when they suffer, they should not fear what unbelievers can do to them. Fear of human beings, even of those who persecute, is forbidden. Since no one can ultimately harm believers and since even their suffering is a sign of God’s blessing, then it follows that they should not fear what others can do to them.
- Peter assumed that believers have solid intellectual grounds for believing the gospel. Every believer should grasp the essentials of the faith and should have the ability to explain to others why they think the Christian faith is true.
- The opposition Christians receive must be for good behavior, not their shortcomings. In other words, when we suffer for doing wrong, we deserve it. When we suffer when doing God’s will, He will reward it.
Quotable:
- Living a godly life does not earn salvation but is evidence of it. Peter insisted that a transformed life is necessary to obtain eternal inheritance.
Application:
- Peter exhorts his readers to exhibit the following within the church: Harmony, sympathy, brotherly love, compassion, and humility.
- Those who inflict evil or hurl insults at believers should not be repaid in kind, as tempting as it might be to strike back. Instead of insulting others or responding in kind, believers are called on to bless others.
- Setting apart Christ as Lord in the heart is not merely a private reality but will be evident to all when believers suffer for their faith. The inner and outer life are inseparable, for what happens within will inevitably be displayed to all, especially when one suffers.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 104 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 2:18-3:7. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- Slaves submit to masters – to receive a reward (vv. 18-20)
- Slaves submit to masters – to imitate Christ (vv. 21-25)
- Responsibilities of wives (3:1-6)
- Responsibilities of husbands (v. 7)
Key takeaways:
- The New Testament nowhere commends slavery as a social structure.
- Slaves who endure unjust suffering because of their relationship with God will be rewarded by God.
- Suffering is not a detour by which believers receive the inheritance to which they were called. It is God’s appointed means for receiving the inheritance.
- Believers triumph over evil because they trust that God will vindicate them and judge their enemies, putting everything right in the end.
- In the household code, Peter concentrated on those in the relationship who have less power.
- The New Testament was countercultural in promoting the equality of women.
Quotable:
- Differences in role or function do not cancel out equality. Those who argue that a different function implies inequality betray a secular worldview that identifies worth with stature and the exercise of authority.
Application:
- If Jesus as the servant of the Lord did not sin or use guile, despite suffering intensely as the righteous one, then believers should follow his example and refrain from sinning or using deceit when they are mistreated as Christ’s disciples.
- Husbands do not have the responsibility to ensure that wives submit to them.
- The primary influence on husbands will not be the speech of wives but their godly behavior.
- The good conduct of wives should stem from their relationship with God. Wives do not submit in order to satisfy a husband’s vanity or to promote his reputation. Neither do they submit to show how godly they are, nor to avoid conflict, nor to impress the neighbors, nor to manipulate their husbands, and not even because she thinks he is wise. She submits because of her relationship with and trust in God.
- God does not bless with his favor those who are in positions of authority and abuse those who are under them by mistreating them.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Today, we talk briefly about the meaning of Good Friday and the significance of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The staff at Spring Baptist Church wish you a Happy Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of our living lord and savior, Jesus Christ!
Welcome to episode 102 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 2:4-2:17. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- The relationships (vv. 4-10)
- The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (vv. 11-12)
- Show respect to civil authorities (vv. 13-17)
Key takeaways:
- As the cornerstone of the building was rejected by the builders, so also Jesus was rejected by human beings.
- Believers are both priests and the temple. They are God’s dwelling place by the Spirit and His new priesthood.
- Just as Christ is the chosen and honored one of God and was so honored at his resurrection, so too believers will be vindicated on the last day. What is true of the Christ is also true of his people. They will not experience the embarrassment of judgment but the glory of approval.
- The evil in the world is not separated from God’s control. God still reigns, even over those who oppose him and Peter’s readers.
- God’s ultimate purpose in everything He does is designed to bring Him praise.
Quotable:
- One is either a slave of sin or a slave of God. True liberty, according to the New Testament, means that there is freedom to do what is right. Therefore, only those who are slaves of God are genuinely free.
Application:
- Humans stumble because of rebellion…because they do not want to submit to God’s lordship.
- The desires of the flesh that emerge in believers are quite strong and must be resisted and conquered. This is no easy matter. The Christian life is certainly not depicted as passive in which believers simply “let go and let God.”
- Christians are to pursue virtue and goodness, so that their goodness will be apparent to all in society. The evident transformation of their behavior will contradict false allegations circulating in society.
- Christians obey governing authorities because such obedience is God’s will. Hence, the supreme authority is not government but God Himself.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 101 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 1:13-2:3. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- The response to our salvation (vv. 13-17)
- The cost of our salvation (vv. 18-21)
- The vehicle of our salvation (vv. 22-25)
- What we are to renounce (2 v. 1)
- What we are to receive (vv. 2-3)
Key takeaways:
- Ungodly desires still beckon believers and tempt them to depart from God. They must refuse such desires and choose what is good. Peter exhorts Christians to control their desires rather than to be controlled by them.
- A genuine fear of judgment hinders believers from giving in to living life any way they choose.
- When God saves us, He redeems us from an empty life. Our lives before their conversion were futile, empty, and devoted to false gods.
- Money is a thing that perishes, but Christians have been redeemed with the blood of a person.
Quotable:
- Before time began, God determined that He would send Jesus into the world and when. Our salvation was no afterthought.
Application:
- The indicative (what God has done for us in Christ) is always the basis of the imperative (how we should live our lives). In other words, we don’t try to live holy lives so our sins will be forgiven. There is nothing you or I can do to merit God’s favor. We live holy lives BECAUSE our sins have been forgiven.
- Grace precedes demand. In other words, by God’s grace, we can be holy. Peter’s readers (and us) cannot live morally noble lives in their own strength. All holiness stems from the God who called them into the sphere of the holy.
- The characteristic of a Christian community is fervent or constant love for one another.
- Just as babies crave mother’s milk to nourish and satisfy them, all believers should crave God’s pure spiritual milk, which is His Word. If we are to grow into healthy and strong Christians, we need to feed ourselves a regular diet of the Bible.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
We are excited to launch our Discipleship Pathway! In this episode, we will talk about what it means to be a disciple, the eight signposts that we believe disciples engage in, and what Spring Baptist Church is doing to make disciples who make disciples.
To find out more, visit https://www.springbaptistklein.org/discipleship-pathway or click here.
The eight signposts are...
- Bible Engagement:
The Bible describes believers in Christ, those who follow him, as learners. The Bible contains many commands like “pursue truth,” “seek wisdom,” “renew the mind,” “learn from one another,” and “examine the Scriptures.” It is impossible to fulfill God’s invitation to follow him and serve him without committing to a lifestyle of learning, but “learning” in a biblical sense goes way beyond merely accepting facts. Learning incorporates the intellect and the will.
- Obeying God and Denying Self:
The Bible is filled with examples of and admonitions related to obedience and self-denial. To be a disciple is synonymous with following Jesus, and following Jesus is synonymous with self-denial in favor of obedience to God. This attribute will help you measure the degree to which you possess a “God-focus” versus a “self-focus.”
- Serving God and Others:
The concept of service is vividly portrayed throughout the Bible. Jesus provided a great example for all Christians both through his spoken words and deeds. The apostle Paul states, “And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).
- Sharing Christ:
A key mark of a growing disciple is an outward focus. For individuals, it means intentionally befriending and building relational bridges to non-Christians, and then inviting these friends and acquaintances to church with them.
- Exercising Faith:
A disciple is marked by a posture of weakness. Such weakness creates a great opportunity to exercise faith in a strong God. From Genesis to Revelation, the Christian experience is described using words like believe, trust, rely upon, and act upon. It’s clear that above all, God desires active faith in his people, for without faith it is impossible to please God.
- Seeking God:
A disciple is one who seeks after and worships God. Jesus stated, “Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:23–24). A true disciple, a follower of Christ, is to engage in a lifestyle of worship, both privately and corporately.
- Building Relationships:
A disciple is one who is properly related to others, especially the community of faith. The Christian faith is neither a spectator sport (where self-professed Christians sit back and watch the local church in action), nor is it a solo sport (living in isolation from the body of Christ).
- Unashamed (Transparency):
A disciple is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This quality is exhibited in their willingness to talk openly in church and community environments about his or her walk with God. We naturally praise and talk about what we love. Those unashamed of the work and presence of God don’t wait for a predefined environment to talk about their beliefs in Jesus; rather, they embody the attitude of Peter and John who stated that they couldn’t help talking about the ongoing work of God in their lives and world.
Welcome to episode 99 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 1:1-12. The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Today, we will cover:
- The source of our salvation (vv. 1-2)
- The guaranty of our salvation (vv. 3-5)
- The joy of our salvation (vv. 6-9)
- The Old Testament prophets, angels, and our salvation (vv. 10-12)
Key takeaways:
- Peter writes to give his readers hope, consolation, and encouragement by explaining their identity in Christ and how even suffering is an integral part of that identity.
- We are chosen by the Father, set apart unto faith by the Spirit, and cleansed by the blood of Christ.
- One of Peter’s aims in his letter was to encourage his readers by giving them grounds for solid hope in the ultimate future so that they might face the immediate future with courage and even joy.
- God is preserving and guarding an eternal inheritance in heaven for all Christians.
- A trial is a test to see if something can stand up to strain. A temptation is an attempt to destroy something.
- The Old Testament prophecies do not only apply to Peter’s readers but were intended for them.
Quotable:
- A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.
Application:
- We struggle, at times, to be in the world because we are aliens. This place is not our home. Aliens are always aware they do not really fit in the society where they live.
- We have this living hope, which is the hope of resurrection, triumph over death. Therefore, whatever happens to us in this world is trivial compared to the blessing of the future resurrection.
- God fortifies believers so that they persist in faith and hope until the day that they obtain the end times inheritance.
- The trials we experience now are not meaningless but serve to refine and purify our faith.
- Our lives ought to have a forward-looking and other-worldly dimension that is often lacking among contemporary Christians. True, we believe in the future hope in principle, but has it lost its importance as a factor in our daily living?
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 98 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 16:1-8. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we look at Jesus’ resurrection and alternate endings of the book. We will cover:
- The grief (vv. 1-4)
- The glory (vv. 5-8)
Key takeaways:
- There has been much debate for centuries over the correct ending of the book, with the tide shifting back and forth between ending at v. 8 and ending at v. 20.
- The longer ending that appears in most manuscripts (16:9–20) is probably not original. It does not appear in the most important early manuscripts. It represents a compendium of resurrection appearances from other gospels and was likely composed by a second-century copyist disturbed by the abrupt ending of Mark.
- Whichever view is taken on the ending, Mark leaves no doubt about the historical reality of the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah and the appropriate response of those who have faith in him: to persevere through suffering and to boldly proclaim the resurrection and the kingdom of God.
- The empty tomb alone is not proof of the resurrection. It only invites the question, “What happened to the body of Jesus?” The angel, however, provides the answer.
- Mark's Christological purpose is to show that Jesus is indeed the mighty Messiah predicted in Scripture, but that his surprising role is to suffer and die as a sacrifice for sin.
Quotable:
- No matter which ending you choose to follow, the resurrection is an assured fact for Mark and his readers.
Application:
- Mark’s enigmatic story of Jesus leaves the women (and the disciples) in the same position as Mark’s readers—with the resurrection announcement and a call to faith and perseverance. How will they respond?
- Mark’s historical and theological assertion is crystal clear: Jesus of Nazareth has risen from the dead!
- Mark’s gospel is a narrative call to persevere and stay faithful, and God will vindicate believers in the end.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Today we will look back over the Book of Mark and discuss the big ideas. We will also explore the four different endings of the book.
We will also look ahead at the Book of 1 Peter and discuss the author, date, reason for the book, and its big themes.
Welcome to episode 96 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 15:33-47. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we look at Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. We will cover:
- Events during the crucifixion (vv. 33-37)
- Events following the crucifixion (vv. 38-47)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus’ death is accompanied by four key events that have theological significance for Mark:
- The darkness, symbolizing end times judgment;
- Jesus’ cry of dereliction from Ps 22:1, indicating his despair in experiencing God’s cup of wrath;
- the tearing of the temple curtain, representing judgment against the nation and the coming end of the sacrificial system; and
- the cry of the centurion, confirming the identity of Jesus and foreshadowing the gospel’s acceptance by the Gentiles.
- Shockingly, it is this Gentile centurion who first recognizes that Jesus’ divine sonship and messianic identity are confirmed not through conquest, but through suffering.
- Unlike other rabbis of his day, Jesus elevated women to the position of disciples.
Quotable:
- God’s justice is the ultimate answer to the problem of evil: How can a good and all-powerful God allow evil to continue in the world? It will not continue forever, and every sin and injustice will be paid for.
Application:
- Justice is a prominent theme in Mark. God is not only a God of love and grace; he is also a God of justice.
- Astonishingly, it is a Gentile who first recognizes that Jesus’ divine sonship is not repudiated by his death, but is confirmed by it. It is as the suffering Messiah and Son of God that Jesus fulfills his purpose and calling.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 95 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 15:16-32. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we look at Jesus’ mocking and crucifixion. We will cover:
- The contempt (vv. 16-20)
- The cross-bearer (v. 21)
- The crucifixion (vv. 22-32)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus is mocked, beaten, and spat upon repeatedly. These actions were predicted by Isaiah as how the Lord’s suffering servant would be treated (Isaiah 50:6-7)
- The skull-like outcrop known as Gordon’s Calvary and the adjacent Garden Tomb, though popular devotional sites, have little corroborating evidence as the site of the crucifixion and were first identified as possible sites in the nineteenth century.Nowhere is it stated that Golgotha was a hill, but it may have gotten its name from being a low-lying hill in the shape of a skull.
- All four Gospels describe a written notice, or “inscription,” identifying the charge against Jesus (the king of the Jews).
- The religious leaders view Jesus as a failure because he is unable to save himself from Roman crucifixion. The irony of Mark’s drama is that by staying on the cross, Jesus is fulfilling the role of the Messiah, bringing salvation to Israel by offering his life as a ransom for sins.
- The upside-down values of the kingdom of God are subversively bringing transformation and renewal to a fallen world.
Quotable:
- No challenges we face in life are outside of God’s control or sovereign will.
Application:
- The death of Jesus is an act of reconciliation, God’s sacrificial gift to the world, an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
- In our world today we see and hear of unspeakable acts of evil. We wonder, “Where is God?” The answer we see here is that he is on the cross, experiencing and absorbing the hatred and evil of humanity—refusing to lash back and instead offering God’s forgiveness.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 94 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 15:1-15. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we look at Jesus’ trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. We will cover:
- The conspiracy (v. 1)
- The confusion (v. 2)
- The charges (vv. 3-5)
- The custom (v. 6)
- The choice (vv. 7-14)
- The chastening (v. 15)
Key takeaways:
- The Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus for the same reasons people reject him today. He was a threat to their power. He did not meet their expectations. He exposed their sins.
- Jesus is indeed Israel’s King, the Messiah who will establish an eternal throne and crush all human kingdoms under his feet. Yet to accomplish this, he must suffer and die as the righteous and innocent servant of the Lord, who provides atonement for sins.
- In this passage and on the lips of a pagan governor, the two great themes of Mark’s Christology are revealed:
- victorious King
- and Suffering Servant.
Jesus is both “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the sacrificial “Lamb” of God
- It was neither the Romans nor the Jews who were responsible for Jesus’ death. It was rather his enemies who were responsible.
Quotable:
- The response to Jesus’ death should not be to seek someone to blame, but to offer praise and thanks to God for His indescribable gift.
Application:
- From a theological perspective, the question of who killed Jesus has a more profound answer. We are all ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death, since he died as a sacrifice for our sins.
- Ultimately, it was God Himself who was responsible for Jesus’ death. It was He who delivered over Jesus to his suffering and death.
- It was also the son himself who voluntarily laid down his life as a ransom for many.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 93 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 14:53-72. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we look at Jesus’ trial before the religious leaders and Peter’s actions. We will cover:
- Jesus is denied by his follower [Part 1] (vv. 53-54)
- Jesus is denounced by his foes (vv. 55-65)
- Jesus is denied by his follower [Part 2] (vv. 66-72)
Key takeaways:
- Though seemingly a disaster for Jesus, God’s plan of redemption moves forward toward his death as a ransom for sins.
- Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin is hardly a legitimate trial, since the goal is simply to find sufficient evidence to put Jesus to death.
- Jesus’ immediate vindication will come when he ascends to the right hand of God. His ultimate vindication will occur when he comes in glory to judge and to save. At that time, those who are presently standing in judgment over the Son of Man will be judged by him.
- We talked last time about Jesus’ humanity on display in the Garden of Gethsemane. And in the passage today, we see his deity. The apparent tragedy unfolding in Mark’s gospel is all part of God’s plan of salvation.
Quotable:
- Jesus represents the model disciple who refuses to deny his calling despite persecution and even death.
Application:
- Jesus’ messianic purpose is not to conquer the Romans, but to suffer and die as a ransom for sins.
- All of us have experienced failure at various times in our Christian lives, whether by falling into sin, allowing our relationship with God to grow cold, or keeping silent about our faith at times of doubt. Peter’s story reminds us that God loves us despite our failings, and like the loving father in the parable of the prodigal son, He is always waiting with open arms to welcome us back into full fellowship with Him.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 92 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 14:32-52. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we conclude our discussion on Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and cover:
- The agony of Jesus (vv. 32-42)
- The arrest of Jesus (vv. 43-49)
- The abandonment of Jesus (vv. 50-52)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus’ experience in the garden of Gethsemane reveals his true humanity and faithfulness to the Father’s will and stands in stark contrast to the spiritual and physical dullness of the disciples.
- It is ironic that Jesus is delivered over by Judas to sinners, but also by God for sinners.
- The theme of God’s sovereign purpose continues in this episode as Jesus again points out that all that is happening—even his betrayal—is the fulfillment of Scripture and part of God’s saving purpose. God will accomplish His plan despite and even through the evil actions of sinful human beings.
Quotable:
- Jesus had to be fully human so that he could be our substitute.
Application:
- Jesus’ prayer represents a model for believers in that Jesus brings his needs and desires to God but emphasizes most of all his submission to God’s will. Prayer should not be focused primarily on getting what we want, but on aligning our will with God’s.
- The various actions taken by those present also provide us with examples of inappropriate responses to Jesus:
- Outright rejection. Judas, the religious leaders, and the crowd represent complete rejection of Jesus and his claims related to the kingdom of God
- Abandonment. Another inappropriate response to Jesus is seen in the disciples, who, though vehemently proclaiming their allegiance, flee the scene at the first sign of trouble. When temptations, difficulties, or hardships come, they decide it is not worth it and move on to other self-help fads.
- Inappropriate action. The disciple who draws his sword to strike has good intentions—to advance Jesus’ cause—but uses inappropriate means to do so. Many people in this world seek to promote the Christian faith, but do so in inappropriate ways or with the wrong motives.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 91 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 14:1-31. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we conclude our discussion on Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and cover:
- The plot [part 1] (vv. 1-2)
- The preparation (vv. 3-9)
- The plot [part 2] (vv. 10-11)
- The Passover meal (vv. 12-26)
- The predictions (vv. 27-31)
Key takeaways:
- If one theme holds the narrative together, it is the sovereign purpose of God, who is accomplishing His saving work through His servant, Jesus the Messiah.
- Jesus came for a purpose far greater than feeding the poor, healing the sick, and raising the dead. He came to bring reconciliation between God and His creation.
- Meals were rituals of social status in the Mediterranean world, and to share a meal indicated trust and friendship. Because Judas is at the meal with Jesus, this is the worst kind of betrayal, coming from a close friend and confidant.
- Just as a blood sacrifice sealed the first covenant, so Christ’s death seals or ratifies the new covenant. Jesus’ one sacrifice will provide atonement for all.
- Since Jesus is bodily present, his disciples would not have thought that he was saying the bread had literally become his body. In the same way, since Judaism forbade the drinking of blood, the disciples would not have thought the blood was literal. The bread and the cup signify, or represent, his body and blood.
- Whether called the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or Communion, the ritual Jesus inaugurated at his last Passover is the most significant worship experience for the church today.
Quotable:
- God is sovereignly at work, even through those who oppose or fail Him. God’s purpose is accomplished despite and even through the evil intention of sinners.
Application:
- While both evangelism and social concerns are essential tasks for churches, this passage reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to worship God and give Him the glory.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 90 of Grasp the Bible. Since it is January 2023, Pastor Darrell preached a two-part series called New Year, New You. The first week, he talked about having a new focus through having a persistent prayer life. Today, he talks about new friends. The primary passage is 1 Samuel 18:1-3.
Key takeaways:
-
Real friendships overlook differences
-
Real friendships lookout for one another
-
Real friendships look to carry on the blessing
Quotable:
We can have friends who are very different from us when we focus on the person and not everything else around the person. We need to separate the person who
has such great value from the circumstances, values and beliefs that they hold.
Application:
· What if we kept our beliefs intact, but we just listened and got to know other people?
· What if we weren’t threatened by someone else’s viewpoint?
· What if we used social media to make friends rather than enemies?
· What if we looked at getting to know the person rather than ignoring them because we disagree on a particular matter?
· Friends call you up when you’re hurting.
· Friends push you to take a step of faith.
· Friends help you stay connected to the church.
· Friends are examples of what you should be in your marriage, family, and career.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 89 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our 4-week series on Advent. Today we will talk about the love that God showed by sending His son in this week 4 episode.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 88 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our 4-week series on Advent. Today we will talk about the joy we experience at Jesus' birth in this week 3 episode.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 87 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our 4-week series on Advent. Today we will talk about how we prepare ourselves for Jesus' birth in this week 2 episode.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 86 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin a 4-week series on Advent. Today we will talk about the history of advent, what it is, and the theme for week 1.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 85 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 13:24-37. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we conclude our discussion on Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and cover:
- The second coming of Christ (vv. 24-27)
- The Parable of the Fig Tree (vv. 28-31)
- The Parable of the Alert Servants (vv. 32-37)
Key takeaways:
- From Mark’s perspective, the destruction of Jerusalem is direct vindication of God’s saving work through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah and also the precursor and preview of the consummation of the kingdom of God at the second coming.
- The elements of creation go into confusion and fear because Jesus appears, not as a sign that he is about to do so.
- Jesus’ use of the title “Son of Man” up to this point in Mark has mostly concerned the Son of Man’s authority on earth (2:10, 28) and his coming suffering. The emphasis here is on revelation and vindication.
- The only purpose of Jesus’ coming mentioned is the gathering of the scattered elect. The purpose of the Son of Man’s return is to save and vindicate “his chosen ones.”
- The parable of the fig tree relates to the destruction of Jerusalem and confirms that it will be preceded by signs to be recognized and will occur within the generation of the disciples. The second, the parable of the owner’s return, relates to the uncertain time of the return of the Son of Man and the end of the age.
Quotable:
- Although we are uncertain about when Christ will return, we are certain that he will return.
Application:
- Jesus’ parable of the servants calls for constant vigilance in light of the uncertainty of the return of the Son of Man and the end of the age.
- Preparation for Christ’s return is not about calculating the date of Armageddon or linking world events to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. It is about letting our spiritual lights shine by bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 84 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 13:1-23. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss Jesus’ Olivet Discourse:
- The introduction (vv. 1-4)
- Signs that do not signal the end (vv. 5–13)
- Warnings related to Jerusalem’s destruction (vv. 14-23)
Key takeaways:
- The Olivet Discourse is one of the most difficult texts in the New Testament. Studying it requires humility and a willingness to admit that we do not know everything.
- The central theme is a call for watchfulness, perseverance, and faithfulness in the face of coming crises.
- Jesus warns his disciples to watch out for false messiahs, catastrophic events, and severe persecutions.
- Jesus describes events that do not herald the end of time, but instead are part of the normal course of human history.
- It seems that Mark sees the events Jesus describes as near future (destruction of the Temple in AD 70) and far (the return of Christ).
Quotable:
- The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.
Application:
- Total allegiance to Jesus as Lord and a corresponding unwillingness to worship rulers and ideologies of this world will result in hatred from the general population.
- False teachers will always be among us. The focus and center of our faith must be Christ himself, not any human leader.
- The natural tendency of human beings is to believe that catastrophic events threatening our own lives are also signs of the end of the world. If my world is falling apart, then the entire world is.
- Even in a passage full of end times images like this one, the message is not to calculate the end, but always to be alert and ready, living a life of spiritual preparation.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 83 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:35-44. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The Messianic conundrum (vv. 35-37)
- Steer clear of the scribes (vv. 38-40)
- Sacrificial Giving (vv. 41-44)
Key takeaways:
- How is it that the Messiah can be both a descendant of King David and yet be in a position greater than King David? The answer is that Jesus physically was a descendant, but spiritually, he was greater. He was a divine human.
- To declare Jesus as Lord in Mark’s day would be viewed as sedition since Caesar alone was “Lord of all.” In some places today, to confess Jesus as Lord is to invite persecution and even death.
- Beware of religious leaders who are prideful, demanding money and seeking the praise of others.
- Pride is the self-deception that we have earned position and power for ourselves and deserve to be recognized for it.
Quotable:
- It is true: money talks. It tells us where our hearts are.
Application:
- Like the scribes at the time of Jesus, many people today will affirm Jesus’s humanity...he was an actual person. The problem, however, is that they do not acknowledge his deity. Yes, he was a good person. But no, he was not God. By citing Psalm 110, Jesus’s riddle should get us thinking about how he can be the son and master of a king.
- Money—giving— reveals the state of the heart as few other things can.
- When it comes to giving, the posture of our hearts makes all the difference.
- Two of the greatest dangers for Christian leaders are pride and abuse of power.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 82 of Grasp the Bible. Since today is the mid-term elections for 2022, we discuss Romans 13:1-7. Today, we cover:
- The believer’s submission to human government (vv. 1, 2)
- The role of human government (vv. 3, 4)
- The dynamics of obedience (vv. 5–7)
Key takeaways:
- Paul wrote to instruct the Church on how to behave properly toward the state.
- Submission does not depend on how “good” government is, and the Christian does not get a pass on submitting if government is evil.
- The Scriptures testify that it is God who sets up governments—even the bad ones—and He takes them down as well.
Quotable:
- Government is the deacon of God, and as with any deacon, its job is to humbly serve.
Application:
- The Christian’s obedience to the state is always conditional, and sometimes disobedience is a duty. There are at least three areas in which a Christian should resist authority.
- If he is asked to violate a command of God.
- When asked to do an immoral act.
- Going against their Christian conscience in order to obey the government.
- Our task is to call authorities to accountability and warn them of judgment if they refuse to follow God and govern righteously.
- We may be repelled by a politician’s scandalous conduct. But that does not disallow us from respecting the office. The person is just a human, but the office exists at the discretion of God. Even in our dissent we must always be Christian gentlemen and gentlewomen.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 81 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:18-34. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus’ Teaching Concerning Marriage and the Resurrection (vv. 18-27)
- Jesus’ Teaching Concerning the Greatest Commandment (vv. 28-34)
Key takeaways:
- Almost all theological error can be traced to one or both of the following: 1) ignorance of God’s Word, and, 2) ignorance of His power.
- Christianity rises and falls on Christ’s resurrection. His resurrection guarantees ours.
- The resurrection is an entrance into a new and glorified existence that is far beyond anything we can imagine.
- The pairing of the two commands, to love God and to love others, finds its precedent in the 10 Commandments (Exod 20:1–17; Deut 5:6–21), with the first four relating to love for God and the final six to love for fellow human beings. The former provides the foundation for the latter.
Quotable:
- We do not live by rules but by relationships, a loving relationship to God that enables us to have a loving relationship with others.
Application:
- To know the Scripture truly is to have hearts ready to receive God’s kingdom and its King, Jesus the Messiah.
- Those who truly love God will also love those who are created in His image. Jesus showed that it was impossible to really love God without loving neighbors. Love for God is expressed by loving others.
- Obedience to God is not about making sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed so that we are worthy to enter God’s presence. True obedience comes from a heart that has experienced God’s amazing grace and been transformed by it.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 80 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:1-17. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The parable of the vineyard (vv. 1-12)
- The confrontation over taxes (vv. 13-17)
Key takeaways:
- The parable of the vineyard is about authority and ownership. Who has authority over vineyard? The owner or the tenants? Who owns the vineyard?
- This is the first time in which Jesus tells a parable with the intent of his hearers, the religious leaders, understanding it.
- The vineyard, in this case, the community of God’s people, will be taken from Israels’s religious leaders and will be placed under new leadership (Jesus and the apostles).
- There are realms of authority for both the government and God, and allegiance to one does not necessarily mean disloyalty to the other.
- Jesus affirmed the legitimacy of government and taxation.
Quotable:
- The absurdity of the actions taken by the vineyard owner demonstrates the indescribable lengths God has gone to offer people eternal salvation.
Application:
- Just like the vineyard owner sent his only son to the tenants, God continues to send His Son to those who reject Him. God does this because He desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- Rejection of the messengers and the son bring judgment on the tenants. In the same way, rejection of Jesus brings judgment as well.
- The passage describes Jesus as a man of integrity because he: Is not swayed by human opinion, he does not show favoritism, and he teaches the way of God truthfully. These are great traits for anyone who wants to live a life of integrity.
- Things made in the image of this world belong to this world. Things made in the image of God belong to Him. Since we are made in His image, we are His and we owe Him everything.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 79 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 11:12-33. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The Cursing (vv. 12-14)
- The Cleansing (vv. 15-19)
- The Cursing, part 2 (vv. 20-26)
- The Conflict (vv. 27-33)
Key takeaways:
- The unfruitful fig tree is indeed a symbol of Israel. Under her unrepentant and recalcitrant leadership, the nation as a whole (except its righteous remnant) is unfruitful and will suffer horrific consequences.
- We can be so busy with activities, but not accomplishing much for the Kingdom. Churches can offer classes on evangelism, missions, and prayer. But if all we are doing is creating smarter Christians, are we really fulfilling our calling?
- As God’s agent to inaugurate the kingdom, Jesus calls the religious authorities to restore true worship to the temple or face God’s judgment and destruction.
Quotable:
- Prayer is not an emergency measure that we turn to when we have a problem. Real prayer is a part of our constant communion with God and worship of God.
Application:
- The fruit that we bear represents the impact we have on others for the kingdom of God.
- Our prayers must be according to God’s will and His kingdom purposes.
- Our failure to forgive others is not only detrimental to our relationship with them, but also with God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 78 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 11:1-11. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Preparation for the Entrance to Jerusalem (vv. 1-6)
- The Approach to Jerusalem as Messianic King (vv. 7-10)
- Entrance into the Temple Courts and Return to Bethany (v. 11)
Key takeaways:
- Mark’s gospel has sometimes been called a Passion Narrative with an introduction because so much emphasis is placed on this final week of Jesus’ life. The first 2/3 of Mark’s gospel spans 3 years. The final 1/3 spans one week.
- For the first time, Jesus permits his followers to give a public demonstration in his honor.
- Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecy made by Zechariah hundreds of years earlier (Zech. 9:9).
- Tensions and expectations were at fever pitch as the people shouted, “Save us!” at Jesus’ entry.
- The Messianic secret is over. Jesus has taken intentional steps that reveal his status as the messianic King of the Jews.
Quotable:
- True peace can only be found through reconciliation and restoration. True peace means a relationship with God and access to His presence. This is what Jesus came to bring.
Application:
- The implications for Jesus’ messiahship today are profound. If Jesus is King, then his followers owe him total allegiance.
- For many people today, the Christian faith is a self-help program. If I put my faith in Jesus, what will he do for me? Christianity is fine if it meets my needs.
- Jesus’ kingship reminds us that our lives are not our own: we were bought with a price.
To order a copy of the Endless Praise CD or download, featuring the SBC Worship Choir, click here.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 77 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:32-52. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus and the cross (vv. 32-34)
- Jesus and the brothers (vv. 35-45)
- Jesus and the blind man (vv. 46-52)
Key takeaways:
- This is the third passion prediction and the third cycle of events during which Jesus predicts his death, the disciples exhibit pride and self-interest, and Jesus teaches about the sacrificial and self-giving role of true discipleship.
- The ultimate act of servant leadership is the Son of Man’s sacrificial death as a ransom payment for the sins of the world.
- Bartimaeus is among the lowest of the low in Israel’s society, a blind beggar with little more than a cloak to his name. Yet he is in a better position to receive God’s blessings than the rich man Jesus encountered along the way.
- True discipleship involves not only a persevering faith, but also a willingness to leave all and follow Jesus.
Quotable:
- Unless we know how to obey orders, we do not have the right to give orders. Before a person exercises authority, he or she must know what it means to be under authority.
Application:
- It is not by merit but by humble submission to God that rank is determined in the kingdom.
- Christian leadership that is radically other-centered, focused on meeting the needs of others rather than controlling others to meet one’s own ends. The values of the kingdom turn the world’s system upside down.
- To be first, you have to be last. To lead, you have to serve.
- Discipleship means giving up pride and self-interest and seeking God’s kingdom first.
To order a copy of the Endless Praise CD or download, featuring the SBC Worship Choir, click here.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 76 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:17-31. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The seeking ruler (vv. 17-22)
- The private teaching (vv. 23-31)
Key takeaways:
- No one can enter the kingdom on their own merit; all must enter with childlike faith and in complete dependence on God.
- The blessing of riches becomes a curse when they become an obstacle to a right relationship with God.
- Money is a marvelous servant but a terrible master. If you possess money, be grateful and use it for God’s glory; but if money possesses you, beware! It is good to have the things that money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things that money cannot buy.
Quotable:
- Wealth naturally works at perverting one’s values. We soon know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Application:
- Obedience is more than external compliance. It is a heart of love toward God that produces an internal transformation.
- Jesus always demands that those who come to him put away their gods, whether they be possessions, position, power, a person, or a passion.
- What are we to do? First, we must divest ourselves of dependence on our wealth. Second, we must invest our wealth (we must give to God).
- Riches are dangerous because they bring superficial happiness rather than true joy and distract us from what is truly important and of eternal value.
- There is a principle here that must be remembered as we seek to lead lost people to Jesus: sinners cannot hang on to their sins and at the same time reach out to Jesus.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 75 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:1-16. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus teaching on divorce (vv. 1-12)
- Jesus teaching on children (vv. 13-16)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus’ followers must not abandon difficult marriage relationships simply because they are not meeting their personal needs. Authentic discipleship is not about self-gratification, but about giving oneself in sacrificial service for the kingdom of God.
- Reading Deut. 24:1-4, we see that God was not putting His approval on divorce or even encouraging it. Rather, He was seeking to restrain it and make it more difficult for men to dismiss their wives. He put sufficient regulations around divorce so that the wives would not become victims of their husbands’ whims.
- Not only is divorce contrary to God’s purpose, Jesus says, but it results in adultery when the divorced spouse remarries. If the first marriage is permanent in God’s eyes, then remarriage after divorce is equivalent to adultery against the former wife.
Quotable:
- The marriage relationship reflects the nature of God, who is all-loving, all-giving, and working constantly toward reconciliation with his wayward children.
Application:
- While Jesus acknowledges that divorce happens (and so is regulated in the OT law), it was always a condescension to human fallenness.
- Jesus points out that divorce is neither a right nor a privilege. It is always contrary to God’s will, even though it is “permitted” in certain circumstances.
- The kingdom of God belongs to those who are childlike in their faith.
- We enter God’s kingdom by faith, like little children: helpless, unable to save ourselves, totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God.
- To receive the kingdom like a child means by faith and in complete dependence on God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 74 of Grasp the Bible. Today, we will be talking about the four expectations that Spring Baptist Church has of its members.
Healthy church members do the following:
- Regularly attend the Sunday morning worship service
- Actively participate in a small group Bible study (we call them Life Groups)
- Serve in the church according to their spiritual gifts
- Give financially to the needs of the church
Let's talk about each one...
- Attending a Sunday morning worship service: The writer of Hebrews exhorts Christians not to forsake the gathering of themselves (Heb. 10:25). While it's true that we can worship God alone, He intended for us to worship together as a body. Also, if we take a self-centered approach to worship, we miss out on the opportunity to minister to others at church and to inspire them to worship as well. As our senior pastor often says, "If it won't keep you from work on Monday, it shouldn't keep you from church on Sunday."
- Actively participating in a small group Bible study: Small groups allow for participants to discuss the Scripture being taught and it challenges them to find ways to apply it in daily life. Also, many people form friendships in these groups that last for years. What's more, most of the ministry in our church originates in our small groups.
- Serve in the church: Most churches (including ours) rely greatly on members volunteering to do the work of the ministry. Both Paul and Peter write about how the Holy Spirit imparts at least one spiritual gift to believers so they may serve in their local church. We find completeness in our faith when we employ the gifts God has given us when we serve in the church. Want to take an assessment to determine your spiritual gifts? Take our free survey here.
- Giving financially: Tithing is commanded in the Old Testament. Jesus commends the Pharisees in the New Testament for tithing. God expects His people to give financially to support the work of the local church. A tithe (10%) is the base amount of what is expected, with gifts and offerings above that. Survey after survey over the last 20 years consistently shows that American churchgoers give (on average) only 2% of their income to the church. The most common reason not to give 10% is "I just can't afford it." Yet, we pay our government much more in taxes each year! Why don't we tell the IRS that we can only give them 2%? It's because we fear the consequences...and so we pay our taxes. God asks for less than the IRS, and we tell Him no. What this says is that we fear people more than we fear God. All we have belongs to Him; we are simply stewards of His resources. No doubt, it displeases Him when we take His money and spend it all on ourselves and give little, if any, back to Him. And then we wonder why our finances are such a mess. We encourage people who are not currently giving to begin by giving something and then watch God work. Continue to increase giving until you are at 10%. Give more, if you want.
We hope that you found this episode both challenging and helpful as you assess your spiritual health as a church member.
Welcome to episode 73 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 9:30-50. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus predicts his death a second time (vv. 30-32)
- Jesus speaks concerning humility (vv. 33-37)
- Jesus speaks concerning harmony (vv. 38-41)
- Jesus speaks concerning hell (vv. 42-50)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus’ primary focus is not on authenticating his public ministry, but on instructing the Twelve.
- Social status was paramount in Jewish culture at the time, which is why the disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom.
- Christian leadership is not about personal accolades or accomplishments, but about equipping God’s people to do the work of the ministry.
- Welcoming a “little child” means breaking social norms, lowering oneself to accept another of lower status and thereby risking one’s own position of power and prestige.
- It is temptations from within rather than pressure from others that result in moral failure.
Quotable:
- The essence of leadership is servanthood.
Application:
- We are all called to radical servanthood. Are we serving others the world may consider as inferior?
- True servant leadership flips social hierarchy on its head, lifting up and serving those of lower status in the eyes of the world.
- Authentic servants don’t jealously guard their own personal authority. They recognize that the advancement of the kingdom of God is more important than personal ambition.
- Jesus reminds us that our ministries are not about us; they are about the business of the kingdom of God.
- Take seriously your actions in life, since these actions have eternal consequences. Do what is needed now to remove sin before it is too late.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 72 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 9:2-29. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The transfiguration (vv. 2-8)
- The descent (vv. 9-13)
- The restoration (vv. 14-29)
Key takeaways:
- The transfiguration provides confirmation and reassurance for Jesus’ disciples that he is indeed the Messiah and Son of God, God’s agent of salvation, and that he will be vindicated and glorified after his suffering.
- At the transfiguration, God wants the three disciples to listen to what Jesus said about suffering and to listen to what he said about being a disciple.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT and the climax of salvation history. Jesus is about to accomplish all that Moses and prophets predicted.
- The path of discipleship is not easy, entailing suffering and even death
- God has the power to do anything. It is not the amount of faith that is important; it is the object of that faith.
Quotable:
- Prayer is more than just communicating with God. It is acknowledging one’s dependence on Him for all of our needs.
Application:
- Someone may feel great compassion for those in need but have no power or resources to help. Conversely, someone may have plenty of resources, but not care enough to do anything. Jesus has both the compassion and the authority to heal.
- When our faith wavers, it is not because we are not striving hard enough to succeed or are not confident enough in our own abilities. It is because we have gotten our eyes off Jesus. We can accomplish anything when we acknowledge that we can accomplish nothing on our own.
- Doing great things for God means seeking his guidance, being led by his Spirit, and allowing his power to work through us.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 71 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 8:27-9:1. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The prompting by the savior (vv. 27-30)
- The prediction by the savior (vv. 31-38)
- The revelation (v. 31)
- The rebukes (vv. 32-33)
- The requirements (v. 34)
- The rewards (vv. 35-38)
Key takeaways:
- Freedom from the things of this world means freedom to become all that God wants us to be.
- Verses 27-30 form the hinge of Mark’s gospel. From here on, Jesus’ message will shift from the announcement of the kingdom of God to one of the suffering servant.
- The Jews during the time of Jesus and people today find it difficult to fathom the world’s savior as a suffering servant, rather than a conquering king.
- What profit is it to “gain the whole world” yet forfeit your soul, that is, to lose your relationship with the creator God?
Quotable:
- The paradox of salvation is that it costs us nothing, yet it costs us everything.
Application:
- The disciples misunderstand the Messiah’s role. They cannot conceive of a Messiah who will suffer and die. The tendency to create Jesus in our own image is a danger still with us. Our perceptions of Jesus are inevitably shaped by our felt needs.
- One of the great paradoxes of the Christian faith is that to lose one’s life for Jesus and for the gospel means to gain true life.
- Jesus makes it clear that one who would be counted as a “follower” (i.e., a disciple) must actually take action. We cannot simply self-identify as a Christian.
- To “deny oneself” does not mean to live a life of self-denial or self-discipline. It is to renounce your claim to yourself—desires, ambitions, personal goals—and to submit to Christ as his slave. It is a denial of autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 70 of Grasp the Bible. As we resume our Fall series, we return to the Book of Mark. We kick off the series with a review of chapters 1-8 in preparation for our next episode that picks up in Mark 8:27.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 69 of Grasp the Bible. We wrap up our 5-part interview about the Bible with Dr. Matthew McKellar of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Today, we discuss Bible translations.
We continue in our 5-part series on the Bible. Today, Dr. McKellar and Pastor Darrell talk about how Bible study tools can help you better understand God's Word.
Welcome to episode 67 of the Grasp the Bible podcast. In this third episode of a five-part series, we are introducing the New Testament. Dr. Matthew McKellar, professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is our guest throughout this series.
We continue our 5-week series on the Bible with Dr. Matthew McKellar, professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
This week, we are looking at the Old Testament.
Welcome to episode 65 of Grasp the Bible. This is the first of five interviews with Dr. Matthew McKellar of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In each episode, we take a deep dive into the Bible and discuss the Old Testament, New Testament, study tools, and translations. We will be providing links to resources along the way.
Welcome to episode 64 of Grasp the Bible. Today, we are going to be looking at Romans 3:21-26 which contains a lot of big words that are foreign to most of us.
One thing we encounter when we read the Bible is some difficult words that we don’t understand.
I remember when I was a newer Christian, I was told that when I come across a difficult name or a long word that I did not understand, to just skip over it and keep reading. Fine…but is it really helpful? And at some point in our Christian walk, we need to understand what these words mean.
So today, I want to talk about some words used in the Bible that pertain to our salvation.
· Justification is a Christian’s judicial acceptance by God as not guilty because his sins are not counted against him. We encounter this word a lot in Paul’s writings, especially in the Book of Romans. Justification is a one-time event. Once God saves us, we are justified.
But we all have sinned, so how is this possible? That brings us to our next word, which is “righteous.”
· Righteous is conformity to a certain set of expectations, which vary from role to role. Righteousness is the fulfillment of the expectations in any relationship, whether with God or other people.
· Propitiation is turning away of anger by the offering of a gift. Jesus was offered as a propitiation for our sins. Sin is a crime against God and deserves punishment. Sin draws God’s wrath and that wrath must be satisfied. The shed blood of Jesus was the offering that appeased God.
· Sanctification - For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification (1 Thes. 4:7). This is the process whereby God transforms us, through the work of the Holy Spirit, to look more like Jesus.
· Glorification – In Romans 8:18, Paul talks about the glory that awaits us in heaven. Glorification is God’s final removal of sin from the life of the saints so that they stand faultless before Him in glory in eternity.
Here is how these all fit together.
Because we have all sinned and cannot save ourselves, God made a way back to Him (through Jesus) as a means of propitiation. For those who repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus as savior and lord, God justifies them at the moment of salvation. At the same time, He also sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us to make the process of sanctification possible. As long as God has us here on this earth, His desire is that we become more and more holy until we die. At that point, we are perfected and enter into a state of glorification, where we dwell for all of eternity with God in the presence of His glory.
I hope this discussion has brought understanding and clarity to these words and to how they relate to one another. Let me encourage our listeners to look up the words you don’t know. Find several different reliable, biblical sources online and read how they define the words. Once we know the meaning, we can understand what God wants us to understand about Himself.
Welcome to episode 63 of Grasp the Bible. Today, we are talking about what it means to be a disciple. We define what a disciple is and list eight characteristics of a disciple.
A disciple is a learner, a follower, of Jesus Christ.
Discipleship is about a direction, not a destination. We never fully arrive until we enter into the next life. Until then, we are on a path that we call the Discipleship Pathway.
The eight signposts along the discipleship pathway are:
-
Bible engagement – Reading and studying the Bible regularly
-
Obeying God and denying self – Making God the number one priority in our life and denying our sinful desires through the power of the Holy Spirit
-
Serving God and others – Engaging in missions here, there, and everywhere
-
Sharing Christ – Telling others about the gospel regularly
-
Exercising faith – Trusting in God, especially during difficult times
-
Seeking God – Spending time in prayer daily seeking God’s will
-
Building relationships – Cultivating meaningful relationships with other Christians AND with lost people
-
Unashamed (Transparency) – Publicly proclaiming to be a Christian and discipling others
What gets us a good way down the path?
· Daily Bible reading
· Regularly attending a worship service
· Regularly attending a small group (we call them LifeGroups at Spring Baptist Church)
We are excited to soon embark with you on the Discipleship Pathway!
Welcome to episode 60 of Grasp the Bible. We continue our summer series by exploring different biblical concepts. Today, we are looking at four views of eschatology, or the end times.
We will discuss:
- Amillennialism
- Postmillennialism
- Premillennialism (both the historic view and dispensational view)
There are some good arguments made for these views and they each use some shared Scripture to support their position. It comes down to how the verses are interpreted.
Welcome to episode 59 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 8:1-30. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The provision by the savior (vv. 1-10)
- The provoking of the savior (vv. 11-13)
- The patience of the savior (vv. 14-21)
- The power of the savior (vv. 22-26)
- The prompting by the savior (vv. 27-30)
Key takeaways:
- Mark’s second feeding miracle repeats the main themes found in the first (6:30–44): Jesus is the good shepherd who has compassion on the sheep and the spiritual and physical resources to meet their needs.
- The feeding of the 4,000 is another sign indicating that salvation has come to all who believe, including Gentiles.
- While God sometimes provides signs to those who request them and even demands that Ahaz ask for a sign, in general such requests are considered dangerously presumptive, an example of “testing” the Lord God.
- Up to this point, Jesus has not allowed anyone to tell the news that he is the Messiah. Even when Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah, he is commanded not to tell anyone. Jesus will define his purpose on his terms and in his timing.
- Verses 27-30 form the hinge of Mark’s gospel. From here on, Jesus’ message will shift from the announcement of the kingdom of God to one of the suffering servant.
Quotable:
- Ultimately, every person will have to answer the question that Jesus asked the disciples. Who do YOU say he is? Your answer has eternal consequences.
Application:
- Like the Pharisees, we are sometimes blind to the spiritual realities around us and the “signs” that are manifestations of God’s presence and power. All of us need to take care lest the things of this world—position, power, money—blind us to the greater purposes of the kingdom of God.
- Jesus’ questions to his disciples in vv. 17-21 are good for us to remember as well. If he is capable of superabundantly providing for so many, why are the disciples worried about having enough bread? Why are we worried about him not providing for our needs?
- The disciples misunderstand the Messiah’s role. They cannot conceive of a Messiah who will suffer and die. The tendency to create Jesus in our own image is a danger still with us. Our perceptions of Jesus are inevitably shaped by our felt needs.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 58 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 7:24-37. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The brokenhearted mother (vv. 24-26)
- The kindhearted Messiah (vv. 27-30)
- The desperation of the man (vv. 31-32)
- The declaration of the Messiah (vv. 33-37)
Key takeaways:
- Mark’s Gentile readers/hearers no doubt found in the account reassurance that they were part of the true people of God.
- The gospel is for everyone! The woman with a demon-possessed daughter was a pagan Gentile from an idolatrous and corrupt city. And yet, Jesus found in her great faith.
- The kingdom of God is both “already” and “not yet” in Jesus’ preaching; the presence and power of the kingdom are already available to all who respond in faith—whether Jew or Gentile.
- It could very well be that our number one problem is not sensuality or materialism (though they are close behind), but prayerlessness.
- Jesus’ healing of a deaf man reminds us of God’s interactions with Moses in Exodus 4. There, God is responsible for giving hearing and speech. In the present account, Jesus is doing the same. What does this reveal about his identity?
Quotable:
- All are welcome who come in humility and faith.
Application:
- The kingdom of heaven is for those, like the woman in this account, who are willing to spend untiring energy in pursuit of spiritual things.
- Do we, do I, do you persistently and passionately pray for anything? We must understand that this is what the Lord wants from every follower.
- The woman is a model for all who come to Christ: Recognize our need for healing, humble ourselves (confessing that we bring nothing to merit his mercy, grace, and forgiveness), believe that he can and will act, and pursue him persistently.
- Deafness is not just a physical condition; it can be a spiritual one. In our modern world, it is easy to become deafened by all the “noise” around us and fail to hear God’s voice.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 57 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we discuss how to study your Bible using the inductive Bible study method.
When applied properly, the inductive method will provide a better overall understanding of a passage—what it says, what it meant to its original audience, and what it means today.
Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps:
- Observation
- Interpretation
- Application
1. Observation: What Does the Text Say?
This phase isn’t about interpretation. It’s about observing exactly what the text is saying. Pretend you’re an investigator and you’re just gathering the facts. Ask yourself the five W’s and H:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
- How?
As you do, make note of:
- Words repeated multiple times in a passage
- Anything that can be put into a list
- Words that indicate a change in topic or time
- Words that contrast one thing against another
- Words that indicate cause and effect
2. Interpretation: What Does the Text Mean?
Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. And to do this, you need to look at the context. Here are a few questions you can ask:
- What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage?
- What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage?
- What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one?
- Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions?
- What is the clearest meaning of this text?
3. Application: What Does This Text Mean for Me?
Now that we’ve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, it’s time to talk about what it means for us. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life?
We don’t study the Bible just to gain knowledge. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what we’ve learned.
Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what you’ve learned, and apply it to our context today.
Based on what you’ve learned, what does this passage mean for you? If you’ve uncovered truth you’ve not known or understood before, what does it mean for your life, priorities, and decisions now that you do understand it?
Additional resources:
How to Study Your Bible – A practical, simple book on the inductive Bible study method.
Ten tips to getting started with the inductive Bible study method
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
Welcome to episode 56 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 7:1-23. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The reason for the message (vv. 1-5)
- The prophecy (vv. 6-8)
- The parental example (vv. 9-13)
- The preaching (vv. 14-23)
Key takeaways:
- For the first time, Mark takes up the issue of ritual purity. This issue was an important one in the early church as Jews wrestled with how Gentiles should comply with Old Testament purity laws.
- Jesus’ message regarding eating unclean foods was a difficult one for the Jews to understand. He was trying to get them to see the spirit of the law regarding what actually makes a person unclean.
- Neither the eating of an unclean animal nor the eating of approved food with unwashed hands can defile a person. Food cannot defile a person because it never comes in contact with the “heart”, the inner life of a person.
- Jesus himself taught the doctrine of depravity—that every area of life is tainted with sin, which originates in man’s heart.
- When we have a defective theology of sin, we treat symptoms with legalism, rather than dealing with the root cause.
Quotable:
- External observance is no substitute for inward piety
Application:
- We need to exercise caution when evaluating what is tradition verses what Scripture says, because the latter ALWAYS trumps the former.
- If we are not careful, we can become experts at traditionalism while not allowing Scripture to transform our hearts and minds.
- True defilement comes from within the human heart. Evil that comes out of a person’s heart, mind, or will makes the person unclean.
- Ask your average person on the street if he/she is a “good” person, and the reply will most likely be “yes.” But the list of attitudes and behaviors Jesus specifies in verses 20-23 indicate otherwise. This is why the gospel is “good news.”
- Uncleanness is moral rather than ritual.
- There is no power in the world which can make a bad heart good. Only the gospel can do that.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 55 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 6:30-56. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus feeds the 5,000 (vv. 30-44)
- Jesus walks on the water (vv. 45-52)
- Jesus heals the multitudes (vv. 53-56)
Key takeaways:
- Mark presents Jesus as a second Moses. There are lots of parallels between this account and the exodus account.
- This great miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us how the second Moses, being far greater than Moses, meets the needs of his people and indeed the whole world.
- Jesus fed with his teaching AND with food.
- Instead of seeing the feeding opportunity through the eyes of faith, the disciples view it through the lens of practicality.
- In the Old Testament, it is God who treads the waters. By walking on the water, Jesus is acting with divine authority, doing what only God can do.
Quotable:
- Popularity and commitment have little in common.
Application:
- Jesus had compassion to meet both physical needs and lostness. When we witness to others, we need to avoid a social gospel (one which focuses solely on meeting physical needs and leaves unspoken the greater need – the need for a savior).
- The feeding miracle reminds us that spiritual success does not come through human effort or resources, but through trust and dependence on God.
- While God does not call us to be naïve or reckless in our Christian life, He does call us to live by faith, believing that His will and purpose will be done.
- So often when Christ comes to us in our misery, we reject him because we do not believe he will really come to our aid. We think he can help others, but that he is unaware of our situation and powerless. Or, in the perverse pathology of our hearts we may even reject his help when it comes because it does not come in the way we expected. Thus, we push away the very hand which would heal us.
- Christ sees all and knows when we feel we are alone and fear that no one knows or cares.
- God doesn’t always remove our obstacles but calms the wind and gives us strength to push toward our goal.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 54 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we discuss what a worldview is and why it matters.
A worldviewis how one views or interprets reality. A worldview makes a world of difference in our view of God, origins, evil, human nature, values, and destiny.
The seven major worldviews are theism, deism, atheism, pantheism, panentheism, finite godism, and polytheism.
- Theism. An infinite, personal God exists beyond and in the universe.
- Deism. God is beyond the universe, but not in it.
- Atheism. No God exists beyond or in the universe.
- Pantheism. God is the All/Universe.
- Panentheism. God is in the universe, as a mind is in a body.
- Finite Godism. A finite God exists beyond and in the universe.
- Polytheism. Many gods exist beyond the world and in it.
Importance of a Worldview. Worldviews influence personal meaning and values, the way people act and think. The most important question a worldview answers is “Where did we come from?” The answer to this question is crucial to how other questions are answered.
A virtuous act is given different meanings by various worldviews.
There is also a gulf between worldviews with regard to the nature of values.
Free resource: This chart provides a summary of the worldviews discussed.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 53 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 6:1-29. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The malice of the Nazarenes (vv. 1-6
- The mission of the twelve (vv. 6-13)
- The martyrdom of John the Baptist (vv. 14-29)
Key takeaways:
- There is an old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” It seems that the people from Jesus’ hometown refused to believe that one from such humble and familiar origins could be God’s agent for inaugurating the kingdom of God.
- When faith is the prerequisite for spiritual blessings, there can be no miracles without it. Jesus could have done so much more if the people of Nazareth would have only believed.
- Christ is astounded at his own people’s lack of faith. How terrifying it is to amaze God with one’s unbelief!
- The disciples were commanded to travel with minimal baggage so they would rely on Christ’s power for the mission. Today we are more in danger of having too much baggage than too little.
- The parallels between John the Baptist and Jesus are evident in this passage. Both were killed for speaking up about the truth and godliness in the face of adversity. Both were put to death by rulers who were weak and who gave into the demands of society to save face.
- Mark shows that the path of true discipleship is one of self-denial and self-sacrifice.
Quotable:
- Some spend their entire lives basing their decisions on what other people think.
Application:
- The encounter that Jesus had with those in Nazareth exemplifies Hebrews 11:16 – And without faith, it is impossible to please God.
- When Jesus sent out the twelve, he delegated his authority to accomplish the task. Jesus still delegates his authority to his followers today to fulfill the Great Commission.
- It’s good to know that Jesus uses even the most flawed instruments (that’s you and me) to accomplish his purposes.
- More people than we realize have lost eternity because they feared what others think.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 52 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 5:21-43. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The leader’s request (vv. 21-24)
- Her disease (vv. 24-26)
- Her determination (vv. 27-28)
- Her deliverance (vv. 29-34)
- The response (vv. 35-37)
- The resurrection (v. 40-43)
Key takeaways:
- Jairus was like so many of us in our coming to Christ. It was not his love for Christ that brought him. It was not what he could do for Christ. It was his need.
- Jesus accepts all people, no matter their status in society.
- The outcast woman had become a daughter of the king because she had done the will of God by reaching out in faith.
- Throughout the first half of Mark’s gospel, Jesus’ authority as the announcer and inaugurator of the kingdom of God is on center stage. The miracles serve as “snapshots” of the coming kingdom, the restoration of creation, and the reconciliation of God and humanity.
Quotable:
- Real death is the separation of the soul from God, not the body from the soul.
Application:
- Jairus came to Jesus, fell before him, and he pleaded with Jesus to save. For those who want to follow Jesus, these are the appropriate steps. Come to him, recognize him for his authority and for who he is, and ask him to forgive you of your sins.
- One does not need to have it all figured out to possess a faith which pleases God.
- This poor woman represents humanity—all of us. We are ill. We have spent our resources trying remedies which do not work. Christ comes to us from the Cross. We need to touch him by faith.
- Sometimes Jesus calls us to put aside our fears and to progress to greater faith in him.
- Faith is recognizing that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves and expressing our full dependence on God’s saving power.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 51 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 5:1-20. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The despair (vv. 1-5)
- The deliverance (vv. 6-13)
- The disbelief (vv. 14-17)
- The desire (vv. 18-20)
Key takeaways:
- Chapter 5 contains several miracles performed by Jesus in which he makes contact with people who are ceremonially unclean. Jesus is not rendered impure by such contact, but rather he turns defilement into purity and wholeness.
- Mankind was created in the image of God and brings glory to Him the more we manifest His image. Satan hates this. Thus, the demonic function is to distort and destroy the image of God in man.
- The inbreaking power of the kingdom of God does not bring a comfortable life and the status quo but rather a radical transformation of individuals and societies.
- The thing that will stop Jesus is what the Gerasenes did: they sent him away. Tell him to leave you alone and he will—at least for a season. But tell him enough, and there will come a time when it may be too late.
- With all of its wonderful scientific achievements, society still cannot cope with the problems caused by Satan and sin.
Quotable:
- Sometimes we invite people to follow Jesus without giving them any idea that accepting his invitation may be costly.
Application:
- Jesus demands some changes which will cost to our way of life.
- Whenever we take a risk for the gospel, we may also find something to fear. Our responsibility is neither to shy away from fear nor to make ourselves numb to it. Our challenge is to act in faith even when we are afraid. That is a challenge we cannot meet alone.
- Believers today need to find a healthy balance on the issue of spiritual warfare, recognizing its reality but not living in fear of its destructive power.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 50 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 4:26-41. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The parable of the growing seed (vv. 26-29)
- The parable of the mustard seed (vv. 30-34)
- Jesus calms the storm (vv. 35-41)
Key takeaways:
- The parables about the seed growing by itself and the mustard seed address expectations about the kingdom of God that were held by Jesus’ contemporaries.
- The success of the Christian message similarly does not depend upon human effort or understanding—though Christians certainly need to scatter the seed—but upon divine power. It will succeed precisely because God is active.
- Mark’s persecuted readers could rest in the assurance that whatever trials or suffering they were experiencing, the consummation of the kingdom will bring salvation and vindication for God’s people and judgment against his enemies.
- The difference between the tiny mustard seed and the huge herb that grows from it is an excellent illustration of the difference between the beginning and end of the manifestation of the kingdom of God.
- Followers of Jesus need boldness in the face of life’s challenges and trust in God’s ability to bring them through.
Quotable:
Without difficulties, trials, stresses, and even failures, we would never grow to be what we should become. Storms are part of the process of spiritual growth.
Application:
- It is our responsibility to share the gospel, but it is up to God as to what happens after that.
- Faith for Mark is more like an adventure whose terms unfold as we pursue it. It cannot be understood from a distance, and we are never in control of what happens. Our part is to listen and act, and then listen and act again and again.
- We would be spiritual pygmies, insufferably self-centered, proud, and empty people, without adversity.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
As we prepare to release our 50th episode of Grasp the Bible next week, Pastor Marty and Pastor Darrell realized that some know who they are, and some don't...or at least, not that well.
In this (our 49th episode), we are taking a break from the Book of Mark so the pastors can share a few insights with you about their testimonies, their ministries, and their families. We hope you enjoy today's episode.
Next week, we will resume our teaching in Mark, starting in chapter five.
Welcome to episode 48 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 4:1-25. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The parable of the soils – Information on the parable (vv. 1-9)
- Isaiah and the parable (vv. 10-12)
- Interpretation of the parable (vv. 13-20)
- Lamp on a stand (vv. 21-25)
Key takeaways:
- Mark presents Jesus’ teaching in parables, which illustrates the various responses of rejection and reception to the gospel proclamation.
- Jesus’ parables confronted his hearers with a challenge to submit themselves to the reign of God.
- The parable of the soils represents God’s lavish offer of salvation and the mixed reception of that offer.
- This parable is all about hearing. Jesus commands the reader to listen to what is being said. He wants them to pay careful attention to the parable and to respond appropriately.
- This passage is a turning point in Mark’s gospel. Going forward, people will be divided into two groups – insiders (those who hear and act on what they’ve heard) and outsiders (those who refuse to hear and reject the teachings).
- For the first time, Jesus explicitly acknowledges that his disciples do not understand what he is telling them.
Quotable:
We do not have all our questions answered before Jesus asks us to make a commitment.
Application:
- Jesus’ parables constitute spiritual tests that separate those who understand and believe from those who do not.
- The parables, like the rest of Scripture, call not just for understanding, but for action as well. Once we know what it means, what do we do with it?
- We expect to have everything on demand and on our terms. Faith, however, is not a consumer good.
- Those who hear and respond to the message of the kingdom of God will receive even greater revelation, while those who reject what they have heard will be blinded even further.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 47 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 3:20-35. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Opinions of Jesus – He's crazy (vv. 20-21)
- Opinions of Jesus – He's demon possessed (vv. 22-27)
- The unforgivable sin (vv. 28-30)
- We are family (vv. 31-35)
Key takeaways:
- Anyone considering becoming a follower of Jesus should think about the cost in terms of family relationships. Even Jesus’ family thought he was crazy and sought to take him back home by force to save him from his zealous and outlandish lifestyle.
- The two groups of people who should have supported Jesus the most – the religious leaders and his family – both opposed his ministry and tried to stop him.
- Jesus used parables both to hide the truth and to reveal it. The sincere listener, with a desire to know God’s truth, would ponder the parable, confess his ignorance, submit to the Lord, and then begin to understand the spiritual lesson Jesus wanted to teach.
- Through exorcisms, Jesus is demonstrating that he is the strongman, overcoming Satan (the ruler of this world) and taking back those held captive by him. Satan’s kingdom is now under attack.
- The unforgivable sin is:
- The ongoing, continual rejection of the witness of the Holy Spirit to the Divinity and Saviorhood of Christ.
- The unforgivable sin is the stubborn refusal to acknowledge that God is working/ has worked in the man Jesus.
- The perversion in the heart which chooses to call light darkness and darkness light.
- Continuing rejection of the witness of the Holy Spirit
- Despite all their failures, Jesus acknowledged the disciples as those who did God’s will and therefore his true family.
- Jesus established a new society in which family is defined not by ethnic or national identity but by common allegiance to the kingdom of God and His purpose in the world.
- Jesus’ true family consists of those who respond positively to him rather than those who are physically related to him.
Quotable:
Obedience does not originate relationship with God (faith does that), but obedience is a sign of it. Obedience is the key to experiencing “family” with God.
Application:
- True spiritual relationships do not come through ancestry or ethnic identity, but through a willingness to follow God’s purpose in the world.
- God will forgive all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus did not come to bring a kind of spirituality that was celebrated only on Sunday mornings inside the walls of a building where it could never affect anything else.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 46 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 3:1-19. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- The priority of humanity (vv. 1-6)
- The demands of popularity (vv. 7-12)
- Jesus appoints the twelve (vv. 13-19)
Key takeaways:
- The Pharisees accuse Jesus of violating the Sabbath by doing good (healing someone), all the while they are looking for something to plot his death.
- Like the throngs of people in this passage, many come to Jesus to get something from him, not to submit themselves to the reign of God.
- Two implicit questions run throughout this section, and indeed through the whole first half of Mark’s gospel: “Who is this Jesus?” and “Whose side are you on?”
- Jesus understands the pushes and pulls of our hectic lives.
- In selecting the twelve, Jesus gives us a valuable pattern:
- Sometimes, we need to take the time to get away from the busyness of life and get quiet.
- When we do get away, we need to spend that time with God in prayer.
- Ministry is impossible alone. We need others to help us along the way.
- The number twelve is surely significant, recalling the twelve tribes of Israel and indicating that Jesus viewed himself, in some sense at least, as restoring, reforming, or reconstituting the remnant of Israel.
Quotable:
Recognition of Jesus’ identity and authority is not enough. One must also submit to his authority.
Application:
- There is a new way of understanding God’s will—in the person of Jesus, in the things he says and does.
- Contempt for those different from us can drive us to think and do things a rationally thinking person would not do.
- In the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, God is not pleased with ritualistic observance of the letter of the law but wants joyful obedience to its spirit.
- An authentic relationship with God requires both faith and obedience.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 45 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 2:13-28. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Associating With Tax Collectors and Sinners (vv. 13-17)
- Parables about the new and the old (vv. 18-22)
- Question of the Sabbath (vv. 23-28)
Key takeaways:
- Forgiveness of sins and healing come not to the self-righteous religious leaders, but to sinners and outcasts who respond with faith and repentance to Jesus’ kingdom announcement.
- By healing physical ailments and forgiving sins, Jesus demonstrates that he came to make people whole.
- By sharing a meal with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus was identifying himself with the outcasts.
- Doctors’ offices are not generally crammed with healthy people clamoring to see the doctor. It is only when they realize their sickness that they turn to the doctor. So it is with the sin-sick soul and the Lord Jesus.
- Ironically, it is often the despised members of society who recognize their sinful status and fall on God’s grace for salvation. The self-righteous see no reason to repent and so reject God’s salvation.
- Jesus is not here to put a patch on Judaism, but to inaugurate the new creation.
Quotable:
None of us are Pharisees philosophically, but we may be practically. We order our lives in such a way that we have very little to do with non-Christians.
Application:
- One of the best ways to reach lost people is through newly saved people. They are the ones with all the lost friends.
- Jesus’ disciples are devoted not just to his teaching, but even more to him as a person.
- The Christian’s life is not to be one of isolation, nor assimilation, but mission.
- Doctors do no good for the sick if they hide in clinics behind locked doors. In the same way, Christians can’t minister to non-Christians if they are always in the walls of the church building.
- The way to God is not through religious practices but through joyful association with Jesus.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 44 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 2:1-12. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- A need to be met (vv. 1-4)
- A cure to be given (v. 5)
- A conflict to ensue (vv. 6-12)
Key takeaways:
- Leading people to Christ will probably cost you something...time, reputation, finances, etc.
- We visit a doctor when we are sick because we want the illness to be cured. How easy it is for people to come to Christ so he can treat their symptoms, but not allow him to cure the cause.
- For Christ, forgiveness is more than just forgetting a wrong. It means putting away the punishment AND imparting righteousness to the person to the extent that it is as if the sinner never sinned.
- There is nothing more distinctive of a person than his or her sins.
- Jesus did the miraculous so that there was no possible way the religious leaders couldn’t help but connect the dots. But instead of believing the miracle, they intentionally chose not to. It was not a matter of comprehension...it was a matter of the will.
Quotable:
Forgiveness is the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performs. It meets the greatest need; it costs the greatest price; it brings the greatest blessing; and it produces the most lasting results.
Application:
- Being on mission is not about pay, pray, and get out of the way. It’s about going and doing.
- Our faith in Christ should be persistent, creative (we find creative ways to lead people to him), and sacrificial.
- Faith is first and foremost not knowledge about Jesus but active trust that Jesus is sufficient for your deepest needs.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 43 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 1:29-45. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Healing Simon’s mother-in-law (vv. 29-31)
- Healing the crowds at sunset (vv. 32-34)
- Jesus’ Agenda (vv. 35-39)
- Jesus and the leper (vv. 40-45)
Key takeaways:
- Jesus came to enter into our pain, not just to observe it.
- For Mark, the proper response of one who has been touched by Jesus is to serve.
- By healing on the Sabbath, Mark is showing that Jesus is challenging the people to think about the true purpose of the Sabbath.
- Only on the cross can Jesus rightly be known for who he is.
- For Mark,Jesus is here on earth to do far more than heal the sick and free the demonized; he is here to reclaim this fallen creation and its broken people.
- The disciples wanted Jesus to take advantage of his growing popularity and perform more miracles. However, Jesus’ primary mission was not to be a miracle-worker but a redeemer.
- The healings and exorcisms serve merely to confirm the presence and power of the kingdom of God.
- He boldly placed love and compassion over ritual and regulation.
Quotable:
It is sometimes easier to believe in God’s power than in His mercy.
Application:
- The proper response to being healed by Jesus (which includes forgiving our sins) is to desire to serve him.
- It is natural to want a magic Jesus. But we must always remember that God is not someone to be used. He is to be loved, worshiped, and served regardless of what comes in this world.
- True repentance is not simply a change of thought or affection, but an unqualified turning to ask if we can be made clean. Ultimately, there is no other basis on which we can approach God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 42 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 1:14-28. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Proclaiming the kingdom of God (vv. 14-15)
- Jesus calling four disciples (vv. 16-20)
- Jesus in the synagogue (vv. 21-28)
Key takeaways:
- The period of preparation, that of ancient Israel and John, was complete. The divinely appointed time had come. The prophecies were being fulfilled in Jesus.
- For Mark the “Kingdom of God” refers to a present, spiritual kingdom rather than a future, earthly one. The expression refers to the kingly rule, the reign, the dominion, the sovereignty of God in the hearts of people.
- The kingdom of God in Mark must be seen as both a present reality and a future hope. It is “already” and “not yet.” The reign of God began to take place in the life and ministry of Jesus, but it was not fully manifested then and will not be until Jesus returns.
- Jesus called people to repent and believe.
- Jesus does not invite people to follow him...he commands them.
- Things happened immediately around Jesus because he was empowered by the Spirit of God.
- Jesus spoke with authority because he preached God’s Word, not about God’s Word.
- It is very possible to recognize Jesus for who he is and hate him all the more.
- The combination of teaching and miracle in the synagogue shows that Jesus was powerful in both word and deed.
Quotable:
If we want to communicate in our walk and talk, God’s authority must be part of our life. We need not so much to possess the message, but rather to let the message possess us.
Application:
- If the “Kingdom of God” has already arrived, why is there still sin in the world? While it arrived with the birth of Jesus, it will not be fulfilled completely until his return.
- Believing the gospel means affirming what God does, particularly when our expectations are not met. Repentance alone is not enough to save us, even though God expects believers to turn from their sins.
- When a superior commands us to do something, we are supposed to do it. Jesus commands people to follow him immediately, completely, and willingly.
- Christ does transformational work in us and empowers us for his work when we are obedient to him.
- Jesus calls his followers to minister in his authority.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 41 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 1:1-13 (the prologue). The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Jesus is the unique servant of God (v. 1)
- John the Baptist prepares the way for the sacrificial servant (vv. 2-8)
- The Presentation and Preparation of the Sacrificial Servant (vv. 9–11)
- Testing the Sacrificial Servant (vv. 12-13)
Key takeaways:
- The point of these opening scenes is, therefore, to let the reader know from the start who Jesus is and to stress that he comes to fulfill divine promises and his divine commission.
- Mark makes it clear from the beginning that the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” is the Good News that God’s Son has come into the world and died for our sins.
- Mark’s theme is “Jesus Christ, the suffering servant.”
- John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling the nation to repent.
- Baptism was never practiced for Jews. John’s practice and teachings completely upended how the Old Testament practices dealt with sin.
- John’s actions readied the people to enter into a new covenant with Yahweh.
- The voice from heaven at Jesus’ baptism speaks words from the three sections of the Hebrew Bible: The law, the prophets, and the writings. Mark is demonstrating that Jesus fulfills all of them.
- After his baptism, Jesus (the servant) had a job to do and was driven by the Holy Spirit to a desolate place to be tempted by Satan.
Quotable:
If we want to have more effect, we must humbly ask God to make our lives demonstrations of the truth of our message.
Application:
- Words are one thing. Action is another. But when our words align with our actions, our Christian witness is magnified.
- Baptism is an outward symbol of the washing away of sin that Christ performs on the inside of us.
- All of the Old Testament points to and testifies about Jesus.
- Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness was not a one-time temptation. Mark (and the other gospel writers) will show that the adversary continually confronts Jesus during his time on earth. As Jesus followers, we should expect the same. Satan does not give up on tempting us while we live on this planet.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 40 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Mark, covering background information to the book. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss:
- Interesting facts about the book
- Authorship
- Genre
- Place of writing and initial audience
- Date
- Occasion and purpose
- Structure
Key takeaways:
- Mark was probably the first gospel written, with Matthew and Luke using much of his content.
- Although the book does not provide the name of the author, early church historians stated that it was John Mark who wrote the book.
- The gospels provide written records of the oral accounts of the life of Jesus and are unlike other biblical genres. The gospels contain history, narrative, parables, prophecy, and end-times material.
- Mark wrote to a Gentile (principally Roman) audience probably from Rome.
- The date of the writing is uncertain, with some arguing for an early date (Mid 50’s - early 60’s), a middle date (Mid 60’s), and a later date (late 60’s or early 70’s).
- It appears that Mark had several purposes when writing the book:
- To collect and arrange various individual traditions
- To develop his Christology (his understanding of the Christ)
- To record what it means to be a disciple of Jesus
- To clarify Jesus’ teachings about the future
- Some divide the book along geographical lines while others opt for theological lines. I argue for three acts:
- Act 1: Chapters 1 – 8:26
- Act 2: Chapters 8:27 – 10
- Act 3: Chapters 11-16
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 39 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study in the Book of James, covering chapter 5. The series is called “Having a faith that works.” Today, we discuss:
- Misused money (vv. 1-6)
- Some good reasons for a good thing (vv. 7-12)
- Concerning prayer (vv. 13-18)
- Concerning the wanderer (vv. 19-20)
Key takeaways:
- Scripture never tells us that we should not save money. But hoarding takes place when we continue to accumulate above and beyond that which is necessary.
- The ungodly rich will continue to flourish in this sin-laden world, but their time will soon end when Christ returns as conqueror.
- All believers must be trustworthy and stand by their word. There should never be a need for an artificial oath to supplement the dependency of their promises.
- America needs more confessing churches and churches that engage in powerful prayer.
- Many people today change what they believe to accommodate their moral behavior. We like the sins we participate in and seek to justify them so we can continue in them.
Quotable:
God rewards those who trust Him and remain faithful through misfortune and suffering.
Application:
- Believers are to be patient toward both outsiders who oppress them and insiders (other believers) who irritate them.
- Patience is the self-restraint that does not retaliate.
- Patience comes from God, and prayer is an effective way to obtain it.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 38 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of James, covering chapter 4. The series is called “Having a faith that works.” Today, we discuss the outworking of worldly wisdom and cover:
- The source of conflict (vv. 1-6)
- The gravity of grace (vv. 7-10)
- Finding fault (vv. 11-12)
- Arrogant self-sufficiency (vv. 13-17)
Key takeaways:
- The struggle against the evil desires that are in all of us must be won daily and is accomplished by willfully and completely submitting to the Word of God.
- Coveting is willingness to turn an earthly object of human desire into something of ultimate concern.
- At times, we ask God for things to gratify ourselves, rather than to please and serve Him.
- The world is the enemy of God, and whoever wills to be a friend of the world cannot be the friend of God.
- When we slander others, we become a judge of God’s law.
- To make plans without considering God’s plan is the same thing as arrogantly claiming to be in full command of the future.
Quotable:
God in grace gives His people the help they need to resist the appeal of the world and to remain loyal to Him.
Application:
- Prayer that is consistent with true faith will not make selfish requests.
- When we ask God for things out of wrong motive or we ask for things to squander on our pleasure, we make God a dispenser of vices.
- Without active faith, making prayerful request for wisdom from God, you will be at the mercy of your most base desires.
- Unconditional surrender is the only way to complete victory.If there is any area of the life kept back from God, there will always be battles.
- Humbling ourselves is a matter of relating whole-heartedly to God in recognition of His total claim upon your life.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 37 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of James, covering chapter 3. The series is called “Having a faith that works.” Today, we discuss our use of speech and cover:
- The importance of the tongue (vv. 1-2)
- The illustrations of the tongue (vv. 3-5)
- The incorrigibility of the tongue (vv. 7-8)
- The inconsistency of the tongue (vv. 9-12)
- Instructions for the tongue (vv. 13-18)
Key takeaways:
- Genuine religion should exert a controlling influence over a person’s tongue.
- Those who teach will be judged more strictly than those who listen. The reason for this is that the teacher’s essential instrument—the tongue which is so easily misused, has great influence.
- Just as the horse needs a guide, and the rudder needs a pilot, so our tongues need the Lord to control them. Our problem is that the wrong captain is in control of our tongues.
- There are few sins people commit in which the tongue is not involved.
- People who would never think about setting fire to their neighbor’s house can and do commit spiritual arson when they slander and gossip about others!
- Praising God and cursing men is tantamount to praising and cursing the same person, for in v. 9 James describes man as “made in God’s likeness.”
Quotable:
Your speech reflects what you are thinking and who you are. Evil speech comes from an evil heart, and the tongue is the mouthpiece of the heart.
Application:
- The kind of person you are determines the kinds of things you will say to others. The fruit will flow out of the kind of tree that produces it.
- You will never be able to control your tongue until you change your heart.
- God’s people also are to be marked by consideration of others, not insisting on their rights according to the letter of the law, but exercising love’s leniency instead.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 36 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of James, covering chapter 2. The series is called “Having a faith that works.” Today, we discuss:
- Favoritism is forbidden (vv. 1-7)
- Just judgment (vv. 8-13)
- Practical proof (vv. 14-20)
- Biblical basis (vv. 21-26)
Key takeaways:
- When we show favoritism, it makes us judges, and only God can honestly judge a person.
- The “royal law” for the believer is the law of love (love your neighbor as yourself). It is called “royal” because it is the supreme law to which all other laws governing human relationships are subordinate.
- The presence of love (or mercy) shows that God has performed a work of grace in the believer’s heart, making him or her like Christ.
- James is considering man in relation to his fellowman, in which case works are the visible evidence of faith.
- It is impossible to show faith without works, but it is possible to show faith through works.
- The problem with those who give no evidence of faith, James says, is nothing less than this: they do not possess true faith.
- Justification means to be declared righteous. It’s not that we are righteous, for we still sin. Rather, Christ’s righteousness is credited to us.
Quotable:
We do not have a works faith, but we believe that faith works.
Application:
- The right course of action is to show favor to everyone, whether they are rich or poor.
- To violate God’s law at any one point is not to violate one commandment only; it is to violate the will of God and to contradict the character of God.
- The cure for passing judgment on others is to remember that we must all face judgment ourselves.
- Good works cannot produce salvation, but salvation most certainly produces good works. Good works are a byproduct of saving faith.
- Action is the proper fruit of living faith.
- Deeds are the evidence that saving faith is present in a person’s life.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 35 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of James, covering chapter 1. The series is called “Having a faith that works.” Today, we discuss trials and temptations, treasure, trusting, treasure, and true religion and cover:
- Background information
- The theme of the book
- Testing trials (vv. 1-8)
- Temporary treasure (vv. 9-11)
- Temptation truth (vv. 12-15)
- Totally trustworthy (vv. 16-18)
- Total transparency (vv. 19-20)
- A treasure (vv. 21-25)
- A tamed tongue (vv. 26-27)
Key takeaways:
- When God’s people go through personal trials, they discover what kind of faith they really possess.
- It is in struggling against difficulty and opposition that spiritual stamina is developed.
- Knowledge is information; wisdom is application. Knowledge is comprehending facts; wisdom is handling life. Knowledge is theoretical; wisdom is practical. In this context wisdom is understanding the nature and purpose of trials and knowing how to meet them victoriously.
- God sends trials to bring out the best in us, but Satan sends temptations to bring out the worst in us. Temptation does not come from God because God cannot be tempted by evil.
- The call to “do what it says” lies at the center of all that James teaches. It sums up the message of the whole book: Put into practice what you profess to believe.
- It is not reading the Bible that makes a person happy; it is obeying what it says.
Quotable:
True faith is a faith that works.
Application:
- What is God’s purpose in trials? It is the perfection of Christian character in His children. He wants His children to be mature (perfect), and maturity is developed only in the laboratory of life.
- Trials demand wisdom, wisdom demands prayer, and prayer demands faith.
- Faith is not believing that God will do what we want done. Rather it is believing that God will do what He has promised to do.
- The reception of the Word demands a readiness to listen. It also demands restrained speech. A continual talker will not hear when God speaks to him.
- The moral filth and the evil that is so abundant in our lives are to be stripped off like dirty clothes in preparation for accepting God’s Word.
- The person whose religious experience is genuine will put spiritual truth into practice, and his life will be marked by love for others and holiness before God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 34 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of Jonah, covering chapter 4. The series is called “God loves your enemies.” Today, we discuss Jonah’s resentment and God’s compassion and cover:
- Jonah’s twofold complaint (vv. 1-9)
- God’s manifold compassion (vv. 10-11)
Key takeaways:
- Countless numbers of modern-day believers miss much of the joy of being involved in God’s wonderful work because of self-centeredness.
- It is possible to obey God but to do so with such a degree of unwillingness and anger that, so far as we are concerned, the obedience is no better than disobedience.
- This question is central to the whole book. “What right do we have to demand that God should favor us and not others?
- God’s wish for His creation is salvation, not destruction. He will work to see that the salvation is accomplished if there is willingness on the creation’s part.
Quotable:
It is easier to assume that God is with “us” more than He is with our foes.
Application:
- We need to learn that we are not sufficient to pass on the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the outcome, nor are we responsible for it. We are responsible only for performing the whole will of God.
- We ought to be careful when we become angry. We begin by being angry at big things, but quickly we become angry at petty things. First, we are angry with God. Next, we express our anger at circumstances, then minor circumstances. Finally, our shoelace breaks one morning, and we find ourselves swearing.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 33 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of Jonah, covering chapter 3. The series is called “God loves your enemies.” Today, we discuss how Nineveh’s revival shows God’s pardon and cover:
- Jonah’s commission (vv. 1-4)
- Nineveh’s confession (vv. 5-9)
- God’s compassion (v. 10)
Key takeaways:
- Although God gave Jonah a second chance to do His will, not everyone is given such an opportunity.
- God cares deeply for those outside of His will and He uses His disciples in the grand plan of reconciliation.
- God’s compassionate heart is always sensitive to those who cry out for mercy.
- God wishes not for the destruction of the sinner but for the redemption and reconciliation of all His creation.
Quotable:
We often base the fervency of our prayers on the urgency in our lives.
Application:
- Christians are called, like Jonah was, to deliver a message from God to a lost world (Matthew 28:18-20). We are not to change or critique the message.
- The Ninevites’ reaction to Jonah’s message is a blueprint for those who come to faith. The response is inward, articulated, and outward. To come to faith, we must believe in our hearts the person and work of Jesus, declare him to be so with our lips, and then put on the new self.
- The task is not over when repentance occurs but only when the following generations have been discipled with the truth.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 32 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of Jonah, covering chapter 2. The series is called “God loves your enemies.” Today, we discuss the patience of God and cover:
- Jonah’s despair (vv. 1-6)
- Jonah’s dedication (vv. 7-9)
- Jonah’s deliverance (v. 10)
Key takeaways:
- Many of us are like Jonah: We wait until our situation is really bad before we turn to God and pray.
- Like Jonah discovered, we all deserve death, not deliverance. No one deserves deliverance. It is an act of mercy by a gracious God.
- When a person comes to acknowledge his or her sin and confess it before God, He restores the broken Creator-creature relationship.
- If you come to God claiming privileges, boasting of your own special achievements and therefore expecting God to accept you or acknowledge you on the basis of your own merit, you have no hope of salvation.
Quotable:
The mercy of God can be found in the misery of our lives.
Application:
- Some of you may be a little like Jonah in that you accept thankfully the Lord’s merciful forgiveness but deny it to others who have wronged you.
- No matter your circumstances, you are never out of God’s reach.
- Want a more effective prayer life? Incorporate elements of Jonah’s prayer into your prayers.
- Be honest
- Be penitent
- Be thankful
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 31 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of Jonah, covering chapter 1:8-17. The series is called “God loves your enemies.” Today, we discuss the patience of God and cover:
- The confrontation (v. 8)
- The confession (vv. 9-11)
- The counsel (vv. 12-14)
- The calm (vv. 15-16)
- The fish (v. 17)
Key takeaways:
- Our lifestyle and our verbal profession of faith must match.
- Many of us, when we sin,harden our heart, keep our back turned to God, and plunge on into even greater alienation from Him.
- Sometimes lost people act in ways that honor God more than how Christians conduct themselves.
- It is sad but true that there are some who seem to recognize the power of the Lord but refuse to receive him as Lord and Savior.
Quotable:
The Christian is not just called to give evidence—we must be evidence
Application:
- It’s not enough to live a “good” live and hope that someone will ask you about what makes you different. We need to verbally proclaim the gospel.
- Superficial solutions to the entanglements caused by our rebellion and disobedience seldom work. Repentance often requires radical action.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
In this episode, Pastor Marty and Pastor Darrell talk about the background of Grasp the Bible, how Pastor Darrell prepares for each message, and they reflect back on the first 29 episodes.
Welcome to episode 29 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study of the Book of Jonah, covering chapter 1:1-7. The series is called “God loves your enemies.” Today, we discuss the patience of God and cover:
- The background and important information about the book
- God’s orders (vv. 1-2)
- The objection (v. 3)
- The furious storm (v. 4)
- The fear (vv. 5-7)
Key takeaways:
- Many people in the world today ignore God and assume that He also ignores them. Many believe that God set the world into motion and allows it to continue along unnoticed. This text portrays God as one who notices, as a God who is active, and as a God who takes sin seriously.
- God could use any means to reach lost people, but He chooses imperfect people for the mission.
- As much as you may want to try, you can never flee from the presence of God. There is nowhere you can go where He is not.
- God cares enough about sinners to send a word of hope, love, and grace.
- Disobedience always leads downward.
- It is a sad commentary when those who are committed to the truth of God’s word have to be prodded by a lost world into spiritual activity.
Quotable:
God pities the undeserving...which is you and me.
Application:
- If God loves your enemies, what are you doing to reach them with the gospel?
- You don’t have to be a “super Christian” for God to use you to fulfill His mission.
- Trust God, and leave the consequences to Him.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 28 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we wrap up our study of the Book of 2 Thessalonians, covering chapter 3. The series is called “Waiting and Watching.” Today, we discuss the establishment of Christian living and cover:
- Paul’s request (vv. 1-2)
- Paul’s reassurance (vv. 3-5)
- Isolating troublemakers (v. 6)
- A model work ethic (vv. 7-10)
- Working in a quiet manner (vv. 11-12)
- Paul’s closing commands (vv. 13-15)
- Paul’s Final Remarks (vv. 16-18)
Key takeaways:
- Although Paul is working tirelessly to share the gospel in Corinth, he knows that results will come only if people pray for it.
- Although Christians face difficulties and even persecution, God continues to protect those who remain faithful to His calling.
- The church is a family made up of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Members of properly functioning families contribute by working in some way. When they don’t, they are reprimanded with the goal of having them contribute. The same in the church. All able-bodied members need to contribute to meet the needs of the church. When they don’t, they need to be corrected, but in love and with grace, so that they may be productive in the church.
- Peace, a right relationship with God and the tranquility of soul it produces, comes through the work of Christ and should characterize our lives and our churches. Peace does not come from within us, nor is it dependent on our circumstances.
Quotable:
The peace of Christ is anchored in the presence of Christ. If you are a Christian, Jesus is with you through your most challenging times...he will never leave you alone.
Application:
- Your pastor needs prayer to do the often times difficult work that God has called him to do. Please pray for him regularly.
- When living out your faith in the workplace, in school, or in your family just seems like too much, don’t give up. Remain faithful...persevere...and God will give you the strength to continue.
- Our practice must always be to work and pay our own way, using the extra we accumulate to help the needy rather than to wait for others to help us.
- Church discipline, when needed, must be carried out in a restorative manner. The offender must be confronted, but with love and grace, with the goal of bringing the person back into full fellowship.
- In the midst of church turmoil, persecution, and challenges from the outside world, the peace of Jesus is available to his followers.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Now you can listen through any Amazon Alexa-enabled device! Click the link below to find out how.
https://mashable.com/article/how-to-play-podcasts-on-alexa
Welcome to episode 27 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue in our study of the Book of 2 Thessalonians, covering chapter 2. The series is called “Waiting and Watching.” Today, we discuss the man of lawlessness and cover:
- The underlying issue (vv. 1-2)
- The rebellion and the man of lawlessness (vv. 3-5)
- The restraining of the man of lawlessness (vv. 6-7)
- The coming of the man of lawlessness (vv. 8-10)
- The result: Divine judgment (vv. 11-12)
- Paul’s thanks (vv. 13-14)
- Guard the truth (v. 15)
- A prayer for comfort and strength (vv. 16-17)
Key takeaways:
- Before Jesus returns, a man of lawlessness will appear, setting himself up to be the political and religious leader of the world.
- He will perform signs and wonders, leading many to follow him.
- His power comes from Satan.
- Although he is currently on the scene, the man of lawlessness is being restrained by some unidentified source. When that source is removed, he will be revealed and will unleash his full power.
- His purpose is to draw away people from God to worshipping him.
- Jesus will one day destroy this wicked person.
- Those who persist in rejecting the truth and believing the lie will be handed over to the lie.
Quotable:
Sin uses every possible trick to seduce, deceive, control, and ultimately destroy its victim.
Application:
- Despite the great tribulation that will result from the man of lawlessness, he can do nothing without God’s permission. God is in control and is using Satan to fulfill His divine plan.
- Salvation involves the work of the Holy Spirit AND the human response of faith to that Spirit work.
- In an age of “I’m ok, you’re ok” and “speak your truth,” Christians cannot compromise the gospel. We must continue to stand firm on salvation by grace alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Now you can listen through any Amazon Alexa-enabled device! Click the link below to find out how.
https://mashable.com/article/how-to-play-podcasts-on-alexa
Welcome to episode 26 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study of the Book of 2 Thessalonians, covering chapter 1. The series is called “Waiting and Watching.” Today, we discuss God’s righteous judgment when Christ returns and discuss:
- The greeting (vv. 1-2)
- Paul’s praise of the church at Thessalonica (vv. 3-4)
- Paul’s promise to the church at Thessalonica (vv. 5-10)
- Paul’s prayer for the church at Thessalonica (vv. 11-12)
Key takeaways:
- Persevering through trials is hard enough. But growing in our faith, hope, and love toward others is God’s goal for us and is praiseworthy.
- Perseverance and faith are two parallel virtues in the face of persecution.
- Our willingness to suffer for God’s kingdom is evidence that God is right to declare us worthy of His kingdom.
- God is just in His treatment of the faithful and in His judgment of the persecutors of the church.
- Those who would reject God receive as punishment God’s rejection of them.
- When we die, we don’t simply cease to exist (so called annihilationism). Rather, our soul lives on in eternity in either heaven (eternal bliss) or hell (eternal torment).
- We always act on the basis of our inner wants.
Quotable:
God is a just judge.
Application:
- How do you behave when you think that life is not fair? When you are being treated badly by others, do you want revenge? Paul makes it clear that God sees the treatment you are receiving and that one day He will impose the appropriate judgment.
- Refusing to obey the gospel means both to refuse God’s salvation and to live a life of sin.
- The fact that lost people will spend eternity in hell ought to terrify Christians and spur us on to compassionately and regularly share the gospel.
- The future promise carries with it present responsibilities. While we await Jesus’ return, we are to live a life worthy of his calling.
- There are two areas in which we need that divine strength:
- the internal and personal desires (desire for goodness), and
- the external actions that result (every deed prompted by faith).
- Christlike behavior is more important than words of praise in the glorifying of the Lord.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Now you can listen through any Amazon Alexa-enabled device! Click the link below to find out how.
https://mashable.com/article/how-to-play-podcasts-on-alexa
Welcome to episode 25 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we wrap up our study of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, covering chapter 5. The series is called “A Life of Hope.” Today, we discuss when Christ returns and cover:
- Be ready (vv. 1-3)
- Stay alert (vv. 4-8)
- We have a great destiny (vv. 9-11)
- Responsibility toward the pastor (vv. 12-13)
- Responsibility toward one another (vv. 14-15)
- Responsibility toward worship (vv. 16-18)
- Dealing with prophecies (vv. 19-22)
- Benediction and encouragement (vv. 23-24)
- Final requests (vv. 25-28)
Key takeaways:
- Although we don’t know when Jesus will return, we do know that he will. In light of this, we need to live our lives in a state of readiness for his return.
- Before we know Jesus, we are unaware of and apathetic about our eternal destiny. Instead of being awake to the reality, we are asleep, not knowing what lies ahead.
- Christians are called to clothe themselves, to wear, to put on the virtues of faith, hope, and love to successfully wage war in this age.
- No matter how uncertain this life is, we know that we will have eternity with Christ and will not suffer eternal punishment.
- Godly pastors work hard for the congregation, care for the congregation, and warn the congregation when members are engaged in sin.
- The Christian life was never meant to be easy, but it has always been meant to be joyous.
Quotable:
People get ready, Jesus is coming.
Application:
- Instead of being preoccupied with trying to figure out exactly when Jesus will return, what if we spent that time examining our lives and preparing ourselves for when he does?
- We are all responsible to “build each other up.” This is a very important point for the church today. None of us can overcome the flesh and attain spiritual victory on our own. We need each other.The stress is on every single one of us involved with each other. I need you, and you need me.
- We obey our pastors not because of the office or authority, but because we love and esteem them.
- Although it is hard to do so, we are called to work hard to put up with those who engage in behaviors that rub us the wrong way.
- God desires to make us holy not just in action, but in word and thought as well. He wants us to be holy in the entire person, body, soul, and spirit.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Now you can listen through any Amazon Alexa-enabled device! Click the link below to find out how.
https://mashable.com/article/how-to-play-podcasts-on-alexa
Welcome to episode 24 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, covering chapter 4. The series is called “A Life of Hope.” Today, we discuss the model walk of the believer and cover:
- Walking to please God (vv. 1-2)
- Walking in holiness (vv. 3-8)
- Walk in hope (vv. 14-18)
Key takeaways:
- Our daily walk…what we think, say and do on a daily basis should be aimed at pleasing God.
- Although the will of God can be difficult to discern at times, He has clearly revealed that part of His will is for us to be set apart from the world.
- We all have certain immoral tendencies, and yet we are called to gain “control” over our own bodies and refuse to do engage in those activities.
- When we reject God’s instructions, we show contempt for His will and plan. Therefore, we should expect discipline when we do.
- When Christians work and contribute to their community, their actions win the respect of those outside the church.
- Christians who have died will not miss out when Jesus returns. Their souls (already in heaven) will be united with an eternal body and we who still are alive will be caught up in the clouds to meet them.
Quotable:
Live daily in a manner worthy of being called a child of God.
Application:
- One reason we hear today for people actively engaging in sinful behavior is “that’s just how I was made.” I think the problem is that we don’t have a desire to bring under control the immoral behaviors that we all encounter. It’s much easier to give in than to do the hard work of denying ourselves and battling temptation.
- We should not be asking God to reveal more of His will to us if we are not already being obedient to those parts He already has revealed.
- Although the death of a loved one is one of the most painful events we can experience, we do not grieve because we have no hope. We grieve because we miss them, but we know that we will be with them again when we pass.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 23 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, covering chapter 3. The series is called “A Life of Hope.” Today, we discuss the ideal model Christian brotherhood and cover:
- Paul’s review (vv. 1-5)
- Paul’s report (vv. 6-9)
- Paul’s request (vv. 10-13)
Key takeaways:
- Suffering and persecution are inevitable. Christians are set on the path of following a Savior who suffered at the hands of evil men; therefore, they should expect the same treatment that he received.
- When we pour ourselves out in serving others, we are often blessed in return.
- In the New Testament, the church is much more than just an assembly of believers; it is both a community of people who share the faith and a family who love and care deeply for one another.
Quotable:
Ministering to others is not about getting what we want or having our needs met. It often involves putting ourselves last for the benefit of others.
Application:
- Spiritual obstacles can only be moved by spiritual forces. When Satan hinders us, prayer is our most powerful weapon...asking God to clear the path.
- Churches ought to be known for their love for God, for those in the church, and for the lost world. In doing so, we fulfill the command to love as Christ loved us.
- If we desire to live blameless and holy lives, then our lives should reflect the values and character of the God.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 22 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, covering chapter 2. The series is called “A Life of Hope.” Today, we discuss the ideal Christian worker and cover:
- The faithful steward (vv. 1-6)
- The gentle mother (vv. 7-8)
- The concerned father (vv. 9-16)
- The loving brother (vv. 17-20)
Key takeaways:
- When the Word of God is faithfully preached, it produces a significant, observable effect in the lives of the hearers who believe it.
- When one is entrusted with the gospel, pleasing God (rather than pleasing others) must be the driving factor in ministry.
- Just because the Bible makes certain claims that the world does not approve of, we have no right to change it to be more palatable.
- A gospel messenger who stands detached from his audience has not yet been touched by the very gospel he proclaims.
Quotable:
When ministering to others, the power of our words can be multiplied only if the character of our lives is consistent with the gospel.
Application:
- Those who proclaim the gospel need to live according to its truth and live under God’s scrutiny and approval.
- We must not be insensitive or offensive when sharing the gospel with people. But we are obliged to do so without altering the message. In other words, while we need to speak biblical truth, we should do so with grace.
- Paul repeatedly pointed out behavior he exhibited while with the Thessalonians to demonstrate that he walks the walk he proclaimed. As a result, they should imitate him. What about you? Does your walk match your talk and why should others imitate you?
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 21 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study of the Book of 1 Thessalonians, covering chapter 1. The series is called “A Life of Hope.” Today, we discuss:
- Background information
- Greeting, prayer, and thankfulness (vv. 1-5)
- Faithfulness in the midst of suffering (vv. 6-10)
Key takeaways:
- Churches must help their members understand who they are, how they are like and unlike the non-Christian world, and the hope they have for the world to come.
- We will have a thankful attitude to the degree that we have a prayerful attitude. We will give thanks to the extent that we prayerfully consider God’s grace.
Quotable:
Conviction is invisible without action. If we have a genuine conviction about something, we will act on it. If we are fully convinced of our faith, then we will engage in good deeds as a result.
Application:
- Confession of faith with the mouth contradicted by a disobedient life reveals an unbelieving heart that needs regeneration in order to obey God.
- We can expect to have no works of faith, labor of love, or endurance of hope without the gracious work of God’s Spirit in our lives.
- Mature Christians are called to be model copies for new Christians to imitate.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 20 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of Philemon, covering vv. 17-25. The series is called “Forgiving Others When They Wrong You.” Today, we discuss:
- The request to welcome Onesimus (v. 17)
- Paul’s plan to pay (vv. 18-20)
- Paul’s future plans (vv. 21-22)
- Paul’s fellow workers and closing (vv. 23-25)
Key takeaways:
- Whenever a debt is incurred, someone has to pay the price to satisfy it. We have all sinned, but Jesus Christ gave his life to pay the debt that we owe.
- Forgiveness always requires sacrifice on behalf of the one forgiving.
Quotable:
It takes more than love to solve the problem; love must pay a price.
Application:
- If we call ourselves Christians, we must be obedient to God’s will as expressed in the written Word.
- Forgiving a friend is easier than forgiving an enemy. But remember, God not only offered forgiveness while we were His enemies, but promised to make us heirs with Christ if we accepted His forgiveness.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 19 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study of the Book of Philemon, covering vv. 8-16. The series is called “Forgiving Others When They Wrong You.” Today, we discuss:
- Paul’s authority and attitude (vv. 8-9)
- Paul’s relationship with Onesimus (vv. 10-14)
- The providence of God (vv. 15-16)
Key takeaways:
- Paul is a great picture of Christ as a mediator. Paul is good friends of both the offender and the one offended. Because Jesus was a man, he can mediate on our behalf as the offender. Because Jesus was fully God, he can mediate on God’s behalf as the One offended.
- When the hearts of people become captured by truth and compassion, social evils disappear.
- Paul recognized God’s providence in the situation. He saw that God can take a bad situation and turn it into something good in the lives of his children.
Quotable:
Just because you have the right to do something does not necessarily mean it’s right to do so.
Application:
- Christian leaders are to be servant leaders, not authoritarians who rule by fiat.
- Obedience to a command may be done because of a recognition of authority, but it does not always come from a willing heart. God wants our commitment to Him, not just compliance.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 18 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin a three-week study of the Book of Philemon. The series is called “Forgiving Others When They Wrong You.” Today, we discuss:
- Background information about the time in which the letter was written
- The greeting (vv. 1-3)
- Paul’s prayers and thankfulness for a dear friend (vv. 4-7)
Key takeaways:
- Christians should approach social concerns not through a political lens, but through a biblical one.
- Christianity is about a transformation of the way we see and think about other people. When we begin to view others as those with whom life and faith are shared equally in Christ, arrogance and bigotry are finished.
- Pastors need to be strong preachers, but they also need to be loving people-persons who cultivate life-giving relationships within their congregations and minister to personal needs.
Quotable:
True faith in Christ must find expression in love for his body, the church
Application:
- Ethical behavior for Christians should arise out of love, rather than regulation or constraint.
- When we act in accord with the blessings we have in Christ, we grow closer to Christ.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 17 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of Habakkuk. We discuss:
- God’s action in nature (3:8-11)
- God’s actions in nations (3:12-15)
- Habakkuk’s faith (3:16-19)
Key takeaways:
- God’s presence and power are so incredible that even the earth shakes and crumbles in His presence.
- Just as the earth is in awe, so we should tremble in the presence of the Almighty.
- In His time, God steps in and rescues those who are victims of this world’s ways.
- Salvation is not found in our stuff (what has been created), but in the Creator.
- We need to enjoy the divine Person, rather than the things we can get from Him.
- The way to get out from under the load is to get right under the Lord. To be under the Lord is to be over the circumstances.
Quotable:
Inner peace does not depend on outward prosperity.
Application:
- Trusting God and having a close relationship with Him enables us to rest, even when the world around us is falling apart.
- We need to take our eyes off our circumstances and put them on the One who can do something about it.
- We must not find joy in things (what we own) but rather in a relationship with Jesus. Don’t allow your financial situation shape your relationship with him.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 16 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue in our study of the Book of Habakkuk, wrapping up chapter two and starting chapter three. We discuss:
- Three different woe speeches (2:12-20)
- Habakkuk’s prayer (3:1-7)
Key takeaways:
- Gains or achievements made by harming, oppressing, or taking advantage of others do not last. They will eventually be brought to ruin.
- God desires that everyone comes to know Him and works in the universe in to so that people would.
- Those who shame God’s people will one day be brought to shame by Him.
- Whenever a person sets his priorities on things made rather than on the Maker of things, he is guilty of idolatry.
- Effective prayer:
- begins with humility before God
- continues in adoration (worship) of God
- contains petitions (desires) that are in accord with God’s will
- If we would see a mighty working of the Spirit of God in our time, we must get to the point where we desire and earnestly pray for His mercy.
Quotable:
Worship an idol, and you receive from it what human beings can accomplish; but worship the Lord God, and you receive what the creator of the ends of the earth can accomplish.
Application:
- Knowing God is different from knowing about God. When we know someone, it’s about a relationship. When we know about someone, we know data. God wants a relationship, not a fact-based interaction.
- We all desire to put our trust in something. We need to be careful about what we put our trust in. Will it be in something man created, or will it be in the One who created man?
- We must not enter God’s presence lightly. Even the mountains will crumble in His presence.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 15 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue in our study of the Book of Habakkuk, wrapping up chapter one and starting chapter two. We discuss:
- Habakkuk’s dilemma (1:12-17)
- God’s second reply (2:1-5)
- Woe to the extortioner (2:6-8)
- Woe to the greedy and arrogant (2:9-11)
Key takeaways:
- Sometimes what we know about God causes more problems for us than what we don’t know. It can be hard for us to understand why God allows certain things to happen, knowing His character.
- When we take our concerns to God, we also need to put ourselves in a posture of listening for Him to reply.
- Faith involves not just intellectual ascent, but also action on our part.
Quotable:
Entrance into the Christian life does not come from working, but from receiving. We don’t earn salvation, we accept the free gift offered by Jesus Christ.
Application:
- When it seems that evil people are getting away with things, and even prospering at the hands of their victims, we must remember that God is in control, working things out that we may not see or understand.
- Prayer is a dialog between you and God. Too often, we behave like it’s a monologue. We speak, but don’t take time to hear from Him. Approach prayer with a heart expecting to hear from God and wait for Him to speak.
- By our faith, we are made right, we are continually active in seeking God, and we understand that our works do not contribute to our salvation.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 14 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of 2 Timothy and cover chapter 4. The title of the message is, “The Personal Appeal.” We discuss:
- The need for consistent behavior (vv. 1-5)
- The rewards for self-sacrifice (vv. 6-8)
- Paul and his coworkers (vv. 9-13)
- A warning about an enemy (vv. 14-15)
- A reminder of God’s power to deliver (vv. 16-18)
- The conclusion (vv. 19-22)
Key takeaways:
- Even though some will tire of the gospel message and pursue novel teachings that make them feel better, ministers are reminded to remain faithful to the teachings handed down by the apostles.
- Ministry is challenging, but eternal rewards await those who persevere.
- Some who begin with you in ministry may no longer be with you at some point in the future.
Quotable:
Live life now with eternity in mind. In other words, remain focused on the eternal prize that Jesus will bestow and it will make the challenges of today easier to face.
Application:
- As with professional athletes, being a faithful Christian involves discipline, training, and hard work in order to run the race with endurance.
- Although people will disappoint us in ministry, don’t dwell on it and get stuck. Look for other ways God is advancing His work.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode fourteen of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we are opening up the Book of Habakkuk and covering chapter 1:1-11. The title of the series is, “Where’s the Justice? (Why do Unrighteous People go Unpunished?).”
We discuss:
- Background information (author, date, recipient, purpose)
- Habakkuk’s first complaint about violence and injustice (vv. 1-4)
- God’s reply (vv. 5-11)
Key takeaways:
Every generation faces issues of injustice and human suffering and people in every generation ask why God doesn’t step in and do something about it.
God’s plans confound Habakkuk, much like His plans do to us today.
Just because we do not see God actively at work does not mean that He is not engaged.
Quotable:
It’s not so much what we don’t know about God’s character as what it is we do know that causes us problems.
Application:
We are people who want fairness and justice and find it problematic when it seems that God is letting evil people get away with oppressing and hurting others. But we don’t often see or understand God’s plans for addressing these issues. Rest assured that He knows what is happening and the best way to remedy the situations.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 12 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 2 Timothy and cover chapter 3. The title of the message is, “The Prophetic Appeal.” We discuss:
- The characteristics of the false teachers in Ephesus (vv. 1-5)
- The actions of the false teachers (vv. 6-9)
- The fact that persecution is coming (vv. 10-13)
- The sufficiency of Scripture in our lives (vv. 14-17)
Key takeaways:
- Since churches in every generation have false teachers, we need to know how to recognize them and their activities.
- Self-centeredness leads to all kinds of ungodly actions.
- If we desire to live a life pleasing to God, we will encounter persecution.
- The Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction, and moral training.
Quotable:
Character is determined by behavior. What we are is seen in what we do.
Application:
- A true relationship with God is not a matter of knowledge alone, but of knowledge and practice (obedience) of what is known.
- To suffer for the name of Jesus is not something rare, but is actually the norm.
- Just as students learn from textbooks to be equipped for a task, Christians learn from the Bible to be equipped for the work God has called us to.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode 11 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 2 Timothy in our series called “The heart of a finisher.” Today, we cover chapter 2. The title of the message is, “The practical appeal.” We discuss:
- Traits necessary for effective ministry (vv. 1-7)
- The hope, promise, and fulfillment found in Jesus (vv. 8-13)
- The futility of engaging in meaningless discussions (vv. 14-19)
- The difference between fine China and everyday utensils (vv. 20-21)
- Being kind and not quarrelsome (vv. 22-26)
Key takeaways:
- Effective ministers teach others, don’t get entangled in the affairs of this world, discipline and train themselves for the work, and can expect a reward for faithful service.
- What enables us to endure under difficult circumstances is knowing who Jesus is, what he has done for us, and what awaits us as a result.
- False teaching is like a terminal disease; it eventually kills churches.
- Gentleness and patience are essential traits for church leaders when dealing with those who hold to false teachings.
Quotable:
It is not the presence of struggle and suffering in the life of the Christian that ought to be questioned, but rather the absence of them.
Application:
- When we feel like giving up on our Christian walk and following the world, we must remember what awaits us after this life ends.
- The goal of correcting false beliefs is to restore those who have been led astray.
- It is not enough to run away from what is wrong. We must also run to what is good.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode ten of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our 4-week study in the Book of 2 Timothy with a series called “The heart of a finisher.” Today, we cover chapter 1. The title of the message is, “The pastoral appeal.” We discuss:
- Paul’s gratitude for his ministry and for Timothy (vv. 3-5)
- A call for Timothy to be courageous (vv. 6-7)
- A reminder that being a Christian involves suffering at times (vv. 8-12)
- A responsibility to guard the gospel (vv. 13-14)
- An incentive for faithfulness (vv. 15-18)
Key takeaways:
- Through the Holy Spirit, God equips every Christian with at least one spiritual gift. He expects us to use it boldly and fully in service of the local church.
- Christians must not be ashamed of suffering for the faith. When we remember who we are suffering for, whatever affliction we experience is minor compared to the shame and suffering Christ endured for us.
- All believers have been entrusted with the most incredible message the world has ever heard. We must guard it and transmit it faithfully to others.
- There may be times when others abandon you for your beliefs, but those who remain can be counted on for loyal support.
Quotable:
Every generation bears the responsibility of evangelizing, equipping, and encouraging the next generation to continue the faithful spreading of the gospel.
Application:
- Each day should be lived in gratitude for being called into service for the King of the universe.
- Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live a bold and powerful life for Jesus in a fallen world.
- Standing up for Jesus will involve persecution and shaming by the culture.
- Just like banks guard the deposits entrusted to them, we must guard the gospel of Jesus Christ entrusted to us.
- Be an encourager to Christians who are suffering for the gospel.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode nine of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of 1 Timothy by covering chapter 6. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Ministry, Part 2.” We discuss:
- The responsibility of Christian slaves (vv. 1-2a)
- Opposing false teachers (vv. 2b-5)
- The greed of false teachers (vv. 6-10)
- Paul’s final charge to Timothy (vv. 11-16)
- Instructions to the wealthy in the church (vv. 17-19)
- A concluding caution (vv. 20-21)
Key takeaways:
- Although slavery was rampant in ancient times, Paul wanted Christian slaves and masters to act differently from their non-Christian counterparts.
- Timothy was to discharge his responsibilities (and thereby refuting the false teachers) by teaching and urging the true faith handed down by Paul.
- Eternal values must shape our view of temporal things.
- A Christian leader should model virtues of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
- Hope in wealth undermines trust in God.
- Believers have been entrusted with the gospel and must guard this sacred deposit.
Quotable:
A healthy church depends on healthy ministers whose ministry and personal life reflect equally the power of God.
Application:
- No matter what our position in life, Christians are called to think and behave in ways that honor Jesus, and not follow worldly patterns.
- As much as the world promises it, true contentment cannot come from our “stuff.”
- The proper attitude toward wealth that comes from a proper understanding of God.
- We are daily in a fight for our faith. We must constantly be ready for battle against heretical teachings and the teachers who espouse them.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode eight of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 1 Timothy and cover chapter 5. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Ministry, Part 1.” We discuss:
- Proper treatment of men, women, genuine widows, and young widows in the church (vv. 1-16).
- Instructions on the treatment of pastors (vv. 17-25).
Key takeaways:
- Paul’s advice on how to treat the various groups in the church focused on the three terms: respect, compassion, and responsibility.
- He called on Timothy (and by extension all Christians) to show respect for age and sexual differences. The call for respect implied the need for courtesy, thoughtfulness, and gratitude.
- He spoke to the church and to individual families about the urgency for showing compassion for truly needy widows. A demonstration of Christian compassion can draw inquiring and even antagonistic outsiders to the Christ who causes that compassion in his children.
- Paul also talked about responsibility. He urged younger widows to assume the responsible behavior appropriate to a married woman rather than the idle, meddlesome actions of a tattletale. Responsible action by all believers can win credibility for Christianity.
- Paul counseled Timothy in his relationship to the elders by discussing three topics: Pay, discipline, and selection.
Quotable:
A member’s mistakes may affect only the member, but a leader’s mistakes affect the whole church.
Application:
- Fellow church members, regardless of sex or age should be treated as a loved family member.
- Although family members bear the primary responsibility for providing for older widows, churches should also help godly widows, when needed.
- Pastors should be: paid appropriately, afforded a fair hearing when accusations are made against him, and selected carefully.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode seven of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 1 Timothy and cover chapter 4. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Minister.” We discuss:
- Godless shepherds (the false teachers) in vv. 1-5
- Godly shepherds in vv. 6-16
Key takeaways:
- Paul had warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would invade the church (Acts 20:28–31); and now they had arrived. He warns Timothy about some of the traits of the false teachers.
- In every generation, there will be Christians who fall away from the faith.
- In the leader’s ministry and life, God’s Word and its application must be central.
- Being a faithful follower of Jesus requires intentionality and discipline.
- Nothing proves the veracity of the gospel as well as evidence of its life-changing power. Our lives are to setan example for others in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Quotable:
The soundness of a church depends on ministers and leaders who are sound in their faith and practice.
Application:
- When facing false teaching, we must first expose the errors we oppose. Second, we must also develop personal holiness to assure that we continue in integrity.
- Some false teaching is best ignored rather than discussed. Instead of entertaining dialog on the matter, the better course of action is to teach the truth.
- Just as we discipline our bodies for physical activity, we must discipline our minds to engage in spiritual activities.
- When God calls us into His work, He equips us for the task.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode six of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 1 Timothy and cover chapter 3. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Members.” We discuss:
- The shepherds of the church [pastors and deacons] (vv. 1-13)
- The sheep of the church (v. 14)
- The chief shepherd of the church (v. 15)
Key takeaways:
- Paul establishes the character traits that church leaders (pastors and deacons) should exhibit. The list is similar to what we see in Titus 1.
- Notice that duties are scarcely mentioned…the focus is on the type of person selected. So goes leadership, so goes the church.
- Paul reminds us that the church is not a building but consists of the family of God. As such, Christians are to conduct themselves in ways that honor God before a lost world.
- The chief shepherd (Jesus Christ) is alive, in contrast to the Greek gods worshipped at the time.
Quotable:
For church leaders, what you do in your private life has consequences for the church.
Application:
Paul provides a litmus test for churches as they seek the Lord’s will in appointing leaders. Churches would do well to carefully examine the character of current and potential leaders as against the qualifications Paul lists. Since the church is a family, a good indicator of the leader’s ability to lead the church is to examine how he leads at home.
Not only are leaders to be men of high character, so should church members. We should behave in ways worthy of being called sons and daughters of God.
Finally, let us not forget that as we proclaim the gospel, we should not leave it that Christ died on the cross for our sins. More than that, he defeated death and was raised in glory for all of eternity. He is alive!
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode five of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we return to the Book of 1 Timothy and cover chapter 2. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Members.” We discuss:
- The role and power of prayer (vv. 1-7)
- The proper behavior of men and women in the church (vv. 8-15)
Key takeaways:
- Paul urges his readers to pray for government officials, even those who are hostile to the gospel.
- Jesus Christ is the voluntary mediator whose life was a ransom for our freedom from sin’s enslavement.
- Men and women are to conduct themselves in church in a manner that draws attention to and points to God, and not themselves.
- Paul elevated the status of women by encouraging them to learn the Scriptures and to live out this fairly new role of a Christian wife and mother.
Quotable:
Jesus is the negotiator who brings about a new relationship between God and fallen human beings.
Application:
- We cannot forget that the act of praying has several facets, including thanksgiving, petitioning, making requests, and interceding. Surely God wants us to bring our requests to Him, but if that is all we do, then our prayer life is anemic.
- While Jesus’ death on the cross is for everyone, it is only effective for those who choose the free gift of salvation he offers.
- Personal integrity and the way we conduct ourselves in corporate worship affect our spiritual capabilities, church unity, and the perception of Christ by those outside the church. God has prescribed leadership in harmony with the way he created us. Leadership is not based upon worth or importance, but upon the need for order and clarity, recognizing the inherent strengths of men and women.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Welcome to episode four of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we are opening up the Book of 1 Timothy and covering chapter 1. The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Message.” We discuss:
- Background information (author, date, recipient, purpose)
- The salutation (vv. 1-2)
- Timothy’s task at Ephesus (vv. 3-11)
- Paul’s testimony (vv. 12-17)
- A call for consistency (vv. 18-20)
Key takeaways:
The issues that Timothy had to address in the first century church were not just one-time events. Pastors in every generation since has confronted these as well.
- Confronting false teachings,
- Understanding why God gave the Mosaic Law,
- Ensuring that Christian traditions are faithfully passed down to the next generation.
Paul is transparent in describing who he was before he met Jesus. He calls himself a:
- Blasphemer
- Persecutor
- Violent man
- The chief of sinners
His point was to demonstrate to Timothy and to others that if God can not only forgive such a person, but then put that person into ministry, then God can transform anyone’s life.
Quotable:
“God does not choose a person who is worthy, but by the act of choosing him He makes him worthy.” - Augustine
Application:
For church members: Our lifestyle and testimony aid in the spread of the gospel concerning Jesus. The world is watching to see if Christians are truly different from unbelievers. Moreover, they want to know that before a Christian met Christ, he or she acted in ways that they can relate to.
For church leaders: The purpose of confronting false teachers is not to shame or punish them. Rather, it is to turn them to the production of love based on a committed conscience.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
In this third episode of Grasp the Bible, we wrap up our study of the Book of Titus, covering chapter 2:11 – 3:15. We discuss:
- God’s grace as the foundation for Christian living (2:11-14)
- Proper conduct for Christians in their community (3:1-11)
- Paul’s concluding remarks (3:12-15)
Key takeaways:
God has lavished His grace on His people through:
- It’s manifestation (Jesus)
- Training to live a godly life
- The hope in the return of Christ
- His plan to redeem lost people
Christians have a duty to government and the non-Christian world.
- While Christians are to obey government, the obedience should not be to anything that contradicts teachings in Scripture.
- Churches need to be making a positive contribution to their community.
- Believers are to live exemplary lives before the lost world.
- Remember to remember our sinful past so we don’t become arrogant with lost people.
- God’s people must continually engage in good works.
Quotable:
God gives us three things when He saves us:
- A new beginning
- A new standing
- A new future
Application:
For all Christians: We have a duty to each other, to our political leaders, and to the lost world. Let us contribute to support, care for, and minister to them.
For non-Christians: Do you know a professing Christian? If so, is that person’s behavior different from yours? Does that person love, serve, and care for others in a kind way? In other words, does their walk match their talk? If not, you may want to ask the person exactly how has Jesus Christ changed their life.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
Please leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast.
In this second episode of Grasp the Bible, we return to the Book of Titus and cover chapter 1, verse 10 through chapter 2 verse 10. We discuss:
- Paul’s instructions to Titus for dealing with false teachers in the church (1:10-16)
- Instructions for exhorting different groups of people in the Cretan churches (2:1-10)
Key takeaways:
When false teachers in a church are discovered, they are to be dealt with:
- Immediately
- Directly
- Publicly
- Unashamedly
- Restoratively
Most religious belief systems usually prescribe codes of conduct for its adherents to set them apart from other such systems. Paul lists for Titus certain behaviors that these new Cretan Christians are to observe. Specifically, Paul addresses:
- Older men
- Younger men
- Older women
- Younger women
- Slaves
Quotable:
External religious requirements + the gospel of God’s grace = False teaching
Right doctrine results in right behavior
Application:
For church members and leaders: Knowing Scripture is the best way to spot a counterfeit teaching. When discovered, the teacher must be confronted, stopped, corrected, and restored to right doctrine. Those who fell prey also need to have their erroneous beliefs corrected and restored.
For church members: The world is looking at Christians to see if our walk matches our talk. Do we behave in ways consistent with our beliefs or do we appear to be no different from lost people? How does our conduct reflect that of Jesus? For those of us who are older, are we reaching back and mentoring younger generations, teaching them valuable life lessons we have learned?
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/
Please leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast.
Overview:
In this episode, we cover Titus chapter 1, verses 1-9. We discuss:
- Background information (author, date, recipient, purpose)
- The salutation (vv. 1-4)
- Instructions for establishing church leadership (vv. 5-9)
Key takeaways:
The key elements in Paul’s ministry remain the key elements in the ministry of every gospel minister.
- the increase and the nurture of the faith of God’s elect,
- to preach the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
- and to proclaim the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul uses three words to characterize a church leader, all of them referring to the same person:
- Elder
- Overseer
- Steward
The standards for Christian leadership strictly relate to one’s example before others and do not require superhero qualities.
Quotable:
What you believe determines how you will behave
Application:
For church members: Paul provides a list of character traits that church members should carefully consider when electing church leaders.
For church leaders: increased responsibilities mean increased accountability and visibility. Whereas all believers are ultimately accountable to God, the church leader has an additional accountability to the church in which he serves.
Connect with us:
Web site: https://springbaptist.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)
https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)
Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/