Pastor's Bible Study

The King is coming, and He will rule and reign from the throne of David for 1000 years. This lesson focuses on the what the kingdom will be like and who will be there.

Jesus death is perhaps the single greatest aspect of His ministry on earth. He died as our substitutionary sin atoning sacrifice so that we could be saved, set free, made alive, reconciled, redeemed, etc. Without the death of Jesus there could be no resurrection.

Jesus fulfilled, is fulfilling, and will fulfil the offices of prophet, priest, and king. He represented His heavenly Father to us as prophet. He represents us to His Father as our great high priest. And He rules and will rule as King.

Philippians 2 describes the great humiliation of Jesus, His becoming a servant to serve our greatest need - salvation. Theologically, Paul describes Jesus' kenosis. The word kenosis speaks of the emptying of Jesus of his glory and majesty. Jesus was not, however, emptied of His deity. His kenosis is revealed in His coming from the infinite heights of glory to the infinite depths of hell so that we could be saved, delivered from sin and death, and reconciled unto God the Father.

Jesus is deity. He is God robed in flesh. His' titles, works, and the life He lived all declare that He is God.

Jesus is the incarnate God robed in flesh. He is 100% God and 100% man. This lesson focuses on the humanity of Jesus. It is vitally important that we understand that Jesus lived His life in total victory by depending upon the same resources available to us today as the children of God., It is this reality (i.e. that He lived His life as a man depending upon the Holy Spirit) that lays out an example that we can follow as disciples.

The importance of virgin birth of the incarnate Jesus Christ cannot be overstated. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, then Jesus was a man like you or me. He had a sin nature like you or me. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, then he could not be the Son of God. He could not be sinless. He could not be a substitutionary sacrifice. And He could not be the Savior of mankind. The virgin birth of Jesus is often the first truth about Jesus to be attacked. The virgin birth fulfilled prophecy, declares Jesus' purity, and reveals God's purposes.

The importance of virgin birth of the incarnate Jesus Christ cannot be overstated. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, then Jesus was a man like you or me. He had a sin nature like you or me. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, then he could not be the Son of God. He could not be sinless. He could not be a substitutionary sacrifice. And He could not be the Savior of mankind. The virgin birth of Jesus is often the first truth about Jesus to be attacked. The virgin birth fulfilled prophecy, declares Jesus' purity, and reveals God's purposes.

In this introductory lesson we are faced with the critical question: who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, 'Who do men say that I am?" Then he asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Who we think and believe Jesus to be in our lives is the single most important thing we can believe. As Peter said, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Because Jesus is deity, he was preexistent to his incarnation and not only preexistent but also eternal.

In this introductory lesson we are faced with the critical question: who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, 'Who do men say that I am?" Then he asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Who we think and believe Jesus to be in our lives is the single most important thing we can believe. As Peter said, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Because Jesus is deity, he was preexistent to his incarnation and not only preexistent but also eternal.

Gen 22 is the climax of Abraham's journey of faith to his bold obedience. But, there is something much larger and grander than the sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah. In this chapter, there is a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of God's Son on this exact same mountain that we today call Calvary. Abraham told Isaac that God would provide Himself a lamb, and He did - Jesus. John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Jesus and His substitutionary sacrifice are seen in Gen 22. This is how Abraham saw Jesus in his day, i.e. through the foreshadowing of Christ's substitutionary atonement.

Gen 22 is the climax of Abraham's journey of faith to his bold obedience. But, there is something much larger and grander than the sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah. In this chapter, there is a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of God's Son on this exact same mountain that we today call Calvary. Abraham told Isaac that God would provide Himself a lamb, and He did - Jesus. John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Jesus and His substitutionary sacrifice are seen in Gen 22. This is how Abraham saw Jesus in his day, i.e. through the foreshadowing of Christ's substitutionary atonement.

The bible references Abraham as the friend of God, but that does not mean that Abraham was perfect. He is on a journey to bold obedience, but along the way he does have lapses of faith and commits sin. We are reminded that salvation is instantaneous, but spiritual growth takes time. Abraham sins by lying once again about Sarah being his sister. His sin not only hurt him but others around him. He damaged his character, lost his testimony, lost his dignity, hurt his ability to minister, and he almost lost Sarah and the promised son to come, Isaac. Abimilech forgave Abraham. His forgiveness is an illustration of how God forgives his children and restores them.

The bible references Abraham as the friend of God, but that does not mean that Abraham was perfect. He is on a journey to bold obedience, but along the way he does have lapses of faith and commits sin. We are reminded that salvation is instantaneous, but spiritual growth takes time. Abraham sins by lying once again about Sarah being his sister. His sin not only hurt him but others around him. He damaged his character, lost his testimony, lost his dignity, hurt his ability to minister, and he almost lost Sarah and the promised son to come, Isaac. Abimilech forgave Abraham. His forgiveness is an illustration of how God forgives his children and restores them.

Chapter 19 tells the sad story of both the destruction of Sodom and the demise of Lot. What led to the destruction of Sodom and the demise of Lot? Choices. Every decision we make either leads us toward the light or deeper into darkness. There is no such thing a meaningless choice.

Chapter 19 tells the sad story of both the destruction of Sodom and the demise of Lot. What led to the destruction of Sodom and the demise of Lot? Choices. Every decision we make either leads us toward the light or deeper into darkness. There is no such thing a meaningless choice.

One of the great things that happened to Abraham as a result of journeying to a bold obedience is that God's Word describes Abraham as the friend of God. (2 Chron. 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; and James 2:23) In Genesis 18 we see Abraham and God's friendships on display. Abraham fellowships with God as he entertains heavenly company. Then we see God treat Abraham as a close friend when He communicates and shares His plan with Abraham regarding the timing of the birth of Isaac and the judgment to be poured out upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

One of the great things that happened to Abraham as a result of journeying to a bold obedience is that God's Word describes Abraham as the friend of God. (2 Chron. 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; and James 2:23) In Genesis 18 we see Abraham and God's friendships on display. Abraham fellowships with God as he entertains heavenly company. Then we see God treat Abraham as a close friend when He communicates and shares His plan with Abraham regarding the timing of the birth of Isaac and the judgment to be poured out upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

God's blessing on Abraham spills over into the lives of Abraham's family members: his wife (barren/bearing son), his two sons (Ishmael - prince over 12 tribes / Isaac the father of Israel, the lineage of Messiah), and all their offspring. The blessings of God in our lives can spill over into the lives of our family members (and others).  They are designed to do so, but you have to obey God and walk before God blamelessly in order to get the blessing. 

God's blessing on Abraham spills over into the lives of Abraham's family members: his wife (barren/bearing son), his two sons (Ishmael - prince over 12 tribes / Isaac the father of Israel, the lineage of Messiah), and all their offspring. The blessings of God in our lives can spill over into the lives of our family members (and others).  They are designed to do so, but you have to obey God and walk before God blamelessly in order to get the blessing. 

The decisions we make can ultimately make us or break us. And the breaking can be so bad that there is no coming back. We can break our reputation, our marriage, our career, our future opportunities, etc. Genesis 13 teaches us some very important and practical lessons about decision making and choosing foolishly or wisely. What were the circumstances surrounding and the causes of Lot's poor choice? What can we learn from Abraham about making good decisions?

The decisions we make can ultimately make us or break us. And the breaking can be so bad that there is no coming back. We can break our reputation, our marriage, our career, our future opportunities, etc. Genesis 13 teaches us some very important and practical lessons about decision making and choosing foolishly or wisely. What were the circumstances surrounding and the causes of Lot's poor choice? What can we learn from Abraham about making good decisions?

The Abrahamic covenant is a covenant where God promises Abraham the blessings of seed and soil, i.e. offspring and land. God promises to give Abraham a son (Isaac) through whom a nation (Israel) would be formed. God promises to give Abraham a particular seed (Jesus) through whom the whole would could be blessed with salvation. God promises to give Abraham a land that stretches from the Nile River to Euphrates River. The covenant God made with Abraham is eternal, unconditional, and nontransferable. It is foundational. Everything in the bible from Gen 12 to Rev 22 revolves around this covenant.

The Abrahamic covenant is a covenant where God promises Abraham the blessings of seed and soil, i.e. offspring and land. God promises to give Abraham a son (Isaac) through whom a nation (Israel) would be formed. God promises to give Abraham a particular seed (Jesus) through whom the whole would could be blessed with salvation. God promises to give Abraham a land that stretches from the Nile River to Euphrates River. The covenant God made with Abraham is eternal, unconditional, and nontransferable. It is foundational. Everything in the bible from Gen 12 to Rev 22 revolves around this covenant.

Abraham lived a life characterized by obedience that was the result of faith. The bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). It was the faith of Abraham that allowed him to be the friend of God. We cannot be a lawgiver like Moses, a conqueror like Joshua, a king like David, or a prophet like Elijah, but we can be an Abraham by living a life of bold obedience. The journey to a bold obedience begins with FAITH. 

Abraham lived a life characterized by obedience that was the result of faith. The bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). It was the faith of Abraham that allowed him to be the friend of God. We cannot be a lawgiver like Moses, a conqueror like Joshua, a king like David, or a prophet like Elijah, but we can be an Abraham by living a life of bold obedience. The journey to a bold obedience begins with FAITH. 

We can learn a great deal about victorious faith from both Joshua and Rahab. We learn that to live out a victorious faith, you must have a personal encounter with God (Jesus) and you must submit to His commands. When you do, you can experience a work of God that has no human explanation, like Joshua and Rahab in the victory and salvation God gave in the battle of Jericho.

We can learn a great deal about victorious faith from both Joshua and Rahab. We learn that to live out a victorious faith, you must have a personal encounter with God (Jesus) and you must submit to His commands. When you do, you can experience a work of God that has no human explanation, like Joshua and Rahab in the victory and salvation God gave in the battle of Jericho.

Moses life of faith can be divided into three 40 year periods: 40 years of training in Egypt, 40 years of training in the desert, and 40 years of doing what he was trained to do in the previous 80 years. All along the way he had a faith that was tested and tried. He had to learn to war by faith.  If we're going to follow in the footsteps of Moses, waiting, watching, walking, and warring in faith, then we should make the same decisions he made:  1) We must refuse to go with the flow of a sinful society. 2) We must leave the familiar to venture into the foreign.  3) We must swallow our pride and be willing to do the unusual.  

Moses life of faith can be divided into three 40 year periods: 40 years of training in Egypt, 40 years of training in the desert, and 40 years of doing what he was trained to do in the previous 80 years. All along the way he had a faith that was tested and tried. He had to learn to war by faith.  If we're going to follow in the footsteps of Moses, waiting, watching, walking, and warring in faith, then we should make the same decisions he made:  1) We must refuse to go with the flow of a sinful society. 2) We must leave the familiar to venture into the foreign.  3) We must swallow our pride and be willing to do the unusual.  

Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph each had faith even unto the end of their days. But the thing the author of Hebrews zeros in on that they utilized their faith to extend a blessing to their children. Every parent has a God-given responsibility to bless their children. From the word “blessing” we get our word eulogy—“to speak well of.” There three lessons we can learn from these men of faith about blessing by faith. 1) The blessing is a spiritual tool giving hope to your children for the future2) The blessing is another way of you worshipping God3) The blessing is a means of interlocking the past with the future 

Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph each had faith even unto the end of their days. But the thing the author of Hebrews zeros in on that they utilized their faith to extend a blessing to their children. Every parent has a God-given responsibility to bless their children. From the word “blessing” we get our word eulogy—“to speak well of.” There three lessons we can learn from these men of faith about blessing by faith. 1) The blessing is a spiritual tool giving hope to your children for the future2) The blessing is another way of you worshipping God3) The blessing is a means of interlocking the past with the future 

Abraham's faith was tested and tested and tested. Some tests he passed. Some tests he failed. But what we do see over time is a growing and strengthening and purifying of his faith. It is as if Abraham were enrolled in a school of faith. One of things that all students in any school have in common is tests. All students are tested to see where they are academically. Our walk with God by faith is a School of Faith. And in the School of Faith we, like Abraham, must have occasional tests, or we will never know where we are spiritually. 

Abraham's faith was tested and tested and tested. Some tests he passed. Some tests he failed. But what we do see over time is a growing and strengthening and purifying of his faith. It is as if Abraham were enrolled in a school of faith. One of things that all students in any school have in common is tests. All students are tested to see where they are academically. Our walk with God by faith is a School of Faith. And in the School of Faith we, like Abraham, must have occasional tests, or we will never know where we are spiritually. 

Sarah's faith began in unbelief but it ended with her experiencing what was humanly impossible, i.e. God's possible, when after 25 years of waiting she gave birth to the promised son, Isaac. There are many lessons we can learn from Sarah about faith. One of the most important is that faith must be personal. Abraham had great faith, but Sarah needed her own faith. This principle is true for us. We may have people in our lives who have great faith but their faith won't substitute for our faith. Another lesson to learn is that often when we have to wait in faith we end up seeing our faith grow to new levels.

Sarah's faith began in unbelief but it ended with her experiencing what was humanly impossible, i.e. God's possible, when after 25 years of waiting she gave birth to the promised son, Isaac. There are many lessons we can learn from Sarah about faith. One of the most important is that faith must be personal. Abraham had great faith, but Sarah needed her own faith. This principle is true for us. We may have people in our lives who have great faith but their faith won't substitute for our faith. Another lesson to learn is that often when we have to wait in faith we end up seeing our faith grow to new levels.

Abraham was a man of great faith. God called Abraham to follow Him and come to a land that God would give to Abraham. . Abraham didn't know where exactly God was calling him to, but he had faith to follow. And since he didn't know where he was going, you could say he had faith to wander with God. In our text we see five principles for those who live by faith: 1) We are invited to live by faith.2) We obey when we live by faith.3) We sojourn when we live by faith. 4) We reject the world when we live by faith.5) We see with spiritual eyes when we live by faith.

Abraham was a man of great faith. God called Abraham to follow Him and come to a land that God would give to Abraham. . Abraham didn't know where exactly God was calling him to, but he had faith to follow. And since he didn't know where he was going, you could say he had faith to wander with God. In our text we see five principles for those who live by faith: 1) We are invited to live by faith.2) We obey when we live by faith.3) We sojourn when we live by faith. 4) We reject the world when we live by faith.5) We see with spiritual eyes when we live by faith.

Enoch teaches us that by faith we can walk with God in such a way that we please God. By faith we can walk so closely with God and sense His presence and power that we look for our blessed hope, the return of Christ and the rapture that will occur.

Enoch teaches us that by faith we can walk with God in such a way that we please God. By faith we can walk so closely with God and sense His presence and power that we look for our blessed hope, the return of Christ and the rapture that will occur.

Noah was a man whose fear (trust) in God motivated him to build an ark. He was moved by faith to prepare an ark in which he saved his house (family), condemned the world, and became an inheritor of righteousness.  What is your faith moving you to do? Real faith moves believers to action. Do you have real faith? 

Noah was a man whose fear (trust) in God motivated him to build an ark. He was moved by faith to prepare an ark in which he saved his house (family), condemned the world, and became an inheritor of righteousness.  What is your faith moving you to do? Real faith moves believers to action. Do you have real faith? 

Abel responded to God in faith by bringing an appropriate offering in sacrifice. Because he obeyed by faith, he won God's approval. God testified to Abel's faith. And to this day, Abel's faith is still speaking to us; pointing us to the way of faith, i.e. responding in obedience to what God has revealed to us in His Word.