December

The lesson on December 29, 2013 was part 11 of the "Ephesians" study.  As usual, a review of previous lessons started this lesson reviewing the great truths discovered in chapter two.  One of those themes was the distance the Gentiles had from God which is now abolished.  Israel had the preferred status.  In Ephesians, that now is gone because the middle wall of partition was abolished in Christ.  This lesson starts chapter three and teaches the revelation that PAul the prisoner is revealing the mystery which is different from the mystery of Christ.  This doctrine is sent specifically to the Gentiles and it is very special and is the cap stone of truth that is placed on top of the mystery of Christ.  The scripture reading was in Psalms 8:1-9 KJV

The message on December 22, 2013 was a break from the Ephesians study and celebrated Christmas time. We learned the correct interpretation of the phrase "Xmas" which turns out that it isn't a modern convention at all. It was used commonly in 16th-century Europe, when many people began using the term "Christos," the Greek translation for Christ, to refer to Jesus. The letter chi in the Greek alphabet is symbolized by an X and translates to "ch." So along with the Greek letter rho for "r", the term Xmas was used to refer to the birth of Jesus as an informed abbreviation, not an offensive one. Xmas was a way for Christian scholars to refer to Jesus respectfully in an ancient language -- not to disrespect his name with a harsh symbol by simply X-ing out Christ at Christmas.  However, that is a current trend in the world today.  Christmas time is the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season.  This message teaches why Jesus came, and what He achieved on the cross.  The fullness of time was discussed and we learn about time in the bible.  It is Christmas time and this message celebrates the fullness and how the Gentiles fit into it. The scripture reading was from Galatians 4:4-5 KJV

The lesson on December 15, 2013 was part 10 of the "Ephesians" study and continued almost to the end of chapter two. As is usual, we reviewed the previous lesson where we learned the proper interpretation of verse 8 where we learn that "for by grace are you saved through faith" not of yourselves.  The "not of yourselves" applies to the entire idea together.  We learned that we have been created in Christ as a new man who has been prepared for good works.  This is the proper order because your works have nothing to do with your salvation. The remaining part of chapter two involves the theme of distance.  Paul is explaining how Gentiles were far from God where the Jew was very close to God.  Even in the Acts period, the Gentiles were brought near but still within Israel's calling.  Post Acts, there is a new man created removing the enmity between the Jew and Gentile bringing them together without conflict.  The scripture reading was in Ephesians 2:11-18 KJV

This lesson was given on December 8, 2013 and is part 9 of the "Ephesians" study.  We reviewed verses 1-7 which was taught in the previous lesson and moved on to versus 8-10.  In learning how the KJV uses italics, we reviewed a powerful verse in Hebrews 1:8 where God calls His son God! We learned of three time perspectives: Times Past, But Now, and Ages to Come where we are in the "But Now" and to really understand this position, you have to understand the message that PAul the prisoner is teaching. This is not Paul's pre-Acts 28 ministry. In this lesson we learned how to read verse 8 of chapter two.  "For by grace are ye saved" which means there is no work in this faith, God simply accepts this faith as righteousness.  Grace and Faith are linked just like Works and Law are linked.  You cannot combine Grace and Law nor can you combine Faith and Works because they are like oil and water. The scripture reading was in Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV

The lesson on December 1, 2013 was part 8 of the "Ephesians" study.  A review of chapter one was given where we learned about looking for pentecostal gifts is wrong because of the change in God's revealed plan due to the revelation of his hidden purpose.  In this age, PAul talks about the one gift of the spirit of wisdom and revelation that may be given (verse 1:17). We learn how the King James uses italicized font to correctly reflect the case being communicated.  When we get to the main lesson we learn of the amazing position God has placed us in Him and how the prince of the power of the air that is currently working against us. The scripture reading was in Ephesians 2:1-7 KJV

The lesson on December 30, 2012 was a testimony by Wayne Stewart in how he came to know Christ and then later came to understand Right Division which was the antedote for all the questions he was pondering after he was saved when he found confusion and fear in the church.  The scripture reading was from 2 Timothy 1:13-18 KJV "13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."

Leland Maples runs the LOOP's Ministries (Loved Ones Of Prisoners) and leads a Thursday night bible study held in the Rec Room at Life Change Baptist Church in Odessa Texas.  The Rec Room message on Thursday, December 27, 2012 was entitled "What is the Difference between a Lost Person and a Saved Person?" and was given by Leland.  Special music was by Pastor Doug Herget, of Odessa Tabernacle Family Life Center in Odessa, TX.

The lesson on December 23, 2012 was a continuation of the lesson from the previous week looking at God's plan in relation to the birth of Christ which is the most amazing story in the world.  The scripture reading was from Luke 2:1-8 KJV "1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

Leland Maples runs the LOOP's Ministries (Loved Ones Of Prisoners) and leads a Thursday night bible study held in the Rec Room at Life Change Baptist Church in Odessa Texas.  The Rec Room message on Thursday, December 20, 2012 was entitled "The Most Beautiful Word in the Bible" and was given by Leland.  Special music was by Charles Reynolds.