Zane Hodges Library: Recent Episodes
Zane C. Hodges
Zane Hodges Library features messages on the Bible by Zane C. Hodges. Zane ministered at Victor Street Bible Chapel in Dallas, Texas for over 50 years and published a number of books focusing on the free gift of eternal life by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone and on the opportunities for eternal rewards for believers. Zane was known for his faithfulness to the text of the Bible through study and prayer. His life reflected a biblical joyful living faith, as he was a friend and minister to many from all walks of life and all ages.
Zane desired for others to know and believe in Jesus for the absolutely free gift of eternal life. As Jesus said, "Amen, amen, I tell you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life." (John 6:47)
Zane also desired for believers to grow and endure in their faith, so that believers may have the privilege of co-reigning with the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:17, believers are told, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."
Questions and Answers August 27, 2005 Grace Evangelical Society Southern California Regional Conference Zane Hodges, Bob Wilkin and Arch Rutherford
Questions asked:
0:27 Do we need to believe that Jesus is God?
4:02 – What part does assurance have in believing? Is a person saved if they have never been 100% sure of their eternal security?
5:55 – Does the sanctification process only begin when Jesus is Lord of all areas of one’s life?
7:03 – Explain the difference between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
9:30 – Does Free Grace theology the need for progressive sanctification?
11:30 – Please give suggestions on how to help churches who don’t present a clear gospel on how to direct them to present a clearer gospel. How can reach churches who present a false Gospel?
15:38 - If God chose some to election, then He did not choose others, how do you reconcile this with God’s love and justice?
18:45 – What do you think of 1 Timothy 2:4, “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”?
21:32 – What is the difference between the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15, the Gospel of the kingdom, and the Gospel that gives us eternal life?
27:22 What did Old Testament Saints believe in order to be saved?
31:25 If a person believes in Jesus for eternal life and later no longer believes in Jesus for eternal life. Is that person still saved?
32:30 – What is the Dispensationalism?
34:29 - Can you explain what is living water in John 4:14 and John 7:38?
37:36 - Acts 10:43, please interpret that again?
41:17 – Is it possible that Martha understood the Son of God in John 11, to be a reference to the promised Messiah in the Old Testament instead of implying deity?
49:23 –Given that Satan is at work blinding men to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4), would you expect some sort of covering over each of the 4 soils in the parable of the soils, where the seed could not go in unless God made it possible?
At the 2008 Grace Evangelical Society National Conference, Zane Hodges continues his discussion of Jesus' Last Discourse (Upper Room Discourse, John 13-17) and demonstrates how it fits the evangelistic purpose of the Gospel of John (John 20:30-31), leading people to believe in Jesus for eternal life. In part 2 of this 2 part series of messages, Zane covers (1) the Son of Zebedee, (2) the Genre of John's Gospel, (3) Death Scenes in Ancient Biography, (4) the Death of Jesus the Christ, and (5) Miraculous Signs and Literary Structure.
"Introducing John's Gospel: Miraculous Signs and Literary Structure" (Part 2 of 2) by Zane C. Hodges https://faithalone.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Autumn2008.pdf
Some have mistakenly thought that Jesus' Last Discourse (Upper Room Discourse, John 13-17) does not fit the evangelistic purpose of the Gospel of John (John 20:30-31). Instead of viewing John 13-17 as evangelistic, they conclude that Jesus' Last Discourse was written to believers to instruct them on how to live the Chistian life.
At the 2008 Grace Evangelical Society National Conference, Zane Hodges demonstrates that Jesus' Last Discourse (Upper Room Discourse) was written for the express purpose of leading people to believe in Jesus for everlasting life. In part 1 of this 2 part series of messages, Zane covers (1) a Fundamental Premise, (2) the Historical Purpose of the Last Discourse, (3) the Audience of John's Gospel, and (4) the Literary Character and Purpose of the Last Discourse.
"Introducing John's Gospel: In the Upper Room with Jesus the Christ" (Part 1 of 2) by Zane C. Hodges https://faithalone.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hodges.pdf
Zane Hodges continues his exposition of the Sermon of the Mount beginning with the thematic statement in Matthew 5:13-16 and continuing with the beginning of the body of the sermon in Matthew 5:17-24. Why is there an impression in Matthew 5:17 that Jesus came to destroy the Law or the Prophets? What is meant in Matthew 5:18 that all the law will be fulfilled till heaven and earth pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ is teaching us a standard by which we can live, which is nothing more or less than the righteous standard of His coming kingdom.
An outline of the Sermon of the Mount:
Prologue: Matthew 5:3-12
Thematic Statement 5:13-16
Body of Sermon: 5:17-7:12
Conclusion: Matthew 7:13-27
Passages mentioned: Nehemiah 8:17; Zechariah 14:16-19; Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 2:22; Matthew 25:32-46.
Zane examines why there are 3 Gospels for discipleship, Matthew, Mark and Luke, and what audience was each Gospel directed to?
Luke – Greek
Mark – Roman
Matthew – Hebrew
How does Matthew’s emphasis for discipleship to the Hebrew audience effect our understanding of the Sermon of the Mount? Matthew is discipleship with the King Jesus.
An outline of the Sermon of the Mount:
Prologue: Matthew 5:3-12
Thematic Statement 5:13-16
Body of Sermon: 5:17-7:12
Conclusion: Matthew 7:13-27
In Part 1, Zane explains the Prologue and covers the Beatitudes. The stress of the Beatitudes are on being and not doing. Discipleship to Jesus Christ is character driven not activity driven. The beginning point of all real discipleship to Jesus Christ has to be a recognition that God wants to make you the person that He wants you to be.
If you think it is bad to lose communication with a partner in marriage, then it is even worse to lose communication with God. Did you ever stop to think what a tremendous privilege it would be to have Jesus Christ as a guest in your home? That was exactly the opportunity given to two ladies in this passage by the names of Mary and Martha. When we turn our attention to the Word of God, it ought to be as if God and I are alone in the world. God must have our undivided attention. The more you complain about your lives, the less you will be able to hear God speaking to your heart through His Word. One of the main problems that we have in the Christian life, is that we think we need to do lots of things, that we do not need to do. We overload ourselves with things that we do not have to do, so that we do not have time for the things we really need to do, that is time for the Word of God. Other passages mentioned: John 11; John 6:4-13; Matthew 14:32-38. This message was given in 1984 at Christ Bible Fellowship of Del Rio, Texas, pastored by Chip Brunott.
April 18, 1988. Zane gives a seminar on Romans 2:1-16 focusing in particular on verses 5 through 13. Warning: audio quality on recording is very poor.
During this Question and Answer session on May 23, 2004 at Coast Bible Church, Costa Mesa, California, Zane Hodges answers the following questions with a focus on the Christian life:
6:01 – In what sense is it appropriate to speak and sing of Jesus as King, when Jesus is not yet reigning over the earth (John 18, Act 17, 1 Timothy 1, Revelation 19)?
7:41 – What are the dangers of new movements like Christian “spiritual direction” and “contemplative spirituality”?
9:33 – Explain 1 Chronicles 22, regarding David being prohibited from building God’s house because of shed blood and wars he had fought, but David had been told by God to shed this blood.
11:03 – Why was Solomon allowed to build God’s temple, since he also was not very good?
11:54 – 1 Corinthians 6, please explain passage regarding sexual immorality.
15:49 – Could the expression that “every sin that a man does is outside the body” in1 Corinthians 6:18 be a Corinthian motto?
17:55 – In what sense is the inner promptings that we have in our lives coming from the Holy Spirit working in us versus our perfect inner man wanting to do what is naturally right?
22:41 – Is there a two-pronged approach to transformation, (1) transforming the mind and (2) bringing our body to subjection?
26:59 – Is there a specific will of God for every decision? Does God lead me by feelings?
32:07 – How do you respond to critics of the Bible who say that God in the Old Testament (wrath) is different from God in the New Testament (mercy and grace)?
40:01 – In Philippians 3:10-11, referring the “outward resurrection of the dead”, could this be referring to Christ’s outward resurrection of the dead instead of Paul’s outward resurrection of the dead?
44:25 – Is there a balance needed between serving Jesus Christ versus serving God the Father?
In this message given at Christ Bible Fellowship of Del Rio, Texas, pastored by Chip Brunott, Zane Hodges challenges believers to examine their spiritual wardrobe. What are the qualities that make for a well-dressed Christian?
In this message given at Christ Bible Fellowship of Del Rio, Texas, pastored by Chip Brunott, Zane Hodges preaches on the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead and the healing of a woman having a flow of blood. When we have reached the end of the line and when we have run out of our own resources, God is there and for God nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God and His word.
In this the final study of four studies on Jesus' prophetic ministry in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46) Zane C. Hodges focuses on the application section of the Olivet Discourse, and in particular the four parables of the Unprepared Servant, the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats. There is also an extended discussion regarding the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Outline/Structure:
Prelude 24:1-3
Exposition (Explanation of End of the Age/Day of the Lord) 24:4-35
Overview of Day of the Lord from beginning to end 24:4:-14
Matthew 24:9-14 (last half of the Tribulation, Revelation 7)
Matthew 24:15-31 - Midpoint of the Day of the Lord (detailed consideration of the last part of the Day of the Lord)
Matthew 24:23-28 Period of intense religious deception,
Matthew 24:29-31 – Second coming of Jesus Christ (Armageddon)
Conclusion to this unit of the Olivet Discourse 24:32-35
Introduction to Application 24:35-42 (When will the Tribulation take place? Time unknown.)
Application with 4 parables 24:45-25:46
Matt 24:45-51 and Matt 25:14-30 parables addressed to church age saints.
Matt 25:1-13 and Matt 25:31-46 2nd and 4th parables addressed to tribulation saints.
Other passages mentioned:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 2 Peter 3:4-10 Matthew 22:1-14 1 John 2:28 Revelation 14 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
Coast Bible Church, May 24, 1995
In this the third of four studies on Jesus' prophetic ministry in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46) Zane Hodges continues to examine the events of the second half of the Tribulation looks climaxing at the battle of Armageddon. Matthew 24:15-35.
Outline/Structure:
Prelude 24:1-3
Exposition (Explanation of End of the Age/Day of the Lord) 24:4-35
Overview of Day of the Lord from beginning to end 24:4:-14
Matthe 24:15 - Midpoint of the Day of the Lord (detailed consideration of the last part of the Day of the Lord)
Matthew 24:23-28 Period of intense religious deception,
Conclusion to this unit of the Olivet Discourse 24:32-35
Introduction to Application 24:35-44 (Time Unknown)
Application with 4 parables 24:45-25:46
Matt 24:45-51 and Matt 25:14-30 parables addressed to church age saints.
Matt 25:1-13 and Matt 25:31-46 2nd and 4th parables addressed to tribulation saints.
Other Passsages: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 17:7-18; Revelation 13:3-15; Mark 5:1-20; Revelation 18; Revelation 16:13-16; Revelation 19:11-21; Zechariah 14:1-9, 12-15; Revelation 12:13-17; Revelation 16.
May 23, 1995
In this the second of four studies on Jesus' prophetic ministry in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46) Zane Hodges looks at the coming world crisis described in Matthew 24:15-35.
Outline/Structure:
Prelude 24:1-3
Exposition (Explanation of End of the Age/Day of the Lord) 24:4-35
Overview of Day of the Lord from beginning to end 24:4:-14
Midpoint of the Day of the Lord (detailed consideration of the last part of the Day of the Lord
Conclusion to this unit of the Olivet Discourse 24:32-35
Introduction to Application 24:35-44
(Time Unknown)
Application with 4 parables 24:45-25:46
Matt 24:45-51 and Matt 25:14-30 parables addressed to church age saints.
Matt 25:1-13 and Matt 25:31-46 2nd and 4th parables addressed to tribulation saints.
Other passages mentioned: Daniel 9:24-27; Rev 8-9; 2 Thess 2:1-5; Daniel 11:36-12:1-4; Revelation 13; Revelation 11; Revelation 12:13-17; Revelation 16; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
May 22, 1995
In this the first of four studies on Jesus' prophetic ministry in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46) Zane Hodges looks at Matthew 24:1-14.
Structure of the Olivet Discourse:
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Prelude: Matt 24:1-2
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Exposition/Explanation: Matt 24:4-35 Jesus answers disciples' questions: "When will these things be?" and "What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the consumation of the age?"
Survey/overview of the Day of the Lord: Matt 24:4-14. Matt 24:4-8 beginning of sorrows (birth pangs). Matt 24:9-14 great tribulation.
- Application: Matt 24:35-25:46. Introduction 24:35-44. Answers disciples' question: "When will these things be?"
Matt 24:45-51 and Matt 25:14-30 parables addressed to church age saints.
Matt 25:1-13 and Matt 25:31-46 2nd and 4th parables addressed to tribulation saints.
Other passages mentioned: Daniel 9; Revelation 8-9, 11; 1 Thessalonias 2; 2 Thessalonians 2.
Zane Hodges answers the following questions on the end times (eschatology):
4:43 Do believers receive an intermediate body when they die and go to be with the Lord until the day their physical bodies are raised out of the grave at the Rapture?
5:25 In our glorified bodies how will our relationship to time and space change?
7:20 What role will the Old Testament law have in the times following the Rapture?
9:13 Are lost people judged and condemned because they have not believed in Jesus Christ (John 3:18) or because of their works (Revelation 20:12)?
17:55 Explain Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:2-3.
19:47 When is the Judgment Seat of Christ?
22:25 Will we become part of the cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12:1?
23:07 Will there be a literal marriage feast in the kingdom?
24:20 Does the reference to “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents” in Luke 15:7 indicate that people who are dead in heaven are interested in what is going on here?
27:26 What degree are Gentiles going to be held to the law and what is the role of the law in the Millennium? Is the law just to bring people to a knowledge of sin or does the law have a sanctification purpose in the Millennium?
33:30 Will the sacrificial system that is reinstated in the Millennium be performed with real animals?
39:28 How can it be that the most-high created being (Satan) think that he can overcome his Creator?
43:20 Will unbelievers, who remain on earth after the Rapture and go into the Tribulation, have a second chance to believe the gospel?
46:30 Will glorified believers sense of time be different during the Tribulation and Millennium?
48:05. What is your view of the “outer darkness” mentioned in the parables in Matthew?
51:10 Can you explain how the looking at the serpent for healing in Numbers 21:9 is used as an analogy to illustrate believing in Jesus in John 3?
53:43 Regarding, the saints who have died and are crying out under the altar in Revelation 6:9-10, have these saints received their glorified bodies? Also, will glorified believers know what is going on during the Tribulation?
May 23, 2004
Can we drive too furiously in pursuit of the goals that God has given us that we neglect our relationship with God? Are we seeking human approval or God’s approval? Even though we are involved in ministry, are we as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as we really ought to be? We can learn lessons from the mistakes of Jehu who neglected his relationship with God and sought human approval before God’s approval. Other passage mentioned: Jeremiah 35.
May 15, 1994
By looking at the life of King Saul and in particular his experience in consulting a medium, Zane discusses how Satan is able to influence our minds, which leads to words or actions according to Satan’s purposes. How can we recognize the activities of Satan in our lives? It is through the Word of God. We have a choice. We can choose either to be victorious by submitting ourselves unto to God and resisting the devil using the Word of God or we can open ourselves up and our pride and self-will to manipulation, deception and to defeat.
Other passages mentioned: Leviticus 19:31, 20:6; Matthew 12:40; Luke 23:43; Luke 16:19-31; Job 1:11, 2:9; Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:3; 1 Samuel 16:14-23; Matthew 4:3-4; John 16:2; James 4:6-7.
We live in a society where sex has been divorced from love and lifelong commitment. In this message, Zane Hodges, a life-long bachelor, answers the following questions from the Bible:
1.Is it ever right to have sex outside of marriage?
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If you are not sick, is it ever right to refuse sex to your partner in marriage?
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Is it ever right to say, “Sex is always sinful.”?
Other passage: 1 Peter 3:7. Date: July 1995.
In this passage, Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, and his servant, Hazael, have bad stuff going through their heads. Ben-Hadad tries to bribe God to heal him of his sickness. Hazael rejects the testimony of God as to his own sinfulness. God is not up in heaven to do what we want Him to do. We are on earth to do what His word tells us to do. Other passages: 2 Kings 6:8-7:7; Matthew 19:17. June 22, 2003.
Is the Christian life just a matter of determination and the will? How can we live the Christian life? All who have believed in Jesus for the absolutely free gift of eternal life have passed from death into life, but Christians dwell in a dead body. Even though Christians dwell in a dead body, by the resurrecting power of the Holy Spirit, those dead bodies can become the vehicles that express the very life of God and Jesus Christ. As we see the glory of Jesus and the mirror of God’s word, the Spirit of God changes us, so that we are more and more like God’s Son. Christians need the resurrecting power of the Holy Spirit, so that their dead bodies can be the vehicles for the life of God. Christians are faced with a choice, either to give up on the Christian life and show everybody their ugly spiritual corpses or to open themselves to the transforming power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and let God’s life flow through you, so people can see the beauty of the Son of God. Other passages: John 11:1-44; John 5:24-25, 6:47; Romans 7; 2 Corinthians 3:18. February 11, 2001.
For the one who has believed in Jesus for the free gift of eternal life, Jesus doesn’t want a rash, shallow or superficial commitment. Jesus wants a serious and well-considered commitment. Jesus doesn’t want a reluctant commitment, that says, “Not now or later, Lord.” Jesus wants an unhesitating top-priority commitment. Jesus doesn’t want a regretful commitment. Jesus wants a whole-hearted and undivided commitment.
Questions and Answers at:
30:27 About the second person who was reluctant in following Jesus, given that there are Scriptures to take care of one’s family, do you see a problem with thinking that in your commitment to the Lord that you will take care of your family?
31:55 Can you distinguish between the kingdom of God and the church?
32:52 Can you be a part of the kingdom of God without being part of the church?
33:27 Can you distinguish between salvation and discipleship? Are there those who are not disciples, but are saved?
35:58 What did it mean that the disciples doubted and what are the implications of that for Christians?
Other passages mentioned: Judges 7; Matthew 10:37; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 22:17; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 11:2-3; John 1:32-34; Luke 24:41; Numbers 21:4-9.
Did you know that every Christian (one who has believed in Jesus for the free gift of everlasting life) is a candidate for sudden improvement in your physical body? Our bodies have limits which we cannot improve beyond. The only person who is able give us a marvelous and wonderful improvement in our physical bodies, is the Person who created them, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. God uses the model of our Lord’s own resurrection body, as the model, example and pattern by which He will improve the physical body of every single Christian. The capacity of our new physical bodies will be designed in some way to serve God and glorify God in ways that we have never been able to do before. Other passages: Psalm 16:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. (1996)
Each Christian has a long-distance friendship that is important to cultivate each and every day of one’s life. If you want friendship with Jesus Christ, the Bible needs to be precious to you, and you need to allow the Holy Spirit to set your heart and soul on fire with the word of God, and to attract you and to pull you into the fellowship of God’s Son and friendship with Him. Where in all the places on earth are we most likely to know the Lord Jesus Christ in an intimately way? It is the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is Jesus’ ordinance and His command, and where Jesus manifests Himself as the One who died, was buried and rose again.
Cleopas and his companion on their 7 mile walk to Emmaus had the most amazing and wonderful walk ever, because of their traveling Companion. Jesus was their Companion, became their Teacher and then became their Guest. Other passages Hebrews 13:5; John 14:23. September 15, 1996.
How did the women who followed Jesus from Galilee respond to the setback of Jesus' crucifixion? They continued to serve Jesus and to persevere in their dedication to Him. These women’s comeback began when they realized that Jesus Christ is alive. The most fundamental and basic rule that you and I can follow regardless of the setbacks that come into our life and experience is that we should press forward in our determination to serve Jesus in whatever way we can. Jesus rising from the dead is the greatest comeback in human history, and because He is alive, our comeback is possible from any setback that life can bring us. Other passages: Luke 8:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:58. July 28, 1996.
What qualified Joseph of Arimathea for the wonderful opportunity and privilege of burying the Creator of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ? Joseph was a man of character, Christian courage and deep and profound commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. To get opportunities to do something significant for God, you need to be a Christian of character, courage and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are, wherever there is something for you to do, God can be sure that you are there and able to do it.
Other passages: John 1:1-3,14; Luke 23:42; Matthew 27:57-60.
June 16, 1996.
If we follow in the steps of Jesus Christ, if we suffer innocently to the glory of God, if that results in an impact on the lives of men and a witness to the sufferings of the Savior, then be very sure that experience of Christian suffering is genuine, authentic and the real stuff. Other passages mentioned: John 10:18; 1 Peter 4:15-16; Luke 23:13-25; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 2:21.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is an amazing story. It is heartwarming, inspiring and absolutely true. Will the living Lord find you in the waiting room? All the pain in God’s waiting room has been borne by the Great Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian has entered God’s waiting room and is waiting for the return of Christ to take them back to be with Himself. The only way to get into God’s waiting room is faith in the One, who loved you, died for you, and rose again. The only way we can take advantage of what Jesus has done for us is to believe on Him for everlasting life. The Christian can also learn something in God’s waiting room. Jesus died the way He lived His life, in confident trust of His loving heavenly Father. The cross of Jesus Christ is not only God’s waiting room, where we wait confidently for the coming of His Son, but it is also our school room where we learn to trust God through all our lives. If you have trusted in Jesus Christ for everlasting life, then you can trust Jesus for everything else regardless of what it may be.
Other passages: John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:1-9; Hebrews 10:20; 1 Peter 3:18; Philippians 3:20; John 3:16; Titus 3:5; John 5:24; Psalms 22:14-15; John 20:5-7; Revelation 1:18; Hebrews 10:23
April 7, 1996
Professor Hodges explains his methodology for understanding problem passages in the New Testament, by demonstrating his method on Romans 10:9-10. Other passages: The Epistle of Romans.
Is there any support in the Bible for the concept that we will receive some sort of divine mystical guidance from God before we make a significant spiritual decision? Is a vague feeling of inner peace, the same as divine guidance? Do the Scriptures encourage us to take a combination of circumstances which may be ambiguous in themselves and translate it into guidance for our lives? Where should we find guidance for our lives today? Do we recognize that the Word of God within the guidelines laid down to us, give us tremendous areas of freedom within which the decision-making process is our own? If there is something you need to learn, the Bible can teach you, because it is profitable for doctrine. If there is something in which you need to be rebuked, the Bible can rebuke you, because it is profitable for reproof. If there is something in which you need to be straightened out, the Bible can straighten you out, because it is profitable for correction. If there is training that you need, the Bible can train you, because it is profitable for instruction in righteousness, that you might be the complete man of God that God wants you to be. The Bible is enough for you and your conscience. Other passages mentioned: Colossians 3:15; Acts 8:26-29; Acts 10:1-6; Acts 16:6-9; Judges 6:14, 36-40; Luke 15:13; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, 7:39; 2 Timothy 4:13
One of the deepest felt needs of the human heart is the need to be remembered. However, all of us have the capacity to forget people. Was the thief on the cross asking Jesus to save him or take him into the kingdom? Nobody in the New Testament has ever asked Jesus to save them from eternal punishment. We are not saved by asking Jesus to save us. We are saved by believing that Jesus keeps His promise to save us when we trust Him to do that. We do not need to pray or ask to be saved. We just need to believe in Jesus for the free gift of everlasting life. By the thief’s faithfulness to Jesus Christ when Jesus was dying alone, the thief on the cross became impossible to forget and was rewarded in the kingdom. The question is whether Jesus will remember us in the same way. Other passages: Matthew 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27; Luke 16:19-31.
There are a lot of Christians who at one time were competing for the Lord Jesus Christ, but who have now turned their back on that competition. Our minds tend to focus on our own difficulties, frustrations and problems and everything else around us tends to fade into the background. If there was ever a man who had a right to focus on his own troubles, difficulties, frustrations and problems to the exclusion of everything else, that man was our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, Jesus tells the women mourners, “Do not weep for Me.” Happy is the Christian man or woman who in the midst of trial is so confident in the goodness of God, that no matter what that trial may be, they can say, “Do not weep for me.” Jesus was not preoccupied with Himself but was concerned for other people in the midst of His darkest and most dangerous hour. We must never be caught up in our own problems and concerns, that we forget about the desperate need of the people we meet every day. Bearing witness to Jesus Christ is the most important game in town. One of our most wonderful privileges is to stand up and speak up for the Son of God, our glorious and wonderful and coming Savior.
Other passages: Luke 22-23:1-26; Matthew 27:26-31; John 19:1-3; Revelation 6:12-17; Psalms 1:3; 1 Peter 4:17
The experience of Simon of Cyrenia presents us with one of the most remarkable examples and striking illustrations of the real significance and meaning of Christian living. Simon becomes a part of the Calvary experience of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. The Christian life is a process of cross bearing. It is taking up the burden and carrying that burden in fidelity to Jesus Christ. There is a sense that every dedicated disciple is compelled and forced to follow Jesus Christ. You won’t last as a disciple unless the driving force of your discipleship is the love of Jesus Christ for you.
Other passages mentioned: Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:27; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
One of the hardest things we have to do in life sometimes is to stand alone and to stand up by ourselves when the opposition is coming at us at every side. Every Christian will sooner or later confront a crowd that doesn’t want to do the right thing. If you are a believer in Christ, sooner or later the will of the crowd will clash with the will of God, and you will have to make the decision. The decision you make should be guided by a very basic principle: Where the crowd leads don’t follow. Even though our eternal salvation is a free gift from God, the Christian life is for people who say I will defend my Christian commitment whatever the cost, and I will never surrender to the crowd.
Other passages John 18:28; Luke 23:1-12.
In Herod we find one of the most superficial people in the Bible. Herod is an example of a person who is more concerned with looking good in front of other people than in doing what is right. There are probably many people in church whose experience with God is shallow and superficial. Sometimes when Christians do not get what they want from God, they end up turning their backs to God or walking away from Him, simply because God didn’t do it their way. Until our commitment to Jesus Christ becomes real and deep, we won’t progress as Christians, and we won’t enter into the rich experience of fellowship and friendship with the Son of God.
Other passages: Matthew 14:1-11; Mark 6:14-29; John 14:6; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 1:9.
Have we been avoiding a necessary examination? There are times in our lives when we are unprepared for an examination. That is what happened to the Roman governor, Pontus Pilate. Pilate faced one of the most basic issues of human life, that is the authority of Jesus Christ. Do you accept the authority of Jesus Christ? After you are saved, the major issue in your life is the authority of Jesus Christ. Sometimes Christians acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ, but that is not the same as obeying Him. Do we obey the authority of Jesus Christ? The only way to have a home where Jesus lives is to have a home where the authority of Jesus Christ is acted on in obedience to His will.
Other passages mentioned: Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:9-11; John 6:47; John 14:23.
One of the most lovely statements in the Bible is that “the Lord is my shepherd”, but we quickly forget that the shepherd has a rod and a staff, which he disciplines and chastens his sheep. If we forget the longsuffering of God and we go on our own way and pretend that He is not there, sooner or later, we pay. If you are a disobedient parent, you cannot protect yourself or your children from the consequences of disobedience in your own lives.
Other passages mentioned: Galatians 6:7; John 11:33-35; Luke 19:34-38; Hebrews 12:6; Psalm 23:1,4; Zechariah 9:9; John 19:15; Matthew 27:22-25.
When you and I are treated unfairly and unjustly, usually silence is not our strong point on occasions like that. However, the Lord Jesus Christ did not respond with even a single harsh word when being reviled and treated unjustly. When you confront injustice, unfairness and cruelty, the very wisest thing you can do is to commit your case to God, who is the righteous Judge. When you confront the cruelty and injustice of men in obedience to God, it may leave scars. Some of them may be physical and others may be emotional, but those scars can be a badge of honor. They can be a mark of your obedience to God and your faithfulness to Him, and in due time He will vindicate you. When you have been done wrong, be sure that you do right and leave the outcome to God, just as our Lord Jesus Christ Himself did.
Other passages: Acts 2:33-35; John 3:16.
When one is a Christian, they are a Christian forever. However, it is possible for a Christian to be separated from the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ by the troubles, disturbances and earthquakes in our lives. In the crisis of life, we are tempted to give up on Jesus, but instead that is the time to walk closer with Him. When you walk away from God, you are walking in dangerous territory, because Satan is there ready to attack. Never say, “I would never do that.” Always say, “God help me, never to do that.” Even after the earthquakes and aftershocks in our lives, Jesus is saying to you, “Serve Me.”
Other passages: Luke 22:33-34; Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10; Matthew 26:50-53; John 6:37; John 6:35; John 4:13.
In this passage we see three signs that the powers of darkness are at work. One of the frequent signs, that the powers of darkness are at work, is treachery and betrayal. Another sign, that Satan is involved in his characteristic activity, is when in disregard to the counsel of God, we act recklessly, rashly and foolishly. Insulting and demeaning behavior towards others is also a mark of the work of darkness. Other passages mentioned: Mark 14:44; John 13:27-30; Luke 22:31-32; John 8:12.
Even though rejection is never a pleasant experience, for a Christian (a person who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ for the free gift of eternal life) rejection can be a badge of honor. We have opportunities in this day and time to share in the rejection of Jesus Christ and to identify ourselves with Him and with the rejection that men give to Him. We are called to bear the reproach of Jesus Christ. We can wear the reproach of Jesus Christ as a badge of honor because it leads us to rich reward. Other passages: Isaiah 53; Luke 6:22-23, 26.
Satan cannot upset the lives of believers unless he has God’s permission. Before God allows us to fail, we can be sure that our Lord Jesus Christ has already prayed for us. God’s purpose in allowing us to fail is that we might return to Him and be useful to Him like we could not have been useful before. Christian, the next time you are in the devil’s den, remember you can’t do it on your own, the victory can be yours through your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Other passages: Job 1-2; John 6:35, 37-39.
One of the most powerful themes in human experience is that of separation and reunion. Do you realize that whenever we pass through suffering that is caused by separation, no matter what that separation may be, Jesus knows what that is all about, has experienced it, and prays for us in that kind of suffering. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is not just to remember what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us, but to keep Him close to our hearts, to be moved each week by the magnificent sacrifice that Jesus has made for us.
Despite the fact, that we are all so full of failures, if we stick it out in the Christian life, if we hold fast the profession of faith and if we don’t forsake the assembling of ourselves together, when Jesus has His reunion with His disciples, we will also have fellowship with Him and we will share in His reign and the morning star will be ours.
Other passages: Hebrews 4:15; Acts 16:31; Revelation 2:26-28; 2 Timothy 2:12.
A problem that has haunted the Christian church from almost the very beginning, is the problem of confusing religious reality with religious fantasy. One of the ways we can fall into a fantasy, is through our own sense of pride and our own sense of self-importance. Sometimes we are tempted to feel so important and so special and that we have such a special faith, that we believe that God is going to do some spectacular thing for us, which God has not promised in His word at all. When you leave the solid ground of the promises in God’s word, it is easy to move into fantasy land and to believe all sorts of things that our own minds and other minds create, which have nothing to do with the promises in God’s word. The Bible is the only guide we got. If we turn aside to imaginary ideas, mirages and fantasies, we are going to reap the consequences of that. We need to keep our heads in the Bible and reject the fantasies that exist all around us. Other passage mentioned Romans 13:1-2.
In our modern day and society, one of the things that people try to avoid the most is responsibility. If something goes wrong in their life, they don’t like to accept responsibility for themselves. It is crucial that we accept our God given responsibilities. Salvation is absolutely free, but the minute you get saved, you are a vineyard keeper and have a responsibility to God. Accept the responsibilities that God has given to you, in order to avoid the moment in your life when you have been overtaken by disaster. When you accept the responsibilities that God has given to you, good things can begin to happen.
One of the reasons that we are often blind to the significance of the cross of Christ for our daily life and experience, is because we never ask Jesus for eyesight. One reason is that we don’t open the Bible and we don’t ask God to give us insight, to give us vision and to take away any blindness in our hearts. If your eyes are really open to the significance of the cross of Christ, it will inspire you to follow Him through your life and to glorify His name. This is what life is all about, following Jesus Christ and giving glory to God. If we do it right, then other people will see what God has done for us and they too will glorify God. Other passage: Acts 16:31.
There are many ways that parents can lose their children. The very best way to lose a child is to lose a child to God. We are not talking about abandoning our families once and for all, but we are talking about people who are committed to Jesus Christ and their commitment sometimes takes them away from home. A life committed to Jesus is the most rewarding and satisfying life that anyone can live.
Don’t expect your children to understand this unless you as a Christian parent understand it yourself. A life of dedication to Jesus Christ, pays off big here and now, but it pays off even bigger in the age to come. If you lose your children to a life of sin, that is a horrible and tragic loss, but if you lose them to God, then you really find them, for you find them as a wonderful joy both in the present time and in the age to come.
Other passages: Luke 16:26; John 5:24; John 6:47; John 10:10.
Lordship salvation theology views Jesus’ interview with the rich young ruler as the very best example of personal evangelism by Jesus recorded in the New Testament. Lordship salvation fails to understand the story of the rich young ruler on two levels:
(1) What is really happening in this story (the historical level)?
(2) What is the role of this story in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke which were written to Christians (the literary level)?
The story of the rich young ruler is pre-evangelism and not evangelism. (1) Historically, what is going on in this story is a case of pre-evangelism, where Jesus uses the call of discipleship to break through the rich young ruler’s façade of self-righteousness. (2) Literarily, the story of the rich young ruler is a warning to Christians to not allow our material possessions, to prevent our discipleship to Jesus Christ or to deprive us of heavenly treasure.
Other passages: John 3:1-21, John 4:1-42; John 10:10; Galatians 6:8; Romans 3:9-20; Luke 10:25-29; Galatians 3:21; John 2:19-21; John 11:11-14; Matthew 16:5-12; Luke 8:13-17; Romans 4:5-6; Romans 3:5; Matthew 18:3; 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Can God still hear you saying, “I’m here.”? Prayer is more important than our food and our sleep. Never give up on prayer. When it comes to prayer, it is always too soon to quit.
Do you realize that whenever an unsaved sinner believes on the Lord Jesus Christ for the free gift of everlasting life, that in that very moment of faith in Christ, that he is not only born into the family of God forever, but that he also becomes a citizen of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is in the midst of the world, composed of every single individual who has believed in Jesus for the free gift of everlasting life. But, that is only the beginning. Once we know that we are members of the invisible kingdom that is right here and now, we can look forward to the kingdom that will indeed come with observation. Other passages mentioned include: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; Revelation 6-18; Colossians 1:13; John 5:24; John 6:47.
In this message given at Jansen Bible Church shortly after the publication Absolutely Free! (1989), Zane Hodges answers the following questions: What is faith? What is saving faith? What is the message that must be believed in order to be saved? What is a disciple? How is being a Christian different from being a disciple? What is repentance? What are the basic views of repentance and its connection with salvation? What is the only book in the New Testament that professes to bring men to salvation? How many times does the Gospel of John mention repentance? What is lost when a Christian sins? Is repentance a requirement for salvation? What happens in the life of a Christian who refuses to repent? Is a awareness of sin necessary for a person to be saved? How is a call to repentance broader than the call to salvation? Where was the Apostle Paul converted? What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
Passages mentioned include: Luke 14; John 4; John 20:30-31; John 1:15-36; Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:19-20; Revelation 2:5; 1 John 1:9; Luke 17:3-4; Luke 15:11-32; Acts 10; John 9; Matthew 3:10-11; Acts 19:4; Luke 13:1-5; John 5:24; Acts 3:19-20; Luke 15:11-32; Acts 2-3; Acts 20.
In this message given at Jansen Bible Church shortly after the publication Absolutely Free! (1989), Zane Hodges answers the following questions: What is Lordship Salvation? Is there any substantive difference between Lordship Salvation and the Free Grace position? Is the difference between Lordship Salvation and Free Grace, just a difference in semantics? What is saving faith? Why does Lordship Salvation need to redefine saving faith? Why is assurance part and parcel with saving faith? After his message, Zane answers various questions on salvation, including: What is the content of saving faith?
Passages mentioned include: Revelation 22:17; 1 John 5:9-13; John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:47; Acts 16:31; John 11:25-27; John 20:30-31; James 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 11:29; John 15; 1 John 1:5-6; 1 John 3:11-15; 2 Peter 1:3, 5-Revelation 22:17; 1 John 5:9-13; John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:47; Acts 16:31; John 11:25-27; John 20:30-31; James 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 11:29; John 15; 1 John 1:5-6; 1 John 3:11-15; 2 Peter 1:3, 5-7.
Is the Christian life just a matter of resolve and determination to live a holy life? The Christian life is not a do it yourself experience. The Christian life is partnership with the Holy Spirit. We need to turn our attention and turn our interests to the things of God and to the things of His Word. We need to go to the Word to see the Lord Jesus Christ and to see the nature of our relationship to Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit must make these things, vital, real, powerful and transforming. When the Holy Spirit shows us the glory of Christ through the Bible, we are being transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ, by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Other passages mentioned include: 1 John 3:9; 1 John 1:8; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. Complete recording.
Out of the ten men that were healed of their leprosy, only one man had good spiritual transportation. The one leper who returned to give thanks to Jesus had the very best spiritual transportation that the world knows anything about, a GTG (Gratitude to God). There is a Creator who gives us all things richly to enjoy and it is serious when we fail to give thanks appropriately to Him. Are we driving and driven by Gratitude to God? If that doesn’t fit us, then we should ask ourselves the question, “Who stole my wheels?” The way to live a healthy sound fully vital Christian life is by being grateful enough to act on your gratitude toward God. Other passages mentioned: Luke 18:11-14; Titus 3:5,7
Tragically, there are born again Christians, that think of God as Someone Who will give them instant gratification. They think if they play the game right, then God will reward them lavishly here and now. Is there such thing as a big faith compared to a small faith? The issue in faith is not the size of faith. The issue in faith is whether it is there. Faith is having confidence in what God says. The Bible never contrasts big faith with little faith. Faith is always contrasted with unbelief. The needs and desires of the Master come ahead of the needs and desires of the slave. All that we do in Christian service is what we have been commanded to do and we are unprofitable servants. The life of faith is lived with the recognition, that God comes first, all the time throughout the entirety of our lives, and then He will reward us graciously. Other passages mentioned: John 6:47; John 11:25-27; Matthew 5:21.
What is the most potent, the most addictive, the most intoxicating, and the most dangerous drug known to man? Pleasure. The purpose of the story of the rich man and Lazarus is not to explain why Lazarus and the rich man are where they are, but to show that these two men have traded places. Those who never believe in Jesus Christ for the free gift of eternal life will one day find that their days of pleasure will come to an end. The Word of God is more valuable than a whole lifetime filled with pleasure. The only really stable and solid thing in this world is the Word of God. Other passages: 2 Cor 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 24:13, 25-27.
What is the tallest tale that a man can tell? I am a good person. It doesn’t matter how good we look to men, what counts is what God sees on the inside. Jesus Christ was the only truly good person that ever walked the face of this earth. If you have convinced someone that you are a good person, you have convinced a dummy. This message was given two weeks after the Dallas Cowboys football team won the Super Bowl. During the victory parade for the Dallas Cowboys, violence and vandalism broke out. Note, this message is a partial recording that ends around 29 minutes. Other passages mentioned: Luke 18:9-14, 8-19; Luke 10:30-37; Romans 3:20; James 2:10; Romans 3-4; Romans 4:5-6; Romans 3:19-20.
There is a very good chance that the prodigal son was a teenager. In the story of the prodigal son, we learn that God is gracious and forgiving, but the days that are wasted will never come back again and the eternal rewards that could have been won have been lost forever. This message also gives insights on how to raise a prodigal son or a prodigal daughter. Note, at times the recording quality is poor.
There are three words to remember when looking at the parable of the lost coin: value, diligence and joy. Repentance has nothing to do with the reception of the free gift of eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ. What is the point of repentance? Repentance is the condition for fellowship with God. Repentance from our sins is the condition for living lives in harmony with Jesus Christ. If you don’t repent, you are out of fellowship with Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord. The parable of the lost coin is a story about a Christian who has wandered away from the path that God wants them on, and the only way the Christian can come back is to repent of his sins and return to God. Whatever is done to the glory of God in the Christian church all over the world, it is done by the power and working of the Holy Spirit of God.
Other passages mentioned: Acts 16:31; John 6:47; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:14; Proverbs 31. Note, this message is a partial recording that ends around 32 minutes.
Some Christians are careless with their future wallets in the kingdom of God. When I serve and follow Jesus Christ, I am depositing the valuable treasure of the kingdom into my own account in the bank of heaven. There is no good excuse for not putting Jesus Christ first in your life. When we fail to put Jesus Christ first, that is how we lose our golden wallet. What is wrong with American Christians is that we have too much money. We are too involved in our own affairs and those things take priority over Jesus Christ. Each of us as a Christian, has a divine Suitor. Someone who loves us very deeply and wants to win our love, our commitment and our lifelong dedication. Our Suitor is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Other passages mentioned: Luke 14:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25.
As Jesus dines in the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees, we learn not to eat the sour pickle of an unmerciful and uncaring spirit, the sour pickle of self-exaltation, and the sour pickle of self-serving kindness. Compassion, humility and unselfish kindness are good at all times and for everything that you do.
How does our Lord Jesus Christ react to a threat on His life? Jesus does not give into fear but goes ahead and does what God the Father wants Him to do. Like our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to be willing to take a chance under the guidance of God to get the Gospel to men. We need to be followers of our bold, brave, and compassionate Savior.
Other passages mentioned: Psalm 23:4; 2 Kings 21:1-16; Revelation 11:3-10.
The ruler of the synagogue who condemns Jesus for healing on the Sabbath reflects a view that the mercy of God is forbidden by the law of God. Our salvation has nothing to do with the law of God or the righteousness of works or surrender or submission. Our salvation is an act of totally undeserved mercy and grace from God. There is no doctrine in Christendom today that is more likely to produce hypocrisy than Lordship Salvation. Lordship Salvation is a problem that strikes at our most fundamental beliefs. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone and assurance of one’s salvation is by resting on the promises of God’s Word.
Other passages mentioned: Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:1-11; Romans 4:5; Romans 3:21-22; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 3:19; James 2:10; Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15; Matthew 16:6-12; Acts 16:31.
Message given at the Greenwood Hills Bible Conference in 1992.
Satan has trapped millions under the bondage of addiction. What do those under the bondage of addiction need? They need what the woman who had a spirit of infirmity needed. They need the power of Jesus’ word and the strength that Jesus’ hands alone can impart. The Christian church needs to be the place, where we introduce people to the delivering power of Jesus Christ, to the power that His word can have in their lives and to the strength that His hands can impart.
Other passages mentioned: Matthew 17:18; Luke 9:42; Luke 4:35; John 8:31-36; John 11:1-44
What kind of tree are you? Are your roots down into the waters of God’s word and bringing forth fruit or are you a barren fig tree just waiting for the judgment of God? Who prays for us, that we may have an extended opportunity to do what is right? Other passages: Luke 13:1-5; Psalm 1:1-3.
The weather report for the United States of America is that the storm of God’s judgment lies ahead for this country. What is America’s basic underlying problem? We, as a country, do not do the right thing. A nation is in big trouble when its people refuse to do and say what is right in the sight of God. Repentance is not a condition for eternal salvation. Repentance is a condition for escaping God’s judgment here on this earth. Unless the sinners of America repent, they could all likewise perish.
Other passages mentioned include: Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:33; Romans 6:23; Acts 16:31
All born-again Christians will have a day in court that they will not be able to avoid. This day in court has nothing to do with the question of whether a Christian will go to heaven or to hell. When one believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior, that person’s destiny in heaven is guaranteed. When Jesus Christ returns, all Christians must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Are you ready for your day in court? The crucial thing about the Judgment Seat of Christ is not how we have been like as Christians days ago or years ago, but what we are like as Christians when Jesus returns.
Other passages mentioned: Romans 14:10-12; Acts 16:31; John 14:21; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 3:4
There are two sides to becoming a king in God’s kingdom. We do serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but He will also serve us. Those little acts of service that we do and the hardships, frustrations and disappointments that are part of serving God in this life, will be repaid in full by the Lord Jesus Christ, and we who are to await Him as servants will find ourselves being served by our Master.
Other passages mentioned: 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
There are 3 real estate robbers in the kingdom of God, wrong priorities, greedy selfishness and thief of hearts. We all tend to pursue our material necessities first, and to give those things our basic priority. If we do that, then we are no different than the unsaved world around us. We should be different, because our Father in heaven already knows that we need these things. Seek the kingdom of God and all these material needs will be added to you. Why should we seek the kingdom of God? God wants to give His kingdom to us. Who is qualified to possess the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God is designed to be possessed by disciples of Jesus Christ who are generous, unselfish and self-sacrificing. Other passages mentioned: Matthew 6:33; Acts 4:32-5:10; 2 Timothy 2:12.
There probably isn’t a person who doesn’t have a few secrets that he wishes could remain buried forever. Even if you have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ for the free gift of everlasting life and are a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, the fact is that there are no permanent secrets. Hypocrisy does not pay, for every secret thing and every secret word will someday be revealed. Even Christians can fall into the trap of hypocrisy, where we are more concerned about what others think of us than we are concerned about what we really are in the sight of God. Forgiving our sins is not the same as keeping those sins a secret. In the future world there will be no hypocrisy. For Christians, all secrets will be revealed when we stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Other passages mentioned: 2 Kings 11:14; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:13.
God wants us to regard Him as the kind of heavenly Friend that we can go to in times of emergency at any hour of the day or night. One the most valuable things we can do, is to cultivate friendship and intimacy with God through prayer. A persuader is a man who knows that he has a generous heavenly Friend, who comes to Jesus Christ for the needs of his friends, and who comes to God in boldness. Other passage: Hebrews 4:16.
What are the ABCs of effective Christian prayer? (A) We focus on the name of God. (B) We submit to the purposes of God. (C) We live under the shadow of God. Other passages: Psalm 91:1; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12.
If you think it is bad to lose communication with a partner in marriage, then it is even worse to lose communication with God. Did you ever stop to think what a tremendous privilege it would be to have Jesus Christ as a guest in your home? That was exactly the opportunity given to two ladies in this passage by the names of Mary and Martha. When we turn our attention to the Word of God, it ought to be as if God and I are alone in the world. God must have our undivided attention. The more you complain about your lives, the less you will be able to hear God speaking to your heart through His Word. One of the main problems that we have in the Christian life, is that we think we need to do lots of things, that we do not need to do. We overload ourselves with things that we do not have to do, so that we do not have time for the things we really need to do, that is time for the Word of God. Other passages mentioned: John 11; John 6:4-13; Matthew 14:32-38.
A very real spiritual identity crisis often lies at the root of the frustrations and failures that we experience in Christian living. Sometimes under the pressures of life, we forget who Jesus is and what He is like. We forget the greatness of His power, the sufficiency of His strength, the abundance of His mercy and the plenitude of His grace, and Jesus becomes like a stranger. Jesus Christ has everything we could possibly need or want and yet He is always right there right besides us. The shortest way to the end of our frustrations, difficulties and perplexities, is the companionship and friendship and the presence and power of Jesus Christ, the Almighty Son of God. The Lord Jesus Christ gives Himself to us first as our Savior when we trust Him for that, and then as we learn to obey Him, as our Brother, our Companion and our Friend.
Imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the secrets of the Christian life. Jesus through prayer was dependent on God, discerning in His relationships with men, and dynamic in His service to others. Prayer expresses our dependence upon God, our need for His discernment as we relate to people, and our urgent reliance upon God’s power to work in and through us. Other passages mentioned: Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 16:7; Luke 6:40.
Sometimes we get the chance to pretend to be something we are not. John the Baptist had the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to play the role of the Christ of God. What is really important in life? It isn’t you, it isn’t your personal affairs, and it isn’t even the work that you do for God. What is really important in life is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior and Lord. Happy is the Christian man and woman who paints Jesus at the very center of the canvas of their lives. Other passages mentioned include: Matthew 14:1-12; Matthew 11:7-11; and 2 Timothy 1:12.
For believers, the Lord Jesus Christ is not only our Friend, but also our Brother. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that is the greatest act of friendship that was ever done. We should be challenged so that we resemble our Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ. Two of the great themes illustrated by the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ are the themes of submission and humility. Expressing submission and humility is not something that we naturally do the best, but it is the only way we can resemble Jesus Christ in this world.
Other passages mentioned: John 15:13; Hebrews 2:11; Romans 8:29; Revelation 21:2-3; Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 5:21; Luke 22:27.
Elizabeth and Zacharias are obeying the word of God. They are united by the strongest tie that can bind parents together. They are deeply committed to the will of God for their child, John. Blessed is the home where God is working and where the neighbors can see it. The only way to be a good neighbor is to have a home filled with the obedience and worship of God and where the mercy of God is magnified before men.
Other passages: Psalm 127:3; Luke 1:13-7.
Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and the mother of the recently deceased King Ahaziah, steals the throne of the kingdom of Judah from the sons of David. The theft of power is a widespread human sin, that also happens in the Christian church. However Jehosheba, sister of King Ahaziah, in compassion hides the baby boy Joash, a descendant of King David from Athaliah. When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the free gift of eternal life, that gift can never be lost and it is ours forever. But, when we take power that does not belong to us, that power is sure to be lost and we must give an account at the Judgment Seat of Christ. All human power is eventually lost, and the only power that matters is the power that can be brought to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Other passages mentioned: 1 Kings 2:13-20; 1 Kings 11:11-13; Matthew 5:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Revelation 2:26-29.
Jehu fulfills the word of God, because he destroys the house of Ahab. However, Jehu goes too far in acting deceptively in destroying Baal from Israel. You cannot serve the God of truth by telling lies. Later, Jehu does not go far enough by allowing the golden calves to remain. If we have the nerve to add to the word of God, rules that God has not spoken, then we are dummies, but if we fail to move on matters that God’s word has told us to move on, then that is even dumber. It doesn’t matter how dramatically you live the Christian life. It doesn’t matter how successful you appear to be in the Christian life. It doesn’t matter how many people you impress with the way you live the Christian life. The only thing that matters is whether you are doing what God has told you to do and that alone.
Other passages include: 2 Kings 9; 2 Kings 10:1-16; 1 Kings 18:16-46; Proverbs 30:5-6; 1 Kings 12:26-29
In this passage, we see how the apostle Paul values his Roman citizenship. Is it appropriate for a Christian to be patriotic for his country? How should patriotism affect us? What should patriotism lead us to think and do?
God’s newly appointed king of Israel, Jehu, ignores the difficulties and pain and focuses on doing the word of God. Sometimes we know what God wants us to do, but we don’t want to do it because we are afraid of the pain. The solution is that we should ignore the pain and do what the word of God teaches. Other passages include: Kings 3:1-2; Galatians 6:7; 1 Kings 21.
Over and over in the northern kingdom of Israel, men have seized the kingship, but now God is going to match the kingship with the man that God has chosen. God wants to match each believer in Jesus Christ with the kind of work that He wants that believer to do. Does God lead us by our feelings? Never once, does the Bible tell us that God leads us by our feelings. The Bible teaches us that God guides us through His word. We do not get to choose our spiritual gift or our ministry for God. Instead, God matches us to our ministry through the wisdom that we can glean from His word. Who made your match? Did you match yourself with whatever you are trying to do for God or did you let God through His word match you to the kind of work that He has for you to do?
Other passages mentioned: Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16.
In this passage, we see the contrast between Gehazi and the Shunammite woman. Gehazi’s greed causes him to lose opportunities to serve God, that he will never find again. The Shunammite woman’s obedience to God leads her to recover everything that she has lost. If you lose it, will you find it again? You will find it again, if you lose it for God. No loss in service to God or in obedience to God’s word is a real loss, but rather a gain through God’s gracious provision and reward.
Other passages: Romans 12:1; Mark 8:35; 2 Kings 5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 10:39.
In God’s miraculous victory over the Syrians, we learn the lesson that it is always dangerous to make light of the word of God or to receive the word of God with proud unbelief. The word of God is the answer to our helplessness, despair and fear. Zane recounts his March 1998 heart attack and the comfort of God’s grace by relying on His word. Other passages mentioned: Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 22:17; Proverbs 8:4.
Note, original recording cuts out at around 22 minutes. It is in the crises of life, that our true nature and character are best revealed. In this latest invasion by the King of Syria, the King of Israel has become impatient with God. When we are going through a trying time and we are tempted to become impatient with God, it is good advice to say to ourselves, "Be calm and be patient." If we become angry with God because of our impatience, and we make up our minds that we are going to defy Him, then we have begun a trip that will lead us to personal and spiritual disaster.
In this sequel to Naaman’s story of leprosy, Naaman learns that the mercy and grace of God are absolutely free. One of the tragedies of the American church is that there are so many churches who teach and believe, that you cannot get into heaven unless you are willing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ or surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ. People who think that way about the God of the Bible, do not understand the God of the Bible. Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, is afflicted with the disease of greed, which is similar to playing with a loaded gun. The Lord doesn’t need our pennies, but if we are smart, we will invest everything we can into His capable hands, and He will return it with magnificent interest in the kingdom of God. Other passages: Romans 6:2-3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 22:17; John 5:24; 1 Timothy 6:10; Psalm 24:1.
The famous story of the healing of Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, from the disease of leprosy, is an illustration of one of the great principles of the Bible, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We learn that the most important person in this story is not Naaman or even Elisha, but the unnamed slave girl from the land of Israel. God makes Himself known, not to the mighty and the wise and the educated but to those who are childlike in heart. In this message, Zane also recounts his graduation day from Dallas Theological Seminary on May 19, 1958. Other passages mentioned: Luke 6:27-28; Matthew 11:25-26; James 4:6; Matthew 18:4; Philippians 2:8.
The story of the sons of the prophets and the poisoned stew serves as an illustration, that man’s biggest problem with God’s religion is that man is always poisoning God’s religion by adding to God’s religion. The antidote to poison stew in our religious experience is an extra dose of the truth of God from the word of God and an extra dose of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the word of God. Other passages mentioned: Proverbs 30:5-6; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 7:21-23.
The Shunammite woman’s response to the hit of the death of her son, shows us how we should respond to the hits in our life. Every time you take a hit in life, it is an opportunity to trust God, to believe in His sovereign and controlling power, and to grow in faith that God can take care of His business. The way to take the blows of life is not to worry about how our affairs will work out, but to trust God, to take care of His business, to work His will and to glorify His name.
The widow in this passage experienced a miracle where God provided for her and her sons in a way she never could have expected. In our dealings with our Creator and in our relationship with the living God, God often acts in ways we could never anticipate. When you bring your needs to God, you should bring them in faith and you should be prepared to do what the word of God tells you to do, and you should always expect the unexpected.
Other passages mentioned include: Psalm 103:17; Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:34-44; Luke 9:11-17 ; John 6:5-13; Ephesians 3:20.
The Shunammite woman’s simple and unselfish hospitality towards Elisha the prophet is an example for us. The Bible commends hospitality. God never forgets the things we do for Him, even the small things. If you are living a life of obedience and service to God, prepare to be surprised in how God rewards you for that obedience and service to Him whether in this life or in the life to come.
Other passages mentioned: Romans 12:12-13; Luke 14:12-14; Ephesians 3:20.
In the final interaction between the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, we see one of the great examples of loyalty. If we are not loyal people, then chances are good that we need to repair our loyalty in terms of our relationship with God. Loyalty to God, translates into loyalty to His people and to His work. Like Elisha, do we have the ambition to be used significantly by Jesus Christ our Lord? Also discussed is the significance of the chariot of Israel. Other passages mentioned: 1 Kings 19:21; 1 Kings 18:17-19:21; Ruth 1:16-17; 2 Samuel 15:21.
King Ahaziah starts with a flip by ignoring the word of God like his father, King Ahab, but later flops by fighting and resisting the Word of God, like his mother, Queen Jezebel. There are three alternatives when we face the Scriptures, we ignore God’s word, we resist God’s word, or we love God’s word by submission and obedience. Our fruitfulness and effectiveness for the Lord will depend on the effect that the word of God has on us. Other passage mentioned: Psalm 1.
In this final of four messages on Baptism and Salvation in the Book of Acts, Zane examines the experience of Jews outside of the land of Israel. Passages discussed include: Acts 13:14-39; Psalm 23:4; and Romans 7:22–24.
In this third of four messages on Baptism and Salvation in the Book of Acts, Zane looks at the experience of Jews in the land of Israel at the time of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. Passages discussed include: Acts 2:32-47 and Romans 7:4.
In this second of four messages on Baptism and Salvation in the Book of Acts, Zane examines the experience of Saul on the road to Damascus. Passages discussed include: Acts 9:1-18, 22:6-16, 26: 12-18; John 20:31; Revelation 20:5-7, 11-15; 1 John 1:7; and Acts 10:47.
Zane discusses three ways to get us through troubling times: One, be assured that Jesus knows and is praying for us. Two, see God not superstitions. Three, listen to Him through His Word. Other passages mentioned include: Proverbs 24:10 and Job 1:21.
In the lives of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and Ahaziah, king of Israel, we see what made Jehoshaphat, a wise son, and what made Ahaziah, a foolish son. Jehoshaphat was a wise son in that he was focused in doing the right thing before the Lord. Jehoshaphat was a peacemaker, a warrior and a moral person. Jehoshaphat provided security for his people and he learned from his mistakes. Ahaziah, on the other hand, took after Ahab, his father, Jezebel, his mother, and Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.
Other passages: 1 Kings 15:8-14; Deuteronomy 12:1-14; Psalm 139:23-24; Matthew 5:9; 2 Chronicles 20:35-37
The death of King Ahab is a lesson for us. Although Ahab knew the prophetic word of God, Ahab never submitted himself fully to the authority of God’s word. All of us have made mistakes, but we need to learn from our mistakes. The only safe course of action is obedience to the word of God and to trust God in whatever may lie ahead. Other passages: 1 Kings 21:17-19; Galatians 6:7-8; 1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 22:1-25; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-15; 1 Kings 21:1-16.
Have we ever made a decision first and then looked for support for that decision from the Bible or gone to a spiritual counselor hoping to hear confirmation of that decision? We see from the last major story of the life of Ahab, that this is a dangerous procedure to follow. When we make up our minds to do something without being open to the word of God, we are setting ourselves up for deception and disaster. All of us, at all times and about all decisions must be open to the word of God and to correction from the word of God. Other passages: Job 1-2.
As King Ahab continues his conflict with Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, Ahab stands at a crossroads where he is faced with a decision that will impact his life for years to come. Ahab has seen the power of God’s prophetic word at work while at the same time permitting his wife Jezebel to promote pagan worship and persecute the prophets of God. Will King Ahab take heed from the lessons from the prophetic word of God or continue to be the type of king he has been?
Sometimes we fall into a trap that when we experience blessing, that we think we deserve such blessing, when in fact, God has given us blessing in order to magnify and glorify His Name and His Son, Jesus Christ. When we experience blessing, we need to ask the question, “How can we use this blessing for God?” Blessing and success from God are not for our own sake but for God’s Name’s sake in order that our lives may be more meaningful and fruitful for Him.
Other passages: Judges 7; John 6:1-14; 1 Kings 22:31-38.
King Ahab can be a model of a Christian who is in-between good and bad. At this stage in King Ahab’s career, he has the opportunity to change the direction of his life. If you believe God’s word and act upon God's word, God will get the job done. There is no pathway to success except by obedience to the revealed word of God.
Other passages mentioned: 1 Kings 16:31; Kings 18:19; 1 Kings 21; 1 Kings 18:16-19:1; 1 Kings 17; Exodus 7:17
Fresh off his victory at Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah replaces his faith in God with fear and depression. We learn the lesson that you cannot live today on yesterday’s faith. Although we are saved once and for all by an act of faith in Jesus Christ, every day is a new battle of faith. God reserves the right to give us something better than what we ask for. When we are angry, the best thing to do is to put aside such anger and ask the question, “What is God telling me to do from His word?”, and then, get busy and do it. This is how we gain victory over anger, frustration and depression.
Other passages mentioned include: 2 Corinthians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Kings 17:20-22; 1 Kings 18:36-38; 1 Kings 18:42-44; James 5:18; Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10; John 14:21
In Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal, we have one of the most outstanding examples of courage and confidence in the Bible. One of the keys to successful spiritual warfare is courage and confidence in God. The secret to boldness in front of men is humility in the presence of God. Sometimes God answers prayers quickly, but other times God’s answer is to wait. Part of courage and confidence in God, is to believe God will answer our prayers according to His word, even when we see nothing. Other passages mentioned: 1 Kings 18:1-15; James 5:17; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; James 4:6; Hebrews 12:1-2.
The strange behavior of Obadiah, administrator of King Ahab’s house, serves as a mirror for us to examine whether we are afraid that God will not help us when we are in need. The starting place for all true spiritual wisdom comes from a reverence and respect for the greatness and majesty of the power of God. However, although the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, the fear of God is not the end of wisdom. What is our image of God? Is it an image, where God is a stern and righteous and judgmental Father? If we have a fear that God won’t stand by us in our hour of need, we need the reassurance from the word of God of God’s compassion and love for us.
Other passages mentioned include: Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Romans 8:35, 37-39; 1 John 4:10.
Please note, that the original recording contains moments where the microphone failed to record.
We see how God teaches the prophet Elijah to trust Him day by day, meal by meal and need by need, and then Elijah is able to teach this lesson to others. The secret to effective prayer is prayer based on the word of God. Effective prayer is not thinking of something big, and praying that God will do it. The core of effective prayer is for us to pray for the things that God has promised in His word that He will do. Other passages mentioned include: Deuteronomy 11:16-17; Genesis 19:1-11; Psalm 27:5; Proverbs 18:10; 1 Kings 4:22-23; James 2:5.
In this passage, we are introduced to three famous persons in the Old Testament, Elijah, Jezebel and Ahab. When God tolerates evil and delays His judgment against evil, God is using evil to demonstrate His power and to magnify His name. God may tolerate evil for a time, but He will not tolerate evil indefinitely. Even in Israel’s dark days, God’s prophetic word is coming true. We need to base our religion on the Bible and not on the superstition of men. The only religion that God approves is the religion that is revealed in the Scriptures. When we go beyond the Scriptures with our religious practices, we are treading in the territory of superstition, falsehood and deceit. Other passages mentioned: Luke 1:17; Revelation 11:6; Job 20:5; Proverbs 28:2; Psalm 73; Exodus 9:16; Joshua 6:26; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
History repeats itself in two very similar stories of two different kings of Israel and their sons. These stories serve as a lesson for us. We often repeat the mistakes and failures of our parents, even without us realizing this. What things have you picked up from your home and family life, that God would like to see changed? If there are things in our personal history that need changing, it is not just for us, but also for our descendants. As believers, there is no need for us to imitate our parents’ failings, but we can imitate our Lord Jesus Christ. Other passages mentioned include: Numbers 14:18; Galatians 2:20.
Although King Asa undertakes many impressive reforms in removing idolatry from the land of Israel, King Asa fails to remove the high places and make the house of God the unique center of the worship of God in Israel. Unfortunately, King Asa also impoverishes the house of God by using its treasures for security instead of seeking security from God. Likewise, the modern church has also lost the center of its worship. The center of worship in the early church was the Lord’s Supper. Zane discusses the observance of the Lord’s Supper and its role in the corporate worship of the church.
Other passage mentioned include: Deuteronomy 12:1-14; Acts 20:7-12; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Acts 2:41-46; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 2 Chronicles 14:8-16:9; John 4:20-24.
Are we afraid to confront situations, that need to be addressed, because we are afraid of the consequences? Rehoboam has become a gun-shy king after losing ten of the tribes of Israel from his kingdom. Are we gun-shy from following the word of God, because we are afraid of the consequences that may follow? How should churches handle God’s commandments for women to be silent during the Lord’s Supper meeting of the church? How should churches handle immorality in the church? We must not be gun-shy when the word of God and the commandments of God are at issue. When we fail to confront what is wrong in situations where we need to stand for the word of God, we will experience valuable losses.
Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 12:1-23; 1 Kings 3:2-12; 2 Kings 18:1-4, 17-22; Deuteronomy 12:1-14; 2 Kings 19:35; 1 Corinthians 15:5; 2 Chronicles 12:1-7; and Proverbs 18:10.
Zane’s discussion of this passage, given after the high school shooting at Columbine high school, reminds us of God’s love, mercy and compassion for children, even when it appears negative things are happening to our children. Even if God has tried to get your attention by things that have happened to your children, God is not going to punish you through your children by being vindictive to your children. Everything that God has done in the lives of your children is designed for the good of your children. Don’t force God to try to get your attention through things that happen to your children. Be open to God and examine yourselves and the lives of your children. Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 11:26-13:32; Luke 18:16; Psalm 139:23-24.
In this passage about two prophets, who are not named, there are lessons for us on testing those who claim to speak for God by the word of God, and that the word of God always remains true, even when the servants who bear the word of God fail Him. Other passages mentioned include: 1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14; Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1
After the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, she remarks how the Lord loves King Solomon and the nation of Israel. The real secret of fidelity and faithfulness to God is not to be found in wisdom and knowledge, but to be found in the love of God to which we respond in love. Every day the Lord gives you is a token of His love and mercy. Do you love the God who loves you? Zane reflects upon the heart attack he had earlier in 1998. At the end, a questionnaire asks whether the Queen of Sheba’s questions may have included, is there life after death and how one receives eternal life. Other passages mentioned include: 2 Samuel 12:24-25; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2; John 14:21, 23; 1 John 4:19; 1 Kings 11:1-2.
The Israelites leave full of joy after the feast for the dedication of the temple. Do we go home from the Lord’s Supper, joyful and glad of heart for all that the Lord has done for us? God appears to Solomon 13 years after Solomon’s prayer to warn Solomon to be careful, otherwise, the destruction of his kingdom awaits. Although a believer is saved and permanently secure, if a believer turns his back on God, then the temporal blessings that a believer enjoys may be lost. Solomon did not express proper appreciation for all that his good friend, Hiram, had done. We need to be careful, that we are grateful and express proper appreciation for all that God has done for us. Other passages mentioned include: John 2:19-21; John 1:14; 2 Kings 25:1-9; Romans 1:21-23.
Solomon in his prayer at the dedication of the temple left out something very important. Every day we need God’s help for that day to live acceptably before Him and to honor Him in the sight of others. It is through prayer that we bring our weaknesses to be strengthened by the power of God. Other passages mentioned include: Psalms 119:35-37; Psalms 141:3-4.
For the first time in about 500 years, the glory of God appears to the nation of Israel in God’s temple. What lead up to the manifestation of God’s glory after all this time to the nation of Israel, and how can this be applied to Victor Street Bible Chapel? Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 6:1; 2 Samuel 6:1-17; Hebrews 13:15-16; Hebrews 10:19-22.
The Sea is a giant basin, which represents that salvation is of the Jews. The water carts and the reservoirs that they contain illustrate our need for ourselves to be clean and our sacrifices to be clean when we come to worship God at the Lord’s Table. Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 7:13; John 4:20,22; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:25-26; 2 Chronicles 4:6; Leviticus 1; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Timothy 4:3-5; John 4:24.
The construction of the pillars for God’s temple illustrate that the temple was meant for both Jews and Gentiles. The pillars represent God’s ability to establish His purposes in strength, to produce beautiful fruit, and to hold all things together. Zane traces God’s ability to do all these things through the history of Victor Street Bible Chapel.
Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 7:1-12, 1 Kings 6, 1 Kings 5; Mark 11:17; Isaiah 56:7; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; Job 34:14-15; Genesis 2:9; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Ephesians 3:10; Psalm 90:16-17.
One of the greatest gifts that God gives us in life is the gift of friendship. King Solomon had an outstanding friend, Hiram king of Tyre. By examining Hiram’s friendship with Solomon, we learn how to be a good friend to others, and how this friendship between a Jewish King and a Gentile King resulted in the construction of the temple of God. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is first and foremost, as our Savior, but to build on that relationship we need to be a friend of Jesus. The paradigm of love for Jesus was the love of friendship. So, every love that is worthwhile ought to be the love of friendship. Jesus invites us into friendship. Other passages mentioned include: Mark 11:17; John 15:13-15; Proverbs 18:24.
In 1 Kings 4, we get a picture of the golden age of Israel, when Israel was walking in God’s ways under the leadership of Solomon, who was humble enough to have confessed his own ignorance and to have asked God for wisdom. This serves as a contrast to all that the nation will lose in the subsequent chapters of Kings. However, by the grace of God, all that was lost will be restored and even more so under the King of kings and Lord of lords.
1 Kings 4 also describes Solomon as having a broadness of heart. What does this mean and how can this lead to godly wisdom?
The following questions are asked at the end: Is Solomon’s kingdom an Old Testament type of Jesus Christ’s kingdom to come? Did Solomon’s kingdom literally fulfill all of God’s promised lands to the nation of Israel?
Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 3:5-15; Judges 16; Genesis 2:19-20; Genesis 3:1-3.
Making good firm and decisive decisions is an important part of Christian living. By examining the decision making of King Solomon early in his reign, we discover that we need to be decisive when a decision is right and appropriate based on the word of God. When our decisions are based on the promises of God, based on the predictions of God or based on the principles in the word of God, then that is when we know that we have the mind and will of God in our decisions. The course, direction and nature of our lives will be determined by the decisions that we make. If we have a decision to make, let us ask God for grace to do it His way and decide for Him. Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 1:1-2:11; 1 Samuel 2:31-36; Exodus 21:14; Numbers 35:33; 2 Samuel 16:5-13; 2 Samuel 19:16-23; Proverbs 25:5.
What is our life about? Is it about us or is it about the glory of God? The last words of a dying individual are often a window into that person’s heart and soul. David’s final charge to his son, Solomon, serves as a lesson for parents in raising their children. Are we looking for our own self-interest or are we looking out for the interests of our children and for the glory of God? At the end of this message, Zane answers the question, “How can we account for the fact that a great man like David could have had character failures like this?” Other passages mentioned include: 1 Kings 1; 2 Samuel 11-12; 2 Samuel 21:1-9; Deuteronomy 24:16; 2 Samuel 16:5-13; 2 Samuel 19:15-23; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Zane gives an overview of the book of Romans with a focus on Romans 10:9-10 regarding confession for salvation and answers questions from Victor Street Bible Chapel members.
Program:
0:00:00 Overview of Romans
24:55 Questions & Answers on Romans
41:30 Romans 10:9-10
51:50 More Questions & Answers on Romans
Questions:
24:57 What is God’s wrath? Is God’s wrath, hell? What does it mean to be delivered from wrath?
28:49 Does Romans 1:18-32 refer to unbelievers? How are we delivered from the wrath of God?
31:30 Is emptiness also part of God’s wrath?
31:58 Is the depravity that we see in our country a form of divine judgment? Is there a social or political solution for human depravity?
33:55 Does Romans 1:18 refer to unsaved people, and how can they be delivered from God’s wrath? Where was the book of Romans written?
38:39 Don’t some new believers change their behavior radically upon conversion?
52:30 Explain Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified…” compared with Romans 2:13, “for not the hearers of the law just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified”.
1:01:19 Explain Romans 5:1.
1:03:41 Explain Romans 5:13. Where there is no law, there is no transgression, in what sense is that true?
1:05:30 In Romans 1:11, what is the spiritual gift that Paul is imparting?
1:07:28 Does Romans 7:9 refers to Paul’s days of innocence of the law and then later in Romans 7 does it refer to when Paul became aware of the law?
1:11:10 Is Romans 8:12-13 speaking of the same experience as Romans 7?
1:17:33 What baptism is referred to in Romans 6:3?
1:19:00 Does Romans 8:29-30 teach that God elects/selects those to be saved?
God has visited us with His wonderful mercy. We have been justified by faith. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to experience resurrection life. In experiencing resurrection life, we are to work out the will of God. The bottom line of everything is that God is to be glorified in us. There is an extended discussion on Romans 8:22-23, Romans 8:16, and Romans 10:9. Zane answers the question of "What about those who have never heard the Gospel?" Other passages mentioned include: Genesis 27, Hebrews 12:16-17, Malachi 1:2,3, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16; Joel 2; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 11:22-24; Genesis 18:25; Genesis 1:2-3; and 2 Corinthians 4:6.
In this second message on the Book of Romans, Zane focuses on justification in chapters 2, 3 and 4. In Romans chapter 2, Zane discusses the standards that God will apply at the final Great White Throne Judgment. In Romans chapter 3, Zane demonstrates that justification can only be by faith in Jesus Christ, since no one is justified by the works of the law. In Romans chapter 4, Zane demonstrates that even Abraham was justified by faith and that faith is a persuasion and not a decision. Note, it appears that the beginning of this message, discussion of Romans 1, has been cut off. Other passages mentioned include: Revelation 20; Matthew 19:16-20; Matthew 12:36-37, James 2:10, 23-24; Genesis 15:6; Psalm 32:1-2; Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:6-9; Acts 7:51; Genesis 17; 2 Corinthians 4:4,6; Matthew 16:16-17; and 2 Timothy 2:19.
In this first of a four-part series on the Book of Romans, Zane examines the theme of the book Romans. Zane explains the difference between justification and salvation when used in the book of Romans. Salvation in the book of Romans is not salvation from eternal judgment, but salvation from God’s temporal wrath and deliverance from the depraved and immoral lifestyle around us. The gospel in the book of Romans is God’s power of salvation from wrath, because God has imputed a believer's faith in Jesus as righteousness.
God has given fathers a very important role in the home. What kind of father (Manoah) did Samson have? By examining Manoah’s relationship with God, we see how Manoah's relationship with God had a negative impact on the development of his son, Samson.
If there are significant flaws in a father’s spiritual character, it will be seen by his children and will have a negative impact on them. There is an enormous privilege in being a father but there is also a solemn responsibility, which fathers will be held accountable for.
Judges 14-15 and Ephesians 5:25 are also mentioned.
Do you feel the difficulties in your life, are similar to being caught in quick sand? Do you wonder how you are going to survive? If this describes your life experience, as it did the Israelites in the sixth chapter of the book of Judges, then it is possible that there is something wrong between you and the Lord. Sometimes troubles are sent by God in order to have us turn to His Word and have our hearts return to God in repentance. Although we may be away from God for a long time, the door to return to God always remains open. Other passages mentioned include: John 6:47; John 5:24; Acts 16:31.
This passage is the song of Deborah which celebrates the victory that God gave Israel over Jabin, king of the Canaanites. Some Israelites were examples of those who willingly offered themselves for the service of the Lord. You do not need to be a seminary professor or a seminary student to serve the Lord in your church. All you need to do is to be willing to do what God wants you to do. How much sacrifice would you make to play on the Lord’s team and to do the things that God wants you to do. Does the Lord need help? No. Does the Lord want help? Yes. The Lord gives to His people the opportunity to help in His work and to be richly rewarded for it.
Other than God, who are we relying on, in order to live a successful Christian life? In this passage regarding Barak, the Israeli commander, and Deborah, the prophetess and judge, we learn that a successful Christian life is possible without the protection and assistance of others, when we have complete confidence in God to see us through.
Have you ever felt that you cannot relate to the amazing stories in the Bible, because you are just an average person? The story of Shamgar illustrates for us that God has the capacity to reach into the most obscure places and touch the most unknown and insignificant people and pull them out and use them for His glory. You don’t need to be somebody to become somebody for God. If you have the capacity to trust God, God knows where you are, and God can pull you out of your obscurity and use you to accomplish victories for Him. All believers have a weapon to fight the battles of life, which is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. In order to be triumphant when you are hard pressed on every side, you need to know how to use God’s word and apply it to your life and situation. When we win our own personal victories, those victories can be used for the benefit and deliverance of other people. Zane also relates his brush with danger in his encounter with a youth gang. Other passages mentioned include: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 5:25.