The lesson on February 20, 2000 was entitled "Sincerity" and the scripture reading was in Ephesians 6:18-24 KJV "18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Doubting Thomas. This lesson on April 30, 2000 teaches a lesson on the Apostle Thomas. He was saying "I won't believe it unless I see it." When the Lord appeared unto him right after he said that took a particlar note of blessings given who believe without seeing. Listen now.
Right Division - Part 2. Although some things today appear to be outrageous, how can the Christian take a position on any issue that claims to be out of the Bible or received from God? How do we ensure that we do the right thing right? The principles of right division give the Bible student a compass and a rudder to study scripture and protect from error… by navigating through the Bible knowing what pertains to whom, and when.
Right Division - Part 3. Foundation of the World - Before vs. From or Since. Another example of Right Division can be seen when studying the words “Foundation + world”. If you search the scriptures to find the references containing “before + foundation” vs. “from or since + foundation” you will find another glaring example of comparing scripture with scripture to reveal a truth that has a before and after. “Before the foundation of the world” is where we find Christ who is the source of the believer’s eternal position (1 Tim 2:5).
Merry Christmas! Yes, Friday, September 29th is the actual birthdate of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what about December 25th? The audio lesson on 09-24 touches on the scriptures and how tradition again muddies up the Word. Learn about the scriptures for dating his birth then reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Listen here now. Click here to listen to other Christmas studies from the audio archives.
Merry Christmas! Yes, Friday, September 29th is the actual birth date of our Lord Jesus Christ. The audio lesson on 10-01 finishes a two week review on the birth date of Jesus Christ. Although the mechanics of dating his birth are in black and white, the true meaning of Christmas is in red. Be sure and download the handout as well. Click here to listen to other Christmas studies from the audio archives.
Each year on October 31st, the doorbell rings with a familiar shout of ‘Trick or Treat’. Is this harmless fun or does it open the door to something else? Should Halloween be Hallowed? The lesson on 10-29 discusses the tradition of Halloween. Click here now to listen to this study and decide for yourself how a Christian should handle this holiday. Be sure and download the handout as well.
Building a Good Foundation. The lesson on 12-03 encourages the christian to make sure they cover the fundamentals... by building a proper foundation.A good foundation can withstand any calamity in life... whether it be an act of war or an attack on your witness. The 59th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is also remembered with a story about Chaplain Al Schmidt on the USS Oklahoma. Click here to listen to the lesson of the week. A handout goes with the lesson... click here to download it for review while you listen.
HOPE. The audio lesson on 01-28 covers the subject of HOPE. In lieu of the OSU Basketball team plane crash tragedy, the wake-up call is to each one of us with the question “Where do you put your hope?” We often put our hope in people, places, or things but all of these will let us down. The only place to put our hope is in Christ Jesus. Click here to listen to the audio lesson of the week or go to the listing of audio lessons for this month. Be sure and download the handout for this lesson as well.
St Patrick's Day. Maewyn Succat had Good News… and it has nothing to do with good luck. On March 17, each year many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green clothes, drinking green beer, participating in parades, dyeing rivers green, and thanking the luck of the Irish. Who is Saint Patrick and why is there a holiday to honor him? What about the Luck of the Irish? Well, the word “luck” does not occur anywhere in scripture. This is evidence that nowhere in the Bible does it give place to “luck”.
The lesson on 04-22 asks the question “ Does God Keep Secrets?” According to Deut 29:29 (KJV) “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” So, the secret things belong unto the Lord until He reveals them. Today, there are many examples of organizations keeping secrets classified from public knowledge in order to protect very important programs.
The lesson on 04-29 continues the idea of a “Heavenly Intelligence Agency” Today, there are many examples of organizations keeping secrets classified from public knowledge in order to protect very important programs. Important information is kept secret until it is deemed appropriate to declassify the details to the right people at the right time. The same holds true for the Godhead. The Godhead has declassified it’s purpose in Christ Jesus and gave it to the Apostle Paul to reveal their eternal purpose to us. Do you know what has been declassified on your behalf?
The lesson on 05-06 discusses Prayer in an Age of Grace. Thursday, May 3rd, was the National Day of Prayer in America. One of the fundamental privileges that a Christian has is their ability to talk to God through prayer on any subject whether it's a National Day of Prayer or just any other day. In the Bible there have been many examples of prayer offered to God in all different situations. What kind of prayers should a Christian offer up to God that are approved in His sight? What is God obligated to do with our prayers?
Father’s Day. The lesson on 06-17-2001 celebrates Father’s Day in America. When God ordained the family, He created several relationships that help teach us how much God the Father loves us. The earthly father relationship is a role that teaches about God. The wave of emotion that comes over a new father upon his firstborn child is incredible. The joy and love that is felt when caring for a child that grows right in front ofyour eyes into a person is a picture of the love our heavenly Father has for us as we grow and mature in fellowship with Him.
Salvation is simple. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17. How can simplicity be associated with Christ? “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Tim 3:16.
“Working out your own salvation”? Can we save ourselves? Absolutely not. We know that from Ephesians 2:8-9 that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” So then what is Philippians 2:12-16 talking about? The “working out” is your daily walk with the Lord and approaching every circumstance with an attitude that testifies of God’s love and the life that’s in His word. It’s in this witness that you can shine as lights in the world. Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16:20-34.
The Mystery of Godliness. In 1 Timothy 3:16, Paul acknowledged that without controversy, great is the Mystery of Godliness. First, God was manifested in the flesh. God became a sinless man to save man from sin. Second, He was justified in the spirit. The greek word for Justified is “dikaioo” which means to set forth as righteous, to justify. Christ does just that for everyone who accepts Him as savior. Third, He was seen of Angles. Angels were actively part of Israel’s history, and they witnessed and aided the Lord as He was here in the flesh.
The lesson on 12-02 is a review on the “Four Days” in scripture. It also emphasizes on the Day of Christ and provides a handout to help in understanding the timing and length of these “Days” as they are fulfilled in scripture. Click here to listen to the lesson on 12-02 and be sure and review the handout as well.
Spoiled Philosophy. When the Apostle Paul visited Athens, the book of Acts tells of his encounter with Philosophers in Acts 17:18-21(KJV) ”Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
The Christian Olympics. From February 8 to 24, 2002, Salt Lake City will have hosted the XIX Olympic Winter Games. With 78 events and nearly 2,400 athletes, it will be the largest Winter Games ever. The Modern (Summer) Olympics have been held every four years since 1896. The last summer games were held in Sydney, Austrailia in 2000. In those games there were 199 NOCs (Nations), 10,651 athletes (4,069 women, 6,582 men), and 300 events. Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it took 1503 years for the Olympics to return.
Ever wonder about the history of the English Bible? After Jerusalem was destroyed in AD70, God has passed his written word down through the ages under various political and religious authority of the time. For appx 1,600 years, the written word was only available to a few… the political and religious elite until it finally was made available in English for all to have free access.
“Under God”, Under Attack. This week America will celebrate the 226th anniversary of its independence from England. Most of the celebrations will involve sporting events like baseball where it’s required that the crowd honor America by singing the National Anthem as the Flag of the United States is raised in all its glory. Another uniquely American tradition that involves the flag has been the Pledge of Allegiance. The history behind the Pledge involves the addition in 1954 of the words “under God” describing America’s belief in God.
The Game of Life. The nature of man is to deny his own mortality. Each one of us lives each day like there will be a tomorrow. Yet, in a moment, this can change and ones own mortality becomes apparent. The lesson on 12-15-2002 includes the testimony of William Champion and how he suffered a stroke at the age of 39. The lesson encourages you to learn about the game of life. This “game” is the real destiny of our own souls for all eternity. Most people who haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior are still playing the game of life by their rules.
The Eternal Purpose of God. According to Ephesians 3:7-11, Gods intent is to demonstrate His wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Further, this demonstration is according to His eternal purpose, which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. God calls this demonstration “the mystery” and He puts Christ on center stage in the leading role. Co-starring with Christ is The Church (which is His body). If God were in the movie business, His current release would be called “The Eternal Purpose of God” brought to you by the “Manifold Wisdom Studios”.
Preach The Word. It is increasingly rare to hear Scripture quoted in public, partly because of legal constraints, but largely because the Bible has become unfamiliar territory. Pollster George Gallup Jr. refers to us as a "nation of biblical illiterates." Although 95 percent of Americans profess a belief in God, only 4 in 10 know that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Only 3 in 10 teenagers know why Easter is celebrated. Only 3 in 10 Americans admit they look to Scripture for truth. The lack of Bible knowledge is a christian epidemic of tremendous consequences.
The Apostle Paul - A Chosen Vessel. The Apostle Paul has the unique distinction of being called the Apostle to the gentiles. This is pretty important for today’s christians to understand because the church, which is the body of Christ, consists of the gentile nations that are apart from Israel and all the promises made to them. Paul is given a unique message to deliver unto the gentiles and he declared in Acts 28:28 that they would hear it.
One Way . The lesson on July 13, 2003 is a recap of the Vacation Bible School that was held at Northside Bible Church. The theme of “One Way” was based on John 14:6 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The analogy of road signs were used to identify certain truths in scripture so we could relate them to signs we would see while driving around town. A christian road map was used to take the kids on a journey to heaven and learn how to grow up as christins in the word of God along the way.
Pleroma and the 3 Spheres of Blessings. With the study of the Pleroma, there is no coincidence that the highest sphere of blessing is in the Heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers, which is where Christ is seated who is the head of the body. This is the exact position of the fullness that exists in Christ who sits in Heavenly places.
Religion and Tradition. Religion, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is, among other things, "any specific system of belief, worship, conduct, etc., often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy; an institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices"; and also "a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with ardor and faith". It is derived from the Latin "religio", meaning "reverence", which in turn is derived from "religare", to bind back. It is, in fact, a bond.
Counterfeit Christianity. The Bible warns us of false prophets, false doctrine, and false worship. Another word for false is counterfeit. In lieu of religion and tradition that we have seen can make the word of God of none effect, how do you prepare yourself against counterfeit Christianity? By studying the truth which is the Word of God. Jesus said,” I am the way, the truth, and the Life”. There are several passages in scripture that warn us of counterfeit Christianity.
According to the scriptures, thirty-six distinct prophecies were fulfilled in one day when Christ was taken prisoner and crucified on the cross. This 24 hour period includes the last twelve hours of Jesus which has been portrayed in the movie “The Passion of Christ”. We are reminded in Acts 1:1-3 of the passion and the more important fact that He rose again.
The lesson on June 20, 2004 was entitled "The Love of a Father" and celebrated Father's Day 2004. The scripture reading was in Colossians 1:16-20 KJV. "16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."
The lesson on August 8, 2004 was entitled "Worldly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom" and the scripture reading was in Proverbs 4:5-7 KJV. "5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
The First Labor Day. September 6, 2004 is the annual Labor Day celebration in America. This day is set aside as a holiday to celebrate the American worker. It’s typically a day filled with joy because everyone is off work and enjoying the start of American football season. However, if you look at labor from a biblical perspective, you find that the first labor day could be traced back to the Garden of Eden. Here is where sin entered the world and therefore two aspects of labor were introduced. First, a woman’s labor with child birth was now going to hurt.
God’s Definition of Marriage. The institution of marriage is under attack today by those who would redefine the natural use of a man and woman. What does scripture say on this matter? Plenty. In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Genesis 2:18, 21-24 says “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Be Ready to Give An Answer. As a Christian, we are told to be ready at any time. 1 Pet 3:15-16 tells us “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” Often you may find yourself ready to tell someone what you think but some key points in this verse is that someone asks and you respond in a humble manner.
Emotions. As humans, we deal with emotion every day. There are times perhaps when you would like to get rid of your emotions and lead an easier life. The fact is we cannot get rid of our emotions, we have to learn to deal with the good and the bad ones. When you think of God do you think of an emotional being? The fact is God demonstrates He has many emotions and shows them in His relationship with mankind. If God has emotions then it is safe to say that emotions are not automatically considered sinful.
The lesson on November 4, 2004 was entitled "All That Are In Authority" and the scripture reading was in 1 Timothy 2:1-5 KJV. "2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The lesson on March 20, 2005 was entitled "Resurrection Secret" and the scripture reading was Proverbs 3:32-33 KJV. "32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just." In the lesson, a reference is given to Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV "29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
The lesson on May 25, 2005 was entitled "The Kingdom of His Dear Son" and the scripture reading was in Gen 16:11-16 KJV. "11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. 13 And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
The Love of Christ. The lesson on February 12, 2006 is given by William Champion, who recently suffered a stroke which affected his speech and the ability to communicate. In retelling his story, he relates the experience to the call of a Christian to glory in the love of Christ. As we are reminded in Ephesians 3:19 (KJV) “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Contrary to the love of Christ, were reminded of the lust of the flesh.
Finish The Course. The lesson on March 5th took into account 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” The lesson focused in on the statement “I have finished my course” which is what Paul was boasting.
Mother’s Day - God promised a saviour to mankind through the seed of woman when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Adam called her Eve because she was the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20). It took several years from that point in time to deliver the baby Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Mother’s play a very important role in the family unit.
The Cross of Christ - The passage in Philippians (KJV) 3:17-19 tells us “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” There are many facets to the statement “enemies of the cross of Christ” that can apply to us today.
The Manifold Wisdom of God - Ephesians 3:9-11 tells of the revelation of The Mystery in such a way that the truth is being used as a showcase to the principalities and powers to show them the wisdom of God. As said in Ephesians 3:10 “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”. Why should God take the time to show His wisdom to this group of heavenly beings? The lesson on September 10, 2006 focuses on answering this question.
The Hope of the Resurrection - Part 1. When a loved one dies, it can be a devastating event in the life of a person. Death is part of life since we are all going to experience death, either from those around us that are friends, or even worse, those that are family. But when you are a Christian, and you know that person that died is a Christian, it is a joyous occasion when death happens because they have the promise of being resurrected and living eternally with the Lord. In John 11:1-45, we see Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave.
The Hope of the Resurrection - Part 2 . The lesson on January 25, 2009 continued the lesson on the hope of the resurrection and started with a modified handout from the previous week. The emphasis on this lesson was the unique attributes that can be identified from each resurrection that is found in the New Testament. The first resurrection discussed was the resurrection of Christ, which is the most important one of all! Without Christ’s resurrection, we would have no hope.
Handling the Word of God Accurately . The lesson on February 22, 2009 was focused on the spirit of Right Division which comes from 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Although some things today appear to be outrageous, how can the Christian take a position on any issue that claims to be out of the Bible or received from God? How do we ensure that we do the right thing right?
Right Division - Jew and Gentile. Following the lesson on May 24th, this lesson picks up the scriptures that Leland Maples covered with the bewares in Philippians and Colossians but takes them to a comparison between the Jew and Gentile.
The Twelve Apostles .The lesson on June 28, 2009 studied the twelve apostles that Jesus choose to his disciples during his earthly ministry to the Jews. We find in Matthew 10:2-7 “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas , and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Make Full Proof of Thy Ministry. The lesson on September 6, 2009 involved the scripture reading in 2 Timothy 4:1-8 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
The lesson on January 10, 2010 was an announcement that Rightdivision.com is being re-launched with updated technology. The original site was launch on November 24, 2000 and the intent was to help Christians rightly divide the word of truth. This motivation comes from 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The original site that was launched was themystery.org which did not accomplish what Rightdivison.com has...
The lesson on February 7, 2010 was a lesson covering Philippians 2:12-14 KJV "12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:". The scripture teaches us that Christians who live godly in this world will suffer persecution and afflictions. In looking up the definition in Noah Websters 1928 American Dictionary, the definition is provided with a reference to Lamentations 5:5 KJV "5 Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest." The world has many ways of putting godly people in a tough spot but Christ, prayer, and the word of God sees us through. As it says in Psalms 34:17-19 KJV "17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
The lesson on April 18, 2010 was a study on the prophet Elijah. The scripture reading was in Malachi 4:4-6 KJV "4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
The lesson on June 27th discussed the concept of expounding and the scripture passages that used the term "expounded" One scripture reading was found in Acts 28:23 KJV "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." Notice how long it took? The Apostle Paul expounded all day long. Today, the generations that exist have certain attributes th
The lesson on July 11, 2010 looked at Proverbs 4:23 KJV which was "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." This lesson looks at the issues of life and the issues from death as referenced in Psalms 68:20 KJV "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death." We learned in John 3:17-21 KJV "17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
