Kings (Bible E-Course 1 & 2 Kings)

What good is having the word of God without faithfulness to God? Most of Israel and Judah’s kings were evil. Even the good kings had huge weaknesses. What happens to nations when their leaders go astray? First and second Kings contain the history of a few good national leaders among many bad.

Key Points

Solomon

How did the wisest man who ever lived become an apostate? Is faithfulness better than wisdom? Imagine the loneliness of his wives! What kind of utter selfishness makes a man have a thousand wives?

The Lord did not want the Israelites to worship foreign gods, so he had warned them not to marry anyone who was not from Israel. Solomon loved his wife, the daughter of the king of Egypt. But he also loved some women from Moab, Ammon, and Edom, and others from Sidon and the land of the Hittites. Seven hundred of his wives were daughters of kings, but he also married 300 other women. As Solomon got older, some of his wives led him to worship their gods. He wasn't like his father David, who had worshiped only the Lord God. Solomon also worshiped Astarte the goddess of Sidon, and Milcom the disgusting god of Ammon. Solomon's father had obeyed the Lord with all his heart, but Solomon disobeyed and did what the Lord hated. (1 KIngs 11:2-6 CEV)

Israel

What happened to the northern kingdom of Israel?

When Israel broke away from David’s dynasty, they made Nebat’s son Jeroboam the king. Jeroboam drove Israel away from the Lord. He caused them to commit great sin. And the Israelites continued walking in all the sins that Jeroboam did. They didn’t deviate from them, and the Lord finally removed Israel from his presence. That was exactly what he had warned through all his servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from its land to Assyria... (2 Kings 17:21-23 CEB)

Judah

What happened to the southern kingdom of Judah?

In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month—that was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon—Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. And he burned the house of the Lord and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. And the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the multitude, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile. (2 Kings 25:8-11 ESV)

Good Kings of Judah

Judah had a few good kings. Israel had none who were good. Let’s take a look at the good kings of the southern kingdom of Judah.

Asa

Asa was not perfect, but did he do some things right?

Asa did what was right in the Lord’s eyes, as his ancestor David had done. He banished the male cult prostitutes from the land and removed all of the idols that his fathers had made. He also removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen mother because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. Asa chopped down her obscene image and burned it in the Kidron Valley. The high places were not taken away; but Asa’s heart was completely devoted to the Lord his entire life. (1 Kings 15:11-14 HCSB)

Jehoshaphat

Did Jehoshaphat do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, although incompletely?

Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places. (1 KIngs 22:42-43 KJV)

Jehoash

Was Jehoash of Judah, mostly a good king?

In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king, and he reigned for forty years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Only the high places did not end; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. (2 Kings 12:1-3 NASB)

Amaziah

Did Amaziah mostly do what was right in God’s eyes?

…Amaziah… did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. (2 Kings 14:1-4 NIV)

Azariah (Uzziah)

Did Azariah mostly do well?

He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done, except that the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. (2 Kings 15:2-4 NKJV)

Jotham

Was Jotham basically a good king?

Jotham son of Uzziah began to rule over Judah in the second year of King Pekah’s reign in Israel. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. Jotham did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done. But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the Lord. (2 Kings 15:32-35 NLT)

Hezekiah

Hezekiah made a lot of unwise decisions. However, he repented. Did God hear his prayers?

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says ‘You have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, and I have heard you. (2 Kings 19:20 WEB)

Josiah

Was Josiah righteous like David?

Josiah was 8 years old when he became king, and he ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah; she was Adaiah’s daughter and was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the Lord’s eyes, and walked in the ways of his ancestor David—not deviating from it even a bit to the right or left. (2 Kings 22:1-2 CEB)

The kings of Israel and Judah point out the failures of human leadership. Not one of the 19 northern kings of Israel looked to God, but 8 of the 20 southern kings of Judah did, and God was merciful on their glaring weaknesses. Does the church also have very imperfect leadership? To whom do we look, faulty men or God? You decide!

The Church's Armor (Bible E-Course Ephesians 6)

How can we face the great spiritual battles all around us? Let’s start with the family and obedience to a child’s parents? What if they want us to do something outside of obedience to the Lord?

As for children, obey your parents in the Lord, because it is right. (Ephesians 6:1 CEB)

Do the ancient promises under the old covenant still apply in this case?

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:2-3 ESV cp. Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16)

What should fathers beware of?

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 HCSB)

Half those in the ancient Roman Empire were slaves. Most countries today recognize slavery as a shameful practice, except perhaps for convicted prisoners serving hard labor, and banks profiting from slavery to debt. What if an ancient Christian was unavoidably trapped in slavery? Is there also a principle here for modern employees?

As for slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling and with sincere devotion to Christ. Don’t work to make yourself look good and try to flatter people, but act like slaves of Christ carrying out God’s will from the heart. Serve your owners enthusiastically, as though you were serving the Lord and not human beings. You know that the Lord will reward every person who does what is right, whether that person is a slave or a free person. (Ephesians 6:5-8 CEB)

What about those ancient Christians who owned slaves, perhaps having acquired them before becoming a Christian, or perhaps rescuing them from heartless slave owners to provide for their welfare? Is there also a principle here for modern employers?

Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites. (Ephesians 6:9 CEV)

What general encouragement is here for Christians?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV)

Despite all the evils of humanity, what is our real struggle?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:12-13 NASB)

What is that armor? While most of these are defensive, is one an offensive weapon?

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV)

How should we pray? Supplication is a request.

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV)

Who was Tychicus?

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. (Ephesians 6:21-22 NLT)

What was Paul’s final blessing for the church in Ephesus?

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen. (Ephesians 6:23-24 WEB)

Today’s families urgently need the healing that a few simple biblical principles could provide. Many are slaves to usurious debt and poor wages and conditions. All humanity is in trouble, but our greatest struggle is spiritual. Have you put on the whole armor of God? You decide!

Repentance (Bible E-Course)

Jesus’ first messages were summarized by two words, repent and believe in the Gospel (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). What does repent mean?

 
Turn Back

Often translated as repent is the Hebrew word “shoob,” which means to turn back or return. What did Solomon, that wise backslider, say about national repentance?

But in that land of exile, they might turn to you in repentance and pray, ‘We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.’ (1 Kings 8:47 NLT)

What did righteous Job say?

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6 ESV)

Change of Mind

In the New Testament a common word translated repentance is “metanoia” meaning a change of mind. What did John the Baptist say?

Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near! (Matthew 3:2b HCSB)

What did John say results from repentance?

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for [or befitting] repentance (Matthew 3:8 KJV)

What did Jesus add?

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 NASB)

The kingdom of heaven is God’s rule. What should believers do after repentance? Is this a work?

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NIV)

What else must happen?

Repent therefore and be converted [reformed], that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19 NKJV)

What does repentance bring?

When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” (Acts 11:18 NLT)

Is repentance commanded just for a select few, or for all?

The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30 WEB)

To whom do we repent and in whom is our faith?

You know I have testified to both Jews and Greeks that they must change their hearts and lives as they turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21 CEB)

Some say that repentance is separated from works. Does Paul contradict that?

Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. (Acts 26:20 HCSB)

What leads us to repentance?

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 NASB)

What accompanied the Corinthians’ repentance? Are there two kinds of sorrow?

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10 KJV)

Is repentance a gift from God?

Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them to turn to him and learn the truth. They have been trapped by the devil, and he makes them obey him, but God may help them escape. (2 Timothy 2:25-26 CEV)

Is repentance a foundational principle? What do we repent of?

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works ... (Hebrews 6:1-2 NKJV)

Does falling away contradict the idea of once saved always saved?

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV)

Should anyone follow Esau’s example?

Make sure that no one becomes sexually immoral or ungodly like Esau. He sold his inheritance as the oldest son for one meal. You know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he couldn’t find a way to change his heart and life, though he looked for it with tears. (Hebrews 12:16-17 CEB)

Did God preselect some for hell without a chance, or does He have a different attitude?

The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Peter 3:9 CEV)

Does repentance involve works? Is there hope for churches that have fallen?

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. (Revelation 2:5 ESV)

Are there still Jezebels today who teach the church that sexual sins are permitted?

But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. (Revelation 2:20-22 NLT)

Are some churches today just about dead, like Sardis?

Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. (Revelation 3:2-3 HCSB)

Can churches in wealthy countries be Laodicean? Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Must we open the door?

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:19-20 KJV)

As angels pour out symbolic bowls of God’s anger on the world, will men repent of their works?

The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They still didn’t repent of their works. (Revelation 16:10-11 WEB)

Repentance is not just intellectual, but also a change from evil works to good works. A fruit of repentance is obedience to God and one of the first works of obedience is to be baptized. Repentance is turning our lives from sin to God, and growing in holiness. That's why Christians are called saints. Are you repentant? You decide!

God’s Children & Christ’s Bride (Bible E-Course Ephesians 5)

What guides our actions? Are we God’s children and Christ’s bride?

Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 CEV)

What behaviors ought not to be found?

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV)

Why?

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:5 KJV)

What should we watch out for?

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. (Ephesians 5:6 HCSB)

What should we do with such people?

So you shouldn’t have anything to do with them. (Ephesians 5:7 CEB)

Why?

for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8 NASB)

What does the light in us produce?

(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (Ephesians 5:9 NIV)

Should we learn what pleases the Lord? What about evil and darkness?

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (Ephesians 5:10-11 NLT)

How bad are evil deeds?

For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (Ephesians 5:12 NKJV)

What does the light do?

But everything exposed to the light is revealed by the light. (Ephesians 5:13 CEB)

Should we wake up?

For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14 NASB)

Should we be careful in a dark world?

Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 WEB)

What should we understand?

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17 ESV)

What is better than being inebriated?

Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life. (Ephesians 5:18 CEV)

What are two good habits with our mouths?

speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:19 CEB)

What is an important prayer habit?

giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20 HCSB)

How should we relate to each other in a local church and at home?

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21 KJV)

How can wives generally improve their marriages?

Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22 NASB)

Does that mean to be a doormat or a team player? How does this relate to the church?

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. (Ephesians 5:23 NIV)

How does a good marriage work?

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:24 NKJV)

What is a husband’s responsibility?

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her (Ephesians 5:25 NLT)

Why? Is a husband’s number one responsibility to his wife possibly her spiritual health?

to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. (Ephesians 5:26 HCSB)

What is Christ doing in the church?

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27 KJV)

What standard of love should a husband exhibit?

So husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are parts of His body. (Ephesians 5:28-30 NASB)

If God is three in one, how are husband and wife?

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31 NIV cp. Genesis 2:24)

What does such a marriage picture? Is the church Christ’s bride?

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32 NKJV)

How does Paul summarize our marital responsibilities?

So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:33 NLT)

The church is God’s children and Christ’s bride. God inspired a few simple guidelines that would go a long way to bless local churches and marriages. Do you trust that God inspired these recommendations for our good? You decide!

Church & Nation (Bible E-Course Ephesians 4)

Are Christians fully part of a kingdom not of this world or do we have divided loyalties? Was Paul imprisoned by Rome and hated by his own nation for his faith? How did he encourage us to live?

Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. (Ephesians 4:1 CEB)

Is a good local church one filled with humility, gentleness, and patience even with occasional difficult personalities?

Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. (Ephesians 4:2 CEV)

Can someone who believes differently in non-essentials maintain harmony? What is the bond that creates church unity, having the same opinions or keeping the peace?

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3 ESV)

Are Christians already united in some very important essentials?

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6 HCSB)

Is everyone given special and unique gifts?

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7 KJV)

When Christ returned triumphantly to heaven after his resurrection and victory over Satan, did He give generous gifts to men?

This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (Ephesians 4:8 NIV)

Had Jesus also been in the grave?

Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? (Ephesians 4:9 NASB)

Did He also ascend higher than all the heavens?

He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:10 NKJV)

What are some of those gifts to the church?

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 NLT)

In plain English, some are messengers, some are inspired speakers of divine truth, some are bringers of good news, some are shepherds and instructors. Why?

for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12 WEB)

Until when?

until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13 CEB)

What happens as we mature in the faith?

Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. (Ephesians 4:14 HCSB)

Should we just avoid all controversy, or is there a way to handle challenges to orthodox doctrines and practices?

Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 CEV)

Do Christians follow the nations or do we have a new kingdom culture?

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. (Ephesians 4:17-18 ESV)

What is a common element among the nations of this world?

They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. (Ephesians 4:19 HCSB)

How has Jesus changed us? What have we put off?

But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation [conduct] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (Ephesians 4:20-22 KJV)

What other changes does Jesus make in us?

and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesians 4:23-24 NASB)

How does business and personal life change?

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25 NIV)

What about anger?

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV)

What about theft?

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. (Ephesians 4:28 NLT)

What about foul or abusive language?

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 WEB)

Can we bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit?

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 ESV)

What should we get rid of?

Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. (Ephesians 4:31 CEB)

What should we replace these bad habits with?

Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. (Ephesians 4:32 CEV)

Instead of bringing worldly ways into the church, we are called to be a heavenly kingdom, totally different from the nations in which we live. Are we learning to live worthy of the call we received from God? You decide!

Gentle Restoration (Bible E-Course 34 Galatians 6)

How should we try to restore a wayward friend?

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

Is the law of Christ different to the law of Moses? How can we fulfill it?

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 HCSB)

What about those who think they are better than others, too good to fall into sin?

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Galatians 6:3 KJV)

Is comparing ourselves to others truly satisfying?

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT)

Should we share with our teachers?

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. (Galatians 6:6 NASB)

What is sowing to the Spirit?

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10 NIV)

Is there a possible clue to Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” here (2 Cor. 12:7)?

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! (Galatians 6:11 NKJV)

What particular part of the law was Paul wrestling with in Galatia? What alone can save?

Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples. (Galatians 6:12-13 NLT)

What did Paul want to boast about?

But as for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through him, and I have been crucified to the world. (Galatians 6:14 CEB)

What really matters?

It doesn't matter if you are circumcised or not. All that matters is that you are a new person. If you follow this rule, you will belong to God's true people. God will treat you with undeserved kindness and will bless you with peace. (Galatians 6:15-16 CEV)

Had Paul had quite enough of such talk?

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. (Galatians 6:17-18 ESV)

Let’s treat each other gently, with the undeserved kindness that we have received from God. Should we bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ? You decide!

The Church is a Temple (Bible E-Course Ephesians 2)

What is the bedrock that the church is built upon? What did the cross do for the nations? Paul answers these questions in Ephesians 2. Let’s begin by asking, what were we like in the past?

At one time you were like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your offenses against God. (Ephesians 2:1 CEB)

It may be hard to admit, but who did we obey?

You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. (Ephesians 2:2 NLT)

How were we motivated?

Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. (Ephesians 2:3 CEV)

How are we made alive and saved?

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! (Ephesians 2:4-5 HCSB)

How have we been given life and why?

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV)

How have we been saved?

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

Are good works totally irrelevant then?

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NASB)

What were gentiles before conversion?

Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands), that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:11-12 WEB)

How were the gentiles brought near?

But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 CEB)

Are Jews and Gentiles now united? How?

Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. (Ephesians 2:14 CEB)

What is gone that divided us?

He made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. (Ephesians 2:15 HCSB)

What did the cross do?

On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body. (Ephesians 2:16 CEV)

How was this made known?

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:17 ESV)

Does Jesus give both Jew and Gentile access to God the Father? How?

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18 KJV)

What is the result?

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19 NASB)

Is God’s household built on early church fathers, popes, ecumenical councils, Protestant Reformers, or what? To whom should we listen?

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20 NIV)

Into what is this building growing?

in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:21 NKJV)

Who dwells in this building that we are a part of?

Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22 NLT)

The church, the holy people of God, are a temple where God dwells. Our foundation is the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. The apostles and prophets taught in the whole Bible, with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels as the cornerstone of our faith. Is anything else so foundational? You decide!