E100-79

 

MORE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

Acts 16–20

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I’m thankful that, although I don’t know the future, You are leading me as I go through it.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time.  The Holy Spirit led Paul and Barnabas in their journeys. Have you ever been conscious of the Spirit’s leading? In what ways does the Holy Spirit lead you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Paul traveled all across Asia sharing the Gospel in spite of long distances or fierce opposition. Why do you think he was such a tenacious witness for Jesus? 
• Paul detoured from his intended destination to go to Macedonia. Has God used a detour in your life to accomplish something good for you or others?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If someone asked you, “What must I do to be saved?”, how would you answer? Prepare just a few sentences to use as a ready reply.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lead me each day, Lord. I don’t want to live any day without the consciousness that You are leading the way.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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E100-29

 

SAMSON DEFEATS THE PHILISTINES

Judges 13–16

Kevin's Commentary (link to commentary)

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. 
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time.  Samson’s pride got him in big trouble. What dangers could pride pose in your relationships with others, especially with the opposite sex? How can you avoid those dangers?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• How would you characterize the way Samson related to women? Why do you think he was that way?
• How can (or do) you develop healthy relationships with those of the opposite sex? What helps or hinders that development?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. During the day, be alert to occasions of pride that might hurt your relationships. Make a list of any you notice and keep the list, praying for God’s help with the items on it.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, help me to keep my pride in check. I want to be proud, first of all, of my relationship with You.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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E100-78

 

THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

Acts 15

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Ask God to quiet your spirit and remove any distractions from your mind so you can focus on being with him.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you experienced a disagreement with another Christian? What was the problem? How was it resolved? What did you learn from it?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• The Council of Jerusalem settled a big disagreement among early Christians. Who do you think has more disagreements—Christians or non-Christians? Why?
• What does the passage on the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) teach you about how to resolve disagreements in the church? In your family? In other relationships?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of a major disagreement you had or still have—in your church or family. Distill some principles from this passage and use them to try for a resolution.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I want to be a peacemaker, not quarrelsome. Show me how to begin with situations around me.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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E100-28

 

GIDEON DEFEATS THE MIDIANITES

Judges 6–7

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, thank You that when I am afraid and unsure, You provide the assurance of Your presence with me.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you ever felt the call of God to anything that seemed too much for you to handle? How did God provide the help and assurance you needed? What did you learn?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Do you think Gideon was bold or timid? Why?
• God was clearly guiding Gideon. Does God still guide people today? How? How can you find God’s guidance?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of at least one thing that God might be calling you to do for which you feel inadequate. Research possible solutions on the internet. Then, make a plan carry it out.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I want to be bold and confident when I’m practicing my faith. Help me to rely on You more and more.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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E100-77

 

The First Missionary Journey

Acts 13–14

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. My God, life is an amazing journey every day. I thank You that I can take this amazing journey with You.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Paul and Barnabas provoked severe opposition. Why do you think that was so? Is there still a place for missionaries in this high-tech, globalized world of ours?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What is your view of missionaries? Are they a positive influence in the world? Why or why not?
• It seems that Paul and Barnabas risked mistreatment or death almost everywhere they went. What risks have you taken for what you believe?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Make a list of 2–3 missionaries that you know of, perhaps from your church. Write them a letter of encouragement and pray for them.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, missionaries often have it real tough. I pray that You will encourage and protect them today.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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E100-27

 

Deborah Leads Israel

Judges 4–5

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, I thank You for those people who set a good example for me and others in following You.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What “spiritual mentors” have you learned the most from? What spiritual leaders are you most thankful for? How can you pass on to others what you’ve learned?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What lessons do you learn from the experiences of Deborah?
• Do you think faith can be a source of courage? Explain.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of one or two people whose leadership and example has been important to you. Thank God for them and then write, call or personally thank them soon.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. God, help me to be a good leader and example to someone else, just as others have been for me.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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