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Category: Bible Studies You have viewing the Bible Studies category! We invite you to join our website or login if you are already a member! A Holiday Weekend Quiz; How Well Do You Know the Bible? Posted by:  blessings2you   (Posted: 07/05/08 3:41am) In case you find yourself with some extra time this holiday weekend, here is a little quiz that would challenge even the best Bible students. Without using a concordance, can you name the book of the Bible, and where appropriate, the chapter where the following occur: 1. The walls of Jericho fall flat. 2. A donkey speaks to a man. 3. A man works 14 years as a slave in order to marry the "love of his life". 4. A very fat king gets stabbed in the belly by a left-handed deliverer sent by God. 5. A man survives a night in the lion's den. 6. The crippled grandson of a disgraced king ends up eating at the real king's table. 7. A Prophet's wife suddenly died but he was not allowed to mourn for her. 8. The sun returned 10 degrees, (the sundial went 10 degrees backwards). 9. A sheep breeder is called to become a Prophet. 10. A man had a tent stake driven through his temple while sleeping. 11. The sun stood still and did not go down for about a whole day. 12. A king had his robe cut while relieving himself in a cave. 13.... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 11 Grace Posted by:  ifnotforgrace   (Posted: 06/30/08 5:31am) First of all I appreciate everyones responses. I would like to start by quoting 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" I am by no means tossing out any of the Bible, I believe, just as the verse states above that "all scripture is profitable". The Bible is a Jewish book written about a Jewish King that will one day have a Jewish Kingdom. The mystery period of the body of Christ, that we live in was kept secret from the O.T. prophets, is not a part of that Jewish earthly Kingdom. But this period that we live in is an interruption to this Jewish Kingdom, which will be offered again and accepted after the rapture of the church. The entire Bible is for us, but it is not all written to us. I believe that there is not one contradiction in the entire bible; I believe that it is the perfect inerrant Word of God. As I stated above, to believe that the entire Bible is to apply to us doctrinally causes confusion, and contradictions. To "Rightly Divide" clears up that confusion.... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 96 The Kingdom of God Posted by:  michaelq   (Posted: 06/28/08 1:18pm) Hello just wanted to share some thoughts and scriptures on the Kingdom of God, May the Lord ad a blessing to reading of his word in Jesus name amen. I find it interesting when I was young and would ask the question what happens when I Die all the different views my parent and others would have, so lets visit the issue if you don't mind it all goes along with the Kingdom but first I hade to deal with death and what happens Genesis 2:16-17 the first commandment and man right of the get go blows it, know after the woman was created from the man 2:25 so at this point everything is cool no one hade shame and the man and the woman hade the lord with them because the Book tells us that in 3:22 who is the tree of life the Lord yes amen ! ok back to 3:2-6 yea not in day to man but a day to the lord 2 peter 3:8 will tell you that one day is with lord as a thousand years, that sure clears up a lot like with the creation maybe it was created in 6 days as with... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 16 Grace v.s. Works Posted by:  ifnotforgrace   (Posted: 06/27/08 10:35am) Grace v.s. Works This subject has become a simple one for me to grasp. Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." And then you have James saying, James 2:24 "see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." Well here are two statements that contradict, which one do you go with? They both cannot be right? Well the truth is they are both right. Paul was the apostle to the gentiles; he was the one that God chose to reveal the mysteries of the "Dispensation of the Grace of God". All the epistles that Paul wrote, Romans thru Philemon, are to the Body of Christ. We are to get all our doctrine for the dispensation of grace that we live in now, out of those books. If you want to get your doctrine out of any other books (gospels, James - Revelation) it has to be backed up by Paul, if it is not, it cannot be applied to us today. You might ask, how is the verse in... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by michaelq)  - Total Views: 127 Separated by God Posted by:  lilysvalley   (Posted: 06/18/08 5:17am) As I continue my studies I find more of God's separation of righteous and unrighteous, faithful and unfaithful. It's common knowledge that sin separates us from God. God, throughout history, has made a distinction between the repentant and unrepentant here on earth and has forced that separation himself. In Genesis 3:23 The LORD God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Eden was a perfect place; Adam and Eve were now sinners. In Genesis 7:16 The LORD closed the door on the Ark (not Noah, God). God separated Noah and his family from the sinful world. God protected the righteous and destroyed the unrighteous. In Genesis 4:11, 15 The LORD banished Cain and marked him. Cain was separated from all he knew and the mark made him separate from everyone. In Genesis 19 Lot and his family were protected when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. And now because of Gods love and grace we are separated from the unrepentant through the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ our Savior. Through Him we have righteousness. Jesus said in Matthew10:14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 21 Ark of the Covenant Posted by:  deaconfarley   (Posted: 06/16/08 1:39pm) The Ark of the Covenant??? My youngest son and I were watching Raiders of the Lost Ark over the weekend. He asked if there really was an ark. I was a little shocked that he (ten years old) didn't know that there was an Ark of the Covenant. I have opportunities to teach my children and this was one more that had just presented itself. We talk about things in the Bible and I guess that the ark had never come up. Apparently it had never come up in Sunday school either. I told him about how things on television often portrayed things the way they wanted too in order to get more people to watch the show. That if there was something he saw on t.v. he should ask to make sure what he was seeing was correct or incorrect. He next wanted to know where in the Bible he could read about the ark. My answer? The first five books of the Bible would be a good place for him to start. Remember he is ten so that answer was not good enough. I started looking and so did my wife. She found some scripture, which I read... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by allforhim)  - Total Views: 130 return to Genesis Posted by:  lilysvalley   (Posted: 06/06/08 4:02pm) I finally found out why He keeps sending me to Genesis. It was in answer to questions I have asked I just didn't know He was answering this particular question. I do have so many. This part is the orginal blog. It seems every time I want to read my Bible lately the Lord sends me to Genesis. I have read and reread Genesis many times over the years. This morning I opened my Bible and was studying Ephesians and the Spirit kept directing my thoughts to the Beginning. So I reread again. This seems to have been happening alot lately. There is something there that I am supposed to see and I am missing it because I feel like I need to start over again. So today I searched CB to see if anyone has blogged about Genesis. There were some great blogs! But it wasn't it. So I started AGAIN. This time I started looking for God in every line. I prayed. I took notes. I underlined. I found something that really hit me that I hadn't "seen" before. (I am reading from a Life Application Bible). Genesis 3:9 The the LORD God called to the man, "Where... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by kraftykatz)  - Total Views: 74 Strengthening our Christian Character; Count it all Joy Posted by:  blessings2you   (Posted: 06/03/08 1:18am) This is a very difficult subject, but one that demands our attention due to the times in which we live. I ask you to please meditate upon what these verses are saying and their importance in light of individual as well as collective situations Christians are facing. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proof of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 The Century Bible The very first thing James brings up in his epistle deals with temptations. He doesn't say to avoid them, nor does he say it is a bad thing if they are around. To the contrary, he tells us to count it all JOY when we "fall into manifold temptations". Hold the horses, what on earth could he be speaking about? I thought it was a BAD thing to fall into temptation? No, what is bad is to yield to temptation but that is not at all what James is talking about. The phrase "manifold temptations" is referring to a variety of trials. The whole key to understanding lies in the... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 5 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by happytoberestored)  - Total Views: 247 The Baptism of The Holy Spirit Posted by:  doulos   (Posted: 05/27/08 2:41am) THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Before I received the Holy Spirit, I used to think that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was something that happened automatically the moment I received water baptism. I was adamant because this was what I had been taught and I went through many years as a Christian not knowing better. Yet I was curious because I had not experienced any of what the bible says about receiving the Holy Spirit. Perhaps I was even disappointed and I wondered about Christians who spoke in tongues, experienced being slain in the Spirit and seemed "on fire". I thought they were just an emotional lot. At first I reasoned perhaps this gift was just not for me as I understood that The Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His will. But I had confused the gifts of the Holy Spirit with The Gift of the Spirit Himself. I know now that the reasoning is incorrect because while the Gifts of the Spirit are distributed according to His will, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Himself is purposed for all believers. I was intellectually invalidating the baptism of The Spirit with reasoning of human construct and that... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 9 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by doulos)  - Total Views: 371 God's Will Is Sovereign Than Man's Finite Will Posted by:  godfascinates   (Posted: 05/25/08 3:05pm) Before I realized the Beauty of the Sovereignty of God , I was moved to consider some of His Words, especially the following: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Prov. 16:9). "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand" (Prov. 19:21). "...I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it." (Isa. 46:11). "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" (Prov. 21:1). "...the LORD STIRRED UP THE SPIRIT of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation ..." (Ezra 1:1.) "Then rose up the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone WHOSE SPIRIT GOD HAD STIRRED to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem. " (Ezra 1:5). "...for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose..." (Rev. 17:17). I realized that in order to accomplish God's Sovereign Will, He does not need to remove our human free will... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by papillionkiller)  - Total Views: 69 prayer seeking this summer Posted by:  lilysvalley   (Posted: 05/22/08 9:33am) My summer vacation from all volunteer work starts today. My plans for this time is to study the words used in prayers in the bible. God answers my prayers time and time again. I have struggled through a particular sin for the past 2 1/2 years, I have cried out to the Lord many many times for Him to eliminate this sin. I bought a devotional book by Joyce Meyers called "Battlefield of the Mind". One of the devotions seemed to hit right on with my struggle. at the end of the devotion is a prayer, when I said the prayer out loud, I just said it with faith, not really paying attention to the words. I just knew this seemed to be my situation. MY STRUGGLE IS OVER!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! I went back to that prayer in the book and looked at those words so I could memorize them and maybe be able to share this prayer with someone else. This is the prayer WRITTEN BY JOYCE MEYERS inspired by God: Victorious God, help me resist the onslaughts of Satan, who attacks my mind and makes evil seem good. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by devotee89)  - Total Views: 185 Following God, the virtuous woman, and life lessons from Proverbs 31. Posted by:  kraftykatz   (Posted: 05/21/08 10:43am) Following God, the virtuous woman, and life lessons from Proverbs 31. Following God character series, Life Principles from the women of the Bible book one, ISBN: 0-89957-302-9, written by Barber, Rasnake, Shepherd. This has been a wonderfully enjoyable study. Both male and female readers can use it and I recommend that men do this study. It is a 12-week study of women of the Bible. They are Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, The virtuous woman, Mary and Martha, Mary-mother of Jesus and The Bride of Christ. Although all of the studies are great, I am going to share only the Proverbs 31 woman as so many women find her so incredible intimidating. I have done many studies of the Proverbs 31 woman as did most of the ladies in class. We all agree that this is by far the best one we have ever done and written by men at that. For the lady readers, If you have ever been beaten down by this "perfect" woman, take heart I have good news for you. She is the IDEAL woman. The virtuous woman is not the yardstick by which all women are measured, but the goal toward which... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 7 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by thesweetmamma)  - Total Views: 383 helpful encouragement to prayer Posted by:  awesomewonder   (Posted: 05/20/08 2:35pm) (disclaimer, my husband iraqivetsgtret helped me, so if any bad grammer means it's his fault) Here are Four Keys To Praying that I think you will enjoy in your daily devotion. Four key words to remember when you pray: Adoration = Psalm 8:1-2 Confession = Psalm 139:23-24 Intercession = Matthew 6:33 Petition = Matthew 6:31-34 Here is an Acronym you can also use: P-raise R-epentence A-sk Y-our own needs ADORATION You have to give God Praise for the victories won, and who ,He is not just for what He has done. CONFESSION Ask Him to forgive you of any sin that you may have done in omission, commission, thought or deed. INTERCESSION Who can I pray for today that has a need bigger than any of mine?. PETITION What do I WANT OR NEED Jesus to do for me today?. Finally don't forget to once again give Praise and thank Him for listening and for Him to give you an ear to hear Him as He speaks to you throughout the day. God bless and keep you awesome wonder(Mrs.Vettie)... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by kraftykatz)  - Total Views: 91 yahab, continued (with some thoughts on life application at the end) Posted by:  kaquinlan   (Posted: 05/20/08 9:30am) More on the word ascribe... I'd love to finish today, but I don't know if my boys are going to let me! I must remember to pray for uninterrupted time with the Lord, in His word, communing with Him. It is difficult with a one year old and a three year old, but God can do anything!!! Ruth 3:15 translated "bring" Boaz to Ruth when calling her to bring her vail so that he could fill it with barley after she had lain at his feet for a night in request that he fulfill the Jewish obligation to her as a widow. 1 Samuel 14:41 translated "give" and "take" Give -- Saul requests God to give them a lot showing where the sin in the camp is. Take -- The lot was cast between Israel and Saul and Jonathon. It says that Saul and Jonathan were taken, meaning that the lot fell to them; the sin was with one of them. Jonathan's sin is found out and he is sentenced to death. (I did not know the story of how Jonathan lost his life before doing this study!) 2 Samuel 11:15 translated "set" David's order to put Uriah at the... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 42 The School of Hard "Nots" part 1 Posted by:  secondsamuel   (Posted: 05/15/08 1:48pm) THE SCHOOL OF "HARD NOTS" When I was just a young lad, God put a calling on my life to the ministry. I had run from this calling all my life until September 11, 2001. I am sure you remember that dreadful day. It was on that day that my life made a complete 180. The following is a series of messages that I started drafting shortly there after. A bible study if you will. ORIENTATION FAITH (A) - What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 > Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [KJ] >>> The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It is our handle on what we cannot see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. [THE MESSAGE] >>> NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. [AMPLIFIED] >>> Faith is the... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 58 More on the word for ascribe -- yahab Posted by:  kaquinlan   (Posted: 05/15/08 9:35am) Some more references with the Hebrew word yahab (to give, provide, ascribe, come) I don't have much time today, but perhaps I can get through a few more references! Joshua 18:4 translated "give" After taking down the walls of Jericho, there were still 7 tribes that had not taken their inherited land for their own. Joshua chastised them and called the tribes to yahab 3 men per tribe to go look at the land and describe it to Joshua for dividing among the tribes. Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh had already claimed their inheritance. Anyone know why it was only half of Manasseh? The answer is in chapter 17. Judges 1:15 translated "give" Caleb's daughter Achsah asks him to give her and her husband land and a spring of water. Her husband had been very helpful in completing the work of putting the tribes in their proper lands. This was to be her dowry and a blessing to the son-in-law for undertaking a dangerous and selfless task. Judges 20:7 translated "give" I'm really not sure what is going on in this verse! There has been some sort of abomination committed, but I need to read more and my three... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 56 yahab -- to give, provide, ascribe, come Posted by:  kaquinlan   (Posted: 05/13/08 7:20am) Yesterday, I was looking at references with the word ascribe. Today, I am beginning a look at all references from the Hebrew word, yahab which is sometimes translated "ascribe." I have only included the references and a bit of the context here. If you have time, I would challenge you to look at the references for yourself and possibly read the entire stories. yahab-- to give, provide, ascribe, come Genesis 11:3,4,7 translated "come" when the people call each other to come and build the tower of Babel and the Lord calls Himself to come down to scatter the people (good verse for backing up the trinity!) A bit of trivia regarding this story... Did you know that the people actually make a statement about building this great tower in case we get scattered? Then the discipline given is to be scattered! Genesis 29:21 translated "give" Jacob asks Laban for Rachel because he has completed his 14 years of work Genesis 30:1 translated "give" Rachel demands Jacob give her children. His response is is to ask if it is his fault that God has withheld fruit from her womb. And the childbearing drama begins. No wonder Jacob had some many children.... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 63 Our spiritual blessings in Christ Posted by:  lizinchrist   (Posted: 05/12/08 10:12pm) Word for 12th may 2008. For those of you who are reading my blog,I want to say i am deeply honoured and look forward to hearing and learning from you.I am actually just writing in the Word I receive daily during my personal time with the Lord. Its incredible the amount of insight one gets when we mediate on a particular scripture or a chapter of the Bible.My reading for today was Ephesians:1/3 which says that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.It actually says "EVERY"..that is all the spiritual blessings we may ever need.God is definitely equipping us for a successful life here on earth!The verses following in the same chapter lists out some of the blessings: Note : All these blessings are for for the ones who are 'in Christ'. 1)v.4-He chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless.What a privilege to be chosen by the Lord! 2)v.5-He adopted us His sons/daughters. 3)v.6-He has made us accepted in the Beloved. 4)v.7-He redeemed us;which means he bought us with His own precious blood. 5)v.7b-He forgave our sins..What more do we need?! 6)v.9-He made known to us the mystery of His will; which... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 69 Ascribe to the Lord Posted by:  kaquinlan   (Posted: 05/12/08 8:28am) The Bible study that spoke of worship in song, brought out many scriptures with the phrase, "Ascribe to the Lord..." I was curious, so I wanted to do a study of all the references that tell us to ascribe something to Him. What a great starting place for what songs to sing and prayers to pray. In the New American Standard version, there are 6 verses that give us something to ascribe to Him. 1) Deuteronomy 32:3 For I proclaim the name of the Lord. Ascribe greatness to our God. 2) 1 Chronicles 16:28, 29 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him; worship the Lord in holy array. 3) Job 36:3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4) Psalm 29:1,2 Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in holy array. 5) Psalm 68:34 Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel And His strength... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 78 Do You EASILY REMOVE Your Eyes From The Blessed God? Posted by:  godfascinates   (Posted: 05/11/08 10:36pm) "At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" (Luke 1:39-42.) When Jesus Christ was just in the womb of Mary, Elizabeth declared to Mary: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Notice very well what she said, "Blessed are you among women..." referring to Mary. Also, she said, "...and blessed is the child you will bear!" - referring to Jesus Christ. In her remark, she called not only Mary "blessed," but also Jesus. Yet, today, what do we hear? Have you ever heard, "Blessed Jesus"? Human beings have the tendency to remove their eyes on God. It's easy to exalt anyone or anything else other than God. But we read in God's Word that Paul called God "blessed" in 1 Timothy 1:11, "the glorious gospel of the BLESSED God." We also read in 1 Timothy 6:13-16: "In the sight... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 1 Comment (by allforhim)  - Total Views: 141 The Symbolic (and True) Meaning of Seventy Times Seven Posted by:  doulos   (Posted: 05/05/08 10:05pm) Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) - Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. The interesting thing about this verse is that Jesus is not saying that we should forgive 490 times or simply a lot of times for that matter. I came to understand recently that there is a very specific meaning when we look behind the symbolism of those numbers. In the Bible, the number "7" symbolises completeness or a finished work, while the number "70" signifies 'perfect spiritual order carried out with all spiritual power and significance' (Bullinger, 1921, p.235). Therefore, 490, being the product of 70 x 7, signifies spiritual perfection of perfect order and completeness. Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone and eagerly offered an answer to his own question. He thought that forgiving completely would suffice. But Jesus responded by saying that it wasn't good enough to just forgive completely but to forgive to the point of spiritual perfection! If we think we have no unforgiveness... we... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 4 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by happytoberestored)  - Total Views: 333 Can Born-Again Believers Be Demon Possessed? Posted by:  yokhannan   (Posted: 05/03/08 10:18pm) Can Born-Again Believers Be Demon Possessed? The spread of oriental religions and the occult in America has brought with it an increase in demon possession similar to that reported formerly by missionaries on foreign fields. All too often there has been too little teaching in this area. Many have felt all that is necessary is to preach Christ, and the demons will go away. But the New Testament does more than command to preach Christ. It warns very definitely against the enemy of our souls and shows that demons are not to be treated lightly. It also emphasizes that deliverance is available through the "finger of God," the power of the Spirit, and the name of Jesus. The Danger of Extremes There is a danger, however, when emphasizing any neglected doctrine, to go to an extreme which is beyond the intent of the Scriptures. It is also possible to be sidetracked into making the neglected doctrine the whole ministry. This seems to be the case with some who become fascinated with the subject of demonology. They are trapped into giving most of their attention to it. The more demons they cast out, the more there seem to be to cast... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 9 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by believeinjesus)  - Total Views: 528 Constancy Posted by:  mistletoe   (Posted: 05/02/08 10:52pm) I have been reading and studying psalms. Right now I am on Psalms 57. One thing that struck me was in verse 3 "May God send his faithful love and his constancy." That gave me pause. It is not like When you look at some one and say "I need you to be there for me right now." Faithful love and Constancy are characters of God. They are His. His faithful love and His constancy. God does not change. He is constant and always. I got a new puppy the other day and it is really neat. But the new puppy is easily distracted and lost. He spends most of his time running after shadows and playing around with his toys. Now I have my Naomi. My German Shepherd dog. She has been with me sense she was puppy and even then she was always at my side. She was a constant friend. When I was sick she laid in bed with me till I got better. When I lost my grandparents she cried with me. She walks with me and rides in the car with me. I know that her faithfulness is part of her character. A peice of... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by jimbo1968)  - Total Views: 170 Women Pastors, Twisted Scripture, and Itching Ears Posted by:  youaregolden   (Posted: 05/01/08 1:36pm) Women Pastors, Twisted Scriptures, and Itching Ears (Please pray before reading this, ask God to open your heart.) I do not believe that women should be pastors, nor they should they have authority over a man in church. These verses are complete Biblical proof why I believe this. This is the Word of God. These Words were inspired by God into a man and written down. But I do not see the man who wrote them and his "opinion", but I see God speaking. God here is truly saying that women should NOT be pastors under any circumstance. Why? Some people wonder. Well, I believe that he did this because women were deceived first. Man wasn't deceived. Only Eve was deceived by the serpent. Adam's sin was NOT stopping her. Women are also more emotional. More easily deceived. More compassionate. More fickle. Men are not so emotional. Men are very even keeled. Men are less compassionate and more truthful. Men stick to their guns. I think that God made it this way because he made man that way for his purpose. I would rather have a man preaching to me because I trust men more then I trust women. I... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 25 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by tohimbeglory)  - Total Views: 1614 Leaving the old life behind and following God. Posted by:  kraftykatz   (Posted: 05/01/08 11:08am) Leaving the old life behind and following God.This past week, the Women of the Bible study was on Ruth. Most people are familiar with the story of Ruth.  Her husband died and she followed Naomi back to the original homeland. The book of Ruth is only four chapters long.  There is so much more to the story than just a woman following a mother-in-law back to her family homeland.  These verses are used so many times in wedding ceremonies, but it is not a love story about a man and a woman.  It is the love story of a woman and God. Ruth is the great grandmother of King David.  She is in the line that goes down to Christ, He that came for ALL who surrender to Him in faith and trust.   Ruth surrendered all to God in faith and trust.She was a Moabite woman.  In Deuteronomy 7:1-3, marriage to any of the seven nations found in Canaan is prohibited. Marriage to a Moabite was not forbidden.  The Moabites are descended from the union of Lot Genesis 19:36-37.Naomi must have been a special woman to inspire the devotion from her two daughter-in-laws.  Ruth loved Naomi but Ruth also loved... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by kraftykatz)  - Total Views: 206 John 1:46 Does Anything Good Come From Socastee? Posted by:  rockindockins   (Posted: 05/01/08 9:55am) Written March 20, 2008 For THE RIVER Bible Study Every Thursday Night at 7:00 p.m. John 1:46 - Does anything good come from Socastee? S: John 1:46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip..... O: Philip (who was hand picked by Jesus Himself) sought out Nathanael, his friend, to share the good news of the Messiah. Nathanael is described later by Jesus as "a genuine son of Israel-a man of complete integrity." Still when Nathanael heard that Jesus came from Nazarath, he scoffed We know that Nathanael is later called to be Jesus' disciple. Philip must have been a very good friend because Nathanael trusted his judgment enough to go investigate. A: Like in Nathanael's day, I'm sure you can find people out there who think the same thing about Socastee that Nathaniel thought about Nazarath. I was born in Maryland and Washington, DC was thought to be the haven for rejects, losers, drug addicts and such. Who could imagine even a responsible citizen coming from such a place, or even a mayor, much less the Messiah. Many people today, including myself, take this attitude about many things, people and places. What good can... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 75 Prayer of Jabez Posted by:  clay1diver   (Posted: 05/01/08 6:41am) "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." (1 Chron 4:9-10)NIV Reading through the first few chapters of 1 Chronicles can be a lot like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard, or an itch you just can't quite reach. However, there is a jewel hidden within the list of genealogies, the Prayer of Jabez. Who was Jabez? We don't really know. From his prayer, we can tell what kind of a person he was and we can strive to be somewhat like Jabez. His prayer can be broken down into four primary components all of which put God at the center of his life. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. The second point is one that I think many people misinterpret; "enlarge my territory." When this prayer was going around our church, many people thought, "If I pray this prayer, then God will give... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 1 Comment (by kraftykatz)  - Total Views: 166 Be Prepared - Stand Guard Posted by:  rockindockins   (Posted: 04/30/08 5:56pm) April 30, 2008 Be Prepared - Stand Guard Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1 "I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved. Observation: Habakkuk has gone before God to register a complaint. He stands ready at his station and keeps watch for God's response to correct him. Application: Like Habakkuk, I need to trust in God's response. After all, His Word promises me He will listen and answer. I have to be on guard and ready, not lazy or anxious. Habakkuk is watchful and listening and ready for correction. How many times am I look for my answer instead of God's answer. Be ready, be guarded, keep watch, and be ready for God's correction and direction. Prayer: Father God, may I have a ready faith, a faith that is ready to respond, a faith that is always watching and listening to your direction and correction. I praise you that I can trust and have security in Your promises. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Full Scripture: Habakkuk 2: 1I will (A)stand on my guard post And... Read Full Entry  - Category: Bible Studies  - 1 Comment (by allforhim)  - Total Views: 123 Habakkuk 1 - Time of Testing Posted by:  rockindockins   (Posted: 04/29/08 11:04am) April 29, 2008 Study Method 1: - Devotional Study 1.3 - Steps Step 1 - Pray for understanding and guidance as you apply the passage into your life. Step 2 - Meditate on the verse(s) you have chosen for your study Step 3 - Write out the application you will make from the passage into your life. Step 4 - Memorize a verse from the passage that summarizes what you have learned. Step 5 - Assess your application in the weeks that follow for success or failure. This method appears to be like The River's regular Thursday night Bible Study. We call them S.O.A.P. Since these methods are almost identical, I will use SOAP to do Method 1 Study, with one variation to memorize the highlighted verse. The SOAP method does one chapter devotional type study. Pick out one verse (S is for Scripture) that you feel God is speaking to you on. Then O (observation) write down the observation about the passage. I.E., Jesus wept. The observation would be Jesus was weeping for Jerusalem. Next, (A) application to your life. How does this spiritual truth apply to you? And finally (P) a short prayer regarding your lesson. I will...