Re: The New Testament There Meaning And Promises

Bertie Fri 12 Dec 2008, 5:14 am

THE REVELATION

"Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful."
Revelations 21:5

The beginning and the end of the Bible intertwine like the ends of a ribbon forming a bow. Revelation is at the end of the Bible because in it is the story of end times, as opposed to Genesis, which is the story of the beginning of time.

Revelation is also at the end of the Bible because it's the last thing you're supposed to read. You need to read the rest of the Bible in order to get a better understanding of Revelation. This book is filled with images and ideas from the rest of the Bible-especially from Old Testament prophets such as Ezekiel and Zechariah.

This does not mean you cannot read this book at any time. Keep in mind that this is tough reading-tough, but exciting beyond words. We may not completely understand the mysteries of Revelation, but we know that Jesus wins in the end. Because of His promise, we can wait expectantly with the full assurance of hope that we will one day reign with Christ in heaven, our home.

For Consideration

What points of connection can you find between the end of Revelation and the beginning of Genesis?
What does the symbolism in Revelation say to you?
Which of God's promises give you the greatest hope?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Fri 12 Dec 2008, 5:13 am

JUDE

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
Jude 20, 21

About the time the medical community thinks it as the upper hand on national health problems, measles break out on a college campus, tuberculosis spreads through an immigrant neighborhood, or hypertension statistics surge. After years of improvement, people relax their preventive guard and old health enemies make a comeback. Immediately, hospitals and research groups issue bulletins warning readers to take precautions.

The Book of Jude is a stern, urgent bulletin about a spiritual health care. Jude abandoned a "Plan A" to write a pleasant letter celebrating Gods saving power, and adopted "Plan B" to warn about some false teachers who had entered their community. Some ideas act like viruses; they make for sick morals and spiritual convictions.

Jude's Book offers pointed advice about standing up for what you believe and opposing harmful ideas when it's necessary.

For Consideration

How can a person be firm in exposing false ideas without becoming obnoxious?
What do you think is the connection between the truth of a person's ideas and their moral character?
Why is growing strong in truth the best way to recognize errors?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Fri 12 Dec 2008, 5:12 am

3 John

"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God."
3 John 11

Two leaders appear in this brief letter: one is generous and helpful: the other is greedy and power-hungry. The first is an encourager; the second is a pain in the neck.

Our churches need people like Gaius, the encourager, instead of people like Diotrephes, the pain. Gaius, like Jesus, humbled himself to serve other Christians. Diotrephes, however, prided himself in his own importance and belittled everyone else. Watch out for critics in sheep's clothing. God desires truth and humility in His people.

For Consideration

Who has impressed you with there hospitality? What can you learn from them?
Why do you think some church leaders get power hungry?
What kind of reputation do you want among your friends?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 11:32 pm

2 John

"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that me may receive a full reward."
2 John 8

The best-seller list often features books mixing false religions and Christian terminology. And lots of people casually accept unusual concepts that exalt humans and devalue Christ. When the Apostle John wrote the Book of 2 John, he addressed a first-century audience with a similar problem. False teachers were saying untrue things about Jesus.

John asks his readers to be smart enough to tell the difference between a true follower of Jesus and a slick talker who would draw them away from a sincere faith and love. When you wonder if a new book or popular speaker is really Christian, examine what is said about the full humanity and deity of Jesus. Then persevere in the truth, without turning to the right or to the left. God promises a reward for those who stand firm in the truth to the end.

For Consideration

What do you think are some deceptive ideas commonly held by many people in this day?
How can you tell if someone is using certain words to mean different things than they really mean?
What are some practical ways to help you stay the course and remain firm in your faith?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:04 pm

1 John

"Beloved, now we are children of God, and it as yet not been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
1 John 3:2

The Book of 1 John is like a braided rope. Each strand is a major idea that rises to the top and then twines out of site to appear again later. Light, love, life, and belief wrap around one another-each coming to the foreground again and again.

The apostle wrote to create greater certainty in the hearts of the readers-certainty about who Jesus is, certainty about what faith is, and certainty about eternal life.

"These things i have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (5:13). People search all there lives for this sort of certainty. The Book of 1 John is a good place to find it.

For Consideration

What idea about life does the metaphor "walking in the light" suggest to you?
How do you think you should evaluate ideas in order to determine if they are from God or not?
How can a person be both loving and accepting on the one hand, and discerning and wise on the other?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:03 pm

2 PETER

"Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the Day of Judgement."
2 Peter 2:9

Visit the Alamo in San Antonio and you may feel surprised how small it is. It's hard to imagine all those heroes crowded in there- Crockett, Bowie, Travis, and many others. As long as Santa Anna surrounded and threatened them, all of those men united in an effort to save themselves. Imagine all of that energy and leadership crowded into the Alamo without an internal enemy.

The Apostle Peter wrote his first letter about external enemies that threatened the churches of Asia Minor. Enemies are dangerous, but they can result in greater unity and strength. The Book of 2 Peter is concerned with internal enemies. Inside threats are doubly dangerous because they fracture friendships as well as harm the truth. Pay close attention to Peter's emphasis on what we need to know to deal with problems among ourselves. God promises to provide all that we need to stand firm against any foe and live a victorious Christian life. But we need to watch diligently, guarding against any falsehood that would enter our churches and lives.

For Consideration

Why do you think some people like to make fun of the beliefs of Christians?
What factors need to unite Christians so that they can resist forces from within that threaten to divide them?
How does knowing that God is the victor over Satan help you in your personal battles against him?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:02 pm

1 PETER

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
1 Peter 3:12

The churches of Asia Minor were some of the first outside of Palestine. Christian communities flourished there until Harun-al-Rashid led Muslim armies west through the peninsula in the eighth century. Officially Christians were "tolerated," but they were restricted from leadership, education, or advancement. In their turns the Seljug Turks and the Ottoman Turks controlled Asia Minor. The Christian church in Asia Minor faded away.

Even in the first century, waves of opposition to Christianity had swept through Asia Minor. Sometimes the opposition turned violent. At one of those times, the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Asia Minor and reminded them how Jesus handled suffering. Peter's message; the path to glory winds through valleys of grief.

When friends betray you, your family lets you down, or someone mocks your faith, remember God's promise, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

For Consideration

What things in life do you think are worth suffering for?
When have you seen hard times make you or someone stronger? Weaker? What made the difference?
What does it mean to you that God is watching?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:02 pm

JAMES

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
James 1:5

Martin Luther called James "a right strawy epistle. "The great reformer wanted to rip the Book of James out of the New Treatament because he thought James contradicted the Apostle Paul's message that we are made acceptable to God because of our faith in Him. James, however, insisted that "faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead" (2:17)

Most Christians through the years have understood that Paul and James looked at two sides of the same coin. Faith saves us, and good deeds show that we really do have faith. How important is it that your life backs up your words? Ask God for the wisdom you need to olive the life He has called you to. He promises to give it to us liberally if we simply ask.

For Consideration

How does what you believe shape what you do? How does what you do shape what you believe?
When we are perplexed about what to do in life, what promise from God does James give us that can help?
Why is it important for your life to be spiritually fruitful?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:01 pm

HEBREWS

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and fid grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4: 16

We live in a tolerant age in which the politically correct thing to say is that every culture has its own religeon and no one is any better than another. The Modern attitude is to assume that all religious systems have the same claim to validity.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews probably would have been astonished at such a line of reasoning. This book argues over and over that Christianity is superior. It has the best access to God and the best high priest. It offers the best peace with God and the best help in overcoming temptation.

Because of Christ, we have a God who can sympathise with our weaknesses, and provide the strength we need to overcome them. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!

For Consideration

How can we make valid comparisons between different religious systems?
What does a person risk losing when he or she takes a strong stand as a believer in Jesus?
How does realising that Christ understands our weaknesses make it easier to rely on Him for strength?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 10:00 pm

THE GENERAL EPISTLES
AND REVELATION

Hebrews - James - 1 Peter - 2 Peter - 1 John
2 John - 3 John - Jude - Revelation

HEBREWS - was written to Jewish Christians, saying that Christ is the perfect sacrifice and the true High Priest. Hebrews emphasizes the humanity of Jesus and more than any other book in the New Testament except the Gospels, the One who brings forgiveness once and for all.

JAMES - was also written to Jewish Christians to remind them that faith, if it is real faith, leads to faithful living. We are to show our faith in the little acts of daily living. Church tradition says the book was written by James the Lord's half brother.

FIRST PETER - was written to encourage the church in Asia Minor in a time of persecution. The key idea of the book is hope in Christ. It is this hope that sees us through tough times. Because we have hope in Christ, we are called to live a life of hope and love in the world.

SECOND PETER - is a reflection of the belief in the early church that Jesus would return at any moment. It calls the church to be faithful and to continue to expect Jesus to return.

FIRST, 2, 3 JOHN - are (1) a sermon, (2) a letter to the church, and (3) a letter to an individual. First John urges Christians to return to fundamental loyalties. It stresses that Jesus came in the flesh, probably against heretics who were teaching that Jesus only seemed to be human. The writer says that believers experience eternal life now, that to know God is to obey God's commandments, and that the mark of eternal life is love. Second John was written to a church to emphasize the commandment of love. Third John is a letter to a church leader warning against a false teacher.

JUDE - was written to warn against a doctrine that said God's grace is an excuse for immoral living.

REVELATION - is a book written about the struggle between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of Christ and the church. It is written in a time of persecution, probably around A.D. 95. Writing in code, the Apostle John encourages his readers to stand fast in the face of persecution, for only the faithful will share in the final triumph of Christ. Yes, he says, things are bad and they will get worse, but Christ will triumph. Some of the great hymns and prayers of the early church are found in this book.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:59 pm

PHILEMON

"I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints."
Philemon 4,5

Forgiveness means letting go of the right to get back at somebody who betrayed you or hurt you. Some people think they are being forgiving when they put up with irritations or unintentional offences. Then when someone intentionally hurts them they can strike back in anger without admitting that they don't really know much about forgiveness.

If a friend told lies about you until your reputation was harmed beyond repair and then asked your forgiveness, could you do it? If a competitor stole your biggest client, ruined your business, and later apologized, what would you do?

In the Book of Philimon, the Apostle Paul appealed to a friend to forgive a very serious offense. A slave named Onesimus had robbed his owner, Philemon, and run away. By law, Philemon could order Onesimus's execution. Paul asked Philemon to accept Onesimus as a new Christian brother. What kind of person can forgive? What kind of person can ask another to forgive?

As we remember God's faithfulness to us and His promise to forgive us when we confess our sins, let us extend the same grace to others-regardless of the offense.

For Consideration

What are the biggest obstacles in your mind to forgiveness?
How many reasons for practicing forgiveness can you find in Philemon?
What risks does a person take who forgives somebody who betrayed or intentionally hurt him or her?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:58 pm

TITUS

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men . . . who gave Himself for us, that He may reddeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
Titus 11:14

In the movie Stand and Deliver, math's teacher Jamie Escalante took on the challenge to teach math's to inner-city students.
Nobody expected his students to learn anything-they were tough kids from bad families. Everything in there academic backgrounds said they would fail.

But Escalante decided to give those kids a chance. He demanded excellence from them when everyone else expected failure. He devoted his life to them when everyone else begrudged them an hour of class time. He was tough on the kids and expected them to be tougher on themselves. Many of the kids gave up, but those who hung in there won so many math's prizes that the state contest officials accused them of cheating.

When Paul sent Titus to Crete to straighten out the mess the church was in, he gave him an assignment as bad as Escalante's Paul pulled no punches about the reputation of the Cretans. He told Titus to be tough. So Titus went to Crete to help the Cretans win at Christian living everyone expected them to lose.

Never expect two people to be the same. Don't give up on someone who isn't like you. The same God who is faithfully working in your life is at work in theirs, transforming us all into His image.

For Consideration

What do you think are the hardest kinds of people to lead?
Who is a leader who helped you succeed at something at which you didn't expect to excel? What made that person a good leader?
What should we be patient and optimistic about others?

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:57 pm

2 TIMOTHY

"Therefore i endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we also live with Him."
2 Timothy 2:10,11

After President Truman dismissed Douglas MacArthur as commander American Forces in Korea, MacArthur addressed a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives in 1951. There the controversial general turned a line from a song into one of the most memorable quotes in military history: "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of 2 Timothy to his young protege in Ephesus, he may have felt like an old soldier who had faded away. But Paul's primary message was, "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 2:3).

God doesent promise an easy life as a Christian. In 2 Timothy it becomes obvious that trials will be a part of our lives. But it is comforting to know that God controls the outcome, and we will receive a heavenly reward for remaining strong in the faith to the end.

For Consideration

What lessons about leadership can you draw from Paul's analogy of a soldier's life?
Why do you think God allows trials in our lives?
What are ways to remain firm in our faith?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:55 pm

1 TIMOTHY

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godlinees is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."
1 Timothy 4:8

Of all the cities where the Apostle Paul preached the gospel, none was more important to him than Ephesus. During a two-year period, Paul had spoken not only to the Ephesians but also residents from all of the major cities of the province of Asia. When Paul sent Timothy to work out leadership problems in the church at Ephesus, he gave his young protege a responsibility that would influence a lot of people.

In the Book of Timothy you will find all sorts of instruction about church leadership, worship, care for the needy, and purity. But Paul's fundamental advice to Timothy was to teach people to have genuine love, as well as a good conscience and true faith. God promises that if we work to develop these qualities in our lives, we will reap a reward not only in this life, but also in the life to come.

For Consideration

What kind of people make the best leaders?
What groups of needy people should your church be helping more?
What leadership obilities do you have that could benefit your church and community?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:54 pm

2 THESSALONIANS

"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."
2 Thessalonians 3:3

In the fall of 1940, George Patton gave an inspiring Armstice Day address about duty, honor and country to the students of a prep school where his son George III was a senior. The school fathers cautioned Patton in advance about using the salty language he was famous for. "I know how to talk to young men. "Don't worry," Patton replied.

And he kept his word-at least until the football game after the convocation. In the final moments, young George dropped a pass in the end zone that would have won the game for his school. His father stormed onto the field and turned the air around his humiliated son blue with vulgarity. Patton undid everything he accomplished in his earlier speech.

Not so with Paul. The second letter to the Thessalonians followed the first one by a few months. Paul's good friends had ignored all of his advice. The apostle's tone is more formal and forceful, but he still attempted to help rather than hurt.

This book shows us how to be firm with people who aren't trying very hard. It includes four prayers for them and for us to model, as well as the promise of God's faithfulness and strength to help us want to succeed.

For Consideration

How do you react to people who ignore your advice or leadership?
What can you learn from Paul's prayers about how to pray for people you care about?
Why does God promise to make you strong and gaurd you from Satan?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:53 pm

1 THESSALONIANS

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you recieved the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe."
1 Thessalonians 2:13

Corporate executives succeed by surrounding themselves with intelligent, highly motivated subordinates who pursue clearly defined goals with fierce determination. By contrast, pastoral leaders succeed by helping ordinary people take their eyes of the frustrations of daily life and fixing them on the peace of Christ. Pastors plant and nurture the seeds of faith. Even when they must rebuke someone, they temper firmness with gentleness.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians reveals Paul as a pastor. The tender of this letter contrasts with the combative mood of Galatians. The emotional tone of 1 Thessalonians was the starting point of the Apostle Paul with every group of Christians. Once he established that he cared for people, he could shift to other emotional tones as the occasion required.

Paul and the Thessalonians were bound together as the family of Christ more. When you recieve constructive criticism from a brother or sister in Christ, remember the root of love that unites us in Christ, and respond from the heart that rests in the promise of God's love.

For Consideration

How did Paul show his interest in the Thessalonians?
What do you think are the things to emphasize to keep fellow believers from getting discouraged in their faith?
Why is it important to always communicate in love?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:51 pm

COLOSSIANS

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27

Some people have a yearning to know secrets. They feel powerful when they know something others don't. The appeal of religious cults is often their promise that they have recovered the lost secrets of spiritual power. In return for loyalty to the group, the cult will share the mystery. The mystery may take the form of teachings to be learned, rituals to be carried out, or a way of life to be acted out. In any case, its knowing the secret that makes you "better" than anyone else.

The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Colossians to a group of Christians being infiltrated by one or more cults with secret teachings. Paul insisted that Christianity is right out in the open. There are no secrets. Everything that can be known about God is in Jesus Christ. Know Him and you know all that is worth knowing about spiritual power and living.

But don't look for shortcuts to spiritual maturity. Getting to know Jesus takes time-just like getting to know anyone else really well. Rest in the comfort of knowing that he wants you to know Him, and He promises to reveal Himself more and more as you remain steadfast in the faith.

For Consideration

What groups or individuals have offered you secret knowledge to help you know God or cope with life? How did you react to them?
What do you think Paul meant when he said that God lives fully in Christ?
How has God revealed himself to you?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:50 pm

PHILIPPIANS

"Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6

Philippi was a Roman colony. That means that Roman soldiers settled the town on land given them in northern Greece when they left the army. The citizens of Philippi were proud of their ancestry. They probably felt superior to the native Macedonians.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi about how they could have joy-deep satisfaction-in their lives. He told them the key to joy was humble service in imitation of Christ. Paul's message, and Christ's example, couldn't have contrasted more with the social attitudes of Philippi.

Paul was continuing the teaching style of Jesus, who liked to turn worldly wisdom upside down. Jesus found deep contentment on His way to the cross. Paul found deep contentment in a Roman jail. What's the worst circumstance in your life right now? God promises to continue to work in your life, conforming you into His image, so that you can embrace His will with the same contentment and commitment as Christ and Paul.

For Consideration

Who do you know that models the attitudes of Jesus in the way they live?
Why is it comforting to know God promises to complete the work He's begun in you?
What does it mean to be content?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:49 pm

EPHESIANS

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will."
Ephesians 1:11

In the musical Annie, the title charecter goes from being a tattered orphan to the adopted daughter of Daddy Warbucks, the richest man alive. Annie has everything at her disposal because she is the heir of a father who is loningly devoted to her. In her childish wisdom, Annie values Daddy Warbuck's love more than his boundles wealth.

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul identifies the church as the " Annie " of God's love. He claims that Jesus is the head of the church, and that everything God does is for those who trust in Christ. He claims that the power raised Jesus from the dead operates in the lives of those who believe in and love Jesus. When believers are united with Christ there is nothing they cannot do. God promises that when we become His, we are given every spiritual blessing we need to live in which He has called us.

For Consideration

What do believers in Christ have in common?
What characteristics of your old life would you like to be replaced? What would you like to see in their place?
What does it mean to you to be a coheir with Christ?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:48 pm

GALATIANS

"And if you are Christ's then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Galations 3:29

The Apostle Paul felt that the Galatian Christians were in danger of misunderstanding God's love and the free nature of the gospel of Christ, because so-called experts were telling them they had to keep all kinds of rules in order to recieve the gift. In the Book of Galatians, Paul insists that the gospel of Christ is ruined if rule-keeping is tacked on to it.

God wants you to be free-free from guilt, free to love Him, free to love one another. He has paid the price for our lives. Now we should live in the light of His promise to provide for our atonement and unrestricted access to His throne.

For Consideration

Why do some people feel as though they have to earn God's acceptance?
Why is Abraham such a good example of a person being made acceptable to God by faith?
How does knowing God's promise of salvation relieve feelings of guilt and inadequacy?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:48 pm

2 CORINTHIANS

"And He said to me, ' My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness,'"
2 Corinthians 12:9

When you read this letter, you may feel like you are reading someone else's mail. In this intensely personal letter, the Apostle Paul shares his frustrations, concerns, and doubts. He brags a little in sarcastic imitation of certain critics. He defends himself and explains himself.

You've probably noticed that living and working closely with people is a demanding business. Here's how a master diplomat and teacher found the strength to keep going year after year. Look for mention of the Holy Spirit and hope for the future in this book. God promises both for His people as they run the race God sets before them.

For Consideration
What is the treasure Paul says we have in clay jars? What does the treasure do for the jars?
What do you think causes a person to be generous instead of stingy?
What does it mean to live by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:47 pm

1 CORINTHIANS

"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleasesd God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."
1Corinthians 1:21

Corinth was an ancient seaport where cultures had mixed for centuries. In that sense it was a "sophisticated" city. Corinth also had been destroyed and later rebuilt by the Romans. Anyone who started a church in Corinth could expect a congregation of former thugs and prostitutes, inexperienced in getting along with one another.

The Apostle Paul could have chosen this line from a song "New York, New York" as his motto for the church at Corinth: "If you can make it there , you'll make it anywhere. "There was immorality in the church. Marriages were falling apart. Worship was sliding into noisy chaos. Members were chosing sides and fighting. Paul scolded them and wrote to them a poem of love.

If you look around and wonder if your city or town is falling apart, the Book of 1 Corinthians offers hope. Jesus promises that His grace can reach the most unreachable, and transform any soul into the likeness of Himself.

For Consideration

What do you think are the most serious moral and spiritual problems in the world around you? How do you compare to those at Corinth?
What do you think would have been the strengths of the Corinthian church in spite of its problems?
How can knowing God's transforming power help give you patience with others?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Wed 10 Dec 2008, 9:44 pm

ROMANS

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:1,2

What's wrong with human nature? Why are we violent and selfish? Why do laws and moral codes do little more than create guilt? How can anyone ever be free of guilt and acceptable to God?

These are questions that have plagued humans for hundreds of years. They were in the minds of the ancient Romans in a newly begun church. The Apostle Paul tackles these questions in the Book of Romans, and throws in sound advice about how to act like sons and daughters of God. Because of Christ's death on our behalf, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are freed to obey God and empowered to live the abundant life He promises us.

For Consideration

What do you think are the most respectable aspects of human nature? The most horrible?
How can a sinful person be accepable to a God who is holy?
If acceptance by God is based on faith rather than behavior, why should you do what's right rather than what's wrong?

Bertie Tue 09 Dec 2008, 5:18 pm

THE LETTERS OF PAUL
Romans - 1 Corinthians - 2 Corinthians - Galatians - Ephesians - Philippians - Colossians - 1 Thessalonians - 2 Thessalonians -
1 Timothy - 2 Timothy - Titus - Philemon

Paul's letters are the oldest Christian documents we have. The first of them was written within twenty-five years of Jesus's death, and the last may have been written before any of the Gospels. These letters are also the largest collection of writings by any one person in the New Testament. They are in order of length, with the longest letter to the church first and the letters to indivduals last.

We can learn from Paul's letters a great deal about Paul's faith and his understanding of what Jesus Christ means for the life of the ordinary Christian. We can learn some of the problems that churches and persons were facing because of there faith and what Paul said was an answer to the problems. We can learn a lot about Paul as a person and how his faith can help us as a person.

ROMANS was written to pave the way for Paul's visit to a church he had never seen, but whose help he needed as he began to preach the gospel in the western Mediterrainean world. Romans is one of the fullest statements of Paul's faith. He tries to show how Christianity is rooted in Judism, but is a faith for all of humanity. Romans is a book full of the power and grace of God and has been a source of insperation and renewal in the church from the earliest times to the present.

FIRST and 2 CORINTHIANS are the most typical of Paul's letters. They were written in responce to specific concerns, in this case to the division in the church and how Christians are called to live a way of life different from pagens. First Corinthians has great sections on love in the church (chs 12-14) and the Resurrection (ch 15). The accounts of the Resurrection and the Last Supper in 1 Corinthians are the oldest written accounts we have of those events. Second Corinthians is a combination of harsh differences and rejoicing over reconciliation. Because of the differences in tone, many scholars believe that parts of at least two letters are in our present 2 Corinthians. Chapters 3-5 are a meditation on what it means to be an apostle.

GALATIANS cotains impotant information about Paul's own life and the beginings of the church. It is also a key to understanding Paul's faith in Christ, justification, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.

EPHESIANS is a meditation on the purpose of God in reconcilling all things in Christ. The church is a part of the purpose of God, called to bring unity to the world, as Christ brought unity to the church.

PHILIPPIANS is a warm, personal letter, giving thanks for a gift from the church and encouraging the church to be faithful. The hymn quoted in 2:5-11 is a powerful statement about Christ coming into the world for salvation.

COLOSSIANS was written to a church confused by false teaching. Paul wrote to try to straighten out the confusion. He says that Christ is the ruling power in the universe. He also gives guidence for the true spiritual life.

FIRST and 2 Thessalonians are among the earliest writings of the New Testament. Persecution had compelled Paul to leave Thessalonica, and in his letters he tells Christians there how they ought to live and to await the Lord's return with constant diligence.

FIRST and 2 TIMOTHY and TITUS are known as the "Pastoral Epistles," since they are concerned about the care of the church. They reflect the beginnings of organizational life in the church. Paul wants to show how the true faith results in a way of life in both the church and the world. There is guidence for the young pastors who are trying to lead the church.

PHILEMON is the only surviving private letter of Paul. It is a plea for Philemon to forgive the runaway slave Onesimus and recieve him back as a brother in Christ.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie Tue 09 Dec 2008, 4:50 pm

ACTS

"And on my menservants and on my maidservants i will pour out my Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy."
Acts 2:18

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, no one foresaw that within thirty years the Gospel would penertrate all the major cities of the Roman Empire. What seemed at first a minor disturbance within the Jewish society exploded into a worldwide faith. The rise of Chrictianity was indeed miraculous.

The Book of Acts tells how the Gospel of Christ spread like wildfire across ethnic, religious, and political frontiers to light the horizons of the world. Luke wrote this sequel to his Gospel to show his readers how faithful Christ was to equip His disciples and enable them to accomplish His bidding.

For Consideration

What barriers do you see today that interfere with the spread of the Gospel of Christ?
How as persecution contributed to the growth of the Church in modern times?
Why can we share the Gospel with confidence?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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