Category: Bible Study

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I first came to you I didn’t use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God’s message. Observation: Paul didn’t “flower-up” his language to impress those to whom he was speaking and sharing God’s message. Application: This is encouraging to me. Sometimes I worry that…

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: 27 Instead God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. Observation: God’s way of measuring things is not the same as the worlds. And he will use those…

Scripture: Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love Observation: Followers of Christ are given freedom from the law. This freedom, coupled with guidance by the Holy Spirit, doesn’t free you up to a life of sin, but…

Scripture: Galatians 4: 10 You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don’t do on certain days or months or seasons or years. Observation: You are trying to please the Lord by following ritual. Application: Following ritual does not need to be done to please the Lord. He already loves…

Scripture: Galatians 3: 19 Well then, why was the law given? It was given to show people how guilty that are. But this system of law was to last only until the coming of the child to whom God’s promise was made. And there is this further difference. God gave his laws to angels to…

Scripture: Galatians 2:21 I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die. Observation: God’s grace sent his son to die as fulfillment of the law. Application: My confusion and questions earlier…

Scripture: Galatians 1:10 Obviously, I’m not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant. Observation: Paul explains that what pleases God may not please people and that he is serving God, not men. Application: Ouch. I’m…

Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:32 Carefully obey all the commands I give you. Do not add to them or subtract from them. Mark 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Observation/Application: (I’m taking a little liberty on the format today.) I found it interesting that…

Scripture: Mark 14: 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Observation: Jesus knew what pain and suffering was coming and asked God to prevent it, if it was in His will. Application: It is very humbling…

Scripture: Mark 13: 34-35 34“The coming of the Son of Man can be compared with that of a man who left home to go on a trip. He gave each of his employees instructions about he work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 So keep a…

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 1: 9 “At that time I told you, “You are too great a burden for me to carry all by myself. Observation: Moses was having a hard time hearing and judging all the people’s problems and disagreements, yet he knew it was his responsibility to oversee everyone. Moses ultimately was advised to appoint…

Scripture: Mark 11:22-23 22Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I assure you that you can say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and your command will be obeyed. All that’s required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your…

Scripture: Mark 10:18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. Observation: Woah. Now THAT is humbling. Jesus, who looks and sounds pretty perfect to me, is saying that he is not to be called good. Yikes. Application: I wonder why he said that. Perhaps because of the fact that…

This post was originally shared in July of 2008. I think it is important, though, so I am re-posting as part of the Works for Me Wednesday “greatest hits.” Hope you enjoy and are inspired to try it for yourself… My church’s senior pastor shared a simple, yet meaningful journaling format called SOAP back in December…

Scripture: Mark 9:23-24 23“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”24 The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not doubt!” Observation: In this passage a man has asked Jesus to free his son of an evil spirit within him. The disciples were unable to…