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.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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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.

Picture

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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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.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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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.

Video

#Hashtag

#MakeDisciples 

#Outreach 

#Missions

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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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.

Video

#Hashtag

#Judges

#Sin

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Saul's Conversion

Acts 9:1-31

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 just want to bow in humility before You now and bask in the wonder of being in Your presence.
• 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 “saw the light” about Jesus. How did you “see the light” about him? What changes did it make? Do you think there is one special way everyone comes to Jesus? Why?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Paul had a dramatic experience of God on the road to Damascus. Have you or someone you know had a dramatic experience of God? What happened?
• Do you think it is possible to “see the light” about Jesus without having a dramatic experience like Paul’s? Explain.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Close your eyes and try to walk around your home or office blind. Imagine what Paul must have felt like until Ananias helped him regain his sight.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I confess that I, too, can be blind to You and Your plans for me. Open my eyes wherever needed.

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.

Video

#Hashtag

#Paul 

#MakeDisciples 

#Outreach 

#Conversion

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Good News For All

Acts 10:1—11:18

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. Good God, I’m thankful that You want people of all backgrounds to have a relationship 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. Peter had to overcome prejudice in order to welcome Cornelius. Are there prejudices (perhaps unintentional) that exclude people from your church fellowship?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• How would you describe the good news of the Gospel? Is it good news to you? Explain why.
• Peter learned to accept Cornelius, someone very different, and not exclude him from fellowship in the early church. Do you think the church today is inclusive or exclusive? Why? What should it be like?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The next time you go to church, either bring someone from a different background or make an effort to welcome someone you don’t know.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to show you if you have any unconscious prejudices and, if so, to help you overcome them.

Before the Next Time: Set aside time soon to reflect on the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth and growth of the church. What can you learn from the community life of the church and the way its members faced opposition? Ask God to show you any actions or changes you need to take as a result.

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.

Video

#Hashtag

#Cornelius

#MakeDisciples

#Outreach

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Sharing The Word

Acts 8:26-40

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. Thank God for the people in your life who have helped you to learn and grow in your spiritual journey.
• 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. Phillip felt a “nudge” from God to help the Ethiopian. Have you ever felt a “nudge” from God? How would you recognize it? What did you do about it?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Some people say “religion may be important but it should be kept private.” Do you agree? Explain.
• The new church grew as people like Philip shared their faith. Have you ever shared your religious beliefs with another person? If so, what happened?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Prepare yourself to help someone spiritually by gathering 3–4 key Bible verses about faith in Jesus. Think through how you would best use each one in the conversation.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. God, I want to be alert to Your “nudge” and ready to help someone who wants to know more about 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.

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The First Martyr

Acts 6:8-8:8

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.
• 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. Why do you think people get angry, even hateful, when Christians speak out about their faith? Has that ever happened to you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Why do you think the religious leaders were so threatened by Stephen’s sermon? What “threatens” the religious people you know? Why? Is it bad to be religious?
• Have you ever been ridiculed or persecuted for what you believe? If so, share why and tell what happened.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. What would be a clear but non-confrontational way that you could share your faith with a neighbor, friend or co-worker in the next few days or weeks?
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to show you how best to share what you believe with someone who is open to hearing it.

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.

Video

#Hashtags
#Persecution
#Martyr
#MakeDisciples
#Church
#Preaching

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Growth and Persecution

Acts 3-4

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, some people might think I don’t have much but I’m thankful to have You and Your Word in my life.
• 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 had a conflict with authority over a matter of faith? What was the result? What principles guide the way you act in such a challenging situation?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Share your view of the church. What should it be like? Why does it exist?
• What would you suggest as the best “church growth strategy”? Explain.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do.

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.

Boldness of Peter and John

Video

#Hashtag

#Persecution 

#MakeDisciples 

#Church

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The Church is Born

Acts 2

Kevin's Commentary

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

The birth of the church and its early history was a period of remarkable growth. The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and enabled the disciples to continue doing many of the miracles that Jesus had done. The Holy Spirit also enabled the church to form a strong community and to face opposition and persecution with boldness and faith. These early chapters of Acts contain much to challenge and encourage us who live so many centuries after these world-shaking events.

Purpose: To examine the events surrounding the birth and growth of the early church and discover what they might mean for us today.

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank You, God, that You sent Your Holy Spirit into the world to teach and lead us in Your ways.
• 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. How did people react to the coming of the Holy Spirit on that Pentecost Day? What do people you know think about the Holy Spirit today? What do you think?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles that first Pentecost. What do you believe about the Holy Spirit? Does the Holy Spirit still "fill" people today? Explain.
• Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Galatians 5:16-26 If so, how?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you, like Peter, could speak to a large crowd about the Holy Spirit, what would you say? Take a moment today to outline your key points.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, help me to understand more and more about the Holy Spirit and what the Spirit means to my life.

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.

Video

#Hashtag
#Church
#Kingdom
#Holy Spirit

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The Ascension

Acts 1:1-11

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, how You continue to amaze me with the wonder of Your power and Your goodness!
• 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 “convincing proofs” could you offer someone that Jesus is alive today? Do you believe Jesus will return to earth some day? Why does it matter?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Imagine that you had witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven. How do you think you would have felt? Explain.
• Do you think that Jesus will return to earth some day? If so, how does that affect the way you live now?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Look up into the sky and imagine that you were there that day that Jesus ascended into heaven. Imagine what it must have been like to witness that event!
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God that Jesus is alive in heaven and has promised that he will return to earth someday.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

 

Video

#Ascencion
#Mission
#Purpose

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The Resurrection

John 20-21

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 come to You today with an open heart and mind, ready to listen and learn what You have for 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. Many people say the resurrection is just a “myth” or the result of wishful thinking. What do you think? Why is it important that it’s true?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What is the most convincing evidence for you of the resurrection of Jesus?
• Some people say that Jesus’ resurrection is the “lynchpin” of the Christian faith. Do you agree? Why or why not?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. When you are outside today, look for evidence of new life. How do you see examples of resurrection all around you? How do these examples remind you of Jesus?
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, it’s amazing and hard to comprehend but help me to take in the wonder of Your resurrection.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

Video

#Resurrection

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The Crucifixion

John 19

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. As you pray, ask God to enable you to fully enter into this familiar but horrific account of Jesus’ death.
• 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. In light of what Jesus did on the Cross, why do you think so many people still ignore him? Why should anyone care that Jesus died?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Why did so many people seem to hate Jesus? Do people still feel that way about him? Why do you think they feel that way?
• What is the significance for you of Jesus’ death on the Cross?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Spend a few minutes today meditating on a cross (a picture or piece of jewelry, for example). Think about what Jesus did there and thank him for all that means.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I can’t begin to imagine what You went through on the Cross. How much You must love me!

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

Video

#Crucifixion

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Arrest and Trial

John 18 

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, when I face pressures and “trials” for my faith, help me to be strong and faithful to 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 do you think Peter was thinking that night? Have you ever been in a situation like that? Have you faced pressures to “deny” Jesus? What does it mean to deny him today?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• How would you explain the motives and actions of Caiaphas, Pilate and Peter during the arrest and trial of Jesus? What was their attitude toward him?
• Pilate asked “what is truth?” Do you believe there is such a thing as “absolute truth”? Why or why not? How can we know?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Imagine you were in this story. What pressures would you feel? Would you defend Jesus? How? What you would say to the religious leaders and to Pilate?
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God that, unlike Pilate, you know what truth is and that you know where to find it.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

Video

#Hashtag

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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The next 5 lessons will focus on the Cross of Christ

Our readings in this section cover Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion. But that, of course, was not the end of the story. Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death forever. After he rose, he continued to meet with his disciples until he ascended into heaven. While these passages are primarily historical narratives, they do contain many practical lessons for followers of Jesus in the 21st century, also.

Purpose: To take a fresh look at the death and resurrection of Jesus and what that means for his followers today.

The Last Supper

Luke 22:1-46

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, no matter what I read from Your Word today, I pray that I will attend to it well.
• 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 does this passage say to you about Jesus? What does it say to you about Peter and the other disciples? About you?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Imagine you were at the Last Supper. What might you have felt and thought at this “first communion”?
• What helps or causes you to “remember Jesus”? Explain how and why. Does anything ever cause you to “forget Jesus”? If so, explain how and why.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The next time you prepare to take communion, say aloud, perhaps as a whisper, the words Jesus spoke over the bread and wine.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God for the Last Supper and for every “last supper” celebrated since that night.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

Video

#Cross

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

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Raising Lazarus from The Dead

John 11 

Kevin's Commentary (Jesus shows his power over death)

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

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord God, You alone are the creator and the true source of all life. I honor and thank 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 does it mean to you to know that Jesus has power even over death? How does that knowledge affect the way that you think about your own death?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What does the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead teach you about Jesus? What do you think those who witnessed it felt and thought?
• How do you feel about your own death? Explain why you feel that way. What is your greatest source of hope for the future?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Memorize Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, when I face the death of a loved one, or my own death, help me be comforted by Your promise.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

Video

#Miracles
#Death
#Resurrection

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-64

 

Healing A Demon-Possessed Man

Mark 5:1-20

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. Thank You, Lord, for the many kinds of freedom You give me. I’m very grateful for all You do for me.
• Read = Mark 5:1-20 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. Do you believe in the existence of evil in the world today? Where have you seen or experienced it personally? How can this story help you deal with evil?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What is your view of evil? How would you define it? What’s a clear example of evil in the world today?
• The demon-possessed man was captive to a powerful force of evil. How is the power of evil generally portrayed in the media today? Is it accurate? Explain.
• What does the healing of a demon-possessed man teach you about Jesus?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you see or experience an example of evil today or this week, stop and pray that Jesus’ power will quickly overcome and defeat it.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, You know the evil in the world. I’m powerless against it but I’m thankful that You’re not.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

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E100-63

 

Healing A Blind Man

John 9

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. Lord, continue to open my eyes and heart to the wonder of who You are and all that You have done.
• 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. Some people claim to be miraculously healed by God today. Others deny it happens. What do you think? Does God still heal miraculously? Have you seen it happen? What scriptures relate to your answer?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Why do you suppose the religious leaders were so skeptical about the blind man’s healing? Would you have been? Explain.
• Why do you think so many people are skeptical about faith issues today? Is there any way to overcome that skepticism?
• What does this miracle—the healing of the blind man—teach you about Jesus?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The blind man, when healed, said “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” Sing or read aloud the first verse of the well-known hymn Amazing Grace.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Good Lord, I pray that You will heal me of any spiritual blindness so I can see You more clearly today.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

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

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#Blindness

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