Bible Commentaries

Nehemiah 2:1-20 — but the tranquil & steady dedication of a lifetime. ​​​​​​​Remember Nehemiah was praying for his nation before he even had seen it, or lived in it…now that’s true Patriotism. Slide5 Title: 3 + 3 ​​​​​​​3 qualities of a great leader: Waiting, Praying, Asking. 3 essentials to Christian Service: Investigation, Cooperation, Determination. WAITING (1) ​​​​​​​Nehemiah

Isaiah 8:1-22 — [4]. Isaiah’s new wife would give birth to a son, & before he was old enough to say “Aba & Ema”(my father & my mother)Syria & Israel would be destroyed. [i.e. in 2 years…& they were in 732bc!] KEEPIN YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER! (5-10) (6,7) The waters of Shiloh that flow softly – (i.e. here used symbolically of God’s providence) Syria & Israel wouldn’t be the only ones to feel the crush of Assyria! These people of Judah would also! Notice

Jeremiah 52:1-34 — not God’s word! My apologies last week went over trying to complete Babylon’s judgment. Q: What was your favorite verse, story, or thing you learned in this book? (I’ll give you a chance to share that at the end). In ch.52 we have the Fall of Jerusalem in review. The last thing mentioned in ch.51 ended Jeremiah’s words. Jeremiah’s editor might have added this last chapter (not in any way saying it’s not inspired!) It basically almost word for

Daniel 11:1-45 — Intro: An Angels Apocalyptic Insight Remember the outline of the Angel from ch.10?11:2-11:35(Immediate Future) 11:26-12:4(Distant Future) Daniel here reveals the angels message that had such amazingly detailed predictions of the future kingdoms...that Porphyry (a 3rd cent. heathen philosopher) claimed it was written after the facts. Many

Zechariah 4:1-14 — 5th VISION, THE LAMPSTAND & OLIVE TREES! (Ch.4) SPIRIT SUPPLIED! (1-6) Our picture is that of a giant 7 branched Menorah with olive trees at both ends, dripping their oil into the bowls to supply the power needed for the light to burn. Oil in

Matthew 9:27-38 — cannot be done, should not interrupt the man doing it. I like Jesus’ answer here which is...no verbal answer at all...but a loud & clear practical answer by showing even a greater zeal in doing good. JESUS’ 3-FOLD MINISTRY (35) ​​​​​​​Note, not just the big cities, but the villages. 3-Fold ministry: Expounding the Old. Proclaiming the New. Healing the Diseased. Spurg, He was a traveling medical mission as well as an evangelistic

Mark 12:35-44 — the scene victimizing defenseless women. Or… Do you want to be like the widow, worth almost nothing in that society. Being taken advantage of from those religious officials, but faithful, admirable, & sacrificial. CONDEMNATION (35-40) ​​​​​​​Jesus criticizes these religious leaders regarding 2 things: [their Shallowness & Showmanship] THEIR SHALLOWNESS (35-37) Here we have Logic on Fire – You don’t hear Jesus give

Mark 7:31-37 — cities had a large Jewish community. Jesus is taking the long way home - probably took 8 months. Using this time to train His disciples. A kind of walking seminar. This story is only found in Marks account. Do you think the man in ch.5:19,20 did his job? (read) This man was both deaf & he had a severe speech impediment. The Greek word Mogilalon(mogy-la-lone) means speaking w/difficulty. Mark uses an unusual word to describe this man’s condition. It is only used here

Luke 1:26-38 — to rob the Jews of what God has promised them. If Gabriel’s words in vs.30,31 are to be taken literally, so should his words in vs.32,33! MARY’S MYSTERY! (34) Unlike Zacharias, Mary believed God would do what He promised [vs45] She asked, “How will(lit. trans) this be” not “How can this be”. MARY’S METHOD! (35) The miracle of the virgin birth was not the actual birth, but the conception of Christ’s earthly body. (Willmington’s

Luke 1:57-80 — Intro: Importance of our prayer meetings at end of month. WRITING & WORSHIPING! (57-66) WRITING! (57-63) They made signs (62)  – to nod, to signal by nodding. Zacharias was obviously not only voiceless but couldn’t hear either. Writing tablet (63) – a small wooden tablet covered w/a film

Luke 20:20-47 — Connecticut. Stu Leonards' grocery store grossed over $100 million last year. The average grocery store makes $300 per square foot. Stu's preparation generates an amazing $3,000 per square foot. The average grocery store stocks 15,000 items; Stu stocks only 700. Stu has profited immensely from the art of listening and asking the right questions. One day Stu asked a lady, "What do you think of our fresh fish?" She says, "I don't think that the fish is fresh."

Luke 24:28-35 — FROM MOURNERS TO MISSIONARIES! (28-25) WELCOMING HIM! (28,29) Indicated he would have gone further – Christ testing them to see if they really desired to abide with Him. He awaited their invitation to come in. What a blessing for them that they were given to hospitality! What

Luke 6:17-36 — is the closest fellowship possible w/God! When we are in the furnace, the Son of God is there w/us! #4 - Realize when the stones are flying we have opportunity to be our best witness! (Stephen w/Saul - Look at the results!!!) #5 - Realize persecution gives me the opportunity to grow! “It has a way of driving us to God!” This joy isn’t worked up, it is the gift of the H.S. Note: contrast between the prophets(23) & the false prophets(26). To

John 1:35-51 — transformed their lives; then used them to transform others. In each case: there is an evangelistic approach, which creates interest, & then a conversation with Jesus, which leads to a life-changing decision! FIVE WHO FOLLOWED IN FAITH! (35-42) ​​​​​​​ANDREW & ANOTHER DISCIPLE! (35-39) The next day - John’s daily diary records a 3-day period (note: 29,35, 43) John didn’t name the 2nd disciple, most think it is John the Apostle. (38)

John 8:37-59 — sacrifices they make in the time spent away from their soldier; for the families to have a double portion of strength, courage & blessings. Intro Story - Did you hear last week the news headlines: “Baby Girls Switched at Birth: Truth Comes Out 56 Years Later”? In 1953 2 baby girls(Kay Rene Reed Qualls & DeeAnn Angell Shafer) were born in Pioneer Hospital in eastern Oregon. They grew up happily, got married, had kids of their own & became grandparents. Then last summer their lives

Romans 1:1-17 — PAUL’S MANIFESTO! (1-7) (1)Bondservant-All slaves have masters, & Paul’s is Christ!(also communicates humility) Ex.21:5,6 If the servant plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' "then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce

Romans 11:1-36 — itself in a national crisis. Other Examples: With Noah & family, God was sparing a remnant. - Assyrian captivity, God spared a remnant. - Babylonian captivity, God spared a remnant. - Even Paul, a remnant himself as he goes to the Gentiles. (5) Key: at this present time there is a remnant! (6) Grace x’s 4! John Stott said, The repeated promises in the Qur'an of the forgiveness of a compassionate and merciful Allah are all made to the meritorious, whose merits have been

Philippians 1:1-18 — abide by the law, even go to church!” The difference lies in both Means & Motives! Christian goodness is not a matter of Degree, but of Kind! A Christians righteousness will exceed that of the Scribes & Phar’s. (Mt. 5:20). Not necessarily in quantity but in quality! The difference is the Means. It is…by Jesus Christ! The means of our goodness is not our own effort to copy His life, but His living in us! (swindoll) It is supernatural,

Colossians 1:1-14 — pg.7) 1st we come out of bondage, then we are brought into the banqueting house! Ephesians & Colossians represent the highest, fullest, richest presentation of Christianity! Relationship to Ephesus - As one writer puts it, “Out of 95 verses in Colossians, 78 have a marked resemblance to Ephesians.” Difference: In Ephesus the primary subject is the Church; while in Colosse the primary subject is Christ! Epaphras was one of Paul’s converts while he was in

Revelation 3:14-22 — creation! Beginning = origin; to have 1st place; to hold the chief place! Though outwardly the church appeared strong & prosperous, the lord finds nothing to COMMEND! Though they were busy commending themselves! HE CONDEMNS 4 THINGS: (15-17) [1] INDIFFERENCE! (15,16) - Lukewarm, not Hot nor Cold. In the Christian life there are 3 temperatures: [1] A Burning Heart [zestos/boiling hot] (on fire for God) Lk.24:32 “And they said to one another, "Did not our