Venice church of Christ

How should we approach the many things we have to do in our lives all the time?How can we maintain a healthy perspective about the constant spiritual behaviors in our lives?Attitudes Toward ConstancyOutline | Conversation

What is the Book of Job all about?What are we to make of Job, his friends, and God's message to Job?The Book of Job | Books of the BibleOutline | Conversation

Hi! We're on the Internet together!It can be good. It can be bad. It can also be quite ugly.How can we glorify God on the Internet?The Internet: The Good, the Bad, and the UglyOutline | Conversation

How should Christians approach entertainment?How can we glorify God in how we entertain ourselves?EntertainmentOutline | Conversation

What is the Book of Esther all about?What should we make of the Book of Esther?The Book of Esther | Books of the BibleOutline | Conversation

Where did marathons come from?What spiritual lessons might we derive from the Battle of Marathon?Lessons From MarathonOutline | Conversation

Upon what do most conversations about the clothing of Christians focus?Yet what is the focus of the New Testament authors regarding the Christian's clothing?How should we approach the matter of the Christian's clothing?The Christian's ClothingOutline | Conversation

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."Thus John F. Kennedy challenged Americans in 1961. What spiritual applications can we draw from the principle of seeking the best interest of others?Ask Not...Outline | Conversation

What did Nehemiah want God and us to know about him and his work?What can we gain from Nehemiah's story and his example in his time?The Book of Nehemiah | Books of the BibleOutline | Conversation

Why do we say but do not do?What double standard exists between how we view ourselves versus how we view others?How can we better reflect in our actions that which we speak?Saying and DoingOutline | Conversation

What are the various forms of deceit out there?Why must Christians strive to avoid all forms of deceit?DeceitOutline | Conversation

What are the various forms of corrupt communication?Why should Christians give serious consideration to what and how they speak?Corrupt CommunicationOutline | Conversation

What is the Book of Ezra all about?How can we gain encouragement from Israel's restoration to its land?The Book of Ezra | Books of the BibleOutline | Conversation

How much will people ruin their lives in their pursuit of money or other such things?When will we all be confronted by our moment of truth?The Moment of TruthOutline |Conversation

Romans 8:1-39 has many encouraging promises for those who are "in Christ Jesus." But what prospects exist for those who are not in Christ? The Curses of God | Romans 8:1-39 Outline | Conversation

What kind of promises did God make in Romans 8:1-39? How can we gain encouragement from those promises? The Promises of God | Romans 8:1-39 Outline | Conversation

What is the Second Book of Chronicles all about? How would 2 Chronicles provide background and encouragement for later Israelites and Christians? The Second Book of Chronicles | Books of the Bible

How do we become members of the Church of Christ and a church of Christ? How could we possibly not be a member of the Church of Christ when we are members of a church of Christ? Just Because You Are a Member of a church of Christ Does Not Mean You Must Be a Member of the Church of Christ Outline | Conversation

What would be controversial about the church relating as the family of God? How can we cultivate healthier relationships within the church as the family of God? The Nature of the Church: The Church as Family Outline | Conversation

Why would Paul speak of the church in terms of a body? How can we work better as the body of Christ? The BodyOutline | Conversation

What does it mean for God in Christ to be the Alpha and the Omega? How can we profitably understand Revelation in terms of God in Christ as the Alpha and the Omega? How can we well regard Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega? The Alpha and the Omega | Jesus in Revelation Outline | Conversation

How can we easily get so lost in the imagery of Armageddon we miss out on its meaning? How does Revelation portray the judgments of God? How would those judgments come to pass? How can we take comfort and assurance from Jesus the Rider and the sharp two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth? The Sharp Two-Edged Sword | Jesus in Revelation Outline | Conversation

Why do so many want Jesus to be the Lion of Judah? What does it mean for the Lion of Judah to be the Lamb? How should we thoroughly reconsider our understanding of Jesus in Revelation in light of His presentation as the Lamb which was slain? The Lion of Judah, the Lamb | Jesus in Revelation Outline | Conversation

How was Jesus described and portrayed in John's vision in Revelation 1:9-20? Why did Jesus thus present Himself before John? How can we gain encouragement today in our faith from Jesus as the One Like a Son of Man in Revelation 1:9-4:1? One Like a Son of Man | Jesus in Revelation Outline | Conversation

What is 1 Chronicles all about? What's up with all the genealogies? Why does the Chronicler characterize David in the way he did? The First Book of Chronicles | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

Why did Ezekiel see a temple and a city in a prophetic visionary experience? How was John's vision similar and dissimilar to what Ezekiel saw? Where can we find the realization of Ezekiel's vision of the temple and the city? The Temple and the City | Ezekiel 40:1-48:35 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

What was Ezekiel's prophecy of Gog of Magog all about? What kind of fulfillment of that prophecy could be really expected? What confidence should Christians have regarding prophecies regarding Gog of/and Magog? Gog and Magog | Ezekiel 38:1-39:29 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

How would God prove to be the God of the living, not the dead, in the valley of dry bones? How has God made all His people one? Dry Bones and Sticks | Ezekiel 37:1-28 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

Why would God restore Israel? How can we be the kind of people who share in God's restoration of Israel? A Heart of Flesh | Ezekiel 36:16-38 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

What did YHWH command Ezekiel to prophesy to the mountains of Seir and Israel? How would the word of YHWH against Edom and for Israel find its fulfillment in the Second Temple Period? How did Ezekiel's hope find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus the Christ? Proclaim to the Mountains | Ezekiel 35:1-36:15 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

Why did Ezekiel condemn the leaders of Israel? What hope and encouragement did Ezekiel provide for Israel? How did Jesus prove to be the Good Shepherd of Israel? YHWH the Shepherd | Ezekiel 34:1-31 | Ezekiel's Hope Outline | Conversation

What would happen to the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah after the days of Elijah? How would these kingdoms meet their end? The Second Book of Kings | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

How could the Jewish people exult in the restoration of Zion? How would the disciples weep but then see their mourning turned to joy? How can we sow with weeping but have confidence we will reap with joy? Restored Fortunes | Psalm 126:1-6 | Hope in PsalmOutline | Conversation A song of ascents. When YHWH restored the well-being of Zion, we thought we were dreaming. At that time we laughed loudly and shouted for joy. At that time the nations said, "YHWH has accomplished great things for these people." YHWH did indeed accomplish great things for us. We were happy. O YHWH, restore our well-being, just as the streams in the arid south are replenished. Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest. The one who weeps as he walks along, carrying his bag of seed, will certainly come in with a shout of joy, carrying his sheaves of grain.

How did David celebrate God and the Davidic king? How did the Spirit speak through David about what God would accomplish through Jesus the Christ? How can we draw encouragement from Psalm 110? Right Hand of Power | Psalm 110:1-7 | Hope in PsalmOutline | Conversation A psalm of David. Here is YHWH's proclamation to my lord: “Sit down at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool!” YHWH extends your dominion from Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people willingly follow you when you go into battle. On the holy hills at sunrise the dew of your youth belongs to you. YHWH makes this promise on oath and will not revoke it: “You are an eternal priest after the pattern of Melchizedek.” O Lord, at your right hand he strikes down kings in the day he unleashes his anger. He executes judgment against the nations; he fills the valleys with corpses; he shatters their heads over the vast battlefield. From the stream along the road he drinks; then he lifts up his head.

How did David celebrate his relationship with God? How would David better speak of the Christ than himself in Psalm 16:1-11? How can we well celebrate our relationship with God and the prospect of eternal life? Not Abandoned to Sheol | Psalm 16:1-11 | Hope in PsalmOutline | Conversation A prayer of David. Protect me, O God, for I have taken shelter in you. I say to YHWH, “You are the Lord, my only source of well-being.” As for God's chosen people who are in the land, and the leading officials I admired so much – their troubles multiply; they desire other gods. I will not pour out drink offerings of blood to their gods, nor will I make vows in the name of their gods. YHWH, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure. It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land. I will praise YHWH who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn. I constantly trust in the YHWH; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. So my heart rejoices and I am happy; My life is safe. You will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit. You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.

How did David understand YHWH as His shepherd? How can Christians see themselves as shepherded by God in Christ through the Spirit? How can we celebrate the resurrection in Psalm 23:1-6? YHWH My Shepherd | Psalm 23:1-6 | Comfort in PsalmOutline | Conversation A psalm of David. YHWH is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in YHWH's house for the rest of my life.

How would the Kingdom of Israel endure after David? What happened when Solomon was king? Why did Israel and Judah divide? How did Elijah stand up against the idolatry of Ahab? The First Book of Kings | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

What did David think about when looking upon the night sky? How did David encode a story about the Christ as the Son of Man in his meditation? How can we take comfort from David's meditations? Mindful of Man | Psalm 8:1-9 | Comfort in PsalmOutline | Conversation For the music director, according to the gittith style; a psalm of David. O YHWH, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth! You reveal your majesty in the heavens above! From the mouths of children and nursing babies you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries, so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy. When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them? You made them a little less than the heavenly beings. You crowned mankind with honor and majesty. You appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority, including all the sheep and cattle, as well as the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea and everything that moves through the currents of the seas. O YHWH, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!

What did Paul mean by an "eternal weight of glory" in 2 Corinthians 4:17? Is an "eternal weight" even a good thing? How can we take great comfort and encouragement from the eternal weight of glory awaiting the believer when the Lord Jesus returns? Eternal Weight of Glory | Hope in Glory Outline | Conversation For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Why did Paul groan and yearn to be clothed in the resurrection? What's the problem today, and what is its solution? How can we draw encouragement for ourselves and others in yearning to be clothed in the resurrection? Clothed in the Resurrection | Hope in Glory Outline | Conversation

How can Paul speak of what he suffered as "light momentary affliction"? How can Christians best understand and endure difficulties, suffering, and trial? What does the Gospel have to say about such things? Light Momentary Affliction | Hope in Glory Outline | Conversation

Does 2 Samuel have anything to do with Samuel? What can we gain from the narratives regarding the rule of David as king of Judah and Israel? 2 Samuel | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

What difficulties attend to drugs and their use? How should Christians approach drugs in light of what God has made known in Christ? Drugs | Chemical Temptations Outline | Conversation Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

What does the Bible have to say about alcohol? When does alcohol become a problem? Should Christians make a blanket condemnation of any and all consumption of alcohol? Alcohol | Chemical Temptations Outline | Conversation

What is 1 Samuel about? What was the promise, and the ultimate tragedy, of the reign of Saul? The First Letter of Samuel | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

How can we best walk according to the Spirit as we relate toward one another? How can we be part of the Israel of God? Peace Upon the Israel of God | Galatians 6:1-18 | Paul's Letter to the GalatiansOutline | Conversation Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. For each one will carry his own load. Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh. But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

How could Jesus liberate us to serve one another in love? How can Paul speak of loving neighbor as oneself as the fulfillment of the Law? Called to Freedom | Galatians 5:1-26 | Paul's Letter to the GalatiansOutline | Conversation For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace! For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you! A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise! I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those agitators would go so far as to castrate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.

What is the book of Ruth all about? What made Ruth's story of life and faith so extraordinary? Ruth | Books of the Bible Outline | Conversation

From what did Jesus liberate all of us? In what controversial and shocking ways did Paul characterize the Law of Moses and the old covenant? Children of Freedom | Galatians 4:1-5:1 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians Outline | Conversation Now I mean that the heir, as long as he is a minor, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. So also we, when we were minors, were enslaved under the basic forces of the world. But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God. Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all. But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? You are observing religious days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain. I beg you, brothers and sisters, become like me, because I have become like you. You have done me no wrong! But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you, and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself! Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me! So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? They court you eagerly, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you would seek them eagerly. However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. My children – I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you. Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise. These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman who does not bear children; break forth and shout, you who have no birth pains, because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.” But you, brothers and sisters, are children of the promise like Isaac. But just as at that time the one born by natural descent persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? “Throw out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the son” of the free woman. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

What does it mean for all Christians to be clothed with Christ and equal in Him? How did Paul well demonstrate how the Law of Moses was not applicable to Gentile Christians? Clothed With Christ | Galatians 3:1-29 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians Outline | Conversation You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you? Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? Have you suffered so many things for nothing? – if indeed it was for nothing. Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard? Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer. For all who rely on doing the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the law.” Now it is clear no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous one will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith, but the one who does the works of the law will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith. Brothers and sisters, I offer an example from everyday life: When a covenant has been ratified, even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does not say, “and to the descendants,” referring to many, but “and to your descendant,” referring to one, who is Christ. What I am saying is this: The law that came four hundred thirty years later does not cancel a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to invalidate the promise. For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise, but God graciously gave it to Abraham through the promise. Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made. It was administered through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary is not for one party alone, but God is one. Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ – to those who believe. Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed. Thus the law had become our guardian until Christ, so that we could be declared righteous by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to the promise.

How did Paul demonstrate the consistency of the Gospel between himself and those in Jerusalem? What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? Crucified With Christ | Galatians 2:1-21 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians Outline | Conversation Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too. I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running – or had not run – in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves. But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people) – those influential leaders added nothing to my message. On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do. But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong. Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not! But if I build up again those things I once destroyed, I demonstrate that I am one who breaks God's law. For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside God's grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:1-21).