Taking Time off for the Holy-days

I have been taking time off the last few weeks... after the Holy-days I will continue posting the Bible Study materials. I will be doing them as audio from now on. It is just to time consuming to type it all and and edit it.

Thanks,

Rory Gabriel  

How To Study Your Bible Part One - Nov 29, 2016

Studying The Scriptures

The discipline of studying the Bible is central to the whole process of renewing the mind in such a way that we can respond in the right way to the truths of God’s Word. Studying the Scriptures involves not only reading, but active involvement in observation, interpretation, and application of its contents. This discipline of studying also includes devotional reflection; meditating on the word.

To own a Bible is a awesome responsibility—to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48). "The Scriptures must not only merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed." Lets look at how we can better be good stewards of God's word. 

Purpose of Bible Study

By drinking deeply and regularly from the pure well of God's Word, (reading, studying, and meditating) our entire moral system will be gradually transformed from the temporal to the eternal. The study of Scripture sets our minds on the things above (Col. 3:2), the source of all spiritual life. It allows us to "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).

The Benefits of Bible Study

Of course there are many reasons for studying the Word and letting the Word get into us, here are just a few:

1. Spiritual Nourishment and growth. The Word of God is not just written for information purposes, but for the transformation of our mind. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). While the Bible is an inspired revelation from God, it requires our response before it can have an impact upon our lives. 

God loves us and desires that we grow in our faith. When we grow spirituality, we mature in our relationship with the Lord. This transformation is a dynamic relationship with the truth of His Word provides us with the spiritual nourishment we will need to grow into the maturity of Christlikeness.

Exercise: Look at 2 Peter 1:2-8 to trace the increasing effect that the knowledge of God and His word has upon the life of a believer.

2. New priorities and morals. The study of God's word can deliver us from the bondage of our narrow and Worldly perspectives and provide us with a Kingdom (eternal) moral value system. By regularly renewing our minds with the Word (Rom. 12:2), our thinking, which in turn effects our emotions, then  our emotions influences our behavior, and that causes us to be in conformity with God's view of significance, purpose, identity, which results in successful Christian living. The pursuit of God's value system leads to satisfaction and contentment in contrast to the frustration and bondage that results from the pursuit of the world's value system. 

See Jeremiah 9:23-24; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 1:21; Colossians 1:10-12.

3. Dealing with and overcoming temptation. The study of Scripture provides us with both suppressive and preventive medicine. Suppressive meaning we study scripture to deal with issues in our lives that pop up in everyday living. For instance, we are struggling with unforgivness. We need to deal it right away much like a doctor would give us medicine for a cold. Preventive meaning we study Scripture on a daily basis leaning seeing from the examples set for us by the Saint in the Word how to avoid temptations we can expect (e.g., Prov. 4:10-27; 5:1-23; 1 John 2:15-16), the word tells us about the process of temptation (see Jas. 1:12-17), and shows us how to deal with temptation (1 Cor. 10:13; Eph. 6:10-18).

4. Wisdom and insight for decision making. The Word reveals God's moral will for practically every area of life. A working knowledge of God's commands, prohibitions, and principles of the Bible will give us wisdom, insight, and guidance in the decisions that shape the course of our lives here on Earth (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 1:2-5), and a divine perspective that will empower us to respond in the right way to our circumstances and rise above them (Jas. 1:5).

5. Knowledge of ourselves. The Bible cuts deep and smashes the surface stuff (appearances outwardly) that we as humans think is important. It lays bare our secret motivations and plans ( 1 Sam. 16:7). As we read it, the Word becomes a mirror that shows forth our true character, and it exposes areas of self-righteousness, and compels us to change (Jas. 1:21-25).

6. Knowledge of God. The Bible is a progressive revelation. It makes known to us the plan, the character, mind, and will of God. We cannot hope to know Him better or His ways apart from spending time in His Word.

Homework

Read Psalms 119 write down your observations of the beneficial effects of the Scriptures in cultivating a relationship with God.

Evangelism - Lesson 6 Idolatry -- The Darling Sin of Humanity

Video - The Darling Sin of Humanity

Homework:
Go to the same person you asked if they thought were a good person and ask them if you could ask them a few questions to see if they are really a good person. Ask them if they ever lied. Then ask them have they ever stolen anything, used God's name in vain, looked at anyone with lust, or hated someone. Thank them for their honesty and share with the group at the next meeting. You do not have to share the gospel with them, unless you led too. 

Evangelism - Lesson 5 - Practice What you Preach

• Video - Practice What You Preach

• Homework: This week talk to a lost friend or co-worker, and ask them if they are a good person. Then ask them why do they think they are a good person. Don't feel pressured to share the Gospel unless you feel you want to. 

Great Gospel Tracks to Give to the Lost

LivingWaters Gospel Tracts Click Here

“Let each one of us, if we have done nothing for Christ, begin to do something now. The distribution of tracts is the first thing...When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready. Get good striking tracts, or none at all. But a touching gospel tract may be the seed of eternal life. Therefore, do not go out without your tracts.” 

--- Charles Spurgeon

Evangelism - Lesson 4 - The Summary of Salvation

Video - The Summary of Salvation 

Homework:
Before the next meeting, speak to at least one non-Christian friend, co-worker, or stranger. Simply say, "I'm taking a course at my small group and as homework I have to ask someone if they've has a Christian or other spiritual background. Can you help me with this?" If they are open, ask them for details. Just listen and later write down their answers. After they finish, thank them for their help. Don't feel pressured to share the gospel at this point.  

Evangelism - Lesson 3; The Motive of the Sinner

Video - The Motive of the Sinner

Homework:
Make the effort this week to greet at least one complete stranger before the next meeting. Just walk up to someone and say hello and wish them a blessed day. 

Evangelism - Lesson 2 - Using the Ten Commandments

The Mirror of the Ten Commandments

• Click To Watch the Video

Homework 

• Call the Christians that you called last time and ask what they think is the purpose of the Ten Commandments.
• Ask them to explain to you what they would say to nonbelievers about why they should become a Christian. 

Prayer List and Praise Report

A reminder to pray...

SPOTLIGHT: 

• Brandy's court date concerning custody on Aug, 17th at 10 a.m.
• Pray for Pam- having pains in the stomach.

REPORT:
Prayed that Jenny would return and cancel child support since Maridyth left home. Jenny texted me today, and she has agreed to return child support.

Prayed for wisdom and provision concerning my extra job reffing hockey... how Rory wanted to cut back on reffing, and focus more on things God is wanting him to do. The Lord answered prayer... provision and wisdom.

PRAYER LIST:

Max & Izzy's healing
Angelia's healing of muscle spasms
Connect Group Prayer Requests
Pray for our group to be in the Word daily
Glen's Dad - stability, heart, kidneys, infection, depression
Glen to be consistent with exercise 
RayRay's knee
Alicia (Pam's daughter)
Rory's Dad, salvation
Jenny Gabriel salvation
Jarrett's parents
Jarred's friend Chance 
Brandy's court date concerning custody the 17th at 10 a.m.
Pastor Mike & Kim provision for their household
Buck for continued healing
Barbara, Kim's Aunt, healing
Linda Wolfe, arthritis 
Ashley, seizures & her parents

Learning to Share Your Faith - Biblically

In the coming weeks, we will be taking what we learned in Romans, (The nature of the gospel) and apply it to evangelism. Sharing the gospel with the lost is import in growing as Christian. The Church can't grow without evangelism. It is important to not only share the gospel, but we must share it the right way. "The right way? Yes, the right way. Let us start learning to share our faith Biblically with the lost. Watch the video below, and read the homework for next week. 

Video

Homework:
Call two Christians and say, "I am studying evangelism at home Church, and as part of the homework I have to ask a friend a few questions. Can you help me with this? Ask the following questions:

1. Do you share your faith regularly? Do you go out of your way to verbally share the gospel with others?
2. If not, why not?
3. What is the biggest reason you don't share your faith more often?

A.C.T.S. Romans Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand the Jewish Christian's relationship to the Law of

   Moses

2) To comprehend the dilemma one faces without Jesus Christ

SUMMARY

Paul has just completed discussing how being baptized into Christ makes 

us dead to sin and free to present our bodies as instruments of 

righteousness unto holiness.  For the benefit of his Jewish readers 

(those who know the Law), he now carries the concept of death and 

freedom one step further: the Jewish believers become dead to the Law 

that they might be joined to Christ.  He illustrates his point by 

referring to the marital relationship.  The result of being freed from 

the Law is that they might "serve in the newness of the Spirit and not 

in the oldness of the letter." (1-6)

Lest his Jewish readers think he is implying that the Law was sinful, 

Paul is quick to dispel that notion.  The Law, he says, is "holy and 

just and good."  The problem is that the Law only makes known that 

which is sinful, but sin took opportunity by the commandment to produce 

evil desire and deceived him, resulting in death (7-12).

To further illustrate his point, Paul pictures himself as man under the 

Law who finds himself in a terrible dilemma.  With his mind he knows 

that which good and wants to do it.  He also knows that which is evil 

and wants to avoid that.  But he finds a "law" (or principle) in his 

flesh which wins over the desire of the mind (13-23).  As a prisoner he 

cries out for freedom.  Is there no hope?  Yes!  God provides the 

solution through His Son Jesus Christ, upon which Paul will elaborate 

in chapter eight (24-25).

OUTLINE

I. JEWISH BELIEVERS AND THE LAW (1-6)

   A. A PARALLEL TO BEING RELEASED FROM MARRIAGE (1-3)

      1. Law has dominion over those who live under it (1)

      2. As illustrated by a woman who is married to a man (2-3)

   B. THEY HAVE DIED TO THE LAW (4-6)

      1. So they can be married to Christ (4)

      2. So they can serve in newness of the Spirit, far superior to

         serving in the oldness of the letter (5-6)

II. LIMITATIONS OF THE LAW (7-25)

   A. THE LAW IS HOLY AND JUST AND GOOD (7-12)

      1. The Law is not sin, but rather makes known sin (7)

      2. But sin takes occasion by the commandment to lead one to death

         (8-12)

   B. THE LAW CANNOT SAVE ONE FROM SIN (13-25)

      1. The problem is not law, but sin (13)

      2. The Law is spiritual, but man is carnal and sold under sin

         (14)

      3. Though one may desire good and hate evil, one is still

         enslaved by sin (15-23)

      4. Deliverance comes only from God, through Jesus Christ (24-25)

A.C.T.S. Study Ch. 6 Romans Outline

DOCTRINAL 2:12 - 5-11

• 1:16-5:11 Sins, Old Nature, Results

• 5:12-8:39 Sins, Old Nature, Itself

Chapter Six

Review 

1. Sin (1:18-3:20)

2. Salvation (3:21-5:21)

3. Sanctification (6:1-8:39)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand what takes place in baptism

2) To appreciate the freedom from sin which we may now enjoy in Christ

SUMMARY

In chapter five, Paul made the statement "where sin abounded, grace 

abounded much more" (5:20).   Aware that some readers might misconstrue

what he said, Paul quickly points out that grace is no excuse to sin

since through grace they have died to sin (1-2).  To emphasize this, he

reminds them of their baptism into Christ, in which they experienced a

burial into the death of Christ and rose to walk in newness of life,

having died to sin (3-7).  Dead to sin, they are now free to live as

instruments of righteousness for God (8-14).

Another reason not to continue in sin is explained in terms of 

servitude.  We become slaves to that which we obey, either sin or God 

(15-16).  But Paul is grateful that the Romans had begun to obey God 

and were free to become His servants (17-18).  How important it is that 

they continue to do so is to be seen in the outcome of serving sin 

contrasted to serving God.  Serving sin earns death, but in serving God 

one receives the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus (19-23)!

OUTLINE

I. WE ARE DEAD TO SIN! (1-14)

   A. THROUGH BAPTISM WE DIED TO SIN (1-7)

      1. Shall we sin, that grace may abound? No, we died to sin! (1-2)

      2. In baptism we were buried into Christ's death (3-4a)

      3. We should walk in newness of life, having been united together

         in the likeness of His death, crucified with Him, no longer

         slaves of sin, but freed from sin (4b-7)

   B. DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE TO GOD (8-14)

      1. Having died with Christ, we may live with Him over Whom death

         has no dominion (8-10)

      2. Alive to God, we should not let sin reign in our bodies

         (11-12)

      3. But rather present our bodies as instruments of righteousness,

         for we are under grace (13-14)

II. WE SHOULD BE SLAVES TO GOD! (15-23)

   A. WE BECOME SLAVES TO WHOM WE OBEY (15-18)

      1. Either of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness

         (15-16)

      2. Through obedience to God's Word, those who were slaves of sin

         become slaves of righteousness (17-18)

   B. THE MOTIVATION FOR SERVING GOD (19-23)

      1. Serving righteousness produces holiness (19)

      2. Serving sin produces death (20-21)

      3. Serving God produces the fruit of holiness, and in the end,

         eternal life (22)

      4. The wages of sin is death, but God gives the gift of eternal

         life in Christ Jesus our Lord (23)