tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55949411006048053142024-03-16T14:53:03.481-04:00Bite Size Bible StudyShort, nutritious Bible Studies based on 1-Minute Bible Love Notes Devotions.Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-85228566246990392222024-03-14T18:36:00.006-04:002024-03-15T09:23:11.174-04:00What Is Biblical Modesty?<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG-DQ_T0Ge9zGXqYpHPCNNBg8rcKUvauDgLzPRxEQFuAcVxMGL9OTI_KcmnuIctdcAsEqdixqkBi9hVQHtt0hVBFDIg4K5FQO0Ue5SGDLJLy-AfaQJs50sP60g1iKkIGlSjjY1oyWDhfaE19_hLD-KpeWW3lCWvHAdbzSYyHK2pqXnTy2n54rZtmPgU81/s1200/modesy%20link%20bsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG-DQ_T0Ge9zGXqYpHPCNNBg8rcKUvauDgLzPRxEQFuAcVxMGL9OTI_KcmnuIctdcAsEqdixqkBi9hVQHtt0hVBFDIg4K5FQO0Ue5SGDLJLy-AfaQJs50sP60g1iKkIGlSjjY1oyWDhfaE19_hLD-KpeWW3lCWvHAdbzSYyHK2pqXnTy2n54rZtmPgU81/w640-h320/modesy%20link%20bsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2024/03/Biblical-Modesty.html" target="_blank">Why Modesty is Getting a Bad Rap</a>. It explains that many women see modesty as a sexist concept meant to blame women for male lust. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Has a woman ever been blamed for her rape or abuse? Yes. But that does not represent the biblical concept of modesty, nor does it represent the Christian attitude toward sexual abuse. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let's look at what Scripture teaches in regard to modesty.</span></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>1. </span><span>A vivid illustration.</span></span></b></u></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+11%3A22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Proverbs 11:22</a>: Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. </span><i> </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Hebrew word for discretion is <a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2940.htm" target="_blank">taam</a> and it literally means "taste." Used figuratively in this passage, it describes a woman who lacks good taste or a woman who lacks good judgement. Modesty is directly related to our world view, our view of ourselves, and our view of Scripture.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF-cxVRgL0rYQBwRZVVevmBULnS2A-Hy9VDPKdWkkg7OZvImXBcDXJj17zI8yA2ucCWRq5nF5wl-ns6vc_Q4CFoSOuAtKyRw7_zWMa7isonqVf6cG9zs4x8cGKjtmjc_TxnHcABUmrGBXMgCv7O7iMuaznwe1v5oC6DhRGnwrzxOA3Eg4UvpVMXjJVOpi/s3000/biblical%20modesty%20bsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF-cxVRgL0rYQBwRZVVevmBULnS2A-Hy9VDPKdWkkg7OZvImXBcDXJj17zI8yA2ucCWRq5nF5wl-ns6vc_Q4CFoSOuAtKyRw7_zWMa7isonqVf6cG9zs4x8cGKjtmjc_TxnHcABUmrGBXMgCv7O7iMuaznwe1v5oC6DhRGnwrzxOA3Eg4UvpVMXjJVOpi/w384-h640/biblical%20modesty%20bsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>2. </span><span>Mo</span></b></u><span><u><b>desty is an attitude as well as a behavior.</b></u> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A9-10&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 Timothy 2:9-10</a><span>: I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Greek word <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/2887.htm" target="_blank">Kosmios</a> used to describe clothing in verse 9, means "orderly, virtuous, decent, modest, well-ordered."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A3-4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:3-4</a>: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Modesty means we don't try to impress people with expensive clothing nor with our body. It's defined differently by different cultures, but it's not difficult to determine what is culturally and biblically modest.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>3. Representing Christ.</b></u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+CORINTHIANS+10%3A31&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The way we dress should reflect our faith and our Christian moral values. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>4. Refusing to tempt others.</b></u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A7&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Matthew 18:7</a>: Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A man can lust for a woman even when she is dressed modestly. She is not responsible for his lust and she certainly isn't responsible for his decision to follow that lust and do somethin</i><i><span>g abusive. Rapists cannot use a woman's immodesty as an excuse. </span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">However, just as it's sinful to invite an alcoholic friend to a wine-tasting party, it's sinful to dress immodestly around men. </span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>For additional insights see <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/sick-of-yoga-pants-yet.html" target="_blank">How the Yoga Pants Debate Revealed Problems in our Christianity</a> and </span><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/dress-modestly.html" target="_blank">What Does it Mean to Dress Modestly</a><span> </span><span>- Got Questions.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXztUMNUWbGfW1mxhK9hl7T8_jLS7jZKggi2TtrIFwWXnYfGFmHEPU_8d0SuY0fAfb5lacP02Mp59WnkYwvlH8CIc45b3wE_DHLPznJkhuYjARmcCyMVyn1jcRAQXB3RdNtfHZaRq4dJcukjkWb7FdFbA_Uq-FXXGObm-g5jPv08O8SXRZefx4_CyFzBD1/s3000/biblical%20modesty%20bsbs%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study explains what Scripture teaches about modesty." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXztUMNUWbGfW1mxhK9hl7T8_jLS7jZKggi2TtrIFwWXnYfGFmHEPU_8d0SuY0fAfb5lacP02Mp59WnkYwvlH8CIc45b3wE_DHLPznJkhuYjARmcCyMVyn1jcRAQXB3RdNtfHZaRq4dJcukjkWb7FdFbA_Uq-FXXGObm-g5jPv08O8SXRZefx4_CyFzBD1/w384-h640/biblical%20modesty%20bsbs%205.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-51210550606340970732024-02-20T04:00:00.009-05:002024-02-20T14:58:53.811-05:00The One Thing Esau Did Right - A Short Bible Study<div style="text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eZSLqpG5usVJ4H8upFwrrlNBWDLfCWGz_XXlvyXCzHQuex7Rp7WcE0FLfGgr6QTgWkuPy5XEnD-5OnX_T8mb6gc2DxieIefntXge5X-JVmgpER-MQ1HyiZ_aApJw2Kch1kPFNHme5dB01x-dooDITrQxyc1r6cxk0EGXmYshhBb_8b5djk4iUvRgeC8V/s1200/Esau%20link%20bsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study discusses the way an unlikely Bible character returned good for evil." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eZSLqpG5usVJ4H8upFwrrlNBWDLfCWGz_XXlvyXCzHQuex7Rp7WcE0FLfGgr6QTgWkuPy5XEnD-5OnX_T8mb6gc2DxieIefntXge5X-JVmgpER-MQ1HyiZ_aApJw2Kch1kPFNHme5dB01x-dooDITrQxyc1r6cxk0EGXmYshhBb_8b5djk4iUvRgeC8V/w640-h320/Esau%20link%20bsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction: <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/12/content-forgiving.html" target="_blank">One Thing Esau Did Right.</a> It explains that even though Esau's life was not a good example, he did show grace and forgiveness toward Jacob later in life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Have you ever had a family member who deceived you and/or mistreated you? </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>How can the following Scriptures help you deal with difficult relationships? </span><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A12-13&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Philippians 4:12-13</a>: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. <span style="font-size: small;">13</span> I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh2bZgH362SOc12zq57dg4QyXFDsdSqQ-P0zBL_fICvrgd4SNDFD7lR05X5VTHFT-06lwtioegjIzgPVgzFvuv5PcZw452dxjTVPARtNdEZv0PQalEdQVDUGekQWReEgf51ozOpPI_xjucfGQOhqBNCCSuxYOi6s8cEtemN5jPKKMvnBdd7nfzqsWWJO9/s1999/Esau%20bsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study discusses the way an unlikely Bible character returned good for evil." border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh2bZgH362SOc12zq57dg4QyXFDsdSqQ-P0zBL_fICvrgd4SNDFD7lR05X5VTHFT-06lwtioegjIzgPVgzFvuv5PcZw452dxjTVPARtNdEZv0PQalEdQVDUGekQWReEgf51ozOpPI_xjucfGQOhqBNCCSuxYOi6s8cEtemN5jPKKMvnBdd7nfzqsWWJO9/w384-h640/Esau%20bsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>While this passage does not directly address relationships, Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison, and during that time, some professing Christians were trying to stir up trouble for him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A15-21&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Philippians 1:15-21</a>). In Philippians 4:12-13, he is speaking specifically about being content when his basic needs are not met, but the principle applies in all areas of our lives.<br /></i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>When people mistreat us, we should seek our contentment in the Lord, knowing He is able to use bad situations for our good </span><span>(</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a><span>).</span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A17-21&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Romans 12:17-21</a>: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. <span style="font-size: small;">18</span> If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. <span style="font-size: small;">19</span> Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. <span style="font-size: small;">20</span> On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ <span style="font-size: small;">21</span> Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Obviously, we cannot reconcile with anyone who is unwilling, but it's important that we learn to be content and forgiving. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span>Perhaps this is one of the hardest aspects of our faith in Christ—to return good for evil, to do our best when others are doing their worst, to love when others hate. </span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span>I think you'll find this one-minute devotion helpful: <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/05/didnt-want-to-do-it-but-did-it-anyway.html" target="_blank">Didn't Want to Do It, but Did It Anyway</a>. </span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span><br /></span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Joseph is our perfect example. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to read this collection of <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/02/1-minute-devotions-about-joseph.html" target="_blank">1-Minute Devotions about Joseph</a> for more insights. </span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>
</div></div></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-26333064079285037142024-01-22T19:57:00.001-05:002024-01-23T00:04:46.796-05:00Esau Sought Instant Gratification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SXKk50bUr2IBNr-rQzHzStKMEn-8OXxjWnaH9JiG8yIau01eYkqj6E1Ad1BczeDnms3K4r6RS35mJ8O1Zk60bWZ51CMqLFtyNtBiayRRMGUC1OgKk3h1mm7hq5FedVmRsS_nb6ggcNVrxKy2WaSujpq3DDP1JL1BgLjBDyMtETshQRq5PTDMiFipzdXp/s1200/Esau%20BSBS%20l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A short Bible study about Esau and the damage of instant gratification." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SXKk50bUr2IBNr-rQzHzStKMEn-8OXxjWnaH9JiG8yIau01eYkqj6E1Ad1BczeDnms3K4r6RS35mJ8O1Zk60bWZ51CMqLFtyNtBiayRRMGUC1OgKk3h1mm7hq5FedVmRsS_nb6ggcNVrxKy2WaSujpq3DDP1JL1BgLjBDyMtETshQRq5PTDMiFipzdXp/w640-h320/Esau%20BSBS%20l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />As an introduction to this study, read the one-minute devotion </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/11/only-one-marshmallow.html" target="_blank">Living in the Moment Can Make a Mess of Your Life</a><span>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<i><span>It explains how Esau lacked self-control and demanded instant gratification, giving up his inheritance for a bowl of stew. He </span><span>serves as a “good bad example” for us.</span></i></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025%3A29-34&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Genesis 25:29-34:</a> “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. <span style="font-size: small;">30</span> He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!’ (That is why he was also called Edom.)
<span style="font-size: small;">31</span> Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ <span style="font-size: small;">32</span> ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’ <span style="font-size: small;">33</span> But Jacob said, ‘Swear to me first.’ So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.<span style="font-size: small;">
34</span> Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despi</span><span style="font-size: large;">sed his birthright.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As the oldest son, Esau had the right to a double-portion inheritance (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut.+21%3A17&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 21:17</a>), but he was “living in the moment” so he gave it up for a single meal, and he lived to regret it.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20Hebrews%2012%3A16%E2%80%9317%20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:16-17</a>: “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. <span style="font-size: small;">17</span> Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Esau lived to regret his decision but was unable to reverse it. “</span><span style="font-size: large;">Living in the moment” leads to bondage, loss, and regret. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Self-control, delayed gratification, and patience lead to freedom. Let's choose freedom!</span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>1. Patience and self-control are fruits of the Spirit</u>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22-23&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22-23</a>:</b> “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, <span style="font-size: small;">23</span> gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Patience</u>:</b> “<i>the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering
without getting angry or upset.” Synonyms: forbearance, tolerance,
restraint, self-restraint</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Self-control</u>:<i> </i></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">“<i>the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and
desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in
difficult situations." Synonyms: self-discipline, restraint,
self-possession, self-command, willpower, composure </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Obviously,
there is some overlap, but patience is typically acceptance of
situations we can't control and self-control is managing emotions and
actions under our control. Patience may seem more passive and
self-control more active, but patience still involves diligent
management of thoughts and perspective. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Esau had neither patience nor self-control when he gave up his birthright for a bowl of stew. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span><br /></span></i>
<span><b><u>2. We need to do our part to develop godly qualities</u>.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>God changes our hearts as we yield ourselves to His will, “putting off” our old sinful nature and </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“</i><span><span><i>putting on</i></span></span><i>”</i><span><span><i> our new nature in Christ. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A17-32&version=NIV%3BNLT%3BKJV&interface=print" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:17-32</a> and </i></span></span><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=NIV;NLT;KJV&interface=print" target="_blank">Philippians 2:12-13</a> speak about </i><i>our obligation. For more insights, see the one-minute devotion <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-part-and-gods-part-in-christian.html" target="_blank">Our Part and God's Part</a>. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<b><span><u>3. Why is the verb "clothed" a fitting analogy</u>?</span><br /></b>
<br />
<span><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col.+3%3A12&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Colossians 3:12</a>:</b> “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><i>I love this analogy of clothing ourselves in these qualities. For more insights, read the one-minute devotion <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2022/11/wrap-your-self-in-these-things-like.html" target="_blank">Wrap Yourself in These Things Like a Warm Coat on a Cold Day</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated in 2024</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BDd_SiqqXI2uU3yXg83ROuw7njTJDVNQjsDe-z_3CazgoK8GUBW7ggRt5qvH-oi1ROnQuKueVbCrQk9aPcRqrPKQafP2LhDVxZHqjsz0EE-bA5Xl4XLyplGz7AW3e9Jnv_rHxtNX3C-QyhHGNuwIwmwtQG1-n6YXTKOR9IKdLGmlxda_EuzpPoCyGUn2/s2500/Esau%20BSBS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A short Bible study about Esau and the damage of instant gratification." border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BDd_SiqqXI2uU3yXg83ROuw7njTJDVNQjsDe-z_3CazgoK8GUBW7ggRt5qvH-oi1ROnQuKueVbCrQk9aPcRqrPKQafP2LhDVxZHqjsz0EE-bA5Xl4XLyplGz7AW3e9Jnv_rHxtNX3C-QyhHGNuwIwmwtQG1-n6YXTKOR9IKdLGmlxda_EuzpPoCyGUn2/w384-h640/Esau%20BSBS.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>
Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-44420698667386455192024-01-08T04:30:00.003-05:002024-01-08T19:59:53.178-05:00What a Tangled Web Jacob Created<span style="font-size: large;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpn0SlIn5ofY9cVudYK5Nd6YFg0cO9dKh_y7c_mpWzFnXIq9ijJLpCbc8k5flzQHKHdsMm2GqYo----EyN9X7R89Tw7Pdi4VpeURP10DV_HnwIc1PTRJZhnWPLYQ6h-G9a4XXFlVFDPHwa2GNwG_JYiONYhc_QuQOwzzKNgShRe1_W9acXnR_m3wmObCl/s1200/tangled%20bsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study explains some important warnings in the life of Jacob." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpn0SlIn5ofY9cVudYK5Nd6YFg0cO9dKh_y7c_mpWzFnXIq9ijJLpCbc8k5flzQHKHdsMm2GqYo----EyN9X7R89Tw7Pdi4VpeURP10DV_HnwIc1PTRJZhnWPLYQ6h-G9a4XXFlVFDPHwa2GNwG_JYiONYhc_QuQOwzzKNgShRe1_W9acXnR_m3wmObCl/w640-h320/tangled%20bsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/11/tangled-web.html" target="_blank">Reaping, Sowing & Tangled Webs</a>. </span><span>It highlights the way Jacob deceived his father and was later deceived by Laban (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 27</a><span>; </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+29%3A16-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 29:16-27</a><span>). And it shows that sometimes God's perfect justice is evident on earth (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A7-8&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Galatians 6:7-8</a>).<span> </span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">1. Below is the prophecy God gave Rebekah about her twin sons:</span></u></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Genesis 25:21-23</b></u>: Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. <span style="font-size: small;">22</span> The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. <span style="font-size: small;">23</span> The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>After the boys were born, Rebekah favored Jacob and Isaac favored Esau (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25%3A19-34&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Genesis 25:19-34</a>). Favoritism almost always leads to problems. This was certainly true in the story of Joseph. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwzqjZ-LQWSMHCG7mj7VVzdJCawm7xisjsqmfKPLY6RymK3wVKvBpF1Cp8mvbLQzrmtgkCEbeS0B4Qt-cXzB4wY8vgGhwqdj-UTJKYALH8cMErgeK9sLqtK5NlBqvRMIyLy4_yWkaSQMFBsA8Ke5Kz-TC27VIhbc3FHpaec92d233SMY7J7PvfTw-_GoA/s2667/tangled%20bsbs%20;.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study explains some important warnings in the life of Jacob." border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwzqjZ-LQWSMHCG7mj7VVzdJCawm7xisjsqmfKPLY6RymK3wVKvBpF1Cp8mvbLQzrmtgkCEbeS0B4Qt-cXzB4wY8vgGhwqdj-UTJKYALH8cMErgeK9sLqtK5NlBqvRMIyLy4_yWkaSQMFBsA8Ke5Kz-TC27VIhbc3FHpaec92d233SMY7J7PvfTw-_GoA/w384-h640/tangled%20bsbs%20;.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>2. Consider the attitudes of each member of the family:</span></u></div><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Genesis 27:6-13</b></u>: Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, <span style="font-size: small;">7</span> ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the LORD before I die.’ <span style="font-size: small;">8</span> Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: <span style="font-size: small;">9</span> Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. <span style="font-size: small;">10</span> Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">11</span> Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. <span style="font-size: small;">12</span> What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.”<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">13</span> His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Favoritism usually leads to acts of jealousy and injustice, but Rebekah also suffered from a lack of faith. Perhaps she was tired of waiting for God to make Jacob greater than his brother. Or perhaps she was worried that Isaac's blessings on Esau would negate God's prophecy. Whatever her reasons, she showed a lack of faith and a lack of integrity.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i><span><span style="font-size: large;">Jacob had no conscience about lying to his father but feared getting caught. This is often the case with deceivers (note especially verses 11-12). </span></span></i></div><div><i><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span><span style="font-size: large;">In contrast, read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39%3A6-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 39:6-10</a> and notice Joseph's reasons for not sinning with Potiphar's wife. Joseph speaks of violating Potiphar's trust and sinning against God. And that's why Joseph turned from sin.</span></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i><span><span style="font-size: large;">Regarding verse 13: Rebekah did have "the curse" fall on her in the sense that her plan ended up causing Jacob to flee so she never saw her favorite son again. And she went down in history as </span></span></i><i><span><span style="font-size: large;">a deceptive, domineering mother who showed disrespect to her blind husband </span></span></i><i><span><span style="font-size: large;">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27%3A41-46&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 27:41-46</a>).</span></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>copyright, 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023</i></span></div><div><br /></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-1449644840224314552023-12-27T04:30:00.001-05:002023-12-27T14:31:26.257-05:00The Solution to the Mess in Genesis 27<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4_xE1qXV7mOH058HJ6rBCsF2V_jZ-yxyfQ2Ja_V7cqx620fmghZsSO-PeT55e0GGnjLKBxdBe3FhX1HGXzdTRc7iVAlMdwaPe_JZz_x93bspvlw16pOmzIZkNCr53cHW-0DyaH_ChHWUF7ao_JrV1l8kXsDQUTO2P7XjN7llPAzXLmHnKbf0BL3vBfyw/s1200/Deeption%20backfires%20repost%20link%20bsbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The mess made by Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob could have been avoided if they'd obeyed this important command. This short Bible study explains." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4_xE1qXV7mOH058HJ6rBCsF2V_jZ-yxyfQ2Ja_V7cqx620fmghZsSO-PeT55e0GGnjLKBxdBe3FhX1HGXzdTRc7iVAlMdwaPe_JZz_x93bspvlw16pOmzIZkNCr53cHW-0DyaH_ChHWUF7ao_JrV1l8kXsDQUTO2P7XjN7llPAzXLmHnKbf0BL3vBfyw/w640-h320/Deeption%20backfires%20repost%20link%20bsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Before doing this study, read the one-minute introduction <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/11/backfired.html" target="_blank">Deception Backfires</a>. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Genesis 27</a>, both Isaac and Rebekah showed ungodly favoritism toward different sons. They also displayed a superstitious belief in the first-born blessing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though God had told Rebekah that Jacob would be stronger and more important than his brother Esau, Rebekah didn't trust God to bring it about. Instead, she set up a plan to deceive her husband Isaac so Jacob could "steal" the first-born blessing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Isaac, on the other hand, wanted to bless Esau with everything good and give Jacob a worthless blessing. Had he been generous toward both sons, he'd have had no </span><span>regrets.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
<br /><span>In every situation of our lives--big and small--we must trust God more than our earthly traditions, and we must seek to be fair-minded. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>If Rebekah and Jacob had considered Isaac's and Esau's feelings and Isaac had considered Rebekah's and Jacob's feelings, this story of deception, anger, and brokenness would not be in Scripture.<br /></span>
<span><br />
<span><u>We all need to apply "the Golden Rule" to our lives:</u></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><u><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A9-12&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Matthew 7:9-12</a></b></u>: “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSKqGIxv1I3tChkyWfcdSXPClpSad88pemt2EfC4BxOiI5PL5yFI2q5rWIsnlN6XyjHCMwIrRJMiOcnKNLLodbABw5Hbt5FVKUBFuEwEx0OaOeb2OK08J8RqS37euiFMRAlBVpYqkfzYZjeaAXc-Stncf7VDX12fTuzfwvBmCQSlUKAKKc5dlado0hMCy/s2667/Deeption%20backfires%20repost%20bsbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The mess made by Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob could have been avoided if they'd obeyed this important command. This short Bible study explains." border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSKqGIxv1I3tChkyWfcdSXPClpSad88pemt2EfC4BxOiI5PL5yFI2q5rWIsnlN6XyjHCMwIrRJMiOcnKNLLodbABw5Hbt5FVKUBFuEwEx0OaOeb2OK08J8RqS37euiFMRAlBVpYqkfzYZjeaAXc-Stncf7VDX12fTuzfwvBmCQSlUKAKKc5dlado0hMCy/w384-h640/Deeption%20backfires%20repost%20bsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>Even though Matthew 7 was not yet written in Old Testament times, the Golden Rule was present in Old Testament teachings. For example, in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+19%3A18&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Leviticus 19:18</a>: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span><u>The verse below expresses the Golden Rule as well:</u></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><u><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A3-4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Philippians 2:3-4</a></b></u>: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>This passage is especially meaningful in light of the emphasis our culture places on loving ourselves first and foremost. God's ways often collide with worldly philosophies. </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><i>When we think of others first, we aren't simply making relationships better--we're obeying God. And we know that when we obey God, the rewards are multifaceted. Even if we see nothing good come of our efforts here on earth, we know they matter to God.</i></span></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Are you treating your spouse as you want to be treated? Are you considering his/her desires or only thinking of yourself? Are you treating your parents as you one day want your children to treat you? Are you treating your co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family humbly and considerately? Take time today to pray through these questions. <br /></i>
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</span><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">copyright, 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023</span></i></div><br /></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-11856455656146200442023-11-23T04:57:00.019-05:002023-12-24T11:26:20.886-05:00Are We Sinners or Victims?<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU2sHpfPiu-5TSuF7tup6rOUSzpr6KcXUdgDoJ6wwvFK7LR9Y15xgGIhTjdIPQf1CTFX6s5M7Mx9eaGxDhLfBkaOMQUWvWpnLB-D9lk4PcUs2mTdnw2CC5b-F4rTM2wfGIoO77Pyr6pL0uI7p9I6eO7mJTASRDRM_ScyACT6o0vnySHxaLktoSL18hmni/s1200/sinners%20or%20victims%20li.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study addresses some misunderstandings that confuse and mislead people." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU2sHpfPiu-5TSuF7tup6rOUSzpr6KcXUdgDoJ6wwvFK7LR9Y15xgGIhTjdIPQf1CTFX6s5M7Mx9eaGxDhLfBkaOMQUWvWpnLB-D9lk4PcUs2mTdnw2CC5b-F4rTM2wfGIoO77Pyr6pL0uI7p9I6eO7mJTASRDRM_ScyACT6o0vnySHxaLktoSL18hmni/w640-h320/sinners%20or%20victims%20li.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Before doing this Bible study, please read the one-minute introduction: <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2023/11/using-discernment.html" target="_blank">Using Discernment with Christian Testimonies</a>. It explains how the judge-not movement is creating victims instead of believers. And it specifically examines the testimony of a woman who struggled with gender issues.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't already understand that transgenderism is harmful to a person's heart, soul, and body, please see these devotions before doing this study:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-bible-teaches-about-transgenderism.html" target="_blank">What the Bible Teaches about Transgenderism</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2011/07/a-letter-from-reader.html" target="_blank">A Letter from a Reader Regarding Right and Wrong</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-necessary-explanation.html" target="_blank">A Necessary Explanation</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now let's look at this woman's explanations and compare them with the teaching of Scripture.<br /></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">1. This woman was offended when her Christian friends told her she should not pursue a transgender lifestyle. Were they doing the right thing?</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A1&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Galatians 6:1</a>:</span><span style="font-size: large;">
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by
the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or
you also may be tempted.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A19-20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">James 5:19-20</a>:</span><span style="font-size: large;">
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth
and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a
sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover
over a multitude of sins.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A14-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:14-15</a>:</span><span style="font-size: large;">
“Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this
letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.
Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow
believer.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A22-23&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Jude 1:22-23</a>:
“You must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by
snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,
but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their
lives.” <b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Cor.+5%3A11%2C+14-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-15</a>: </span><span>“Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, <u>we try to persuade others</u>.…
Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for
all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live
should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and
was raised again.” </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">There are zero Scriptures telling us to be accepting of sinful lifestyles.</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><span>2. This woman held p</span><span>eople and circumstances responsible for her choices. Can we blame our sinful choices on others?</span></span></b></div><div><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A13-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">James 1:13-15</a>: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot
be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted
when they are dragged away <u>by their own evil desire</u> and enticed. Then,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, gives birth to death.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A8-10&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 1:8-10</a>: </span>“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is
not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim
we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in
us.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Consider the challenging circumstances, mistreatment, and temptations of Joseph. These one-minute devotions give insights into Joseph's choice not to sin:</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">✔<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/03/victim-or-victor.html" target="_blank">Are You a Victim or a Victor?</a> ✔ <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/03/bad-blood.html" target="_blank">Bad Blood</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">✔<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/09/self-pity-and-blame-shifting.html" target="_blank">Self-Pity and Blame-Shifting</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">3. Can we be Christians and live a sinful lifestyle?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A9&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 3:9</a>: </span>“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” </div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A18-19&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 5:18-19</a>: </span>“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” </div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A3-4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 3:3-4</a>: </span>“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” </div><div><span><div><span> </span></div><div><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A21&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">John 14:21</a>: </span>“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”</div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">4. Should Christian churches accept transgender members?</span> </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm
not asking if Christians should allow LGBTQ people to attend their
churches. Of course we should. I'm asking if we should accept them as members and remain silent about their decision to pursue sinful lifestyles.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Matthew 18:15-20</a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+5%3A1-13&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:1-13</a> clearly explain the church’s responsibility in regard to members living sinful lifestyles. And the Scriptures below explain that we cannot love Christ and live a lifestyle of disobedience to His commands.<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">2 Timothy 4:2-5</a>: </span>“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,
rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For
the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great
number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They
will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But
you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of
an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">5. To summarize this woman's testimony, we could say that she saw herself as a victim, not a sinner. Is this scriptural?</span> </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One example: The woman explained that she still harbors lots of resentment. And she claimed that Jesus told her that her resentment wasn't selfish but simply an aspect of her unmet needs. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There are hundreds of Scriptures that refute this claim. In fact, all of the passages above refute it. So I'll simply add this one about resentment. Can you think of other passages that apply?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:15</a>: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Copyright 2023, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QZTSZQ7n_WYzvL4ydzviutwWy1WTim50qRye3rCCI7gWd7ZdoXqyxKL1VnmwmWe_m1A928FRX1QgIwlSWRHfDY4X8UlqI-xFYmV8ddG2cLDXkUapA22NaUv7ouQAjL8jWX0EJLchrDoTZJPHvN3JIlO4eB9Yt5W95Mffy2aUdiGUP7R0CQhCZnFfD9zU/s3000/sinners%20or%20victims%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study addresses some misunderstandings about sin that confuse and mislead people." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QZTSZQ7n_WYzvL4ydzviutwWy1WTim50qRye3rCCI7gWd7ZdoXqyxKL1VnmwmWe_m1A928FRX1QgIwlSWRHfDY4X8UlqI-xFYmV8ddG2cLDXkUapA22NaUv7ouQAjL8jWX0EJLchrDoTZJPHvN3JIlO4eB9Yt5W95Mffy2aUdiGUP7R0CQhCZnFfD9zU/w384-h640/sinners%20or%20victims%201.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAipfVcWMdNI-bUK9n1XNUrtVJTOMoD6cfQogbQLZZDU4qMYtXSzlaEUj4b8rTqKc6IS2PGj2b-xiNbebbG97thkYf_p8c1WiZ-MCt-Gt9a8i566N_p9iLTcwb3ZyoO_HjqhC3nM1IwA0joWEL1z0w79qODwaK_Qzf2cBXGG-ug1yfJL9F1m09GTtFLLMK/s2667/sinners%20or%20victims%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study addresses some misunderstandings about sin that confuse and mislead people." border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAipfVcWMdNI-bUK9n1XNUrtVJTOMoD6cfQogbQLZZDU4qMYtXSzlaEUj4b8rTqKc6IS2PGj2b-xiNbebbG97thkYf_p8c1WiZ-MCt-Gt9a8i566N_p9iLTcwb3ZyoO_HjqhC3nM1IwA0joWEL1z0w79qODwaK_Qzf2cBXGG-ug1yfJL9F1m09GTtFLLMK/w384-h640/sinners%20or%20victims%203.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-66039636944794080492023-11-20T01:00:00.032-05:002023-11-20T12:22:36.941-05:00Learning from a Bad Example—a Short Bible Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESaf7iUbAhTusjykKZBxqwXPa8fxOy3ufE0LmOAMBgqPiPqpju0hyTt9AlD0eo4gXVonL_pdNK7K-lntPvV24jjSeiyphKKxIHzHz8PU_bGb1lAq0yh_P3WNI8HM_CxzZJn4nw-UCcqh2vyqTZ6-farFm6kPWyc8Sf5PDurhVGDC08D_ZRhJLOt7dsXxj/s1200/cain%20new%20bsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Short Bible Study addressing the lessons we learn from Cain's life even though he was a bad example." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESaf7iUbAhTusjykKZBxqwXPa8fxOy3ufE0LmOAMBgqPiPqpju0hyTt9AlD0eo4gXVonL_pdNK7K-lntPvV24jjSeiyphKKxIHzHz8PU_bGb1lAq0yh_P3WNI8HM_CxzZJn4nw-UCcqh2vyqTZ6-farFm6kPWyc8Sf5PDurhVGDC08D_ZRhJLOt7dsXxj/w640-h320/cain%20new%20bsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />I encourage you to take some time and work through this study thoughtfully. Because it's longer than most Bite Size Bible Studies, I encourage you to do it with a friend or small group, dividing the questions and resources to fit your schedules. </span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Before doing this study, please read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-good-bad-example.html" target="_blank">Cain Provides a Good Bad Example—an Example to Avoid</a>. It explains that </span><span>Christians don't have the spirit of Cain because he belonged to Satan (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A12&version=NIV;NLT;KJV&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 3:12</a>), but we can exhibit some “Cainish" behavior if we aren't daily examining ourselves. So let's take a deeper look at Genesis 4:</span><br />
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</span><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">1. Cain's attitudes present in </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+4&version=NIV;NLT;KJV&interface=print" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">Genesis 4</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: large;">(Scripture in italics)</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span>► <b>Cain was religious.</b></span><br />
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<i><span>2 “Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. <span>3</span> In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. <span>4</span> And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, <span>5</span> but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.</span><span>”</span></i><br />
<span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Abel shed blood for his sacrifice, and later in Scripture God revealed that there is no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Leviticus 4</span></a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hebrews 9:22</span></a>.) The Old Testament sacrifices didn't actually provide forgiveness, but the New Testament sacrifice of Christ did. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10%3A1-18&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hebrews 10:1-18</span></a>.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>God never punishes without cause, so God must have first communicated what was an appropriate offering and Cain ignored Him. Or Cain brought his offering with the wrong motives. Perhaps he knew Abel was preparing to make an offering, and he hurried to make his first out of jealousy and competition with Abel, not out of love for God.</span><br />
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<span><b>► Cain got angry with God.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><i><span>5 “</span><span>So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. <span>6</span> Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? <span>7</span> If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’”</span></i><br />
<span><br /></span><span>This is a common human problem—we mess up, but we blame God for the consequences of our sins.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Note that God came to Cain and discussed it with him. And God clearly explained that Cain was dealing with sin and Cain could choose to do the right thing. This is true for all of us.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwTcktLNPdU/XERI5CPTO7I/AAAAAAAAu0E/_viJspIrtGoKsC35eBSX6wIoNR13HSkyQCLcBGAs/s1600/a%2Bgood%2Bbad%2Bexample%2B%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="A Short Bible Study addressing the lessons we learn from Cain's life" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwTcktLNPdU/XERI5CPTO7I/AAAAAAAAu0E/_viJspIrtGoKsC35eBSX6wIoNR13HSkyQCLcBGAs/s640/a%2Bgood%2Bbad%2Bexample%2B%2Bbsbs.jpg" title="A Short Bible Study addressing the lessons we learn from Cain's life" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>► Cain ignored God.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>
<i><span><span>8</span> “</span><span>Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Adam and Eve parented both Cain and Abel. God gave Cain and Abel the same opportunities. But Cain chose to sin and turn from God. Our direction in life is based more on our personal choices than any factors of environment or heredity. </span><span><i><br /></i></span>
<span><br /></span><span><b>► Cain mocked God and lied to God.</b></span></span></div><div><span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>9</span> “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ </span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>‘</i><i><span>I don’t know,’ he replied. ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ <span>10</span> The Lord said, </span></i><i>‘</i><i><span>What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. <span>11</span> Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. <span>12</span> When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.’”</span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Do you sense the irony in this conversation? A man who has just killed his brother asks a flippant, rhetorical question meaning </span><span>“</span><span>I'm not responsible for my brother.</span><span>”</span><i><span><br /></span></i>
<span><br /></span><span><b>► Cain blamed God.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>13</span> </span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span>“</span></i><i><span>Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is more than I can bear. <span>14</span> Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.’ <span>15</span> But the Lord said to him, </span></i><i>‘</i><i><span>Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.’</span></i><i> </i><i><span> Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. <span>16</span> So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.</span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Cain's only concern is for himself. He feels his punishment is too harsh, but what about the </span><span>“</span><span>punishment</span><span>”</span><span> he inflicted on his brother? True repentance always involves sorrow for the sin and for those hurt by the sin. False repentance involves only sorrow for the personal consequences.</span><i><span><br /></span></i>
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<span><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09SoRyZGMXtkZ8yAcZeuDtbwPRGhnM70JLyccYQn5nSKcxHQjbQ_eXIQGm4RFCFj836id3NuESVHetrWka4g6gSoh-VLZiaXCZHTvShB313MKo8fG3wWSznHFpT24CASNSawolyuxrMT4lWwfVrh3GbjfIHkY6nIzR_INPbW36l__KRWC_VvBWo5XSwuu/s3000/cain%20new%20bsbs%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Short Bible Study addressing the lessons we learn from Cain's life even though he was a bad example." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09SoRyZGMXtkZ8yAcZeuDtbwPRGhnM70JLyccYQn5nSKcxHQjbQ_eXIQGm4RFCFj836id3NuESVHetrWka4g6gSoh-VLZiaXCZHTvShB313MKo8fG3wWSznHFpT24CASNSawolyuxrMT4lWwfVrh3GbjfIHkY6nIzR_INPbW36l__KRWC_VvBWo5XSwuu/w384-h640/cain%20new%20bsbs%201.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">2. New Testament insights on the story of Cain</span></b></span><br />
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<i><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Hebrews 11:4</a> – “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”</span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Abel didn't die in vain. His death has been speaking to mankind for thousands of years.</span><i><span><br /></span>
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<span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A12&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">1 John 3:12</a> – “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.”</span></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I appreciate when the New Testament offers divine light on portions of the Old Testament. From this verse, we clearly understand Cain's motives and his destiny.</span><i><span><br /></span>
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<span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A11&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Jude 1:11</a> – “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” </span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Hopefully, this study will encourage us to avoid the "way of Cain."</span><u><b><br /></b></u>
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<span>For additional study, I encourage you to read through each of these one-minute devotions. You'll find some repetition, but that's a good way to reinforce Bible principles:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/10/cain-ultimate-pouter.html" target="_blank">Cain, The Ultimate Pouter</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/04/stand-firm.html" target="_blank">Stand Firm in Your Faith</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/things-that-make-me-sad-cain.html" target="_blank">Things that Make Me Sad: Cain</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-fifth-oldest-sin-in-book-fake.html" target="_blank">The Fifth Oldest Sin in the Book: Fake Worship</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/05/what-we-learn-from-bad-guys-like-cain.html" target="_blank">What We Learn from Bad Guys Like Cain</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2013/04/beyond-excuses.html" target="_blank">Beyond Excuses</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/09/choice.html" target="_blank">Choice</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/08/do-circumstances-explain-our-sins.html" target="_blank">Do Circumstances Explain Our Sins?</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/05/adam-author-of-modern-psychology.html" target="_blank">Adam: the Author of Modern Psychology</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-truth-makes-enemies.html" target="_blank">The Truth Makes Enemies</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-does-it-mean-to-forgive-ourselves.html" target="_blank">What Does It Mean to Forgive Ourselves?</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-first-premeditated-murder-on-earth.html" target="_blank">The First Premeditated Murder on Earth</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright, 2014, BiteSizeBibleStudy, edited and updated 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span><br /><br /></div></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-80982248600553014092023-11-06T01:00:00.008-05:002023-11-07T14:30:41.610-05:00Don't Fool Yourself - Deal Biblically With Your Sins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaF8MSAJmcRiBiOdljiul6Lfe1FvsJ_oGC-sAFuB7IyGuaYACuLvxf0t972Q6ZYg9Vmsj2bSgDtADxogOyEGsUjkpCnn5BzViGJ_yssDrTQvsbPRmVNlF728j_SQ3B5d1-UiTCEfySjkWcEPcgW-3jevGVJof4YtCcTd98WJ2yODWmJbmY3nt4cYvLOXU/s1200/fool%20anger%20blank%20bsbs%20link.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers biblical advice for dealing with repetitive sins such as anger." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaF8MSAJmcRiBiOdljiul6Lfe1FvsJ_oGC-sAFuB7IyGuaYACuLvxf0t972Q6ZYg9Vmsj2bSgDtADxogOyEGsUjkpCnn5BzViGJ_yssDrTQvsbPRmVNlF728j_SQ3B5d1-UiTCEfySjkWcEPcgW-3jevGVJof4YtCcTd98WJ2yODWmJbmY3nt4cYvLOXU/w640-h320/fool%20anger%20blank%20bsbs%20link.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/10/dont-fool-yourself.html" target="_blank">Fools, Anger, and Repentance</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Sometimes we get lazy about our walk with the Lord. We excuse, accept, or ignore sins in our lives. Or we compare ourselves with others who are worse and think we don't need to change.</span><br />
<br /><span><u>Study the verses below and let them inspire you to work on areas of your life where you need to change</u>:</span><br />
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<span><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Philippians 2:12-13:</a></b> "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."</span></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>This is such an important passage, explaining the balance between God's work and our work in Christian growth. We're commanded to be serious about our sanctification </i></span><span><i><span><i><span>(i.e. "with fear and trembling")</span></i></span>, but only God can change us. Our responsibility is to yield to His work in us, repent of our sins, and obey what we know to be true. See also <span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Romans 8</a></span>, especially <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A12-13&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">verses 12-13</a>.</i></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A22-24&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:22-24</a>:</b> "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; <span>23</span> to be made new in the attitude of your minds; <span>24</span> and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Becoming a Christian is the beginning of a process, not the end. I encourage you to check out the short Bible Study </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i><a href="http://bitesizebiblestudy.blogspot.hu/2013/03/i-cant-change-bible-study.html" target="_blank">Defeating Sin with Scripture</a> for a practical idea for overcoming sins.</i></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span>Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2023</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqwMwJJIMQn9NV9_9h2W31XUxRPoncynVVrrTymZTWD0ZW7iJoDRG-21dvD-1j80morwe-0z3Iaypqb2kFrhY2W4kw3aBKDJZRXZse7cqeRz1INt7SWVS0A1YqnzTzRfEhrUekySnsTRC9uNbVS9EnlTO8o2N2ssuBiOLC11bNWdLk6v7W56erJ1ViuUn/s2222/fool%20anger%20blank%20bsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers biblical advice for dealing with repetitive sins such as anger." border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1335" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqwMwJJIMQn9NV9_9h2W31XUxRPoncynVVrrTymZTWD0ZW7iJoDRG-21dvD-1j80morwe-0z3Iaypqb2kFrhY2W4kw3aBKDJZRXZse7cqeRz1INt7SWVS0A1YqnzTzRfEhrUekySnsTRC9uNbVS9EnlTO8o2N2ssuBiOLC11bNWdLk6v7W56erJ1ViuUn/w384-h640/fool%20anger%20blank%20bsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></span><br /></div></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-26906932325289940222023-10-03T01:00:00.016-04:002023-10-03T15:16:20.700-04:00Psalm Two: Chains <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqKfq7eGV55wGyTT6A9SglbtFPASoGLnXOVPFp3KDEybjwcIpw8WoFTkwA04Yf7-rv-pbH5NIoJpsq0pQy1lmF13YIXJkFxj0gcJoNs-ETxA3qD629LfgxfcEsAPiuzWrtTdHZ4XyHSM-EE2nd21YPl91_Seq_Y-9hBwLBORA7-bbogYI0EV9EHU641EF/s1200/chains%20bsbs%20link.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="this Short Bible study discusses the types of "chains" the world tries to shackle us with. It offers Scriptural wisdom." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqKfq7eGV55wGyTT6A9SglbtFPASoGLnXOVPFp3KDEybjwcIpw8WoFTkwA04Yf7-rv-pbH5NIoJpsq0pQy1lmF13YIXJkFxj0gcJoNs-ETxA3qD629LfgxfcEsAPiuzWrtTdHZ4XyHSM-EE2nd21YPl91_Seq_Y-9hBwLBORA7-bbogYI0EV9EHU641EF/w640-h320/chains%20bsbs%20link.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Before doing this study, read the one-minute introduction <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/10/chains.html" target="_blank">Why Chains Are Sometimes Promoted as Freedom</a>. It discusses the wisdom in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2%3A1-3&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Psalm 2:1-3</a>:</span></div>
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<span><i><b>"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles'"</b></i> </span><br />
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<span>Ever since the fall of man, there has been a struggle between the true and living God and man-made philosophies and religions. </span><span>We cannot abandon God's laws without also abandoning His goodness. </span><br />
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<span>Blessed are those who recognize true "chains." </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjfLTQblLF8/U_a5lpf22SI/AAAAAAAAHEY/Vc9TKB5LxZk/s1600/bible.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjfLTQblLF8/U_a5lpf22SI/AAAAAAAAHEY/Vc9TKB5LxZk/s1600/bible.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><span>1. Take time to thoughtfully read </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Psalm 2</a>:</b></span><br />
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<span>Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
<span>2</span> The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
<span>3</span> “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”<span> </span></span><br />
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<span><span>4</span> The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
<span>5</span> He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
<span>6</span> “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
<span>7</span> I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
<span>8</span> Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
<span>9</span> You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
<span> </span></span><br />
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<span><span>10</span> Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
<span>11</span> Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
<span>12</span> Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.</span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span><i><u><b>Insights</b></u>:</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sometimes listening to the news is discouraging, but Psalm 2 puts all things in perspective. Even when it looks like men and nations are getting away with evil, God is in control. When men think they can throw off God's rules, God "laughs." Keep in mind that this is a poetic use of the word laugh. It reflects God's superiority and His unchanging plans for the future of His redeemed children. Nothing wicked men do will thwart God's plan.</i><br />
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<span><i>In this psalm, "anointed" (v. 2), "king" (v. 6), and "son" (vv. 7, 11) refer to Christ. See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A25-27&version=NIV;NLT;KJV&interface=print" target="_blank">Acts 4:25-27</a> & <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A32-33&version=NIV;NLT;KJV&interface=print" target="_blank">Acts 13:32-33.</a></i></span><br />
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<span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-PDUMAIPwEob0kkM09cRQo0HodnWetxoi-R9QXuVih0KzJeZ7-E1zw9z6KUUXbULUWJxL4DVvPtfzG3QZ_o7PYICndgnbucks6mQOumGuyWhLH-u3gLjSLcKFc9Mt28mk0qOdPAgkVepas_TivOOYjisoUx0MiMBvh4Isf206mW6c8uR_aHjkYH-_vCc/s3000/chains%20bsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="this Short Bible study discusses the types of "chains" the world tries to shackle us with. It offers Scriptural wisdom." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-PDUMAIPwEob0kkM09cRQo0HodnWetxoi-R9QXuVih0KzJeZ7-E1zw9z6KUUXbULUWJxL4DVvPtfzG3QZ_o7PYICndgnbucks6mQOumGuyWhLH-u3gLjSLcKFc9Mt28mk0qOdPAgkVepas_TivOOYjisoUx0MiMBvh4Isf206mW6c8uR_aHjkYH-_vCc/w384-h640/chains%20bsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">2. Which of God's commands and values are considered "chains" by our culture?</b> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>Think about biblical beliefs that are disputed, mocked, and derided by our culture. Then put them in perspective of God's truth below:</i></span><br />
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<span><b><u>John 8:31-32</u>:</b> "Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. <span>32</span> Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" </span><br />
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<span><b><u>1 Corinthians 1:20-21</u>:</b> "Where is the wise person? Where is
the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not
God made foolish the wisdom of the world? <span>21</span> For since in the wisdom of
God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased
through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><u>2 Corinthians 3:17</u>:</b><b> </b>"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."<br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><i><u>Insights</u>: </i></span></b><i>These passages proclaim the unchanging truth that God's ways are the ways of true freedom. The permissive philosophies of the world may appear to give freedom, but their true result is "chains."</i></span></div>
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<span>I encourage you to read the devotions below which address some of the areas where God's laws are in conflict with our culture. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>Homosexuality</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2023/06/did-you-know-theres-passage-in.html" target="_blank">Did You Know There's a Passage in Scripture that Addresses Gay Pride?</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Transgenderism</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-bible-teaches.html" target="_blank">What the Bible Teaches about Gender</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Abortion</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-scripture-says-about-abortion.html " target="_blank">What Scripture Says about Abortion</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Premarital Sex</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-scripture-says-about-sex-outside.html" target="_blank">Sex Outside of Marriage - What Scripture Says</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yoga</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/examing-yoga.html" target="_blank">Examining Yoga Biblically</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Recreational Marijuana<br /><span><a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/recreational-marijuana.html" target="_blank">What Does the Bible Say?</a></span><br />
<i><br /></i><span>Sometimes we can even worship good things such as family: </span><br />
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.hu/2009/09/family-priorities.html" target="_blank">Priorities</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.hu/2009/09/needs-vs-wants.html" target="_blank">Children</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.hu/2009/09/selfish-marriage.html" target="_blank">Marriage</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2023 <br /><br /></div>Gail Burton Purathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971561153013889672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-48918202566630078602023-09-20T01:00:00.002-04:002023-09-20T10:19:39.869-04:00Psalm 119: Worth All 176 Verses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RxqmfLf5hEzLkTPTT9I88e0b1WNUn8W7A0FVqwhOLmSNWgyupNrRwPP-4MACuVcD7qICqYz8uAE_HYj8pwJj4fBjtaYL4hCSemirmA17FC6yKRFDaNb5zaTSSWdg7u-I1-e2czwU4S2wOlRNojAQ0QJmdMqU0XFCEjhAmKQjiRVLOW5FfMrHenOJzrUy/s1200/psalm%20119%20bsbs%20link.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers a fun and effective way to study Psalm 119, the longest psalm." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RxqmfLf5hEzLkTPTT9I88e0b1WNUn8W7A0FVqwhOLmSNWgyupNrRwPP-4MACuVcD7qICqYz8uAE_HYj8pwJj4fBjtaYL4hCSemirmA17FC6yKRFDaNb5zaTSSWdg7u-I1-e2czwU4S2wOlRNojAQ0QJmdMqU0XFCEjhAmKQjiRVLOW5FfMrHenOJzrUy/w640-h320/psalm%20119%20bsbs%20link.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Before doing this study, please read the one minute introduction </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/10/worth-all-176-verses.html" target="_blank">Psalm 119: 176 Verses Filled with Wisdom, Comfort, and Instruction</a>. It talks about the importance of Psalm 119 and suggests a fun and meaningful way to study it by making three lists: the benefits of God's Word, the descriptions of God's Word, and the psalmist's attitudes toward God's Word. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are not absolute categories. They will overlap and one person will see them a bit differently from another. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 119 is made up of 22 stanzas, one for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet, with a total of 176 verses. God's Word is described in a variety of ways, so your lists will be based on all descriptions whether <i>the </i><i>law, precepts, testimony, statutes, commandments, </i>etc., There are only two verses in Psalm 119 that don't contain a reference to God's Word (122 & 132).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In this study, we'll make the 3 suggested lists for the first 8 verses. I hope you'll complete these lists for the whole psalm. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to make your own lists for these verses before reading my insights below.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><u><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A1-8&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Psalm 119: 1-8</a>:</u></span></span><br />
<span><span>1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord. </span></span><br />
<span><span>2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart— </span></span><br />
<span><span>3 They do no wrong
but follow his ways. </span></span><br />
<span><span>4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed. </span></span><br />
<span><span>5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees! </span></span><br />
<span><span> Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands. </span></span><br />
<span><span>7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws. </span></span><br />
<span><span>8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<u><span><span><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCC2Sg6VEU7ClmGdwVwcffzS_lLJnjtZyP4_h0C4tDEt0h8v503P05YnWez8EE1cYkM5hDSbeo8S4j8YkwzKhwe_FhI0g4ZZftXVmbpOQs074i2K9JKsAUQuwh3g9U8nr8wMLnsTYGXcqAFAWxb2b_jrxAAvagnqaSd0UQQvgb9hhexhpAMGXsmqbKv2R/s2115/psalm%20119%20bsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers a fun and effective way to study Psalm 119, the longest psalm." border="0" data-original-height="2115" data-original-width="1254" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCC2Sg6VEU7ClmGdwVwcffzS_lLJnjtZyP4_h0C4tDEt0h8v503P05YnWez8EE1cYkM5hDSbeo8S4j8YkwzKhwe_FhI0g4ZZftXVmbpOQs074i2K9JKsAUQuwh3g9U8nr8wMLnsTYGXcqAFAWxb2b_jrxAAvagnqaSd0UQQvgb9hhexhpAMGXsmqbKv2R/w380-h640/psalm%20119%20bsbs.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>Note that God's Word is described 6 ways in these 8 verses:</i></span></span></u><br />
<span><span><i>Law, statutes, ways, precepts, decrees, commands. </i></span><span><i>These names show the multi-faceted purposes of God's Word. It provides
instruction, testimony, revealed paths, positive laws, judgments, etc.</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><u><span><i><span><span>♥ </span></span>The Benefits of God's Word in these 8 verses:</i></span></u></span><br />
<span><span><i>1. It blesses the man who obeys it (v.1 & 2)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>2. It's principles produce godliness (v. 1)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>3. It keeps the godly man from feeling shame (v.5) </i></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><u><span><i><span><span>♥ The descriptions of God's Word</span></span></i></span></u></span><br />
<span><span><i><span><span>1. It is designed to be fully obeyed (v.4)</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i><span><span>2. It is righteous (v.7)</span></span> </i></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><u><span><i><span><span>♥ </span></span>The Psalmist's attitude toward God's Word:</i></span></u></span><br />
<span><span><i>1. He understands and expounds on the benefits of those who obey God's Word</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>2. He longs to be steadfast in obedience to God's Word (v.5)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>3. He "considers" - takes into account, acknowledges, remembers God's Word (v.5)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>4. He learns God's Word with a thankful heart (v.7)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i>5. He commits to obey God's Word (v.8)</i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span><span><i><u><span><i><span><span>♥</span></span></i></span>Psalm 119:1-8 in a nutshell:</u> Obedience to God's wonderful Word brings blessings and godliness. </i></span></span><br />
<span><span><i><br /></i></span></span><span><u><span><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A22-25&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">James 1:22-25</a> shares similar truths:</i></span></u></span><br />
<span><span><i>"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. <span>23</span> Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. <span>25</span> But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."</i></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><i></i></span></span><i>For additional insights on Psalm 119, see these one-minute devotions:</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/01/Temptation-ScriptureSword.html" target="_blank">3 Ways to Overcome Temptation</a>, a biblical strategy found in Psalm 119.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/07/hidden-but-not-hidden.html" target="_blank">Hidden, But Not Hidden</a>, offering 7 practical ways to obey Psalm 119:11.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2020/05/how-i-delight-in-your-commands.html" target="_blank">How I Delight in Your Commands</a>, a theme found in Psalm 119 that is relevant for our present cultural conditions.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span></span><br /> <i>copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated 2023</i><br /></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-40731817189353727092023-09-06T01:00:00.008-04:002023-09-06T11:17:09.841-04:00Living Dead Sea Scrolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkUUFnpmbWg/WhCthPMw9yI/AAAAAAAAkV4/aUgvfKMHvmkLj3g2LKAi3ygozov6TgEpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Dead%2BSea%2BScrolls%2Blink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkUUFnpmbWg/WhCthPMw9yI/AAAAAAAAkV4/aUgvfKMHvmkLj3g2LKAi3ygozov6TgEpQCEwYBhgL/s640/Dead%2BSea%2BScrolls%2Blink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">A<span style="font-size: large;"> young Bedouin shepherd throws a rock into a cave, hears
breaking pottery, and discovers some of the most significant ancient
documents ever found.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The time</u>: March 1947</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The place</u>: Qumran area on northwestern shore of the Dead Sea</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This true story is a wonderful example of how God has preserved His Word throughout history.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In these and nearby caves, they found older copies of Old and New Testament books than had ever been discovered before. Where else could these ancient scrolls have survived for 1900 years!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>But that's not the most amazing part</u>:</b> When authorities compared these scrolls with scrolls previously discovered, there were only slight variations. The truths of Scripture we knew before this discovery were accurate. They were confirmed in the older manuscripts. There were slight differences - the older manuscripts did not contain some of the verses of the newer manuscripts. These extra verses did not contradict biblical teaching but were probably added by scribes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Think about it: Thousands of years, hundreds of scribes writing by hand, and the Bible remains the same. That's nothing short of supernatural.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sources: The Everything History of the Bible, Jeff Donley, Ph.D, copyright 2006, F&W Publications; </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/home" target="_blank">The Dead Sea Scrolls </a></i></span><div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Note: Some of these minor changes have lead to variations between older translations such as the KJV and newer translations. Even though the scribal additions/errors did not change the message of Scripture, the modern translations have chosen to be more accurate and leave them out or footnote them. See </span><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-king-james-version-best-english.html" target="_blank">Why the KJV is Not the Most Accurate Translation</a><span>.</span><i><br /></i>
<br />
<span><i><span><u>More Interesting Facts</u>:</span></i></span><br />
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ6zvIStkto/U_V5JSJedCI/AAAAAAAAHEI/Pholy2L7Jn4/s1600/dead%2Bsea%2Bscrolls.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Dead Sea Scrolls, God sustains His Word, God's Word verified by Dead Sea Scrolls" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ6zvIStkto/U_V5JSJedCI/AAAAAAAAHEI/Pholy2L7Jn4/s1600/dead%2Bsea%2Bscrolls.jpg" title="Living Dead Sea Scrolls" width="320" /></span></a><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span>The best preserved scrolls were stored in earthen jars. But even those laying unprotected on the floor produced readable fragments.</span></i><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><i><span>As said above, the Dead Sea Scrolls were older than previously discovered copies of Scripture. In the first cave found by the goat herder, they
discovered the oldest complete text of Isaiah dating 125 years before
Christ. Fragments of New Testament books found in other caves are also the
oldest copies in existence. </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span><i><span><span>Parts of every Old Testament book except Esther were found.</span> </span></i></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Below are portions of a thorough article on <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/51fbf1e5e4b0a9dce7926cdb/586a9a7214fd83f0a9f0c21b/586a9a9714fd83f0a9f0c398/1483381399805/the-dead-sea-scrolls-and-biblical-integrity.pdf?format=original" target="_blank">Apologetics Press</a>:</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><u><i> </i>
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCROLLS</u></span><br /><span>“While the importance of these documents is multifaceted, one of their principle contributions to biblical studies is in the area of textual criticism. This is the field of study in which scholars attempt to recreate the original content of a biblical text as closely as possible. Such work is legitimate and necessary since we possess only copies (apographs), not the original manuscripts (autographs) of Scripture. The Dead Sea Scrolls are of particular value in this regard for at least two reasons: (1) every book of the traditional Hebrew canon, except Esther, is represented (to some degree) among the materials at Qumran (Collins, 1992, 2:89); and (2) they have provided textual critics with ancient manuscripts against which they can compare the accepted text for accuracy of content.</span>”<br />
<span><br />“...A comparison of the MT [previous copies of Scripture] to this earlier [Dead Sea Scrolls] text revealed the remarkable accuracy with which scribes copied the sacred texts. Accordingly, the integrity of the Hebrew Bible was confirmed, which generally has heightened its respect among scholars and drastically reduced textual alteration.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/wisdom-for-life-devotional/dp/1087775760" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A great devotional - a hardback priced lower than most paperbacks." border="0" data-original-height="2300" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaIWYDlJHnF31xqHueNoqnnhmbd8mx36fEu5aaAZ2WuVm_4H0wS1G2qjaQz4VbpdWqSknPBN7dzzGBV1rU54wdpfZS9OjzsWQEDy8PhXY6jc5bItww7w7ms6eFoIvJmvkZHi49b5uaPikTKofhW3NV-qja3V9Bk8QLVreUoEU0DA-F8GbdVEozyC916V6/w278-h320/ad%2033.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Note</u></b>:
Some fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls displayed in the Museum of the Bible in
Washington D.C. were proved to be fakes, but as the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/all-museum-bibles-dead-sea-scrolls-are-fake-report-finds-180974425/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Magazine</a>
reports: “The report does not cast doubt upon the authenticity of the
Dead Sea Scrolls held by the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. These artifacts
are among the most precious relics of the ancient world, first
discovered in 1947 in a cave at Qumran, near the shores of the Dead Sea.
Dated to around 2,000 years ago, most of the scrolls were written in
Hebrew, though some were penned in Aramaic and Greek.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">If you like Bite Size Bible studies, you're sure to enjoy the <i><a href="https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/wisdom-for-life-devotional/" target="_blank">Wisdom for Life</a></i> devotional. Currently on sale for 25% off at <a href="https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/wisdom-for-life-devotional-P005839736" target="_blank">Lifeway</a>, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/wisdom-for-life-devotional/dp/1087775760" target="_blank">Amazon</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/wisdom-devotional-minute-reflections-psalms-proverbs/9781087775760/pd/775766" target="_blank">Christian Book</a>. <br /></span>
<i><br /></i>
<i>copyright, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com </i></p></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-45511898813202441532022-12-09T23:32:00.031-05:002023-06-03T17:32:43.405-04:004 Ways that We Get Off Track and Miss God's Purposes for our Lives<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRoxvW8aLQJYw_O8iqXbFYB_JjyhhxdxEzFMVJVMy5n3gWUtX6XuqUrbBekVNIyUgZCC2CVi9c_yYAvYsW2-gwZzMH4rhn-ovfKVOl6FcR4IGvO_icN9u4KzaARRbWhiyN97T-slNn6cYJhyZ-iqjQ4DXqGY1p6DlcBB6ZlrSq8xkO_NhLNhkBOGT1A/s1200/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beware of these errors and excuses when making your life plans." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRoxvW8aLQJYw_O8iqXbFYB_JjyhhxdxEzFMVJVMy5n3gWUtX6XuqUrbBekVNIyUgZCC2CVi9c_yYAvYsW2-gwZzMH4rhn-ovfKVOl6FcR4IGvO_icN9u4KzaARRbWhiyN97T-slNn6cYJhyZ-iqjQ4DXqGY1p6DlcBB6ZlrSq8xkO_NhLNhkBOGT1A/w640-h320/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><i><u><b>Let me share a fictional scenario</b></u>:</i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Bob felt God had called him to an overseas mission field, and he prayed about it with trusted friends and family. Several hindrances stood in his way, but he felt God would confirm his call by removing those barriers, and God did just that. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With these hindrances removed, he moved forward toward his plans with even stronger assurance that God was guiding him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, just short of joining his sending agency, Bob fell in love with a young woman who was opposed to his overseas call. The two of them decided to pray about the situation, but they didn't ask friends and family to pray with them. They felt this was strictly their decision.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was no surprise that their </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">“</span>prayers</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">”</span> convinced them that Bob's call was given when he was single and didn't apply to his married life. They felt free to marry and choose another ministry route. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When Bob's close family members questioned his decision, reminding Him of his "fleece" and the way God had removed the barriers, he explained that it wasn't really their business. Even though they had been some of his most trusted Christian friends, he felt they no longer understood him, and he began distancing himself from them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bob's first position as a married man was as a youth pastor, but within a few years, he resigned. He and his wife were not pleased with the focus of the head pastor and elders in the church. They had ministry ideas that the church didn't fully support, and they were sure God wanted them somewhere they'd be more appreciated.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After resigning, Bob rejected offers at several other churches because they were in locations he didn't want to live. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, he got a job he thought he'd enjoy, but after a year, he realized that his superiors did not fully appreciate his ideas, so he resigned. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3iyWZzu26vtU_x46kRZ0rPeRb-vj3v9GJgv6CkIEc7acF6r-Sfp0P08zewEXXrtPabKq_DBnmP5vbC69-4z6Iu9Aoj1K-4JH7nNwkS1HYyb_4H65PqTavKjQDA2wRUTnPtvciFDUzNxG-yckIGjaCBJkmCP5fNQrNNyh4kpvjePBqrUASpJQnYe-cw/s3000/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%20l.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beware of these errors and excuses when making your life plans." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3iyWZzu26vtU_x46kRZ0rPeRb-vj3v9GJgv6CkIEc7acF6r-Sfp0P08zewEXXrtPabKq_DBnmP5vbC69-4z6Iu9Aoj1K-4JH7nNwkS1HYyb_4H65PqTavKjQDA2wRUTnPtvciFDUzNxG-yckIGjaCBJkmCP5fNQrNNyh4kpvjePBqrUASpJQnYe-cw/w384-h640/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%20l.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">As years went by, he continued to distance himself from the people in his past who'd once prayed with him about overseas work. He began seeing them as small-minded and legalistic, and he saw no benefit in maintaining healthy relationships with them.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When he reached middle-age, he landed a pastorate of a small church where he was the only full-time pastor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Over the years, Bob had relaxed his view of the importance of Scripture, and this church fit his criteria. </span><span>He was excited that he would finally be in charge to do things as he wanted. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In truth, Bob had been in charge from the moment he rejected God's plan for overseas missions. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's call</span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">God's call is different for each person, based on our skills and opportunities. He doesn't call all of us to Christian work, but He calls all of us to His purposes. For many years, my call was to full-time motherhood, something we sometimes fail to see as a calling. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." </span><a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-10.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:10</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whenever we reject God's plan A, we miss God's full purposes in our lives. But God doesn't give up on us. He offers us plan B, and plan C. But eventually, if we continue to ignore His guidance, our purposes become a shadow of what they were meant to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Most people don't make all of the mistakes that "Bob" made in this fictional account. So</span><span> let's take a look at each of them separately:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>1. Placing the desires of loved ones above our call.</u> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This applies to anything God calls us to do, not just a lifetime calling like Bob's. God's clearest guidance comes from Scripture, but He also directs us individually in regard to our careers, our finances, our ministry, our parenting, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because honoring parents is part of honoring God, we must listen carefully and respectfully to our parents' advice, but in the end, we must choose God's call.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>For a glimpse at someone who respectfully disagreed with a parent about his calling, see </span><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2013/07/reckless-abandon.html" target="_blank">Reckless Abandon, C.T. Studd</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the well-known passage below, "hate" means esteem less than God. It's about putting God's priorities in proper perspective, above all others.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/luke/14-26.htm" target="_blank">Luke 14:26</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If God gives you a calling and confirms it in the ways Bob's calling was confirmed (i.e. after prayer, counsel, and confirmation), He will not have you marry someone who disagrees with that call, and if you are already married, you and your wife will jointly agree on that call. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The fictional Bob in our illustration failed this enormous test in his life, and it affected every decision he made afterward. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>God calls a husband to love and protect his wife, but He also calls a husband to lead his wife. When Bob allowed</span><span> his wife to lead in this important area, he set a precedence that could not help but cause continuing dysfunction in his marriage relationship. God's design benefits both husband and wife and brings fulfillment that the world can't understand. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." <a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-23.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:23</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>See </span><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/02/why-mutual-submission-is-impossible.html" target="_blank">Why Mutual Submission is Impossible</a><span>.</span></span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG9F1Mn1K-BrFHUukyClq6U4V1GmJhT86fyQtV0rs89KFhqQYMvEntpcgUapfgWALzKqKvn1S0XGbi6B9DpoJM-iH4v9uc01RjZKKQoS_3CZl8kvHSVYmKCOy_2aACl3YCESXa_xvVM0VV8gOwbpRXu4xyUJFdVFS8UCHj0zegRAXLA0fPOiOt35UHA/s3000/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%20fg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beware of these errors and excuses when making your life plans." border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG9F1Mn1K-BrFHUukyClq6U4V1GmJhT86fyQtV0rs89KFhqQYMvEntpcgUapfgWALzKqKvn1S0XGbi6B9DpoJM-iH4v9uc01RjZKKQoS_3CZl8kvHSVYmKCOy_2aACl3YCESXa_xvVM0VV8gOwbpRXu4xyUJFdVFS8UCHj0zegRAXLA0fPOiOt35UHA/w384-h640/Bite%20Size%20Kipp%20fg.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></u></div><u><span style="font-size: large;">2. Failing to seek "a multitude of counselors."</span></u><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Proverbs 15:22</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This doesn't mean we seek numerous counselors until we find one that agrees with us. It means we seek counsel from mature Christians who are willing to tell us things we need to hear, not simply things we want to hear. We seek counsel from people who can make biblical judgements apart from feelings and preferences.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bob not only didn't seek counsel in making his decision, he ignored previous counsel.</span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;">3. Failing to learn how to submit to authority.</span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Learning to respect authority is essential for fulfilling God's purposes. When we have trouble submitting to human authorities, we end up having trouble submitting to God's authority and visa versa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once Bob rejected God's authority in his calling, he had trouble with all authority in his life.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you." <a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/13-17.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:17</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">"You
who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe
yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the
proud but shows favor to the humble.'" <a href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-5.htm" target="_blank">1 Peter 5:5</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/08/amazing-faith-centurion-understood.html" target="_blank">A Man Who Amazed Jesus</a>. </span> <br /></span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;">4. Rejecting Correction.</span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of seeing the many important benefits in accepting correction, our modern culture teaches us to judge people by how they make us feel, and many healthy relationships are severed because one person refuses appropriate correction from another. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you." <a href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-8.htm" target="_blank">Proverbs 9:8</a></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>When we look back at godly correction, we usually can say with the Psalmist: <br /></span><span>"Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head." </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+141%3A5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">Psalm 141:5</a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-sting-of-correction.html" target="_blank">The Sting of Correction</a> and <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/04/flattery-or-growth.html" target="_blank">The Benefit of Constructive Criticism</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Any and all of these things "Bob" did can diminish our ability to hear God's voice. Instead of seeking God's purposes, we begin seeking our own purposes and justifying them with an outward form of godliness.</b></span><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— <u>having a form of godliness but denying its power.</u> Have nothing to do with such people." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A1-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT&interface=print" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have gotten off track, repent carefully, fully, and wholeheartedly. Reconcile with godly counselors you've shoved out of your life. Put God first, and don't trust "easy" answers to your problems. You will have to deny yourself if you want to get back on track with God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But He's waiting with open arms to take you back!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>copyright Gail Burton Purath, 2022, Bite Size Bible Study, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com.</i></span><br /></span></p></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-43828942726121681162021-09-23T13:37:00.005-04:002021-09-23T18:02:10.121-04:00Privilege, Responsibility, and Influence in Marriage<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXx1CoHD8c4/YR2Nj9E3qeI/AAAAAAABBsY/igv3089UVK81D_5pa61J6_XegvZhojBZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Women who think submission makes them less of a person haven't understood the responsibilities of leadership and the power of their influence." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXx1CoHD8c4/YR2Nj9E3qeI/AAAAAAABBsY/igv3089UVK81D_5pa61J6_XegvZhojBZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before doing this Bible study, please read:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/09/is-submission-cultural-no.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Is Submission Cultural?</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/09/is-submission-degrading-to-women-no.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Is Submission Degrading to Women?</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/09/was-submission-pauls-idea-no.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Was Submission Paul's Idea?</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/02/why-mutual-submission-is-impossible.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Why Mutual Submission Is Impossible</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many women who object to submission focus on the leadership of the husband and overlook the responsibility it carries with it. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Responsibility of Leadership</u></b></span><br /></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkveOK2vqMc/YR78XcxskHI/AAAAAAABBtI/fMqkIqOZjpQWWMzk0JnM83jK1HCmVDTeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility%2B2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Women who think submission makes them less of a person haven't understood the responsibilities of leadership and the power of their influence." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkveOK2vqMc/YR78XcxskHI/AAAAAAABBtI/fMqkIqOZjpQWWMzk0JnM83jK1HCmVDTeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility%2B2.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Note this sequence of events:<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-6.htm" target="_blank">Genesis 3:6</a>: "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Adam was standing next to Eve when she ate the fruit, but he didn't stop her. He joined her. </span>I encourage you to read all of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Genesis 3</a> to fully understand the context.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A21-22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:21-22</a>: "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."<i></i></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/5-14.htm" target="_blank">Romans 5:14</a>: "Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come."</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnd60QwTH8I/YR2N_NnJOmI/AAAAAAABBsk/YCcqBNH4mW8sYtybNtM0WZ0Jmg3vx3wgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility%2B3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Women who think submission makes them less of a person haven't understood the responsibilities of leadership and the power of their influence." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnd60QwTH8I/YR2N_NnJOmI/AAAAAAABBsk/YCcqBNH4mW8sYtybNtM0WZ0Jmg3vx3wgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/privilege%2Band%2Bresponsibility%2B3.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Even though Eve was the first to sin and she tempted Adam to sin, Adam is always designated as the one through whom sin and death entered the world. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">He </span><span style="font-size: large;">tried to blame Eve, but God held Adam responsible because he was the leader of his family and he failed to lead. For more perspective on Adam's blame game, see <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-fourth-oldest-sin-its-your-fault.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Oldest Sin: It's Your Fault</a>.</span></i></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't misunderstand: Eve was fully responsible for her personal sin, but Adam carries the responsibility for the fall of mankind because he failed to lead. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A good explanation from <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/sin/original-sin/who-gets-the-blame-for-original-sin/" target="_blank">Answers in Genesis</a>:<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“As
the leader it was Adam’s responsibility to protect and provide for his
family. This leadership role was clearly demonstrated when God talked
with Adam and Eve following their sin. Even though Eve sinned before
Adam, God questioned Adam first (<a href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-9.htm" target="_blank">Genesis 3:9</a>). This was because of the
leadership role God ordained for husbands in marriage. Adam, as the
leader of the family, was held responsible, not only for his own sin of
eating from the tree, but also because he did not provide adequate
protection for his wife, allowing her to sin. In the New Testament, Adam
is clearly presented as both progenitor and representative of all
mankind…Just as sin and death came through one man, Adam, it is also
through one man, Jesus Christ, that grace and righteousness are given as
free gifts to sinners. The naming of Christ as the Last Adam and the
multiple comparisons of Adam to Christ would be invalid and nonsensical
if original sin came through Eve…Interestingly, although Eve was the
first to sin, the solution to sin came through “her Seed” (<a href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-15.htm" target="_blank">Genesis 3:15</a>). The Seed, Jesus Christ, was born of a virgin named Mary. He paid
the price for sin and will redeem those who receive the salvation He
offers…Scripture makes it clear that that sin and death entered this
world through Adam, and thus he is to blame for original sin.” <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>A Military Analogy</u></b><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My husband was in the military for 22 years. When he was a company commander, each soldier in his company was held responsible for violating orders or breaking the law. However, if a soldier's actions affected a mission of the company, my husband was also held responsible. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There's an acronym used in the military: RHIP, Rank has its privilege. But there's an acronym not used that is just as true: RHIR. Rank (leadership) has its responsibilities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Personal Application</b></u><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My husband and I recently made some important decisions about our future. <b><u>We discussed these issues as equals</u>.</b> We debated different aspects, we prayed, and sought counsel. But in the end, my husband made the final decision, and he will bear the responsibility for that decision in a way I will not. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I consider that a privilege and a protection husbands don't have. Adam was held responsible for the sin of mankind in a way Eve was not. And our husbands are held responsible for our families in a way we are not. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-love-of-woman.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1374" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVxoDOH7Fsw/YR2HUjxf61I/AAAAAAABBsQ/1XhpYTy5R0Qmw13KKQ_PhCrcoFtry4b3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h151/power%2Bof%2Bwomen%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, women are given an incredible position of influence with our children and husband, and that influence is every bit as important as the husband's leadership. Eve used it for evil, but we can use it for good. To read more, s</span><span style="font-size: large;">ee <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-love-of-woman.html" target="_blank">For the Love of a Woman</a>.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Copyright, Gail Burton Purath 2021, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-70426286017007098862021-09-14T12:47:00.003-04:002021-09-14T16:16:22.518-04:00Acting Maturely<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFshtO5bvAk/YTOVRTIDKWI/AAAAAAABB3Y/ov45ksPWyKUzBsofpK9q_WAp1LiQ_LpOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/pouters%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dear Christians, we need to deal with childish behaviors like pouting if we want to grow up in our faith and bless our relationships." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFshtO5bvAk/YTOVRTIDKWI/AAAAAAABB3Y/ov45ksPWyKUzBsofpK9q_WAp1LiQ_LpOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/pouters%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute Bible Love Note <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/09/pouting-is-childish.html" target="_blank">Pouting is Childish</a>. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of behaving like adults, we sometimes revert to childish ways. It’s easy to recognize this childishness in others but not as easy to admit we sometimes do the same. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever give your parents, children, spouse, or siblings the silent treatment? Do you huff off in the middle of a conversation? Do you yell, wallow in self-pity, or refuse to discuss things? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">1. When we act immaturely in our relationships, we are acting worldly.</span> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The passage below is addressing factions in the church in Corinth, but the principle applies to all relationships. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A+1-3&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:1-3</a>: "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">2. Our behavior reveals whether we are interested in growing up in our faith.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+5%3A12ff&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Hebrews 5:12-14</a>: "Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">3. We should be transforming.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When we become Christians, God’s Spirit works in us to transform our patterns of behavior. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-17.htm " target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"<br /></span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdhrmhsDxn4/YTOVg1Ffh1I/AAAAAAABB3g/sxHriVd0rRo3iqkGFNWhBaq4w37XKGHbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pouter%2BBSBS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Dear Christians, we need to deal with childish behaviors like pouting if we want to grow up in our faith and bless our relationships." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdhrmhsDxn4/YTOVg1Ffh1I/AAAAAAABB3g/sxHriVd0rRo3iqkGFNWhBaq4w37XKGHbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/Pouter%2BBSBS.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">4. If we aren’t transforming, we’re not yielding to God’s Spirit.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Paul’s instructions below are a concise explanation of growing in Christ. We work hard (“with fear and trembling”) at conforming to His will and His ways, but we don’t do it on our own. He is working in us. But there’s an important condition: if we are not seriously yielding our old selfish ways to Him and seeking His ways, we will not grow up in our faith. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=NIV;KJV;NLT " target="_blank">Philippians 2:12-13</a>: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/3-12.htm " target="_blank">Colossians 3:12</a>: "</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore,
as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So next time you start pouting, yelling, or acting in some other childish way, stop and ask God’s help to act like a grown-up Christian. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For additional study, I recommend these collections of 1-minute devotions:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/overcoming-bitterness.html" target="_blank">Overcoming Bitterness</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/02/help-for-anger-fear-and-lack-of-self.html" target="_blank">Scriptures and Resources for Conquering Anger</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/relationships.html" target="_blank">Relationships</a> </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></p>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-38482490422087411642021-06-20T11:41:00.003-04:002021-06-20T18:17:22.494-04:00The Modern "Joash Movement"<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vParhD71mco/YMrP4meOj6I/AAAAAAABA1Y/lZiLJWdANFsFgZyerNDuPYu1MNH-GPAqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/josahs%2Blink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="We can learn two important truths from the wicked King Joash...truths that help us deal with persecution." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vParhD71mco/YMrP4meOj6I/AAAAAAABA1Y/lZiLJWdANFsFgZyerNDuPYu1MNH-GPAqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/josahs%2Blink.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />As an introduction to this devotion, please read the Bible Love Note <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/06/joash-good-king-bad-king.html" target="_blank">Joash: Good King, Bad King</a>. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We find the story of Joash in </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+23-24&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 23-24</a>. His early life was tragic: </span>His evil grandmother killed her family members in order to take the throne. She wanted to kill o</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">ne-year-old </span>Joash.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But Joash's life also included incredible favor and protection. His aunt secretly hid him. She and the priest Jehoiada raised him in the Lord, reestablished his position as king, and helped him restore Israel to God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Joash became an incredibly good king. He tore down the pagan altars, restored the temple, and reinstated worship in the temple of God.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest." <a href="https://biblehub.com/2_chronicles/24-2.htm" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 24:2</a> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then Johoiada died, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">Joash</span><span style="font-size: large;"> became an evil king, abandoning </span><span style="font-size: large;">the temple of the Lord and leading Israel back into pagan worship. When </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jehoiada</span>'s son prophesied against these ungodly practices, Joash had him killed. </span><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We are shocked to read his story. But I have seen similar situations in the lives of modern Christians when friends or family members walk away from their Christian roots and bitterly criticize the faith they once embraced. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/beware-of-ex-vangelical-teachings.html" target="_blank">ex-vangelical movement</a> is our modern "Joash movement." Despite the fact that ex-vangelicals claim to believe in a more loving and gracious Jesus than Bible-believing Christians, they turn against Christian family members, bitterly stereotyping, slandering and mistreating them. And they reject clear teachings of Scripture in order to fit in with modern culture.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What we can learn from the story of Joash:</b></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">1. Don't let the "Joashes" in life derail your faith.</span></b> </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">When family members turn from their faith, it can be devastating, especially when they criticize, mistreat, or cut off relationships with those who love them. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">When respected Bible teachers and preachers fall away, it can be confusing and disappointing. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">God warns us in Scripture that this will happen. He wants us to understand that people may fall away and times of persecution may come, but in His power and love we can stand firm. </span></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A9-14&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 24:9-14</a>: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. <span style="font-size: medium;">10</span> At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, <span style="font-size: medium;">11</span> and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. <span style="font-size: medium;">12</span> <u>Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, <span style="font-size: medium;">13</span> but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved</u>. <span style="font-size: medium;">14</span> And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>These situations test our faith and let us know that we love God more than anyone or anything else. </i><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/luke/14-26.htm" target="_blank">Luke 14:26</a>: "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>No matter what happens in our lives we have this wonderful assurance: </i></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/13-5.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:5</a>: [God] has said, "I WILL NEVER [under any circumstances] DESERT YOU [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU [assuredly not]!" <span style="font-size: medium;">Amplified Bible</span><br /></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">As Moses assured Joshua:</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/31-8.htm" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 31:8</a>: "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."<br /></span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtPSqEdecNg/YMrQL0fsiHI/AAAAAAABA1g/6czDJnlx4rQe_TEP4T14dlbPgs4gAXI4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/josahs%2BBSBS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="We can learn two important truths from the wicked King Joash...truths that help us deal with persecution." border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtPSqEdecNg/YMrQL0fsiHI/AAAAAAABA1g/6czDJnlx4rQe_TEP4T14dlbPgs4gAXI4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/josahs%2BBSBS.jpg" width="384" /></a></b></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #990000;">2. Prepare your heart and mind to stand firm in God's truth.</span></b><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>We must not underestimate, ignore, excuse, or explain away God's commands.<br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/1-16.htm" target="_blank">Romans 1:16</a>: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."<br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/mark/8-38.htm" target="_blank">Mark 8:38</a>: "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Prepare your hearts and minds, dear Christians. The time is coming when our words may be censored, but we must never be ashamed of God's Word and His loving commands. I believe that in the next few years, Christian blogs will be banned from social media platforms. That's one reason I am encouraging my readers who read Bible Love Notes devotions on social media to get a subscription to <a href="https://forms.feedblitz.com/dfs" target="_blank">Bible Love Notes</a> and <a href="https://forms.feedblitz.com/dfm" target="_blank">Bite Size Bible Study</a>. <br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>copyright Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, 2021</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></span></div><p></p>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-85551852423383948772021-05-30T08:10:00.009-04:002021-06-01T17:29:53.233-04:004 Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span></span></i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoFywor1Fbk/YLOSm92yb8I/AAAAAAABAZ0/NUePn-rhddUsl48UTXSEg9TA-uNFdEXaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/yoga%2Bbsbs%2Blink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="If you are serious about avoiding things that might affect your faith in Christ, this Bible study is for you!" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoFywor1Fbk/YLOSm92yb8I/AAAAAAABAZ0/NUePn-rhddUsl48UTXSEg9TA-uNFdEXaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/yoga%2Bbsbs%2Blink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you are considering yoga or already doing yoga, I pray that you will read through these questions and Scriptures and ask God for wisdom. </span><br />
<span><br />
</span> <span><b>1. Do you understand God's warnings against syncretism?</b><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Syncretism is combining Christian beliefs with non-Christian beliefs, something which repeatedly led to the demise of the Israelites in the Old Testament. Is it a coincidence that yoga has grown in popularity as Christianity has declined?<br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Even when yoga is presented as <i>non-religious</i> or <i>Christian</i>, it mimics pagan rituals and ceremonies. It always claims to be a mind and
body practice, <span>never simply an exercise.</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A14-18&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-18</a>: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.' And, 'I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'"</span><br />
<span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKbDBINHpg/YLOWkmseIkI/AAAAAAABAZ8/S_ZMPFy-kjkR2XmswgWWCZXf4f0PChXkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/yoga%2Bbsbs%2B2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="4 Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKbDBINHpg/YLOWkmseIkI/AAAAAAABAZ8/S_ZMPFy-kjkR2XmswgWWCZXf4f0PChXkACLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/yoga%2Bbsbs%2B2.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><b>2<span>. If yoga is completely separate from paganism, why does it still bear a pagan name?</span></b><span><br />
</span><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The word <i>yoga </i>means to join, yoke, or unite with the Universal Consciousness. Jesus is the only true God. The Universal Consciousness is a pagan deity. Jesus can never be in partnership with paganism. When people use the term "Christian yoga" they are using an oxymoron. <br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Many Christians meditate on Bible verses or pray while doing yoga, and that's certainly better than using the Hindu words and chants, but it's still a partnership of Christian truth and pagan rituals. If you could read your Bible in a healthy atmosphere, would you choose to read it in a Hindu temple instead? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We
can find perfectly healthy and beneficial exercises that don't
originate in pagan rituals. </span></span> <br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span><br /></span><span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A14-22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:14-22:</a> "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. </span><span>Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?"</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of pagan names, why is the pagan word <i>namaste </i>presented as nothing more than an Indian greeting, when it actually represents the idea that we are all part of the "divine consciousness." How many Christians realize that when they say namaste to another person, they are saying "the divine nature in me bows to the divine nature in you"? Why isn't this clearly explained in yoga classes? For more specifics, see this Hindu site: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://chopra.com/articles/learn-the-meaning-of-namaste" target="_blank">Namaste</a><span>.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUTNgb5Z-bo/YLOWxsd_XQI/AAAAAAABAaA/jRkQ6umOJ2s5ckoVBnpTxU8SMpYDAGXZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/yoga%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="4 Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUTNgb5Z-bo/YLOWxsd_XQI/AAAAAAABAaA/jRkQ6umOJ2s5ckoVBnpTxU8SMpYDAGXZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/yoga%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><b>3. Is yoga a good witness for Christians?</b></span><br />
<span><br />
</span> <span>Suppose it’s possible for a Christian to do yoga without compromising their faith by carefully and knowledgeably omitting the Hindu emphasis. Might it still damage your witness? </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Might it encourage non-Christian friends or weaker Christians to get involved in the pagan aspects of yoga? </span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/10-23.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:23</a>:
"'I have the right to do anything,' you say--but not everything is
beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'--but not everything is
constructive."</span></span></span><span><br />
</span> <span><br /></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14%3A21-22&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Romans 14:21-22</a><span>: "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves."</span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>I also encourage you to read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+8&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 8</a> which talks about doing things associated with pagan rituals and how this can negatively affect fellow believers. </span><br />
<span><br />
</span> <span><b>4. Are you comfortable doing something that many solid Bible teachers warn against?</b></span><span><br /></span><br /><span>If the majority of experienced doctors warned against a medicine because of its side effects, would you look for a less experienced doctor to prescribe it?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">You can always find someone who disagrees with the majority, but is that wise? Please read </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/some-well-known-christian-teachers.html" target="_blank">Piper, Mohler, and Others on Yoga</a> to hear the warnings of several respected Bible teachers. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our spiritual health is far more important than our physical health. Exercising spiritual wisdom is more important than any physical exercise. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/4-8.htm" target="_blank">1 Timothy 4:8</a>: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For more resources see <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/examing-yoga.html" target="_blank">Examining Yoga Biblically</a>. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-46418267532887471792021-05-28T23:04:00.001-04:002021-05-28T23:04:12.910-04:00Monday's Bite Size Bible Study Delivered by Feedblitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9VeeGkOzw/YLGu4tRSllI/AAAAAAABAYw/fm4Fla7NAIsSJ3-4KB31tyE9pKwiQZEogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/bsbs%2Bfeedblitz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9VeeGkOzw/YLGu4tRSllI/AAAAAAABAYw/fm4Fla7NAIsSJ3-4KB31tyE9pKwiQZEogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/bsbs%2Bfeedblitz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">This Monday you will be receiving your Bite Size Bible Study via Feedblitz instead of Feedburner. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Feedburner
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you for subscribing to Bite Size Bible. We value our subscribers
(there are more than 2500 of you!!), and we look forward to serving you
Bite Size Bible Studies for at least another 10 years! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span>Michael and Gail Purath </span></span></span></i><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-62738573357913232052021-05-06T08:41:00.006-04:002021-06-01T17:14:50.134-04:00Reconciliation: Actions Speak Louder than Words<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G35Xwcudtks/YI15eeOMjhI/AAAAAAAA_0M/1JKPjjCG47ITpXW1ZzHq8x1HlrKDJVZnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/link%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers 7 important Biblical concepts to remember when approaching difficult relationships." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G35Xwcudtks/YI15eeOMjhI/AAAAAAAA_0M/1JKPjjCG47ITpXW1ZzHq8x1HlrKDJVZnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/link%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />As an introduction to this study, please read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2021/05/6-elements-of-sincere-reconciliation.html" target="_blank">6 Elements of Sincere Reconciliation</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If we’re involved in a difficult relationship, we must make sure we’re honoring God’s desire for reconciliation.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">1. Let's remember that we're "ambassadors of reconciliation."</span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that Christians are "ambassadors of reconciliation"? We can't be effective in reconciling unbelievers to God if we aren't seriously seeking reconciliation with friends and family members.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A16-20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:16-20</a>: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us <u>the ministry of reconciliation</u>: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <u>We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors</u>..."</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">2. Let's actively seek reconciliation.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This truth is emphasized in the passage below. God doesn't want us serving Him while neglecting our personal relationships. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A23-24&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 5:23-24</a>: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3O-q3vIT9Y/YI15tUDXfyI/AAAAAAAA_0Q/NK7cDzVoI6ca8iMd3E_nU4VI-YzILTfUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/family%2Breconciliation%2Bbsbs%2B2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers 7 important Biblical concepts to remember when approaching difficult relationships." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3O-q3vIT9Y/YI15tUDXfyI/AAAAAAAA_0Q/NK7cDzVoI6ca8iMd3E_nU4VI-YzILTfUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/family%2Breconciliation%2Bbsbs%2B2.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></u></b></div><b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">3. Let's continually and fully forgive.</span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Genuine repentance involves turning from sin, so it's likely the person described in the Scripture below is not sincerely repentant, yet God tells us to forgive them. Forgiveness doesn't restore trust in situations like this, but it makes reconciliation possible if the other person genuinely repents. And it frees us from bitterness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/luke/17-3.htm" target="_blank">Luke 17:3</a>: "So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them." </span><br />
<br /><b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">4. Let's refuse bitterness</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #ffffb7;">.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A14-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:14-15</a>: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">5. Let's refuse selfishness.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If we never inconvenience ourselves and never give up our own desires in order to please others, we are just plain selfish. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A3-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">Philippians 2:3-5</a>: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…" <br /></span></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Go9aq1OuvI/YI152TafYpI/AAAAAAAA_0Y/duJWC69Uqykvf6zecKCR8aB7m9BUb3MMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/family%2Breconciliation%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study offers 7 important Biblical concepts to remember when approaching difficult relationships." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Go9aq1OuvI/YI152TafYpI/AAAAAAAA_0Y/duJWC69Uqykvf6zecKCR8aB7m9BUb3MMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h640/family%2Breconciliation%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></b></u></div><b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;"><span>6. </span><span><span>Let's judge ourselves first.</span></span></span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many
relationship problems involve one or both parties harshly judging the
other person’s sins while overlooking, justifying, or excusing their own
sins. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A1-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 7:1-5</a>: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you
judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will
be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your
brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can
you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when
all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take
the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove
the speck from your brother’s eye." </span> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">7. Let's honor those God tells us to honor.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If reconciliation involves our parents, God considers it even more important than reconciliation in other relationships, and adult children have more responsibility than parents to “honor” the relationship and pursue peace and harmony. </span><br />
<br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A2-3&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:2-3</a>: "'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise— 'so that it may go well with you <b><u>and that you may enjoy long life on the earth</u>.'" </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p><b><span style="background-color: #ffffb7; font-size: large;">In conclusion</span></b><br />
<br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This passage in the Amplified version is a good conclusion: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A8-11&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:8-11</a>: "Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. For, 'The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not], must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit). He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. he must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it].'" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">copyright 2021, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-83353342413475899642020-03-04T10:12:00.001-05:002022-01-27T17:31:07.796-05:00Suffering from Adam's Sin<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxRX8XrscpI/XlnmPc3RsSI/AAAAAAAA3ZM/xBKuegjru4E9md_Xz87DJIxq80dsM-5NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hisses%2Bwhispers%2Blink%2Bbsbs%2Bb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What happened to mankind when Adam sinned? This short Bible study explains 4 major aspects of our position after the fall of mankind. #BibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxRX8XrscpI/XlnmPc3RsSI/AAAAAAAA3ZM/xBKuegjru4E9md_Xz87DJIxq80dsM-5NQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/hisses%2Bwhispers%2Blink%2Bbsbs%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please read the 1-minute devotion <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2013/03/hisses-whispers.html" target="_blank">Hisses and Whispers</a> as an introduction to this study.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When Adam and Eve sinned God put his plan of redemption into place. The Old Testament is filled with "whispers and clues" of Christ's coming (See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2001/01/jesus-in-old-testament.html" target="_blank">Jesus in the Old Testament</a>).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But Adam's sin changed mankind's standing in significant ways:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. <u>After the fall of man, all men and women were born in Adam's image</u>.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Secular psychology teaches that we are born good and then corrupted or improved by environment. Environment has an important impact on us, but the Bible tells us we are born fallen. We still bear the image of God; but that image was corrupted by Adam, and we are born in Adam's image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+5%3A1-3&version=NIV;NLT;KJV" target="_blank">Genesis 5:1-3</a>: "This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them <u>in the likeness of God</u>. <span style="font-size: small;">2</span> He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind" when they were created. <span style="font-size: small;">3</span> When Adam had lived 130 years, <u>he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image</u>...." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. <u>Men and women became too corrupted for heaven</u></b>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God will not corrupt heaven with sin. Heaven would not be heaven if it was inhabited by unrepentant sinners.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/genesis/3-22.htm" target="_blank">Genesis 3:22</a>: "And the LORD God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.'” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>What does God mean when He says, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil</u>"?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is an area where Bible scholars disagree: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">↪ Some believe God was saying this in sarcasm because it was what the serpent promised Eve if she ate the fruit (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A1-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Genesis 3:1-5</a>). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">↪ </span>Others believe the Hebrew in this verse is best translated "was like one of us," meaning pure and sinless before eating the fruit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">↪ </span>I tend to believe the third option: when they ate the fruit, for the first time they understood evil, something God has always understood. However, they understood evil because they had committed evil. God understands evil because He knows everything.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>Every man and woman deserves condemnation</u>.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJN_MYCynmI/XlnmPWN1E_I/AAAAAAAA3ZY/jqiJNFnLi5wLmaiZ6cCFrjRb7WtVHE55ACEwYBhgL/s1600/hisses%2Bwhispers%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="What happened to mankind when Adam sinned? This short Bible study explains 4 major aspects of our position after the fall of mankind. #BibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJN_MYCynmI/XlnmPWN1E_I/AAAAAAAA3ZY/jqiJNFnLi5wLmaiZ6cCFrjRb7WtVHE55ACEwYBhgL/w384-h640/hisses%2Bwhispers%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Adam and Eve were created innocent, but untested. When tested, they chose to sin, and this damaged God's perfect world. Would we have made the same bad choices as Adam and Eve? We like to think otherwise, but we probably would have.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Theologians propose that Adam was our representative. This is called <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/federal-headship.html" target="_blank">federal headship</a>. This means we inherited sin from our father, Adam. But we are also sinners in our own right. We inherit condemnation and we earn it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/5-12.htm" target="_blank">Romans 5:12</a>: "Just as sin entered the world through one
man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people,
because all sinned...."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. <u>God offers us something we don't deserve</u>: </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We can
overcome our father Adam's wrong choice by making the right choice to follow
Christ. </span><b><u> </u></b></span></span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A45-49&version=NIV;NLT;KJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:45-49</a>: "So it is written: 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam [Christ], a life-giving spirit. <span style="font-size: small;">46</span> The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. <span style="font-size: small;">47</span> The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. <span style="font-size: small;">48</span> As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. <span style="font-size: small;">49</span> And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man." </span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we choose Christ, we again are given what was lost in
the garden: the right to eat from the tree of life and live forever.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-7.htm" target="_blank">Revelation 2:7</a>:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amen! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Copyright 2013, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></span>Gail Burton Purathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971561153013889672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-71553319381985290722020-01-19T07:30:00.003-05:002022-07-13T07:57:55.642-04:00Clear Proof that Premarital Sex is Forbidden in Scripture<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_-_thoPk4o/XgZhBMDn4RI/AAAAAAAA2D8/BEn1jQaRQNUaBhKOrzijIBIwpcE25GgVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/premarital%2Bdisbelief%2Blink%2B1bsbs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short, concise Bible study explains why premarital sex is clearly forbidden in Scripture. #BibleLoveNotes #PremaritalSex #BibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_-_thoPk4o/XgZhBMDn4RI/AAAAAAAA2D8/BEn1jQaRQNUaBhKOrzijIBIwpcE25GgVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/premarital%2Bdisbelief%2Blink%2B1bsbs2.jpg" title="This short, concise Bible study explains why premarital sex is clearly forbidden in Scripture. #BibleLoveNotes #PremaritalSex #BibleStudy" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As an introduction to this study, please read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2020/01/premarital-excuses.html" target="_blank">Premarital Excuses</a>.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Is Premarital Sex Forbidden in Scripture? </b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some modern Christians claim premarital sex is not prohibited in Scripture, but this is usually based on their misunderstanding of the word translated “sexual immorality” in Scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-decoration-line: underline;">The passages below use the Greek words </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4203.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>porneuó</b></span></a><u> and </u><a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4202.htm" target="_blank"><b>porneia</b></a><u> which mean “fornication.” Fornication describes ANY sex outside of marriage, but it's most often used for premarital sex</u>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Sexual
immorality” is an accurate translation because only those who are
trying to find a loop-hole would think premarital sex isn't included in
sexually immoral behavior. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A9-10&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a>: "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor
adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor
drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/6-18.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:18</a>: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are
outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own
body."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/5-3.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:3</a>: "Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any
kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's
holy people."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Claiming something is approved simply because it's not specifically mentioned in Scripture is a poor argument</u>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For example, many forms of murder, theft, and deception are not specifically mentioned in Scripture. Nor are pedophile acts and group sex specifically mentioned in Scripture. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">God's Design Throughout Scripture</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-TbKtUSOho/XheIcIVY06I/AAAAAAAA2QY/03Pno6PYMuMaku-ltTfpRjtWlHpFaz7lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/premarital%2Bdisbelief%2B%2B1bsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short, concise Bible study explains why premarital sex is clearly forbidden in Scripture - even when couples are engaged. #BibleLoveNotes #PremaritalSex #BibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1013" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-TbKtUSOho/XheIcIVY06I/AAAAAAAA2QY/03Pno6PYMuMaku-ltTfpRjtWlHpFaz7lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/premarital%2Bdisbelief%2B%2B1bsbs.jpg" title="This short, concise Bible study explains why premarital sex is clearly forbidden in Scripture - even when couples are engaged. #BibleLoveNotes #PremaritalSex #BibleStudy" width="404" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>God makes it explicitly clear from the beginning that sexual intimacy is reserved for the marriage of a man and woman</u>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A24-25&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Genesis 2:24-25</a>: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave
unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked,
the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any doubts that Genesis 2:24-25 is talking about marriage, Jesus quotes it in <a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-5.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 19:5</a>: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his <u>wife</u>, and the two will become one flesh." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Other passages also address sexual intimacy as an exclusive right of the married</u>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-2.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:2</a>: "Since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual
relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+7%3A8-9&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:8-9</a>: "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay
unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should
marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/13-4.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:4</a>: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for
God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Engaged Couples</b> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people try to claim that premarital sex is appropriate for engaged couples. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+7&version=NLT;NIV;KJV;AMP" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7</a>, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Paul talks about marriage and in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+7%3A8-9&version=NLT;NIV;KJV;AMP" target="_blank">verses 8-9</a> he says: "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Paul is saying that in certain circumstances, it's better not to marry; but he adds this important truth in verse 36 that clarifies that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, not engagement:</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-36.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:36</a>: "If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the
virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels
he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They
should get married."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anything of value is worth waiting for, and marriage is certainly a thing of value. Married life requires self-control in many areas. If we can't control ourselves sexually, perhaps we are not ready for marriage <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">(<a href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-25.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:25</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22-24&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22-24</a>). </span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>In addition, having sex when engaged violates the following passages which tell us not to make assumptions about the future. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow</u>. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/27-1.htm" target="_blank">Proverbs 27:1</a>: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A13-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">James 4:13-15</a>: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that
city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do
not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a
mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. <span style="font-size: small;">15</span> Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.' "</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;"><b>Living Together</b> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some claim that living together is a good "test" for the relationship. Besides being against God's loving commands, there's no evidence that this "test" is helpful. Some studies show that living together decreases your chances for a good marriage. Other studies show no significant difference. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">When couples break up after living together, they suffer the same emotional and spiritual problems as those who divorce. </span>All intimacy outside of marriage affects our souls (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A15-16&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:15-16</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God designed sexual intimacy to bring us blessings. When we reject His design and have sex outside of marriage, we choose less, not more. We open ourselves to physical, emotional, and spiritual damage. If you are having premarital sex, I encourage you to repent and find a mature Christian friend who can keep you accountable. I also encourage you to memorize some of the passages above. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>copyright 2020, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span></div>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-17285487406938202622019-11-21T09:00:00.003-05:002022-04-04T09:00:56.257-04:00True and False Confidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpmILpi4s_k/XQK2eskON-I/AAAAAAAAy50/LG8_uigiNjQOcVlkGy8gv2dCokaAVK6cgCLcBGAs/s1600/true%2Band%2Bfalse%2Bconfidence%2Blink%2BBSBS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study addresses false confidence and godly confidence. It inspires us to trust God's Word. #BibleStudy #Bible #Jesus" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpmILpi4s_k/XQK2eskON-I/AAAAAAAAy50/LG8_uigiNjQOcVlkGy8gv2dCokaAVK6cgCLcBGAs/w640-h320/true%2Band%2Bfalse%2Bconfidence%2Blink%2BBSBS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please read the 1-minute devotion <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/11/false-confidence.html" target="_blank">False Confidence</a> as an introduction to this study.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/1-7.htm" target="_blank">First Timothy 1:7</a> explains that false teachers often exude confidence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sadly, when doctrinal errors are repeated often enough, we not only believe them, we also defend them with confidence. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can avoid believing and promoting errors by reading our Bibles, studying them in context, and avoiding materials written by those who teach selfish doctrines.<span style="font-size: small;">(1)</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+timothy+2%3A15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">2 Timothy 2:15</a>: <i>"Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. We have confidence to come boldly to God because we have faith in Christ."</i> (AMP)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to read the entire context of 2 Timothy 2:15 which gives a fuller understanding of what it means to correctly handle God's Word: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+timothy+2&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">2 Timothy 2</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">To avoid putting confidence in false teaching, we must let God's truth permeate every area of our thinking and living. </span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Then, as the passages below state</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>1. We will find confidence in the Lord, not in ourselves</u>.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/17-7.htm" target="_blank">Jeremiah 17:7</a>: <i>"Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and <u>confidence</u>."</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>2. Our righteousness will give us confidence and peace</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/32-17.htm" target="_blank">Isaiah 32:17</a>: <i>"This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and <u>confidence</u> forever." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>3. We will have confidence to come to God because we have repented of our sins and have a clean conscience</u></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-21.htm" target="_blank">1 John 3:21</a>: <i>"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have <u>confidence</u> before God."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>4. We will have confidence in our salvation because God's love is evident in our lives</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A16-17&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">1 John 4:16-17</a>: <i>"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have <u>confidence</u> on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus."</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>6. We have confidence in our prayers because we want God's will, not our own</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/5-14.htm" target="_blank">1 John 5:14</a>: <i>"This is the <u>confidence</u> we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa0KZKIxjdw/XQK2enjIhGI/AAAAAAAAy54/W4Vp-jTpIcQomRtdiBqBJfy2zu8Riz9RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/true%2Band%2Bfalse%2Bconfidence%2BBSBS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="This short Bible study addresses false confidence and godly confidence. It inspires us to trust God's Word. #BibleStudy #Bible #Jesus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="923" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa0KZKIxjdw/XQK2enjIhGI/AAAAAAAAy54/W4Vp-jTpIcQomRtdiBqBJfy2zu8Riz9RgCEwYBhgL/w368-h640/true%2Band%2Bfalse%2Bconfidence%2BBSBS.jpg" width="368" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">7. We will have confidence because we are persevering in our faith</span></u><i><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10%3A35-36&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">Hebrews 10:35-36</a>: <i>"So do not throw away your <u>confidence</u>; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">8. We will
have confidence that we are doing valuable ministry in the lives of
others because we are relying on Him and not on ourselves</span></u><i><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A3-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:3-5</a>: <i>"</i><i>You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such <u>confidence</u> we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>9. We will have confidence that God is going to complete His work in our hearts and minds as we yield to His lordship</u>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/3-12.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 3:12</a>: <i>"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and <u>confidently</u> into God’s presence." </i></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">May God increase our confidence in all of these areas and reveal any areas where we have placed confidence in error.</span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/1-6.htm" target="_blank">Philippians 1:6</a>: <i>"For I am <u>confident</u> of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">----------------- </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">(1) For more insights, see: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwelling.html" target="_blank">Dwelling on Scripture</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/08/scripture-in-context-means-clarity-not.html" target="_blank">Context Adds Clarity</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/10/dont-trust-teachings-that-distort-gods.html" target="_blank">Don't Trust Teachings that Distort God's Word</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Copyright 2019, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span><br />
<br />Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-60652377601034646982019-09-15T09:19:00.001-04:002022-01-27T17:34:43.424-05:00Debunking Feminist Views of Matthew 15:21-28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAfYlqghR8w/XX5pe4ZnemI/AAAAAAAA0S0/UWJLl9fXw-0B7HGVP1nX6EKpExcqOoSPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BSBS%2BDebunking%2BFeminist%2BView%2Blink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Matthew 15:21-28 can be a difficult passage to understand. This short Bible study allows us to look between the lines and see a most wonderful message. #BibleStudy #Bible #BiteSizeBibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAfYlqghR8w/XX5pe4ZnemI/AAAAAAAA0S0/UWJLl9fXw-0B7HGVP1nX6EKpExcqOoSPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/BSBS%2BDebunking%2BFeminist%2BView%2Blink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As an introduction to this study, please read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/09/a-serious-feminist-error.html" target="_blank">A Serious Feminist Error</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Christian feminists" claim that </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+15%3A21-28&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 15:21-28</a></span> </span>is the story of </span>a Gentile woman teaching Jesus not to be chauvinistic and bigoted. This claim is contrary to everything taught in Scripture about the character and nature of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the conversation in this passage can leave us with questions at first glance, so we're going to study it carefully.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not everything we need to know is in the actual text of this passage. We need to combine it with other scriptural truths to understand the story written "between the lines" of the actual text. Some of what I share will be my educated opinion. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But we know this for sure: the story "between the lines" <u>perfectl</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u>y</u> reflects Christ's <u>perfect</u> character, <u>perfect</u> purity, <u>perfect</u> love, <u>perfect</u> goodness, and <u>perfect</u> wisdom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤</span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span>Below you will find Scripture in <b>bold</b> letters and my comments in italics after the verses. </i> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+15%3A21-28&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 15:21-28</a>: Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤ </span><i>Why
did Jesus choose to withdraw to a Gentile area? Some people believe He was taking a break from the Jewish criticism He so regularly encountered. But He could have found
privacy elsewhere if He had no other purpose in traveling to Tyre and Sidon. After all, He could walk on water, perform miracles, and slip away unnoticed in the midst of an angry crowd (<a href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-59.htm" target="_blank">John 8:59</a>). Jesus came to this city for more than refreshment. He had a divine appointment with this woman.</i></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">22</span> A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
<span style="font-size: small;">23</span> Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤</span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Christ's silence was a test for both this woman and His disciples. His Jewish disciples were raised with a prejudice against the "unclean" Gentiles. When Jesus didn't answer the woman, they immediately assumed He wasn't going to help her. They thought Jesus should send her away, but Jesus had different purposes in mind.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">24</span> He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤</span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Jesus ignored His disciples and spoke to the woman. This was another test for the disciples and the woman. But it was also true: From the time of Abraham, God set the Jews apart so they could bless the world with God's salvation (<a href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-18.htm" target="_blank">Genesis 18:18</a>). Jesus served as the final and most important link in that mission. And even though most Jews rejected Jesus, the gospel was first proclaimed through the Jewish-born Jesus and Jewish-born apostles. That's why Christ's first mission was to the Jews who would take the gospel into all the world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 28:16-20</a>). And part of Christ's mission to the Jews was to show them they were going to reach out to the non-Jewish world with the message of salvation. He was teaching His disciples about their mission by talking with this woman.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">25</span> The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeJCqwev9A8/XX5pe2mPUoI/AAAAAAAA0Sw/t0bFPl0pJGck-npdr0Z5schlVlvr08v2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BSBS%2BDEbunk%2B2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Matthew 15:21-28 can be a difficult passage to understand. This short Bible study allows us to look between the lines and see a most wonderful message. #BibleStudy #Bible #BiteSizeBibleStudy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="907" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeJCqwev9A8/XX5pe2mPUoI/AAAAAAAA0Sw/t0bFPl0pJGck-npdr0Z5schlVlvr08v2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w362-h640/BSBS%2BDEbunk%2B2.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤</span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>This woman was persistent. She was proving her faith. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>She'd experienced the demonic activity of her country's pagan religions firsthand. And somehow, she'd heard Jesus could cast out demons. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>She seemed to understand He was her only hope.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This woman's persistence reminds me of a parable Jesus told in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A1-8&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Luke 18:1-8</a> about a persistent widow who wore down an unjust judge until he gave her justice. But don't mistake Jesus for the unjust judge. In Luke 18 He explains:</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Listen to what the unjust judge says. <u>And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night</u>? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Persistence is a necessary element of faith. Are you willing to persevere in prayer when you don't see immediate results? </i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 26</span> He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤ </span></span><i>According to the Greek, the word Jesus used for dog was one that would be used for a pet dog, not a street dog. But a softer word for dog doesn't adequately explain Christ's answer. It still seems harsh at first glance. </i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">We need to remember this important truth: Jesus is not only perfectly good, He's also all-knowing (examples: <a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/9-4.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 9:4</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A44-51&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">John 1:44-51</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A17-19&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">John 4:17-19</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A21-33&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">John 13:21-33</a>). </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">He knew this woman's heart. He understood her background, her situation, her thoughts, and her needs. He spoke the words she needed to hear in response to her plea for help. He knew His words would strengthen her faith, not dissuade her. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">27</span> “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">✤</span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>This woman's humble persistence was a lesson to Christ's disciples, a good confirmation for the situation that happened in the first half of this chapter of Scripture.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In the preceding verses (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+15%3A1-20&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">verses 1-20</a>), Jesus clearly explained that what makes a man clean or unclean is not food, cleansing, or other external activities. It's a man's heart that makes him clean or unclean. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Jews had lost an understanding of their mission to bless all nations. They were using Old Testament laws to self-righteously separate themselves from "unclean" Gentiles. Christ's disciples showed no compassion for this Gentile woman. In another encounter, the disciples wondered why Jesus would even talk to a Gentile woman (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A4-44&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">John 4:4-44</a>, esp. v.27). I believe her humble answer softened the disciples hearts and helped them understand Christ's love for all people. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It was no mistake that Jesus chose to travel where He would find this humble, persistent Gentile woman.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">28</span> Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Can you imagine having Christ say this to you? Instead of wondering why Christ's previous response to this woman was challenging, we need to concentrate on this compliment about her faith. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm not sure any Jewish man is praised this highly in Scripture. </span></i></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Christian feminists make proud demands about the value of women, but this situation clarifies the scriptural truth that humility exalts us, not proud demands. See <a href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-23.htm" target="_blank">Proverbs 29:23</a>, <a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/23-12.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 23:12</a>, <a href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-6.htm" target="_blank">1 Peter 5:6</a>, and <a href="https://biblehub.com/james/4-6.htm" target="_blank">James 4:6</a>. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">When feminists propose that Jesus was prejudiced and this woman taught Him to give up His bias, they show an unjustified disrespect for Jesus and an unjustified respect for themselves. The humble faith of the woman in this passage is a fitting rebuke to their pride.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a woman, and I'm so glad God included this passage in His Word!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For a very thorough, scholarly explanation of this passage, see <a href="https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-hermeneutics-matthew-1521-39" target="_blank">Bible.org</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>copyright 2019, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-83680874510436123972019-08-18T10:11:00.001-04:002022-01-27T17:35:57.699-05:006 Truths that Restore Relationships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxpzzQXptHE/XQFwOdDPcsI/AAAAAAAAy30/puzeWYGwX0E1vx5YN1NcSLLClKVNEXVMgCLcBGAs/s1600/disasterous%2Battitudes%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="If you genuinely want healthy relationships, you will need to follow these scriptural principles. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Biblestudy #Devotions #Reconciliation" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxpzzQXptHE/XQFwOdDPcsI/AAAAAAAAy30/puzeWYGwX0E1vx5YN1NcSLLClKVNEXVMgCLcBGAs/w640-h320/disasterous%2Battitudes%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before working through this Bible study, read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/08/3-disasterous-attitudes.html" target="_blank">Disastrous Attitudes</a> for background.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Immature people can only see things from their perspective. They're inconsiderate, self-defensive, and easily offended. They set all the rules in the relationship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If these people are in our workplace, neighborhood, or circle of friends, we should do our best to get along, but there's nothing wrong with avoiding them and choosing other friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's different, however, when they're family members. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">God placed
us in our family for a purpose. Working through our problems might
be one of the most important aspects in our Christian maturity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>We can't have a good relationship with the Lord if we refuse to deal with human relationship problems</u>:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-7.htm" target="_blank">1 John 4:7</a>: <i>Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/4-20.htm" target="_blank">1 John 4:20</a>:<i> Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A23-24&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 5:23-24</a>: <i>Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.</i></span><i>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you written off a family relationship when the other person is still interested in a relationship? Have you refused to work through problems when the other person is willing? If so, you've built a wall between yourself and God. I encourage you to read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/you-cant-serve-god-if-you-refuse.html" target="_blank">You Can't Serve God if you Refuse</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>We also need
to take a serious look at our own sins before judging others</u>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A3-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 7:3-5</a>: <i>“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.</i></span><i>
</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The
mature Christian listens thoughtfully to criticism and tries to see things from the other person's
perspective. The immature Christian gets angry and defensive. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/07/speck-finders.html" target="_blank">Speck-Finders</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>We need to be willing to deny ourselves (i.e inconvenience ourselves) in order to improve the relationship</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/16-24.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 16:24</a>: <i>Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow m</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">e</span>.</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If we refuse reasonable requests in a relationship, we're not only being selfish. We're being manipulative. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some family relationships could be vastly improved by as little as an hour of
considerate behavior each week - a phone call, a lunch date, two or three phone texts, or a short email. Often relationships flounder because one party neglects the other. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>We need to choose our words carefully</u>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A29-32&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:29-32</a>: <i>Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.</i></span><i>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our words are important. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">When
was the last time you complimented your parent, adult child, or sibling
on something they did well? When was the last time you praised one of
their good qualities? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We need to speak thoughtfully and kindly, even when we have a disagreement. When things break down and angry words are spoken, we need to ask forgiveness, forgive the other person, and speak words that promote reconciliation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <u>Selfishness kills relationships</u>.</span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A1-4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 2:1-4</a>: <i>Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">All good relationships involve deliberate effort and lots of unselfish grace. If you are an adult child, you may have little interest in keeping lines of communication open with your aging parents, but one day, when they're gone, you'll very likely feel regret. As I mentioned above, it can take as little as a few minutes a day or an hour a week to let them know you care. This is a small thing to ask for someone who cared for you 24/7 when you were young. When parents know they are valued, they are less likely to complain.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And parents of adults, step back a bit if you've been complaining. Ask God if you've been expecting too much or sharing your complaints in ways that encourage brokenness in the relationship. Have you asked your child if there's something you've done to cause strain in the relationship? Are you willing to ask forgiveness if they share legitimate concerns? </span><i><br /></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <u>We can't fix everything, but we need to be willing to give it our best</u>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwV5ENrsBI4/XVnIZ9omx-I/AAAAAAAAzqs/ddoEqYtKX7kgK_QkVOuF7hCmrJCdDq4zgCLcBGAs/s1600/disasterous%2Battitudes%2BBSBS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="If you genuinely want healthy relationships, you will need to follow these Scriptural principles. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Biblestudy #Devotions #Reconciliation" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwV5ENrsBI4/XVnIZ9omx-I/AAAAAAAAzqs/ddoEqYtKX7kgK_QkVOuF7hCmrJCdDq4zgCLcBGAs/w320-h640/disasterous%2Battitudes%2BBSBS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A16-18&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Romans 12:16-18</a>: <i>Live
in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay
anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of
everyone. If it is possible, <u>as far as it depends on you,</u> live at peace with everyone. </i></span><i>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/14-19.htm" target="_blank">Romans 14:19</a>: </span><i>Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.</i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
a family member shuts off contact or refuses to discuss problems. If
we've done our best to work through things, asked forgiveness for our
faults in the relationship, and remained willing to keep lines of
communication open, that's all we can do.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>copyright 2019, Gail Burton Purath, Bite Size Bible Study</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-12420409281452996522019-07-14T09:45:00.001-04:002022-01-27T17:37:05.801-05:00Can You Watch it With a Clear Conscience? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4muZg2yP2E/XSDuWZiCyOI/AAAAAAAAzMo/IXbfeZ8Ue4wJ8rokmZlEgkreH1TG218AwCLcBGAs/s1600/Game%2Bof%2BThrones%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="If you can watch Game of Thrones and answer these questions with a clear conscience, you need to have your head examined. #Bible #Biblestudy #GameofThrones #Pornography" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4muZg2yP2E/XSDuWZiCyOI/AAAAAAAAzMo/IXbfeZ8Ue4wJ8rokmZlEgkreH1TG218AwCLcBGAs/w640-h320/Game%2Bof%2BThrones%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As an introduction to this study, read <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/07/are-you-enjoying-popular-pornography.html" target="_blank">Popular Pornography</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Game of Thrones</i>, an HBO series filled with graphic sex and evil violence, recently ended after a successful eight-year run. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It left its filth on everything it touched, even an ancient city in Croatia. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having lived in Budapest for five years, we sometimes vacation in Croatia and especially love visiting the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since some scenes from <i>Game of Thrones</i> were filmed in and near the medieval walls of beautiful Dubrovnik, <i>Game of Thrones</i> tours, gift shops, costumes, and signs now pollute the city. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It should be no surprise that shows like <i>Game of Thrones</i> are incredibly popular with our fallen world. </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I am surprised the way <i>Game of Thrones</i> and other immoral entertainment is defiling my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Christians, we need to ask ourselves these questions in regard to our entertainment:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>Do I violate biblical principles by watching this show/movie</u>?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it."
</i><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/101-3.htm" target="_blank">Psalm 101:3</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A28-29&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 5:28-29</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 5</span></span> says we should want to cut out our eye rather than use it to sin!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>Am I guarding my heart from things that produce ungodly thoughts and attitudes</u>? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."</i> <a href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-23.htm" target="_blank">Proverbs 4:23</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you watch explicit sex scenes and have pure thoughts? </span>When we watch shows that glorify immorality, we definitely
lose our vision for right and wrong. </span></span></span></span>Despite denials by the entertainment industry, research shows that the things we watch affect both attitudes and behavior: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/opinion/sunday/does-media-violence-lead-to-the-real-thing.html" target="_blank">Does Media Violence Lead to the Real Thing?</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We shouldn’t need to have this truth confirmed from secular sources when God’s Word already stresses it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See also <a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-2.htm" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>, <a href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/10-5.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:5</a>, and <a href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/4-8.htm" target="_blank">Philippians 4:8</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>Sexually explicit entertainment is an idol in our modern world. Can we watch shows that glorify immorality and then read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A17-18&version=NLT;NIV;KJV;AMP" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:17-18</a> with a clear conscience</u>? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>Can we watch shows like <i>Game of Thrones</i> and read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5&version=NLT;NIV;KJV;AMP" target="_blank">Ephesians 5</a> with a clear conscience</u>? </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMoXstPpIbs/XSD6H_JT0OI/AAAAAAAAzNQ/TKOC_Z81rpM_D5nsaz_nAfJ5Y7Y6HFMYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Game%2Bof%2BThrones%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="If you can watch Game of Thrones and answer these questions with a clear conscience, you need to have your head examined. #Bible #Biblestudy #GameofThrones #Pornography" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMoXstPpIbs/XSD6H_JT0OI/AAAAAAAAzNQ/TKOC_Z81rpM_D5nsaz_nAfJ5Y7Y6HFMYwCLcBGAs/w340-h640/Game%2Bof%2BThrones%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children… Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. <u>Obscene stories</u>, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. <u>Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins</u>, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. <u>Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. </u></span><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"> It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret</span></b></u><span style="font-size: large;"><u>… So be careful how you live</u>. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If it's shameful even to talk about evil things, how can we justify evil entertainment?</span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_Wax_GOT.jpg" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">copyright, 2019, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bible Love Notes</span>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594941100604805314.post-82012599261562734362019-06-16T10:00:00.001-04:002022-01-27T17:38:05.826-05:0010 Things Scripture Teaches about False Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yqyxkbgII0/XN9jkAkn5dI/AAAAAAAAxwg/YIrDp-Vqag8b8Pz73bva_vAgN0N6Dq_vACLcBGAs/s1600/false%2Bteachers%2B10%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scripture teaches these 10 Things about false teachers in the Church. Let's heed these warnings. #Bible #Falseteachers" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yqyxkbgII0/XN9jkAkn5dI/AAAAAAAAxwg/YIrDp-Vqag8b8Pz73bva_vAgN0N6Dq_vACLcBGAs/w640-h320/false%2Bteachers%2B10%2Blink%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As an introduction to this study, please read the 1-minute Bible Love Note called <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/06/10-facts-about-false-teachers.html" target="_blank">10 Facts about False Teachers</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">False teachers have always been around, and they always will be. Scripture gives us information so we can spot them.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>False teachers wear a “mask” of goodness</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-15.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 7:15</a>: <i>"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">False teachers are skilled at presenting themselves in a positive light.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>They have a “form of godliness”</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203%3A1-5&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a>: <i>But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. <span style="font-size: small;">2</span> People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, <span style="font-size: small;">3</span> without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, <span style="font-size: small;">4</span> treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— <span style="font-size: small;">5</span> having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Without exception, false teachers who appeal to Christians always include some Scriptural truths. They take their cues from Satan who also misuses Scripture to deceive. See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/08/satans-twists-turns.html" target="_blank">Satan's Twists and Turns,</a> <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/05/5-ways-satan-speaks.html" target="_blank">5 Ways Satan Speaks</a>, and <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/03/half-truths-are-more-deceptive-than.html" target="_blank">3 of Satan's Half-Truth Tactics</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <u>They may have Satan’s power</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-24.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 24:24</a>: <i>For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. </i>
(also <a href="https://biblehub.com/mark/13-22.htm" target="_blank">Mark 13:22</a>) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Satan is the most evil being who ever existed, but his evil does not match God's goodness. We can avoid Satan's deception by carefully checking all teaching against Scripture. See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/05/gods-goodness-is-far-greater-than.html" target="_blank">The Difference Between God and Satan</a> and <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/07/why-does-satan-have-power.html" target="_blank">Understanding Why Satan Has Power</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>They cause divisions</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54fW9_7MeaM/XN9jkD5IzQI/AAAAAAAAxwc/UW1GxzCX2No7Q3WK7aw5esrQVBJ_hxQOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/false%2Bteachers%2Bbsbs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Scripture teaches these 10 Things about false teachers in the Church. Let's heed these warnings. #Bible #Falseteachers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54fW9_7MeaM/XN9jkD5IzQI/AAAAAAAAxwc/UW1GxzCX2No7Q3WK7aw5esrQVBJ_hxQOQCEwYBhgL/w320-h640/false%2Bteachers%2Bbsbs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/16-17.htm" target="_blank">Romans 16:17</a>: <i>I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">See also: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A6-10&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;AMP" target="_blank">Galatians 1:6-10</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christians who know and understand Scripture will always be at odds with false teachers. Studying Scripture is the best protection against false teachings. See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/08/dont-believe-anything-that-contradicts.html" target="_blank">Don't Believe Anything that Contradicts Scripture</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <u>They have followers</u>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/4-1.htm" target="_blank">1 Timothy 4:11</a>: <i>The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See also: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A3-4&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:3-4</a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people assume that a teacher's popularity is a sign of his anointing from God. But Jesus explained that the most popular path is the broad highway to destruction (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A13-15&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 7:13-15</a>).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <u>They “secretly introduce” some of their false beliefs</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/2-1.htm" target="_blank">2 Peter 2:1</a>: <i>But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These false teachers not only wrap their messages in Scripture, cleverly pulling passages out of context, they also devise convincing arguments for their errors. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They typically discredit those who don't have enough "faith" to believe what they teach.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They say things that appeal to our selfish, fallen human nature. They often take God's promises for spiritual blessings and claim they are promises for material blessings. See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2016/12/not-all-promises-in-scripture-will-be.html" target="_blank">Future Promises, Not Earthy Promises</a> and <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/10/misunderstandings-about-stripes-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Misunderstandings about the Stripes of Jesus</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Their followers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> have trouble "unlearning" these false doctrines even when presented with Scriptures that refute their beliefs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <u>Some will even claim to be the Messiah</u>:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-5.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 24:5</a>: <i>For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Church-of-Almighty-God.html" target="_blank">The Church of Almighty God</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">is a modern example of a cult that uses the Bible but claims a Chinese woman is God incarnate. They have millions of members. I assume this type of heresy will increase as we get closer to Christ's return.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <u>False prophets come in the spirit of the final enemy of God’s people, the Antichrist</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/2-18.htm" target="_blank">1 John 2:18</a>: <i>Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Spirit of the Antichrist is present in all teachings that pervert the gospel and lead people astray.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <u>They don't present Christ accurately</u>: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A6-11&version=NIV;KJV;NLT" target="_blank">2 John 1:6-11</a>: <i>And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. <span style="font-size: small;">7</span> I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. <span style="font-size: small;">8</span> Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. <span style="font-size: small;">9</span> Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. <span style="font-size: small;">10</span> If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. <span style="font-size: small;">11</span> Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This passage does not merely apply to those who "do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh." It applies to all teachings that do not "continue in the teaching of Christ" as presented in Scripture. For example, the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovahs-Witnesses.html" target="_blank">Jehovah's Witnesses</a>, the <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/11/mormonism.html" target="_blank">Mormons</a> (LDS), and <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-science.html" target="_blank">Christian Science</a> all present a different Jesus than the one presented in Scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See also <a href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-4.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:4</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. <u>They usually preach Christ for financial gain</u>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/2-3.htm" target="_blank">2 Peter 2:3</a>: <i>In their <u>greed</u> these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/6-5.htm" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:5</a> speaks of false teachers <i>"who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."</i> <a href="https://biblehub.com/titus/1-11.htm" target="_blank">Titus 1:11</a> talks of those who teach <i>"for the sake of dishonest gain."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is not a sin to be wealthy, but it is certainly sinful to become selfishly rich from teaching God's truths. If God gives a biblical teacher great wealth, he has a responsibility to use his wealth wisely, being extravagant with God, not himself. This is true for all Christians, and we should expect preachers and teachers to be excellent examples. See <a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2014/10/extravagant-love.html" target="_blank">Extravagant Love</a> and </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-lifestyle-of-false-teacher_30.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lifestyle of a False Teacher</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Archive of 1-minute devotions about false teachers and false teachings: </span><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/right-is-right.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Right is Right</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/3-requirements-for-discernment.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Requirements for Discernment</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/3-characteristics-of-false-teachers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Characteristics of False Teachers</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-false-teachers-help-us.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">How False Teachers Help Us</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/11/without-bible-were-lost.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Are You Defending False Teaching?</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-right-way-to-check-out-christian.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Right Way to Check out Christian Teachers</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/02/7-claims-of-false-teachers-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">7 Claims of False Teachers</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/05/jesus-calling-are-sarah-youngs-claims.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus Calling: Are Sarah Young's Claims Biblical</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/07/proverbs-18-21.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Power and Limit of Words</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2010/11/mormonism.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Mormonism</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/04/know-it-all-followers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Know-it-all Followers</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/11/checking-source.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Checking the Source</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/03/examining-shack.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Examining "The Shack"</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2009/06/the-popular-teachings-of-joel-osteen.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen: Beware</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/05/bad-guys-are-good-warnings-balaam.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bad Guys are Good Warnings</span></a><br />
<a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2012/12/he-is-we-arent.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Reasons False Teachers are so Popular</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2019/02/modern-deceptions.html" target="_blank">Modern Deceptions</a> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">copyright 2019, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com</span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bite Size Bible Study</span>Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com0