Jim Martin‘s Bible Study

Continuing our consideration of being set free from slavery to serve God and our fellow man, today we look at Deuteronomy chapter 24. God challenges us to have compassion on those who cannot look after themselves, considering our former lives as slaves (to sin). He repeatedly mentions “widows, orphans, and aliens” in these admonitions. By “aliens” I'm confident He's not thinking about extraterrestrials, but rather those foreign to the community of faith. I also believe He would include in the “widows” category “single parents” who struggle to maintain a decent job and care for at-home children and, in some cases, their own parents! 21st Century “Widows” in this sense struggle also with loneliness and relational issues that simply need our love and support. Do I have the solution for these difficult situations? No, but God does have grace to “supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He will supply that grace often through His people, of course, motivated and empowered by His Spirit. We as Jesus people must first surrender every aspect of life to His absolute sovereignty and then “show up for service” each day (Romans 12:1). Friends, I'd love to have a conversation with you about what we've considered the last two weeks and how it might impact your life. PM me if you'd like. Blessings to you all!

It has been several weeks since my last broadcast, but I believe the LORD is prompting me to share what He put on my heart Sunday as our small group Bible study looked at a passage in Deuteronomy chapter 24. What struck me was perhaps not what the lesson was about (that happens rather frequently!) but rather the repetition of two phrases; the first was “because you were slaves in Egypt,” and the other concerned ensuring justice was given to “the alien, the widows, and the orphans.” By nature and by training I tend to look for and find patterns – in data, in nature, in behaviors, and in Scripture. These patterns can help us understand underlying principles of life and Truth at work. The issue of slavery is the background for this study, but not actually the main subject, as abhorrent as the practice may be. I see the practice of enslaving other human beings as a symptom of man's enthroning himself as god and seeing other people as means to his own purpose and enrichment. Our LORD has delivered us from that, and we must learn to see others and relate to them as He does. I first delivered this teaching 20 years ago (!), but “tweaked” it significantly for this release! As always, I'd appreciate your feedback. Blessings!

Believing and Behaving in Babylon – Part 10 Trusting God as His Plan Progresses – Daniel Chapters 10-12 The last three chapters of Daniel's prophecy are quite mysterious to us in the 21st Century, to the point we wonder if they affect us at all! To be sure, much of what was told the prophet has already occurred prior to Jesus' first advent. These events were all – being part of Israel's history – significant in that they formed the character and “world-view” of God's people as Messiah did come. The strength of the “20-20 Hindsight” of how these prophecies were fulfilled works into our “trusting His foresight” of the yet-to-be-realized coming of our King Jesus the second time, not as the “babe in the manger, meek and mild” but as our conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords! We must understand that as the heavenly messengers revealed the future to Daniel, the primary perspective (“frame of reference”) was the nation of Israel with her enemies and defenders, the ultimate vindication of God's Holy Covenant with Israel, and His spiritual claim on Jerusalem and the land of Israel. If you, like me are a Western Gentile then your tie to all this is through embracing and trusting Israel's Messiah-Prince, Jesus of Nazareth. The study notes are fairly extensive due to the complexity and scope of the text

It has been two weeks since my last broadcast due to surgery, subsequent illness, reconfiguring our internet, Thanksgiving gatherings, etc. I've missed sharing in God's Word with you! This session examines God's response to Daniel's marvelous model prayer in chapter 9, verses 4-19. We often tend to want to know when the things promised by God will come to pass. God feels no obligation to satisfy those desires, however, rather wanting us to simply trust Him and be about what He's told us to be doing! In today's passage, though, He does reveal to His servant Daniel an outline of the remainder of history leading up to its close. Much effort, study, and debate has raged through the centuries and across the theological spectrum about the interpretation of the things told Daniel by the angel Gabriel. We will not lay those speculations to rest here! Rather I will strive to keep our attention focused on the “so what” of the matter: given the truths that are plain, how must we then live out our lives, our work, and our ministry in 21st Century Babylon? Some things are very clear. Other details are not. Let us stand and act on what assurances we have! The study notes provided below are far more extensive than previously given. They include commentaries from sources I trust.

Faith-full friends and family, what is our response or reaction when we see prophecy clearly being fulfilled before our very eyes? Many people look at the world events today and say, to the effect, “This must be the end, or if not, the end is close behind!” This week's study looks at the first half of Daniel Chapter 9, one of the most moving and powerful prayers recorded in Scripture (besides Jesus' “high priestly” prayer in John 17). The prophet and servant of God Most High did not dance and shout in jubilation. His response was curious, indeed. The realization that what was written by Jeremiah 70 before was coming true, and that realization/revelation drove him to his knees (or face) in prayer. How, then, should WE pray as the Lord's return draws near and the signs of His coming become more obvious? Let's learn from the great prophet-in-exile.”

This week's message (Wednesday morning USA time) continues considering Daniel's visions of “the last days” and what they mean to us, living as we do in 21st Century Babylon. Chapter 8 brings us two years forward from last week's timing, and God delivers an even more troubling vision to His faithful servant Daniel. This vision details the fall of the Medo-Persian empire, the rise and division of the Greek empire, and the appearance of a terrible, evil person who would defile the sanctuary in Jerusalem and exalt himself against almighty God Himself, even destroying some of God's own people. Daniel, by whom God gave interpretations to Babylonian kings, needed God's plan revealed to himself by the angel Gabriel. The interpretation literally made the old prophet sick! How grieveeing d are we by the sin and corruption in our world and by the suffering of God's people at the hands of the wicked? Let's talk about it, and let's pray for those being persecuted for bearing His Name.

This lesson is a most intriguing section of Daniel's prophecy. Whereas the first six chapters were historical narrative, chapters 7-12 are, for the most part, decidedly prophetic and ultimately quite reassuring and comforting to us! As we live and serve in 21st Century “Babylon” it is important that we not lose sight of God's assurance and promise of His Ultimate Sovereignty and of His imminent return (whether today or in 1,000 years). We must always be ready to “give reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Peter 3:15).   The events recorded in Daniel chapter 7 and 8 occurred prior to the one in Chapter 5. We see a major shift in focus, from historical accounts to the recording of revelations of future events (prophetic visions and their interpretation).  We see also a change in Daniel's countenance from quiet confidence before despotic world rulers to great personal disturbance as he viewed coming events from God's perspective. Also, he changed from one who interpreted dreams and visions – by God's grace and revelation – to one who needed a Heavenly interpreter to set straight what he saw himself. In some ways the dream/vision reported in chapter 7 echoes Nebuchadnezzar's dream recorded in chapter 2, but there are interesting contrasts, as well.  Two major divisions comprise our text: (1) Daniel's dream—verses 1-14 and (2) the interpretation—verses 15-28.

Daniel chapter 6 is perhaps one of the most popular and well-known episodes in the life and ministry of God's faithful servant. One of my daughters suffers from cat allergies; good thing she wasn't with Daniel early in the reign of Darius the Mede! Daniel was the target of an evil conspiracy against him, brought on by the envy and jealousy of his government associates in the Babylonian successor kingdom of Medo-Persia. The conspirators played on Darius' pride and the politico-religious culture of the day. My friends, I am confident that many, if not most of you are praying for your leaders regardless of what country you live in and regardless of whether you agree with the policies and practices of those leaders. You ARE praying for them, aren't you? I'm convinced we should pray even more fervently for those “behind the scenes” – the counselors and advisors to the “public faces” of government. The “authority of counsel” is an incredibly powerful force, as we shall see in today's study.

It's interesting to me how Biblical terms have worked their way into common speech without our fully recognizing or appreciating their origins and meanings! In today's message from Daniel Chapter 5, for instance, we have at least two examples: “The handwriting is on the wall” implying that something is about to happen and it's obvious to all – which it was and it wasn't in the original context – and “his knees knocked together” implying someone was overcome with fear, which is true – but a “gentrified” and far less graphic rendering of what really happened. In our study of “Believing and Behaving in Babylon” – Part 5, we see that the dramatic lesson taught Nebuchadnezzar in Chapter 4 was lost on his successors. This is sobering to me. How much of what God has taught me over my 76 years have I passed on to those around me, especially my children and grandchildren? This is the concept of legacy that surely the Lord has indeed impressed upon me. Belshazzar, the king of the soon-to-be-conquered Babylon, sought and flaunted GLORY for himself. In today's lesson, we affirm that GLORY is God's alone to have and to share as He deems appropriate for the moment and for His ultimate purpose, and that SOVEREIGNTY (or DOMINION) is granted for the purpose of 1) Provision, 2) Protection, 3) Direction, and 4) Discipline (training for righteous living) for His servants. To fail to learn, to ignore, or to forget this principle is to ensure that your rule will be temporary at best! Daniel Chapter 5 records the fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of chapter 2, as interpreted by Daniel to Belshazzar's grandfather. Be certain of this, my dear ones: what God says, IS! It will be accomplished – in His time, by His methods, for His GLORY!

Today we consider a most intriguing and perhaps a bit disturbing incident in the life of Babylon's kind Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4, “The King who was a Beast”! Unfortunately, many of us tend to act like animals from time to time, but in this case a man actually assumed features and activities which can only be described as animalistic. And he remained as such for seven years!  What are we to learn from this story? How does it apply to us and our 21st Century world? I believe there is an even stronger message to us today, and to those who lead us in government, in business, and yes, in churches! And most certainly, in families (don't be an animal, Dad)!

"To bow or to burn" - that seems to be the choice for Jehovah's people through the millennia, including today, my dear friends, in many parts of the world. You say, "Not here, not now, so we're good." Perhaps the government you're living under isn't building giant furnaces (yet) ... wait...remember the horrible interment camps of the Nazi regime? People in the early 20th century didn't think such things could happen, either! Friends, my point is that we must decide NOW whether we really will follow Jesus, not when the persecution comes in earnest. Are You ready? Are your children ready? Grandchildren? Are we serving with excellence and integrity in Babylon2021?

Today we consider Daniel chapter 2 in the context of our living in 21st century “Babylon.” Does Jehovah “speak” to “pagans”?  If so, why would He do so? What would His message be, and to whom? To what source to 21st century “pagans” look for direction and counsel? From where does that counsel originate, and what would that source's objective be? And what about us? How do we “Believe and Behave in Babylon” today? It's an interesting question, and a sobering answer, I think! Let's study together, shall we?

Faith-full friends and family, I know many of you are in some degree of distress this morning because of the hurricane that struck near where many of us live. As of this moment I am not aware of injury to or death of any of my dear family or friends, although many have indeed suffered property loss or damage. God's Grace and mercy, comfort and provision be with all. Last week's opening message in the “Believing and Behaving in Babylon” series ended abruptly (!) without my explaining the imperatives God teaches from Daniel and his colleagues' response to the government officials' attempts to “transform them into proper Babylonians.” I will complete that message today, if the Lord allows and keeps our connection alive. If He doesn't, I'll find another way; for certain I will be able to get the audio podcast up and published if the Facebook Live fails due to connectivity issues. Pray for me in that regard, will you? Though we live in “Babylon” in 2021, we must remain faithful to our calling and our eternal identity as God's ambassadors to a lost and dying world. This lesson presents insights into how we accomplish that objective. Shalom!

Will the righteous be forsaken? Never!! But will the righteous be tested? Absolutely! So it was for Daniel and the remnant of the faithful as they were cruelly dragged into Babylonian slavery in 586 BC (or thereabouts). What shall we do if our country and even its Jesus-followers fall to the enemy? We have precedent to encourage us. Study with me…

Our Western concept of "justice" does not quite coincide with the Biblical requirement given in Micah 6:8. I think you will be challenged, as I was, by the revealing of the meaning of the Hebrew words translated "justice" in this passage.

Today we complete our study of Micah 6:6-8, "What does God Require?" Today's segment takes the last "requirement" - "...to walk humbly with your God." A pundit remarked, "Oh, humility is my strongest suit!" Wrong! Humility's paradox is that if you think you are humble, you're proud!! Makes one sigh, doesn't it? Such a complex yet simple-sounding thing. Here's a hint for today's study: you won't fulfill the first two until you're walking in the third!

Today we continue our study of a very familiar passage of Scripture, Micah 6:6-8, "What does the Lord Require?" Last time I mentioned that I've been listening to teaching from a Hebrew/Eastern world perspective and it has challenged my thinking on - among many other things - our idea of "social justice." Today we examine the second “requirement”: “to love kindness (or mercy.” We all need to heed this one!!

Steps to Gaining a Forgiving Spirit Realize that God is working through the offender (Gen. 50:20)Thank God for the benefit He plans through the offense (Rom. 8:28; 1 Thes. 5:18) Discern character qualities God wants to develop in us (Gal 5:22)Expect to suffer for doing right Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 2:24-26; 2 Tim 3:10-14 Our Responsibility: …to Heal Offenders! 1 Peter 2:19, 21-24

The message today continues our series on turning bitterness into forgiveness. Today we will look at the process that God uses in this transformation.

Bitterness ravages the  body, soul and spirit! Today's lesson examines the effects of unforgiveness on us and on the community in which we live, Here are the updated study notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IqPVd8mh5gBCnTT4oWAyWd_x31tMyOYHVn0y3Qf0F_8/edit?usp=sharing

This begins a series of messages titled "Turning Bitterness into Forgiveness." Have you been offended, hurt, betrayed, lied to, let down, ...? Of course! At one time or another we all have been! Some seem to walk on past such wounds, some cannot seem to get past them and suffer the consequences. Here's a link to the study notes, which I strongly recommend to you: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zy43WxtAnt_uTK7yoEfCC2BIfgO7KLeEEx-TwSfiMiE/edit?usp=sharing

today we wrap up our series "Preparing for the Future" Part 3. I'm calling this episode, "Sharpen your Sword." Of course, I'm talking about God's Word, the Bible, which Paul calls "the sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:17. With the concept of "truth" becoming increasingly fluid in our world, it is essential (and comforting) to know that God's Truth never changes with the winds of culture and the fickle desires of people. Let's examine how His Word can prepare us for whatever lies ahead. Here's the link for our study: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1umDBqxdHoUrs8lSpVo8IPlnMG0jSvYhe1FFnKIjaGHA/edit?usp=sharing

Hi! Here are the study notes for Preparing for the Future: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1umDBqxdHoUrs8lSpVo8IPlnMG0jSvYhe1FFnKIjaGHA/edit?usp=sharing   Today we continue our study titled "Preparing for the Future." Even a casual observation of world, national, and local events - regardless of where you live - should alarm us and cause us to ask, "Can it get any worse?" (Yes, and it will!) and, "Will we survive it?" (Probably, but not without the potential of injury and/or loss). The "Bottom Line" here: Prepare! In Part 2 we consider the development of Godly character. This development involves DISCIPLINE (training for righteous living) on our part and GRACE on God's part! Fortunately, God is not short on grace.   The Apostle Paul sensed he was nearing the end of his earthly life. What did he do? He continued to pour himself into his faithful disciple Timothy, likely the pastor of the church at Ephesus at the time. In chapter 3 of his final letter, he urges Timothy to lead his people into the eternal security of Christ's presence and power by sanctifying themselves to Him.   My friends, that was over 1,950 years ago! How much more must we, in these Troublesome Times, do the same! I perceive it will take 3-4 weeks for us to do this study. Are you up for it? I am! Let's go!

Today I begin a study titled "Preparing for the Future." Even a casual observation of world, national, and local events - regardless of where you live - should alarm us and cause us to ask, "Can it get any worse?" (Yes, and it will!) and, "Will we survive it?" (Probably, but not without the potential of injury and/or loss). The "Bottom Line" here: Prepare!   The Apostle Paul sensed he was nearing the end of his earthly life. What did he do? He continued to pour himself into his faithful disciple Timothy, likely the pastor of the church at Ephesus at the time. In chapter 3 of his final letter, he urges Timothy to lead his people into the eternal security of Christ's presence and power by sanctifying themselves to Him.   My friends, that was over 1,950 years ago! How much more must we, in these Troublesome Times, do the same! I perceive it will take 3-4 weeks for us to do this study. Are you up for it? I am! Let's go!   Here are the notes for Part 1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1umDBqxdHoUrs8lSpVo8IPlnMG0jSvYhe1FFnKIjaGHA/edit?usp=sharing

This is Part 2 of “Following the ‘Dangerous' Jesus.” C. S. Lewis wrote in his classic “The Chronicles of Narnia” regarding “Aslan” – the lion-King metaphor for Christ: “Of course He's good. But He's not ‘safe'; He's not a tame lion!” Have you found that “following Jesus” can be considered a bit dangerous at times? I'll admit that personal safety has not always been a strong consideration for me in my ministry (or activities, as my scars and bruises will bear witness). In truth, in some parts of the world throughout history and today to confess and follow Christ has borne and still bears a heavy cost, including exclusion, exile from family, persecution, imprisonment, even death. I have worked among some of such believers. However, today's study isn't talking about that kind of danger or risk – necessarily. It focusses on our being willing to obey Him when it “doesn't make sense,” or even when what He asks of us seems “dangerous.” This week we're continuing to study the passage from Matthew's gospel, chapter 14. It is a story of chaos brought to order, uncertainty and need made confident and fully met. Does this describe your life today? Perhaps you need to “get out of the boat.” Sound dangerous? Perhaps, but sometimes that's where Jesus is. And He is saying to each of us, “Come, follow Me.” Here's the link to the study notes, my friends: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DuJrQ-Ng9hEYPBQGQyz2bpB8Of5Rsz00/view?usp=sharing

C. S. Lewis wrote in his classic “The Chronicles of Narnia” regarding “Aslan” – the lion-King metaphor for Christ: “Of course He's good. But He's not ‘safe'; He's not a tame lion!” Have you found that “following Jesus” can be considered a bit dangerous at times? I'll admit that personal safety has not always been a strong consideration for me in my ministry (or activities, as my scars and bruises will bear witness). In truth, in some parts of the world throughout history and today to confess and follow Christ has borne and still bears a heavy cost, including exclusion, exile from family, persecution, imprisonment, even death. I have worked among some of such believers. However, today's study isn't talking about that kind of danger or risk – necessarily. It focusses on our being willing to obey Him when it “doesn't make sense,” or even when what He asks of us seems “dangerous.” Today, we're considering the passage from Matthew's gospel, chapter 14. It is a story of chaos brought to order, uncertainty and need made confident and fully met. Does this describe your life today? Perhaps you need to “get out of the boat.” Sound dangerous? Perhaps, but sometimes that's where Jesus is. And He is saying to each of us, “Come, follow Me.” Here's the link to the study notes, my friends: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p4LzeRIeUWmdqq7O2bD8d8XgYPbO63Lg/view?usp=sharing

The Third Triad of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit Faith-full friends and family, you've either been exceedingly patient with me or you assume I've fallen off some cliff into Heaven! But no, we've simply been hindered by poor-to-non-existent communications and considerable demand on our time and physical abilities. So, here is the final installment of our “Holy War” series. Of course, I am not talking about “jihad” or any such thing; no, I'm referring to the “war” – or conflict between the “flesh” – our sinful nature, and the Spirit – God's personal presence within the Jesus-person. In this lesson we examine the “third triad” of the Holy Spirit's manifestation within us as the Apostle Paul teaches in Galatians chapter 5, verses 22 & 23.  Here is a link to the study notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ttSgaPGvBayNylAn0goNMnZmcMy3e6aIKZCTmvsRgYQ/edit?usp=sharing The last three of the nine evidences (“Fruit”) of the Holy Spirit's control over our flesh constitute what some theologians (those who study God for a living) see as indication of our personal devotion to God Himself. That view is a bit confusing at first glance, but, when I think about it, I can see what they mean. Let's study this together, shall we?

The "Fruit of the Spirit" passage in Galatians 5:22-23 can be divided into three "triads of grace" to describe how the Holy Spirit in us is revealed within ourselves, toward others, and with God Himself. Today's podcast examines the second of these "triads." 

In one of the earliest letters of the New Testament the Apostle Paul warns the young-in-the-faith believers in the region of Galatia (modern Turkey) against false teachers and exhorts them to allow the Holy Spirit to empower them to live lives exemplifying their new character and the Person of God living in them. Today's session examines the first three characteristics of the Spirit-filled life.