Bible Studies
May
21
Writing Questions That Spark Discussion
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Writing Questions That Spark Discussion
Eight helpful tips for those who write their own studies
Note: This article has been excerpted from the SmallGroups.com training resource called How to Prepare for a Bible Study.
Knowing how to ask good questions is one of the key elements of a successful small group. Questions are what transform a small-group lesson ... Continue
Feb
22
Glimpses into the Bible – Part 2
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Glimpses into the Bible – Part 2
by Warren Willis back to part 1
Many people spend their lives in the pursuit of an inheritance or building one to pass on. Christ grants us an "Imperishable Inheritance" on the first day of our new relationship with Christ.
I Peter 1:3, 4 ... Continue
Feb
22
Courageous Obedience
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Courageous Obedience
When faith overcomes fear, bold confidence empowers us to fulfill God’s calling.
Intimidation is a mean-spirited and, sadly, all-too-effective tool for silencing believers. It’s no stranger to the college classroom, the workplace, or the nightly news. Most of us, though, live rather comfortably and have never experienced outright persecution for our ... Continue
Aug
8
The Resurrection: Breaking Death’s Chains
Posted by volet | Comments Off on The Resurrection: Breaking Death’s Chains
How Christ defeated the power of sin and made it possible for us to live in freedom
READ Romans 6:1-18
Borrowing imagery that Jesus used for Himself (see Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18), Paul explains in this passage from Romans how Christ, in rising from the dead, became the liberator who freed us from our ... Continue
Mar
28
Handling Adversity (Part 1)
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Handling Adversity (Part 1)
He was in a tremendous amount of pain. He just knew he could serve God more effectively if it were gone. And yet, God never granted his request for relief.
The apostle Paul prayed three times for his "thorn in the flesh"—probably a physical problem—to be removed. Did God answer his ... Continue
Feb
11
Put to the Test
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Put to the Test
Is your love for God sincere? Or is it simply a natural reaction to the prosperous life and other blessings He showers on you?
When God allows you or a loved one to experience hardship or asks you to sacrifice something precious, the true state of your heart toward Him will ... Continue
Feb
4
Following God’s Will
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Following God’s Will
Abraham knew how to listen to God and follow Him—even when His commands were difficult or painful to obey. Although the patriarch made some mistakes, his life demonstrated remarkable faith and obedience.
The Lord revealed His plans for Abraham. He will be faithful to show us what He wants us to ... Continue
Oct
27
God of the Invisible
Posted by volet | Comments Off on God of the Invisible
When you call on the God Who Sees, you’re praying to the One who gives purpose to pain.
Open a paper or turn on the news, and you’re bound to see a world that’s suffering. More than anything, you are acutely familiar with the chaos present in your own life. We’re ... Continue
Oct
27
Intimacy With the Father
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Intimacy With the Father
Do you know who God is? Do you know something specific about His nature that goes beyond what you have learned while sitting in church or having conversations with friends? Many believers know about the Lord, but they do not have an personal relationship with Him. We were created to have intimate fellowship with ... Continue
Oct
17
Not of This World
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Not of This World
We may believe that we’re avoiding worldly thinking, but to truly embrace godly wisdom, we need to look below the surface—to a whole new way of seeing.
When you hear the term worldly, what comes to mind? It’s common for Christians to simply equate it with things the world values, such ... Continue
Sep
22
How You Can Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness – Part 1
Posted by volet | Comments Off on How You Can Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness – Part 1
by Dr. Bill Bright
Part 2 | Part 3
Part 1
The Forgiveness God Offers
Do you sometimes find it difficult to believe that you have total forgiveness for your sins in Jesus Christ? Intellectually you believe it, but how about deep within your heart?
Imagine yourself in the crowd as this story takes place as ... Continue
Sep
18
The Decision to Return to God
Posted by volet | Comments Off on The Decision to Return to God
Do you feel trapped by a bad habit or tormented by guilt? Repentance is the key to finding freedom and joy again. Begin by reading the story of David and Bathsheba, which is found in 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25.
A. What attitudes masquerade as repentance?
Someone may pray, “Lord, I really regret getting caught. ... Continue
Sep
1
Following Our Holy Guide
Posted by volet | Comments Off on Following Our Holy Guide
By Dr. Charles Stanley
How often does God speak to people today? What causes us to rebel against His instructions, and how can we develop an obedient heart? In this study, you'll discover biblical answers to questions about God's guidance.
I. The Purpose for Guidance.
A. Why does the Lord desire to speak ... Continue
Jun
19
Falling in Love with Jesus
Posted by volet | No Comments »
OUR THOUGHTS:
Jesus, lover of my soul, is a well known hymn and we enjoy singing it because it reminds us about how much Jesus loves us. In this article, Sylvia asks us if we have fallen in love with Jesus. She also give pointers on how to develop ... Continue
Jun
9
Spreading the Good News
Posted by volet | No Comments »
Every believer has the privilege and responsibility of sharing the gospel. For many of us, the process is overwhelming, discouraging, and even frightening at times. In this study, you'll learn how to become a more effective witness for Christ.
Before we begin, evaluate your attitudes.
What motivates you to share your faith?
What ... Continue
May
30
Seed for the Sower
Posted by volet | No Comments »
Everything we have is a gift from God — and when we share what He’s given to us, we take part in an even greater blessing
Sometimes giving away what we treasure or worked hard to earn can feel like a big sacrifice. Even while sincerely wanting to be obedient to ... Continue
May
13
Power for Holy Living
Posted by volet | No Comments »
As believers, we understand that our salvation is by grace (Eph. 2:8-9). However, we sometimes forget that sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—is also a work of the Holy Spirit.
A. The Problem
Often, the harder we try to be righteous in our own strength, the more likely we are to develop ... Continue
May
6
4 Bible Study Steps
Posted by volet | Comments Off on 4 Bible Study Steps
Editor's note: Howard Hendricks passed away this past February 2013. This article is a reprint from the April 2010 edition of Bible Study Magazine, used with permission.
When people are taught how to study the Bible, they “get the excitement of actually discovering stuff,” says Dr. Howard Hendricks. “That is what ... Continue
Apr
25
God Demonstrates His Love
Posted by volet | No Comments »
I am continually amazed and grateful for the many ways God demonstrates His love to us. During my devotional time, I began to make a list of them and want to share them with you. I pray that you’ll be blessed as you are reminded of His great love.
He never ... Continue
Apr
25
Waiting on God – How do we wait?
Posted by volet | No Comments »
Waiting on God was one of David's secrets of being a man after God's own heart.
David went in and sat before the Lord (2 Sam. 7:18).
God was his confidence, and he trusted Him in every aspect of his life: for guidance and instruction (Ps. 25:5),
For help and defense (Ps. 33:20),
For ... Continue