Bible Study

Israel’s Jealousy – (Acts 22)

Acts 22

At the end of the previous chapter, the angry mob attempts to beat Paul to death. They falsely believed he had defiled the holy temple by sneaking in Gentiles. Gentiles were not allowed in the inner courts of the temple, and doing so was a crime punishable by death. Now in chapter 22 after convincing the commander of the soldiers that it was a case of mistaken identity, Paul is allowed to address the people and give his defense. He delivers his testimony in the “Hebrew dialect” causing the crowd to quiet down and listen. Speaking as a Jew to his fellow Jews, Paul tells of his life and actions before knowing Jesus as his Savior, the events surrounding his conversion, and how he was called into ministry. The Jews listened intently to all Paul had to say until he finished with this, “And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.“, (v. 21) Once again, the mob rioted. They cried out for Paul’s death, “…throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the wind.“, (v. 23). What was behind the Jews anger toward the Gentiles? Jealousy. …

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Loving One Another – (John 13)

John 13

When you think of Jesus what is the first thing that pops into your head? For me it is His love. His love that He so freely and joyfully gives to me. A love that is so strong, He laid down His life to call me His own. And I in return love Him. But that isn’t enough. For Jesus wants more than my love, He wants me to love others with the same passion that I reserve for Him. …

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Emulating Jesus – (Acts 7)

Acts 7

These days it seems you can’t listen to the news without hearing stories of Christians being persecuted or killed, with little public outcry. Not surprising from a world that rejects Jesus. As times become more perilous, we as followers need to be prepared to suffer and possibly lay down our lives for our Savior. And just like Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, we can become powerful witnesses whose testimony can change lives. …

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A Spirit Of Self Sacrifice – (Romans 9)

Romans 9

The first eight chapters of Romans are also known as “the gospel according to Paul”. In these chapters Paul teaches that the only way to have a relationship with God and to receive salvation,  isn’t through good works or the Law, but rather grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now Paul shifts his focus to Israel and his heartbreak over the refusal of the Jews to accept the risen Messiah. …

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God Can Use Anyone – (Ezra 1:1-3:13)

 

Ezra 1:1-3:13

The prophet Isaiah wrote a prophecy concerning one whom God called “His anointed”. (Is. 44:28-45:25) A man who God would take by the right hand. A man used by God to subdue nations, rebuild His temple, and shepherd His people. Who was this great man? No other than Cyrus the great. A mighty king of Persia who didn’t know God, and who followed his own rules. And yet roughly 150 years later, this unbelieving king became an instrument of God, proving that not only does God keep His promises, He can use anyone to do so.

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My Way Or The Wrong Way – (1 Corinthians 8)

First Corinthians was written by Paul to the Corinth church in response to several areas in which there was confusion and division. In chapter 8, Paul is addressing the issue of whether or not it was spiritually correct to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. And his response tackles the difficult subject of how we as Christians are to balance exercising our freedom in Christ with our responsibility of restricting our freedom when it comes to edifying others.

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