Bible Study series: Luke 19:28-40. He had just predicted his death. Tension is building, as he enters Jerusalem.
Tag Archives: Verse by verse Bible study
Parable of the Ten Minas
Bible Study series: Luke 19:11-27. The ones who were productive with the minas (a monetary amount) were rewarded. What about the unproductive and the rebels?
The Unknown Time of the Second Coming in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 24:36-44. He now shifts topics to his glorious, age-ending Second Coming, which has not yet happened but is still a future event, after two thousand years (and counting).
Paul’s Ministry and Proclamation of the Kingdom in Rome
Bible Study series: Acts 28:11-31. He proclaimed the kingdom of God at every opportunity, in the capital of the huge Roman empire. This is the final post on the book of Acts.
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar near Jericho
Bible Study series: Luke 18:37-43. Jesus healed many people. Receive your healing from him, no matter the ailment.
Jesus Pronounces Woes on Teachers of the Law and Pharisees
Bible Study series: Matthew 23:13-36. This is extremely strong language against the religious leaders in Jerusalem. But he was speaking the truth.
Jesus Predicts His Suffering, Death, and Resurrection
Bible Study series: Luke 18:31-34. Jesus had already predicted his death in Luke 9:22 and 9:44 and here; and also see Luke 12:50; 13:32-33.
Jesus Speaks Truth to a Rich Ruler
Bible Study series: Luke 18:18-30. The fuller teaching of the New Testament, even the Gospel of Luke, says you can have wealth, but do not let wealth have you.
Jesus Warns against Teachers of the Law and Pharisees
Bible Study series: Matthew 23:1-12. Don’t obsess over titles. “The one who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Who Is the Son of David? Jesus Answers.
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:41-46. Jesus is greater than his ancestor David.
Everyone Reaches Land Safely
Bible Study series: Acts 27:39-44. Through the storm, and after following Paul’s instruction, and by God’s mercy and will, everyone landed safely. But where were they?
Jesus Blesses the Young Children
Bible Study series: Luke 18:15-17. Stories of church abuse of children are now surfacing almost everyday. May they continue to be exposed.
The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Bible Study series: Luke 18:9-14. The tax collector had the right attitude, which pleased God. “Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
The Two Greatest Commandments
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:34-40. An expert in the law asked which commandment is the greatest. He gave two and ranked them, first and second.
Sadducees Question Jesus about Resurrection in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:23-33. “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scripture nor the power of God,” That was a serious charge against the Sadducees.
The Storm at Sea
Bible Study series: Acts 27:13-38. God in his mercy spared everyone on board. But they had to follow Paul’s instructions.
Parable of the Persistent Widow and Unjust Judge
Bible Study series: Luke 18:1-8. You have to keep at it, in your prayer, whether you are praying for justice or healing or the salvation of your loved one.
The Coming Kingdom, in Luke’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Luke 17:20-37. This is about his one and only Second Coming. You will look in vain for a secret rapture before the Second Coming.
Disciples of Pharisees and the Herodians Test Jesus about Paying Taxes to Caesar
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:15-22. His reply never fails to impress me. It was the wisdom from the Father by the anointing of the Spirit. His own high intelligence also assisted him.
Parable of the Marriage Feast
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:1-14. The parable predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple establishment. Then ordinary Jews and Gentiles will be included in the new community.
Paul and His Team Sail to Rome
Bible Study series: Acts 27:1-12. Paul, Luke (author of Acts), and Aristarchus (a Christian from Thessalonica of Macedonia) set sail from Caesarea, under guard. The centurion was Julius of the Augusta cohort. None of them clearly foresaw the near-fatal journey to reach the goal (but see v. 10, below). Time to trust God!
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers, but Only One Is Grateful
Bible Study series: Luke 17:11-19. The lesson is clear from the title.
Don’t Do Little Work and Demand Loud Applause
Bible Study series: Luke 17:7-10. You got to do your work before the Lord, not to get the applause of people. Get his approval, if you do his work and complete his mission. He may ask you to do the hard thing, too.
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:33-46. Another shot at the Jerusalem and temple establishment. This was God’s plan–to get his Son on the cross to die for the sin of the world. His Son spoke only the truth, which was enough to fulfill this plan.
Paul’s Testimony before Festus, Agrippa II, and Bernice
Bible Study series: Acts 26:1-32. One more time, Paul tells his testimony before rulers. God opened this door for him. They are still in Caesarea, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
Increase Our Faith
Bible Study series: Luke 17:5-6. Just the size of a little mustard seed. No need to gin yourself up psychologically, mentally. Just surrender to Jesus and believe and trust him
Stumbling, Sinning, and Forgiving
Bible Study series: Luke 17:1-4. These are short commands with far-reaching effects. Let’s take them seriously.
Chief Priests and Elders Challenge Jesus’s Authority
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:23-27. He challenged them right back.
Jesus Speaks against a Fruitless Fig Tree
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:18-22. It’s another sign or visual statement directed at the Jerusalem and temple establishment. Mustard seed faith is taught in this post..
Paul’s Brief Defense before Festus
Bible Study series: Acts 25:1-27. God commissioned him to proclaim his testimony and defend against the injustice perpetrated by the Jerusalem establishment.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Bible Study series: Luke 16:19-31. This is a beloved parable about justice. It should be read in conjunction with the Parable of the Shrewd Manager.
Jesus Clears Out an Area of the Temple in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:12-13. It was in the temple precincts, not the temple proper. It was another sign, a statement, against the Jerusalem and temple establishment.
Parable of the Prudent Manager
Bible Study series: Luke 16:1-13. Sometimes he is called the “dishonest manager.” What does this mean? Why would Jesus tell such a parable? It is becoming my favorite because of its moving parts and subtleties. It should be read in conjunction with the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Parable of the Lost, Spendthrift Son
Bible Study series: Luke 15:11-32. It’s about the Father’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance, once the sinner genuinely repents and turns around to prove his repentance.
Jesus Enters Jerusalem Triumphantly
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:1-11. The people shout their approval and are glad to see him.
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men Near Jericho, on the Way to Jerusalem
Bible Study series: Matthew 20:29-34: “Moved with compassion, he touched their eyes, and instantly they recovered their sight and followed him.”
Paul’s Testimony before Felix in Caesarea
Bible Study series: Acts 24:1-23: Paul has to defend himself yet again. But that’s okay because God has commissioned him to do this.
Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
Bible Study series: Luke 15:1-10. God seeks for wanderers and sinners. That’s how much he loves lost people.
Don’t Be Tasteless Salt
Bible Study series: Luke 14:34-35. “But if even it became tasteless, by what will it be salty again?”
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection a Third time
Bible Study series: Matthew 20:17-19. He is about to enter Jerusalem, where he will live out his prediction.
Romans Soldiers Rescue Paul, Again
Bible Study series. Acts 23:12-35. The Romans whisked him out of the court (23:10); then they escorted him out of Jerusalem with a large military contingency because of a plot to kill him.
The Cost of Discipleship
Bible Study series: Luke 14:25-33. You have to “prefer” Jesus over all other rivals, even parents, if they oppose you joining his new movement.
Parable of the Great Banquet
Bible Study series: Luke 14:15-24. The gospel call can be accepted or rejected. The Jerusalem and temple establishment will reject it, but the needy and the Gentiles will accept it.
Parable of the Landowner and Workers
Bible study series: Matthew 20:1-16. Sometimes it is titled Parable of the Workers.
The Rich Young Man, Salvation, and Judgment
Bible Study series: Matthew 19:16-30. What was he willing to give up, if anything?
Paul’s Testimony before the Sanhedrin
Bible Study series: Acts 23:1-11. This speech was also interrupted, before the highest council and court in Judaism.
Jesus Heals Man with Dropsy on the Sabbath
Bible Study series: Luke 14:1-6. Another Sabbath healing. Sparks, again.
Jesus Blesses Little Children
Bible Study series: Matthew 19:13-15. All people should do the same. This exhortation follows the teaching on divorce. Continue reading
Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 19:1-12. Marriage is a covenant. His teaching on divorce is designed to protect women in an easy-divorce society. A quick summary of his healing ministry is included.
Roman Soldiers Whisk Paul Away and Almost Flog Him
Bible Study series: Acts 22:22-30. He said something that triggered the mob. The Romans had to rescue him.
Jesus, Herod, Pharisees, and Jerusalem
Bible Study series: Luke 13:31-35. Don’t fear when a scary report comes at you.
Strive to Enter the Narrow Door
Bible Study series: Luke 13:22-30. “Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to go in and will be unable.” No easy believism, no sloppy grace.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:21-35. If you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive you. This parable comes right after the church discipline and reconciliation process (vv. 15-20). Everyone must be willing to forgive.
Discipline for Brothers and Sisters
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:15-20. This sequence of steps is for Christians in the community. Leaders who sin have another process they have to go through.
Paul’s Testimony before the Jerusalem Crowds
Bible Study series: Acts 22:1-21. It is an inspirational testimony, and he also changed the church for the better, forever.
Mustard Seed, Yeast, and Kingdom Growth
Bible Study series: Luke 13:18-21. The kingdom starts small in the one figure of King Jesus, but grows big, after his ascension.
Jesus Heals a Woman Bent Double, on Sabbath
Bible Study series: Luke 13:10-17. Jesus interpreted Sabbath keeping and working on it in ways that frustrated the synagogue ruler.
Parable of Barren Fig Tree
Bible Study series: Luke 13:6-9. Israel or more specifically Jerusalem and the temple are issued a warning. Repent or face judgment.
Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:10-14. Jesus is willing to get the one that is lost, when it is in danger.
Deal Severely with Temptation to Sin
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:7-9. A severe image is used, not to be taken literally.
Paul and His Team Arrive in Jerusalem and a Riot Soon Breaks Out
Bible Study series: Acts 21:15-40 The team did not provoke the riot, nor did Paul. Some Jews from the provinces identified him and stirred up the crowd. In this chapter, we see Paul completing his third missionary journey.
Repent or Perish
Bible Study series: Luke 13:1-5. Human-caused disasters and evil happen. Be ready or perish.
Settle with Your Accuser
Bible Study series: Luke 12:57-59. Better use wisdom in your business dealings.
This Person Is the Greatest in the Kingdom
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:1-6. Don’t promote yourself. Humble yourself.
Jesus Pays the Temple Tax
Bible Study series: Matthew 17:24-27. Jesus’s Father owned the temple, yet Jesus decided to pay it, to not give any needless offense to the Jerusalem and temple establishment and the people.
Paul and His Team Go to Jerusalem
Bible Study series: Acts 21:1-14. They stopped along the way in various cities. They met Christians, like the prophet Agabus and his team and Philip and his four unmarried, prophetic daughters.
Discerning the Time of the Messiah in Front of You
Bible Study series: Luke 12:54-56. Jesus was talking about his own days. “This season of time.” Did the people back then know who he was? Do we know who he is in our days?
Jesus Causes Division in the Household
Bible Study series: Luke 12:49-53. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. In a Jewish context, the follower of Jesus can expect opposition. Is he ready for it? (Today, division can also happen in a Muslim household.)
Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 17:22-23. This time Peter did not rebuke him. All of the disciples had a different reaction.
Jesus Sets a Demonized Boy Free
Bible Study series: Matthew 17:14-20. The disciples could not expel it. They needed further instruction.
Paul’s Discourse to the Ephesian Elders
Bible Study series: Acts 20:13-38. This is powerful.
Warning to Kingdom Leaders
Bible Study series: Luke 12:41-48. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing thus when he comes.” But the opposite is true. If a kingdom servant is abusive, the punishment will be severe.
Be Prepared for the Son of Man’s Return
Bible Study series: Luke 12:35-40. Watch for his return. Behave righteously, and do his will while you wait.
The Longer Ending of Mark’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Mark 16:8b-20. Many Bibles have it, so let’s cover it.
Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 17:1-13. This is a glimpse of the Son of God in his heavenly glory.
Eutychus Is Restored to Life
Bible Study series: Acts 20:7-12. This was a miracle.
The Truth of This Gospel and Its Author
Bible Study series: John 21:24-25. This is the second ending of the Fourth Gospel. The whole world could not contain all the things Jesus did, if written in books.
The Resurrection of Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 16:1-8. The crucifixion of Jesus ratified the New Covenant, out of which flows great blessings (e.g. salvation, redemption, and reconciliation). Now the resurrection is the vindication of God’s Son and the confirmation of the New Covenant.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection and Rebukes Peter
Bible Study series: Matthew 16:21-28. Jesus understood his mission. Peter did not. “Let him deny himself and pick up his cross and follow me.”
Paul Ministers in Macedonia and Greece
Bible Study series: Acts 20:1-6. He has to complete his third missionary journey before he goes to Jerusalem. A table of Paul’s travels in Acts 18-25 is included in this post.
Jesus, Peter, and the Beloved Disciple
Bible Study series” John 21:20-23. What about him? How long will he live?
The Rich Fool Is Greedy
Bible Study series: Luke 12:13-21. “Fool! This very night, your life will be demanded of you!”
The Burial of Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 14:42-47. Certain women followed from a distance to find out where Joseph of Arimathea buried him.
Peter’s Declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God
Bible Study series: Matthew 16:13-20. What does it mean that Jesus will build his church on “this rock”? What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven? Continue reading
The Riot at Ephesus
Bible Study series: Acts 19:23-41. Satan counterattacks the mighty work of God in Ephesus. But God will always win, as we read in the Epistle to the Ephesians.
Do You Love Me, Peter?
Bible Study series: John 21:15-19. What will his answer be? What about you, if he asked?
Confessing Christ before People May Lead to Persecution
Bible Study series: Luke 12:8-12. Persecution will happen when you profess Christ. But remember: “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that very time what must be said.”
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 15:21-41. This is what we proclaim when we take communion. Every blessing (e.g. salvation, redemption, reconciliation, peace with God, and so on) is embodied in and flows out of this one globe-changing act.
Watch out for Yeast of Pharisees and Sadducees
Bible Study series: Matthew 16:5-12. Yeast is a metaphor for …. What? Continue reading
Paul Resolves to Go to Jerusalem
Bible Study series: Acts 19:21-22. This is after at least two years of ministering in Ephesus and Asia Minor. His resolve to go there was different from the others. But first he has to complete his missionary journey.
Jesus Reveals Himself to His Disciples in Galilee
Bible Study series: John 21:1-14. It took a miraculous catch of fish for them to recognize him.
Fear of God, and He Values You
Bible Study series. Luke 12:4-7. Have no fear of humans, but fear God. Good news! He knows you but loves you anyway.
Jesus Is Handed over to Pilate and Sentenced to Die
Bible Study series: Mark 15:1-20: He was also mocked and violently mistreated.
Religious Leaders Again Demand a Sign
Bible Study series: Matthew 16:1-4. But Jesus told them of an unexpected sign.
Seven Sons of Scaeva Defeated and Ephesian Believers Renounce Occult
Bible Study series: Acts 19:13-20. When I first read that believers were the ones who needed to renounce the occult, I realized how important discipleship is.
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
Bible Study series: John 20:30-31. Now we know how to interpret the book with more clarity. And now we know how we can get saved through the word of God.
Watch Out for Hypocrisy
Bible Study series: Luke 12:1-3. Hypocrites will be exposed. “There is nothing that has been hidden away that will not be revealed, and concealed that will not be known.”
Peter Denies Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 14:66-72. “Throwing himself out on the ground, he began to weep.”
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand Men, Plus Women and Children
Bible Study series: Matthew 15:32-39. Jesus’s miracles had a purpose: to help people in practical ways. He did not perform them just to show off. That’s too dangerous, for deceivers, later on, could exploit people (e.g. gold dust and “angel” feathers).
Paul Proclaims the Kingdom of God in Ephesus
Bible Study series: Acts 19:8-12. When he did this, miracles broke out, including through facecloths and work aprons.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Bible Study series: John 20:24-29. Doubting Thomas believes and confesses that Jesus is Lord and God, reflecting the opening to John’s Gospel. “The Word was God.” Then Jesus speaks to us: “Because you see me, do you believe? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Woes Pronounced upon Pharisees and Legal Experts
Bible Study series: Luke 11:37-54. He was an invited guest. He was functioning as a prophet to the religious leaders.
Summary Passage: Jesus Heals Many People near Lake of Galilee
Bible Study series: Matthew 15:29-31. “Then the numerous crowds came to him, having with them the crippled, blind, lame, mute, and many others, and they placed them at his feet, and he healed them.”
Paul and Twelve Incomplete Disciples at Ephesus
Bible Study series: Acts 19:1-7. He got them filled with the Spirit.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
Bible Study series: John 20:19-23. The first was Mary Magdalene. Now the disciples enjoy the privilege of his appearance to them
The Light of the Body
Bible Study series: Luke 11:33-36. Don’t hide your light under a basket.
Jesus Is Arrested and His Disciples Abandon Him
Bible Study series: Mark 14:43-52. He is alone now. It really is happening.
Introducing Apollos
Bible Study series: Acts 18:24-28. Apollos appears in the Corinthian correspondences, and here he is in Acts for the first time. Priscilla and Aquila have to introduce him to the fullness of the Spirit.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Bible Study series: John 20:11-18. She was the first one to see him alive. She evangelized the apostles about the resurrection. Her name appears in all four Gospels, at this crucial time. This indicates she was a valued leader and preacher in the early Jesus Movement.
His Generation Demands a Sign
Bible Study series: Luke 11:29-32. Our generation does this too. But caution! Satan can work signs and wonders. Know what to look for. Look for Jesus alone.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Bible Study series: Mark 14:32-42. He suffered in his prayer. He surrendered to the will of his Father.
Tradition of Elders or the Word of God?
Bible Study series: Matthew 15:1-20. Scripture always take first place. Traditions must submit to it.
Paul’s Hasty Visit to Ephesus and then Back to Antioch
Bible Study series: Acts 18:18-23. Paul finishes up his second missionary journey in v. 22 and begins his third in v. 23. He went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia.
The Resurrection of Jesus
Bible Study series: John 20:1-10. This historical fact changed the world, whether the world sees it or not. It is the firstfruits to the experience of all redeemed humanity.
The Ones Who Are Truly Blessed
Bible Study series: Luke 11:27-28. What do you have to do to be truly blessed?
Jesus Foretells Peter’s and Other Apostles’ Denial
Bible Study series: Mark 14:27-31. Peter declared he would never do this. However, …..
A Summary of Jesus’s Healing Ministry in Gennesaret
Bible Study series: Matthew 14:34-36. He drew large crowds, not only because he fed them. He also healed them. They touched the edge of his garment and were healed. Reach out in faith.
Paul Preaches, Is Persecuted, and Plants a Church in Corinth
Bible Study series: Acts 18:1-17. Then other Christian communities grew in surrounding areas, in house churches. Paul is just about to finish his second missionary journey and begin his third.
The Burial of Jesus
Bible Study series: John 19:38-42. A rich man, a secret follower, put him in his own tomb.
Return of the Unclean Spirit with Seven More
Bible Study series: Luke 11:24-26. We have to keep our house (our lives and souls) clean, when God sets us free. Don’t live in the same old pig sty of your past.
Jesus Introduces the New Covenant and the Communion Supper
Bible Study series: Mark 14:22-26. This may be the most important passage in all of Mark’s Gospel. He ended it with a hymn of praise.
Jesus and Then Peter Walk on Water
Bible Study series: Matthew 14:22-33. Peter got scared and lost his faith in Jesus. He took his eyes off of him.
Paul Preaches in Athens
Bible Study series: Acts 17:16-34 He preaches the resurrection. Athens was a major intellectual center. Everyone knew this. Athenian pride hindered their reception of the gospel. But a few did open up and convert.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Bible Study series: John 19:17-37. The crucifixion changed the world.
Jesus against Beelzebub
Bible Study series: Luke 11:14-23. It can also be spelled Beelzebul. Either way, Jesus has bound him and is plundering Satan’s domain, looking for people under his thrall.
Jesus Has Passover with the Disciples
Bible Study series: Mark 14:12-21. As he was celebrating the biblical meal, he predicted his betrayal. Is it I? they asked, one by one. The atmosphere was tense in Jerusalem.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men, Plus Women and Children
Bible Study series: Matthew 14:13-21. This was a large-scale miracle. Its purpose was to help people.
Paul Preaches in Thessalonica and Then Berea
Bible Study series: Acts 17:1-15. In Thessalonica certain listeners were hostile. In Berea they studied to find out whether Paul’s teaching was rooted in Scripture. Be like the Bereans.
Pilate Sentences Jesus to Be Crucified
Bible Study series: John 19:1-16. Pilate was reluctant, so he had Jesus flogged, but the Jerusalem and temple establishment pushed Pilate to sentence Jesus to die.
Jesus Teaches Us about Persistent Prayer
Bible Study series: Luke 11:5-13. Many times for the same need! You have to persist in your request, being grateful to God for even allowing you to enter his throne room to receive mercy and grace and help in your time of need.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 14:10-11. Judas plots. God plans and oversees.
The Death of John the Baptist
Bible Study series: Matthew 12:1-12. He was martyred for his righteousness and fearless preaching.
The Trials and Triumph of Paul and Silas in Philippi
Bible Study series: Acts 16:11-40 Timothy and Luke seem to slip into the background, in Philippi. Paul and Silas meet Lydia and her household. This chapter is filled with exciting events.
The Trial of Jesus before Pilate
Bible Study series: John 18:28-40. Jesus’s kingdom is not of this world. Then he says, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” In response, Pilate asks, “What is truth?” Jesus had earlier said he is the way, the truth, and the life (14:6). It all comes together now.
The Lord’s Model Prayer in Luke’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Luke 11:1-4. We may pray it word for word or as a model.
The Anointing at Bethany in Mark’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Mark 14:3-9. Her devotion will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
Jesus Is Rejected at Nazareth
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:53-58. They could not understand why he got so famous and worked miracles and taught with authority. Who does he think he is? His brothers are named in this passage.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy Travel Together
Bible Study series: Acts 16:1-10. A quick study of Timothy’s life is included. Paul also receives guidance by the voice of the Spirit and a vision.
Arrest and Trials of Jesus before Chief Priests, and Peter’s Denials
Bible Study series: John 18:1-27. Jesus underwent legal trials before the chief priests. Peter’s denials are sandwiched in between them.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Bible Study series: Mark 14:1-2. Courage to stay in Jerusalem, knowing what’s coming.
Treasure Old and New
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:51-52. Educated disciples can bring out old and new treasures.
Paul and Barnabas Split
Bible Study series: Acts 15:36-41. They disagreed over John Mark. Barnabas and John Mark were cousins, so Barnabas took the young man with him. Paul left with Silas.
Jesus Describes His Second Coming
Bible Study series: Mark 13:32-37. After he predicted his coming in judgment on Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, he now reveals his final Second Coming, when the end of this age will happen. It’s been two thousand years (and counting).
The Parable of the Net
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:47-50. Please be sure that you are a true citizen of the kingdom because people who seem to be in the kingdom actually cause sin and practice lawlessness. Angels will make the final determination.
The Jerusalem Council
Bible Study series: Acts 15:1-35. How can Jewish new converts get along with Gentile new converts? And should Gentiles be circumcised to seal their membership in the New Covenant?
Jesus Visits Mary and Martha
Bible Study series: Luke 10:38-42. Mary and Martha have two different responses to Jesus’s visit. Do you see yourself in one of them?
Jesus Predicts His Coming-In-Judgment on Jerusalem and Temple in Mark’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Mark 13:1-31. This is not his final Second Coming, but his judgment on Jerusalem and the temple. It happened from A.D. 66-70, in Jesus’s generation, just as he said. It would have been odd if he had not predicted this major upheaval. Roman generals stomped all over the temple and committed the “abomination of desolation.”
Two Short Parables
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:44-46. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. You have to give up all you have to get the better thing.
Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria
Bible Study series: Acts 14:24-28. A positive and victorious report. Then they got back to work with the disciples.
“Cheer Up! I Have Overcome the World!”
Bible Study series: John 16:25-33. “I have spoken these things to you so that in me you may have peace.”