Seeds

He Day 2 Elohim: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Elohim!

The Questions

1) What are the results of having a knowledge of God versus loving God? (verse 1)

2) What is the attitude Paul tells believers to take when it comes to serving the one true God in a society of many gods?

3) What was Paul trying to convey in verse 6?

1 Corinthians 8:1-6

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.

4 About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.

Original Intent

1) What are the results of having a knowledge of God versus loving God? (verse 1)
It is believed the phrase, “we all have knowledge”, was coined by the Corinthian believers in response to some of Paul’s teachings. It was also used by believers in dealing with the division caused by attending functions in idol temples and eating meat dedicated to temple idols (BibleRef.com). In asking Paul to decide between the two camps, Paul affirmed that yes an idol is nothing in the world, and there is no other God but one. (1 Corinthians 8:4) Therefore, if an idol is nothing, then the food dedicated to the idol is nothing as well. That appears to be a sound argument at face value. However, keeping in mind the current culture and sharp feelings based around idols and idol worship, the end result would be division and losing a member of Christ’s body. Paul used this as an opportunity to remind the Corinthians that those members of the body who seem weaker in knowledge (or understanding of the freedom we have in Christ) are necessary and important to the Body as a whole. For this reason, there should be no schism in the body, rather, the members should have the same care for one another regardless of viewpoints on issues that don’t really matter.  (1 Corinthians 12:22, 1 Corinthians 12:25) “For knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” (1 Corinthians 8:1) Having knowledge alone without love is not enough to care for one another. If a believer “has the gift of prophecy, faith to move mountains, and gives everything to the poor but has no love, it profits nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) True love like Jesus’ love suffers long and is kind, does not seek its own and is not provoked. Love meets the weaker brother where they are and suffers loss for the sake of others. (1 Corinthians 13:4) This is why the one who chooses to love his brother or sister who he can see with his eyes, also loves the one true God he has not visibly seen. (1 Peter 1:8)

2) What is the attitude Paul tells believers to take when it comes to serving the one true God in a society of many gods?
The city of Corinth was a major trading center attracting various people from across the empire. Along with the influx of people, gods from different cultures took root in the city. The temple of Aphrodite sat on top of the city filled with the beckoning call of a thousand prostitutes; while the Isthmus games honored the god Poseidon. The cult of Isis had an emphasis on gaining wisdom, and the cult of Mithras was enthralled with mysteries. As part of the Roman empire, the worship of Caesar as Lord was required by every citizen and subject. In a culture saturated with so many elohim, Paul declares, “Yet for us, there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6) For Paul, who preached the gospel mainly to the Gentiles, turning to the one true God (Elohim) from idols was a frequent topic among churches. Often, Paul told Gentile believers of Elohim coming in the form of human flesh to reconcile the world back to Himself. By trusting in the one true Elohim, Gentile believers would be rescued from the bondage of serving the many false elohim of the kingdom of darkness. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Colossians 1:13) The Greek word “true” in relation to the one “true” God is “alethinos”, meaning real, ideal, genuine. God Himself fulfills the very meaning of His name. He is the “true” God sharply contrasting all other false gods”. (Strong 228) God has declared, “For the Lord your God, is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God.” (Deuteronomy 10:17) There is no comparison between the Almighty Elohim and the cluster of gods dominating the Greek society. Only the true God is eternal and everlasting; His kingdom resides as a seed inside of every one of His children. Those kingdom seeds would then go on to grow and uproot the culture and gods of the Roman empire.

3) What was Paul trying to convey in verse 6?
The apostle Paul needed to lay a new foundation of thought when it came to the worship of the one true God. Previously, in their ignorance, the Gentile believers worshipped idols made with their own hands of silver, gold, and wood. Whenever disaster struck or provision was needed, supplication was made to various gods at family altars and temples in the midst of the city. False gods were in every layer of society, entertainment, family, and business. Anything the human heart could want, there was a god promising to give it, but the Elohim of Israel was altogether different. The Almighty was not a god who was far off, detached from His worshippers in a temple accessible only through blood and offerings. The kingdom of the Almighty was now with His children, inside their hearts and minds. (Luke 17:21) God was with them in their sufferings and every part of life’s journey. (Philippians 3:10) To pivot to a form of worship that no longer had sacrifices and offerings as a barrier was revolutionary. Now, God could be accessed because He, not us, paid the price for reconciliation. Just like Christ and the Father were one before time began, now every believer is one with Christ in God. Now, no longer are there varying degrees of differentiation between slave or free, Jew or Gentile, but all are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) For in Christ we live, move and have our being. Christ Jesus is the vine and the Church are His branches. (John 15:5) This holy vine, born of incorruptible seed, provides all things and is the very life-sustaining force of the Church.

Everyday Application

1) What are the results of having a knowledge of God versus loving God? (verse 1)
One of the most familiar phrases uttered today is “my truth”. The concept is, although my truth may differ from your truth, both truths are equally valid. Under this view, all truths are valid and no correction is necessary because a single standard for “truth” does not exist. What happens in a community of believers that each holds onto their own version of the truth? In Paul’s day, there was division because of personal choices coming under scrutiny by other believers, the same conflict continues today. For example, some Christians practice yoga simply for its physical benefits alone. To them, it’s simply a low impact exercise that’s easy on the joints. For other believers, the postures themselves are prayer poses dedicated to the worship of Hindu deities. At one point, I was faced with this very dilemma of what to do about an exercise I loved. A child asked me if it was ok to do yoga because their parents said it was worshipping Hindu gods. I could have told them “my truth”, that the stretches were nothing and the Hindu gods are nothing. (1 Corinthians 8:4) I weighed my words carefully because I could see that my liberty to exercise how I wanted, would cause harm to the spiritual conscience of a child. (1 Corinthians 8:7) In the eyes of the child, the exercise was a thing offered to an idol. At this point, do I choose knowledge, or do I choose to love? I chose knowledge, and after a while I came to see the conflict I helped create for this child. If this was ok to do, what else is ok to do? I finally decided to walk in love, for I couldn’t let my truth wound the child’s conscience and thereby sin against Christ.

2) What is the attitude Paul tells believers to take when it comes to serving the one true God in a society of many gods?
At the time of this writing, the entire world has been upended because of an unseen virus. Everything society has raised up to be pursued and worshipped has come crashing down. The idols of centuries ago have simply changed form and are still being worshipped in these modern times. Money, sports, education, fame, and social media influence, our culture’s idols, have been taken away as a result of the virus. For some, well actually, for most people, what was once a sure thing and a safe place is now gone, and for many, fear has come in its stead. Yet this one truth holds firm. The same God who covered the children of Israel during the plagues is the same God who will cover His church. The one true God is the all-sufficient one, El Shaddai is His name. The psalmist David said, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (El Shaddai).” (Psalm 91:1) When all the works of your hands have been removed, trust in Christ for He is a sure foundation, our chief cornerstone! The Word of God says, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:4-27) Watching everything fall away into sinking sand may be terrifying, but as the sand falls away the solid rock of Christ Jesus appears under your feet to sustain and keep you. God is still in control! In Haggai, God says, “And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.” (Haggai 2:7) Although you see everything around you shaking, God is able to keep you from falling. Because He lives, you live, do not fear!

3) What was Paul trying to convey in verse 6?
These uncertain times have placed us all in an unexpected place of stillness, and so we return to the beginning for answers. In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1) It is in that space of the beginning we find Christ waiting for us to invite Him into our everyday lives once again. The Holy God who has made all things, reminds us that everything we need is found in Him alone. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Despite the tribulations we are walking in right now, be of good cheer, for the Word is near you, in your mouth and your heart. (Romans 10:8) God is near you, and in you, for you are His beloved child if you have surrendered your whole heart to Him. In times of suffering, He promised to be with us all the more, for His grace is sufficient for us. Paul said, “that is why for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) We, as believers, are strong because we are hidden in Christ, the all-sufficient one, El Shaddai.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Elohim!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is He Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Seeds Day 14 Gloriously Broken: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Gloriously Broken!

The Questions

1) Why were Paul and Silas praying and singing?

2) Why was the jailer so quick to fall on his knees before his prisoners?

3) What does this story reveal about God’s authority versus human authority?

Acts 16:25-40

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped.

28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. 34 He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household.

35 When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent the police to say, “Release those men.”

36 The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So, come out now and go in peace.”

37 But Paul said to them, “They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out.”

38 The police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 So they came to appease them, and escorting them from prison, they urged them to leave town. 40 After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed.

Original Intent

1) Why were Paul and Silas praying and singing?
The circumstances for their worship is unimaginable. There exists no earthly reason why these two should be awake at midnight, and certainly not found praying or singing. Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching Christ as Savior, more so, the pair had been beaten by professionals in public punishment. Bruised, bleeding, quite likely suffering a broken rib (or few), twisted appendages, loose teeth, swollen eyes, or a concussion, this was the time for a doctor’s care, washed wounds, medicine, nourishment, and rest. Yet these men received none of it. Shackled in a small, dank cell, where the world would surely expect groaning and complaint, Paul and Silas were continuing the work they had been commissioned with, the very work that had landed them in prison in the first place: worship. Their obedience to travel to a new city to share the gospel was an act of worship, obedience to boldly preach was worship, and though their scenario was now different, it did not determine their obedience to continue in worship. This obedience to the Lord was not a heavy-burdened duty to perform. They were not singing because they “had to”. No! They prayed and sang out of love for the One who had freed them for eternity; earthly chains and sufferings held no long-term threat to them. (Psalm 118:6, Matthew 10:28)

2) Why was the jailer so quick to fall on his knees before his prisoners?
One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict of sin for the purpose of bringing a lost soul into eternal salvation. Without this conviction from the Spirit, no one would repent from their sin, we are too in love with ourselves as ruler over our lives. (John 16:8) Anyone who turns to Jesus for salvation does so because the Holy Spirit has convicted them of their sin, shown them the perfect righteousness of God, and convicted them of a coming judgement when only those names found written in the Book of Life will enter eternal life. (Revelation 3:5, Revelation 17:8) For this jailer to repent, the Holy Spirit was convicting his heart of his own sin. As Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The Spirit uses His “sword”, which is the Word of God, the Bible, in His conviction as by its penetrating cut, the thoughts and intentions of the heart are discerned. (Hebrews 4:12) Paul and Silas were not praying with random words or singing meaningless ditties to pass the time, they were praying Scripture and singing God’s living Word. (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 42:8) They were preaching even in their worship. The Holy Spirit had been preparing this jailer’s heart, and when he was confronted with the truth of Scripture paired with the faith of the beaten disciples, he knew he needed this same salvation.

3) What does this story reveal about God’s authority versus human authority?
Scripture teaches over and over that never once are we forsaken, alone, or unloved by the God who died to save us from ourselves. (Romans 8:37-39, Romans 5:6-8) His authority rules and reigns over all things (Matthew 28:18), even when we don’t perceive it. Nothing is beyond His control and ability to redeem. The Lord was with Paul and Silas as they preached, giving them words and boldness. He was with them as every blow was struck to their bodies. He was with them in that prison cell, growing their faith and dependence on Him, even as their human bodies ached with wounds. His Spirit stirred inside them, causing them to hunger for deeper connection with Him as His constant invitation to pray to Him was open. Paul and Silas responded to the Spirit working inside them, just as had been their growing habit since He took up residence within them at their conversions to faith, and they prayed and sang for all to hear in the middle of the night. Jail cell and prison bond and beating would not stop them from sharing Hope because God’s authority trumps all of man’s authority and perspective.

Everyday Application

1) Why were Paul and Silas praying and singing?
It is not in the fine, easy-going scenarios in life where our faith is proven genuine. Rather, it is when our freedom is gone, our life hangs in the balance, and despair threatens to pull us under when our true heart is revealed. Do we believe God is good even in the dark? Do we believe He is worthy of worship when our plans have slipped through our fingers? Will we worship when the music has faded from our souls and we no longer feel like praying? There, there in those darkest moments is true worship born while faith grows. What was true in the light remains true in the dark; the Lord will never forsake (Deuteronomy 31:6), never abandon (2 Corinthians 4:9), is forever faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3), and always good (Psalm 136:1). Because His character is permanently unchanging, we can worship in the midst of tragedy. This passage doesn’t record these men as jovially laughing and carrying on, making light of their situation. Perhaps they were providing needed comic relief to each other, but just as likely, they were weeping while they worshipped and prayed. Sisters, this story is for us! Regardless of your scenario, whether it’s dark or light, shadows or sunshine, we have more than enough reason to obediently, from a heart of love, worship the Lord!

2) Why was the jailer so quick to fall on his knees before his prisoners?
Think on how your personal journey to surrendering your life and will to Christ’s. When did you see yourself as impossibly lost because of your sin? How did the Holy Spirit use Scripture to point you to the righteousness of a Holy God who loves you? Whose faith did God use to set before you an example of genuine life-change. Take some time in the next few days and write that person or persons a note expressing gratitude for the way they lived out their faith as it impacted you. Be in prayer as you think of all those you may never even know about being influenced (or potentially influenced) by your faith lived out. What if your worship preached the gospel? What if Scripture was on your lips when the Cheerios spilled and you prayed Scripture as you walked through conflict with your spouse? Suppose it was worship that flowed out when you got that email or heard that gossip that hurt? Only the sovereign God knows what He will accomplish through your obedient worship!

3) What does this story reveal about God’s authority versus human authority?
Sisters, all seemed dark for these men, but God’s power and authority were hemming them in behind, before, and on all sides. His power was not dimmed by their suffering or the darkness of their circumstance, it shone all the brighter. As testament, the Lord sent an earthquake so violent it broke their physical chains and awakened the jailer from physical sleep so he could wake up to real life in the spiritual realm. God’s authority at work again over sin and death in the story of the jailer. An earthquake is one thing, salvation of a soul for eternity is another entirely. Through His incredible sovereign power, the Lord used a physical occurrence of an earthquake to bring about a spiritual encounter with one jailer and his family and it was recorded for centuries that you and I might read it and be encouraged. I wonder what ordinary things He might use through your willingness and mine to reach those around us, rescuing them for eternity just like the jailer.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Gloriously Broken!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Seeds Day 13 Gloriously Broken

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 16:16-40
Esther 3:7-11
Psalm 13
Psalm 119:57-64

Seeds, Day 13

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Paul and Silas were no strangers to trials. They knew suffering, intimately. They could relate.

Can you picture them there in the prison at Philippi?

The night dark, the cell damp and cold. Their bodies were bruised and bleeding. Surrounded by criminals and shackled in chains, their future appeared nonexistent. They had what most of the world would consider every right to be discouraged.

Their bodies? Broken.
The God they worshipped? Invisible.
The Savior they loved? Ascended.
Imprisoned and abandoned; to the world, they appeared completely alone.

Their physical reality was bleak.

They could see the way the bruises colored their skin and feel the pain from the beating they had received. They could see the walls that held them and the authority who watched over them. They could see the other prisoners surrounding them. They could see how their lives could be taken at any point.

And still, they believed.
And still, they sang.
And still, they worshipped.

They could see the dire situation they were in with their physical eyesight,
because they were men.
But they were men who were also followers of Jesus,
so they could also see the situation with spiritual eyesight.

The jailer at Philippi was a man, too. He had seen the way these two men had been thrown into his care. No regard for their lives was expressed, and he had been charged with holding them captive with his other prisoners. They should have been discouraged, but the way they were singing…it almost seemed like they had hope. To him…

Paul and Silas were prisoners.
The god they worshipped was impotent.
The savior they loved was dead.
Imprisoned and abandoned, they were completely alone.

His perception was simple.

He could see how their bodies were injured. He could see they were ordinary men. They looked like any others he might pass on the street, save the tattered rags that clothed their bruised bodies. He could see they appeared to be lucid and aware of their situation.

And yet, they believed.
And yet, they sang.
And yet, they worshipped.

When the earthquake shook the prison and the jailer realized there was nothing to keep the prisoners in place, he was ready to die rather than face his failure.

But God saw things differently.

God saw the jailer needed a demonstration of His love. He knew Paul and Silas would follow His lead, even in their suffering. He saw they would worship Him, even though. He saw the family of the jailer, and wanted to invite them into His family through salvation and the spirit of adoption.

Paul and Silas? God placed them in that prison for this purpose.
The God they worshipped? He was with them every moment.
The Savior they loved? He used their suffering for His glory, as a means to offer salvation to the jailer and his whole household.

When we find ourselves in a place we might call suffering,
are we using our physical or spiritual eyesight to view the world around us?

Do we subscribe to feeling abandoned and alone, or are we looking for what HE is doing?
Do we cut ourselves off and focus on ourselves, or are we being Jesus to those around us?
Do we become discouraged and angry that we are uncomfortable, or are we saying “yes” to Him and choosing to bring Him glory in our darkest hours?

Truth, Sister?

Our suffering isn’t about US at all, not really. Suffering is the opportunity He gives us to BELIEVE that He is exactly Who He says He is and that He will do exactly what He said He would do, and to LIVE that reality in a fallen world.
Our suffering will bring Him glory and create space for Him to work through us.

And that, sister?
That’s a vision worth living for!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Seeds Day 12 Seeds Of Encouragement: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Seeds Of Encouragement!

The Questions

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?

2) What is the power received?

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Original Intent

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
This verse is spoken by Jesus before He ascends to Heaven. Jesus is with His disciples on the Mt of Olives outside of Bethany. Essentially, these words are the last ones Jesus says to His disciples before leaving them. In those moments, Jesus promises His disciples they will not be abandoned even though He is leaving them. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and had spent time with Jesus after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructed His disciples to share the Gospel with all nations.  However, with these words, Jesus tells them to stay and wait. He doesn’t want them to go alone to carry His gospel to the nations, but instead wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus knows their mission is will not be accomplished alone. He knows they need what only God can provide.

2) What is the power received?
This power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we hear the word “power” we often think physical strength. However, this isn’t what Jesus is referring to here as this is a spiritual power. This power is the strength, courage, and boldness by which Jesus’ disciples will go out and accomplish the mission Jesus is laying before them. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to go out before they had the power from the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait for it. Jesus knew there was no hope in them being witnesses if they did not have the power only God can provide. The power of the Holy Spirit would come and equip them with all the tools needed to be successful and effective witnesses. Without the Holy Spirit, they would never have success.

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Jesus had given His disciples what we call the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28. Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus expounds on that command and lays out a plan of action. The disciples were Jews who would have lived in Jerusalem and Judea. Their mission is to begin sharing the Gospel and making witnesses right where they were in everyday life and then move out from there in every widening circles of influence. The disciples were to continue moving into Samaria and then into the rest of the world. Essentially, this lays out the plan to take the Gospel to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Expositor’s Bible Commentary words it this way, “Jerusalem, Judea, – the Apostles were to begin their great practical life of witnessing at home, but they were not to stay there. Samaria was next to have its opportunity, and so we shall find it to have been the case; and then, working from home as centre, to the uttermost parts of the earth.” Never were the disciples to stay in the comforts of home. God’s plan was always to send His power and enable the disciples to share the Good News with His entire creation.

Everyday Application

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
While Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples in this verse, His message is still for us today. As believers, we are also His disciples and these words are just as much for us as it was for those who heard it first when Jesus spoke. We too have the job of sharing the Gospel with all nations. However, if the disciples could not take on the task in their own power, why should we think we can? Just as they needed the Holy Spirit, so do we. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit who never leaves. We can choose, however, to ignore His voice and attempt to do His work on our own strength. Here is where we need to be reminded of Jesus’ message to His first disciples and to us!

2) What is the power received?
Spiritual power is a gift provided by the Holy Spirit. The disciples needed the power to go out boldly and confidently share the Gospel bearing witness to Jesus. Before the Spirit was given, the disciples were told to wait. Jesus would not send them to accomplish a mission if they were not equipped to accomplish it. If the disciples needed the Spirit’s power and they had physically walked with Jesus and learned at His feet, we should also acknowledge we need this power in order to bear witness to Jesus. This power allows us to step out in courage to share the truth of who Jesus is and why the world needs Him. Where is the Spirit leading you? Are you in the habit of engaging with Him through Scripture, journaling, prayer, and quiet listening? If we are to accomplish the Lord’s mission in our everyday lives, our effectiveness begins and ends with our dependence on the equipping power of the Holy Spirit!

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Just as Jesus lays out a plan for the disciples to carry out the Great Commission at the end of this verse, He lays out a plan for us. As believers, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations just as the original disciples were. Even though we don’t live in Jerusalem our plan of action should look similar to the disciples. We are first to start in our own “Jerusalem”, the place we call home. Who is God calling us to share the Gospel with in our homes, in our neighborhoods, or in our workplace? Next, we are to look to the area or city we live in, our “Judea”. Samaria would have been a little farther out from home. It could be like asking who am I to share the Gospel with within the region God has placed me. Lastly, I am to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. There is no place on earth that is not worthy of hearing the Good News. Where is God asking me to go? Any one of these areas may feel out of our comfort zone, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can bravely and boldly go and bear witness making disciples. When I lived in Las Vegas my church said it this way, “Las Vegas, the West and the World”. I now live in Kansas City, MO and my church says it this way, “our church, the Northland, and beyond.” Think about where God has placed you… how can you reword this action plan Jesus gave to match where God has you located. It will be different for all of us, but the end goal is the same… to see every nation to the end of the earth hear the Good News of Jesus!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Seeds Of Encouragement!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

The GT Weekend ~ Seeds Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Sara put words to a struggle we all encounter at various points in life, either to live in fear of people or walk in faith with the God who has never failed us. Take some time to identify where you have lived in fear of people in the past. How has the Lord shaped your heart to choose Him, as the better, over acquiescing to others? Celebrate His work here! Consider new challenges where you are apt to choose what people want at the expense of following the Savior? Take these specifically to the Lord in prayer!

2) On Wednesday, we were challenged to consider the pitfalls of our identity sources. Sara noted how grateful she was for having walked through a season of having her identity deconstructed. Consider writing out your top 4 markers of your identity and sift through the source for each of those. If the source is removed, the identity will crumble. What is holding up your identity?

3) All throughout this Journey Theme of Seeds, we’ve been challenging ourselves to consider “what if” we lived as boldly as the examples we find in the pages of Acts of those first century Christians. Their stories are incredible and their faith seems entirely other, but it began simply, exactly like our own. Each of their journeys grew from a seed of faith, nourished by a regular, consistent investment in a relationship with the God of the Universe in everyday life. The invitation for dramatic life change is ours as well. What If  you were to begin investing deeper with Jesus this weekend? Where might He take you? What would He want you to know? Who would He want you to share the gospel with? Suppose the Lord had written an invitation to you, what would your response be? Write it out and be willing to be different!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Job 38:31-33 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
or loose the cords of Orion?
Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,
or can you guide the Bear with its children?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you establish their rule on the earth?

Prayer Journal
Ah Lord God, Your good kindness to us is so far beyond my comprehension. Keep taking my breath away with the vastness of Your love and Your design for life! You, who created galaxies we haven’t even explored. You, who gather the seas in Your hand. You who measure the mountains on a scale. You, who crafted the body of an ant and the structure of micro-organisms, purposed to have a relationship with every single human being on a deep and personal level. And then You called us out, made us new, and gave us purpose as You invited us into a mission to love others as You have loved us. Keep my eyes focused in this rich truth, reminding me You’ve invited me ever deeper into “What If!”.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Seeds Day 10 Empowered To BE

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 8:26-40
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Romans 8:9-11
John 14:9-2
Ephesians 3:16-20

Seeds, Day 10

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to BE your favorite animal?
To soar like an eagle?
Carry 20x your weight like an ant?
Change colors like a chameleon?
Do acrobatics like a dolphin?

The Kratt Brothers have been helping children learn about animal “super powers” for decades.  At the beginning of each episode, they introduce an animal, highlight its unique traits, then ask something like, “Can you imagine if we really could join the pack and howl with the wolves?”  The brothers jump into position and ask “What if…” as they transform into cartoon characters who go on a creature adventure experiencing firsthand the super powers of the animal.

As I considered this Journey Study, several questions immediately stood out:

What if we lived like we had access to the Holy Spirit?
What if eternity really could be changed by our simple, willing obedience?

I couldn’t help but think of the Kratt Brothers’ enthusiastic “What if…!”

It’s easy to look at biblical men like Joseph, Daniel, Peter, or Paul and think they were super-humans with special powers.  We put them on a pedestal, figuring we could never be like them – teaching, preaching, healing, changing lives, and building God’s kingdom like crazy.

We read about strong, brave women like Ruth, Esther, Hannah, and Mary categorizing them as heroes of faith while quickly writing off OUR ability to have the same impact.

But WHAT IF…

What if we DO have the same power as Peter and Paul?!
What if we CAN make a difference in our families, communities, and ultimately the world like the heroines we admire?

What if?!

In Acts 8, we find another biblical hero, Philip; a man God used to alter the course of history.

We find Philip in Jerusalem, having just returned from Samaria.  He’s busy preaching the gospel, and despite the persecution believers are facing, the church is growing!  Demons are being cast out; the paralyzed and lame are being healed.  God is obviously at work!

In the midst of all this action, an angel tells Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”  (Acts 8:26)

What would you have done?
Pulled up GPS on your phone for exact directions?
Checked the weather app to see what you need to pack?
Looked at your calendar for your next available opening?

Of course Philip didn’t have a cell phone, but even if he did, I’m not sure he would have done any of those things.  Scripture says he simply “rose and went.” (verse 27)

Makes me think about Abraham when God told him to sacrifice Isaac.
Or when Jesus called out to James and John, “Follow Me.”
Or when an angel woke Joseph up in the middle of the night, “Flee to Egypt.”

In each instance, like with Philip, God said….
They did.

No questions asked.
No waiting, planning, or second guessing.
Just pure, simple, IMMEDIATE obedience.

As a result, God did amazing things.

In Acts, God had prepared a divine appointment for Philip.
There on the road was “an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure.”

The angel instructed, “Go over and join his chariot.” (verse 29)
Again, Philip obeys.

He doesn’t stop to play out scenarios in his head or worry about offending him or
being ignored.
He just goes.
RUNS actually.

Approaching the chariot, Phillip hears the man reading in Isaiah, about Jesus.
The man had questions.
Philip had answers.
How convenient!
Like it was meant to be!

Philip explains the Scriptures, tells him about Jesus, and the Ethiopian eunuch believes!

As if God planned it, at that very moment, they came upon water, giving Philip the opportunity to baptize his new brother.

As the eunuch comes up out of the water, an angel whisks Philip away, and the men never see each other again. The eunuch continued on his way rejoicing.
I can almost guarantee you, he told his friends and family what happened.

“It was crazy. I was sitting in the chariot, reading the scroll and all of a sudden this strange man appeared and asked if I needed help understanding the passage.  Actually, I did!  I was so confused, but he answered all my questions! I gave my life to Jesus, and then we passed some water, so I got baptized!  But when I came out of the water, the dude was gone!  He vanished!”

And remember, the Ethiopian was a court official.
I’m going to guess he also shared his incredible story at the palace.
Guards.
Cooks.
Butlers and maids.
Visiting dignitaries.
EVERYONE, even the queen herself, heard alllllll about it.

One act of obedience, and God used a single man to spread the gospel throughout Africa.

How many lives were impacted because Philip went to the road?
How was history changed because Philip ran up to the chariot?

Philip didn’t have any special powers.
He wasn’t an extraordinary man.
BUT the extraordinary GOD used him to do powerful, extraordinary things.

What if we were like Philip?

What if we surrendered our plans and started each day with,
“Here I am…use me however you need.”

What if we were willing to come alongside others in our lives, regardless of race, economic status, sexuality, or religious beliefs?

What if we were ready to hear their stories and listen to their questions?

What if we were ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus?

What if?!

You don’t need a special suit or incredible imaginations like the Wild Kratt brothers to be a heroine. If you believe in Jesus, YOU have super powers.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALREADY IN YOU,
LIVING AND ACTIVE,
READY TO DO POWERFUL, EXTRAORDINARY THINGS…
if you are ready and willing!

What if we say YES to God…no matter what?

Can you imagine?!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Seeds Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Seeds!

Seeds Day 9 Stepping Into Identity: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Stepping Into Identity!

The Questions

1) Why does Paul say the readers were “dead” when they were in fact “living”?

2)  How does the phrase “but God” impact our understanding of the Gospel message Paul was committed to proclaiming?

3) If salvation comes by grace alone, not by good works, why did Paul say we were created for good works?

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!
6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—
9 not from works, so that no one can boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Original Intent

1) Why does Paul say the readers were “dead” when they were in fact “living”?
Scripture teaches that “dead men walking” is a very real thing. Although we can’t see it with human eyes, every single person in the world exists in one of only two categories: either spiritually dead or spiritually alive. Believers understand physical death to be the separation of the soul from the body. Of even greater significance is spiritual death, which separates the soul from God. Paul explains this difference using the phrase “liv(ing) according to the ways of this world.” (Verse 2) Those living only for the world were not really living. We trace this kind of dying back to the Garden of Eden.
In Genesis 2 God told Adam that eating the fruit from the forbidden tree in the garden would cause sure death. (Genesis 2:16-17) Even though Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s instruction, physical death did not occur immediately, signifying that God had another type of death in mind. Believing Satan’s lie, Adam and Eve sadly discovered their enlightenment created a great gulf between themselves and their Creator.
One of the saddest scenes in the Bible is found in Genesis 3:8: “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” The intimate fellowship that had existed between man and God was broken. They were now separated from God and, in effect, had died. Later in Ephesians, Paul describes this separation by saying that those living apart from Christ had been “excluded from the life of God.” (Ephesians 4:18)  Paul gave a similar message to the church at Colossae. It is an essential belief of the gospel message to understand that sin separates us from God and results in soul death. (Colossians 2:10)

2)  How does the phrase “but God” impact our understanding of the Gospel message Paul was committed to proclaiming?
Although not translated with two English words every time, the message contained within the transitional phrase “but God” demonstrates a thread that runs throughout the entire Bible. In fact, to recognize the importance of these two words as they are used in Scripture is the beginning of comprehending the width and breadth of the gospel. In one way or another, the book of Romans is filled with this rally cry of Paul: BUT GOD! (Romans 5:1-10) Immediately following verse 10 in our passage, Paul begins to express his wonder at the thought of God’s grace in the life of his readers and his own life. Reminding his readers of their previous sinful state, he emphasizes how it was God who reached out toward them. We read in Acts 9, 22, and 26 of Paul’s personal story of God’s pursuit. At one time in his life, Paul was on his way to Damascus, heading in the opposite direction of the God he thought he worshipped. In his possession was a letter from the high priest giving him authority to arrest those who followed Christ. Now, because of God’s grace, he was boldly preaching the very message of those he was persecuting. (Ephesians 3:7-9)

3) If salvation comes by grace alone, not by good works, why did Paul say we were created for good works?
Are works part of our salvation or are we saved by grace alone? Like it is with so many Bible questions, the answer is YES! But that can’t be, can it? It is questions like this that can cause Bible students to get sidetracked in debate. In conversations about grace and works, many people stir the pot of biblical controversy by pitting the teachings of Paul against those of James. But they were not contradicting each other. In fact, both Paul and James agree that our works can’t save us. James stressed that everyone who has ever sinned has broken God’s law. That includes everyone. In ourselves, we are unable to correct the distance that is created. It’s only through mercy that we will escape judgment. (James 2:10-13) So why do the teachings of Paul and James seem to be different, and what does that have to do with the Ephesians? Unlike James, who wrote to intellectuals putting head knowledge above obedience, Paul’s emphasis on grace was specific to people who were tempted to trust in their works for salvation. But Paul’s message of grace was always accompanied by the teaching that genuine salvation would be demonstrated by walking in the ways of God. Grace is the root, of which, good works of obedience flowing from love, are the fruit!

Everyday Application

1) Why does Paul say the readers were “dead” when they were in fact “living”?
“Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live.” Attributed to C.S. Lewis, this quote is a good way to translate what Paul is saying in this passage. Our main goal as believers should not be to place rules around ourselves and others to make us or them better people. Parent experts have written many books to explain that rules alone without a genuine relationship with our kids won’t produce spiritually healthy kids. Far too many of us seem to care more about morals and good behavior than we do about the gift of grace given to us. It is not a certain lifestyle that will save us or keep us in a right relationship with God. Apart from Christ we are dead. And nothing will revive us except the Spirit of God working in our hearts. It is only by His kindness that we have been “raised us up with Him and seated with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace!” (Ephesians 2:6-7)

2) How does the phrase “but God” impact our understanding of the Gospel message Paul was committed to proclaiming?
But God. Theologian James Montgomery Boice wrote: “If you understand those two words, they will save your soul. If you recall them daily and live by them, they will transform your life completely.” There are several two-word phrases in the Scriptures that impact me. “Jesus wept.” “Be still.” “Rejoice always.” These are a few, but none carry more weight than the two words: “But God”. The lyrics to a newer hymn perfectly speak to the deep, life-changing confession we find in these words.
But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost,
You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed; You suffered in my place.
You bore the wrath reserved for me; now all I know is grace. (All I Have Is Christ)

3) If salvation comes by grace alone, not by good works, why did Paul say we were created for good works?
Paul told Timothy that “all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable … so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”. We do not need to fret that Paul was confused when he wrote to the church at Ephesus. Neither must we choose who to have confidence in, either Paul or James. They did not have different beliefs about salvation.  In Ephesians, Paul shows that a life of good works was the evidence of grace, emphasizing it is grace, and God’s transforming love, that leads us to obedience. Genuine believers will live out their faith by doing what God wills. What has happened in our hearts through salvation will be fleshed out in our works because God Himself has made us new! (Philippians 2:12-13) Even though the book of James challenged his thinking to the point of frustration, it was Martin Luther who said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Obedience will flow out of our salvation. We will serve God from a grateful heart that recognizes such great mercy extended to us who don’t deserve it and can never boast that we do!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Stepping Into Identity!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Seeds Day 8 Stepping Into Identity

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 7:54-60
Psalm 56:1-13
Ephesians 2:1-10

Seeds, Day 8

Have you ever seen one of those fundraisers where people pay a few dollars to take a sledgehammer and pound on a car destined for a junkyard? Strangely enough, this picture came to mind as I prayed about what to write. Ironically, that image has become a precious “trophy” in my mind.

Before you seriously begin to question how my brain is wired, let me take you back to one of the hardest seasons of my life.
(Feel free to question my wiring after that.) 😉

My senior year of college was a season of the sledgehammer in my life. After years of being an achiever, I suddenly found myself being told I did not measure up. In hindsight, I can see how so many different elements were in play:
lies of the enemy,
the reality of sinful people interacting (myself included),
and hard life lessons in general.

Regardless of the cocktail that led to the darkness of that year, I finished it battered in a way I had never experienced before. The majority of the hits centered around my identity.

Career
You will not succeed as a teacher.

Future
You’re graduating and have no set plans.

Home
Your family is in one state. You went to school in another. Uncertainty about where to live.

Relationship
You do not have a spouse or significant other.

I didn’t realize how so many of my identity markers were being removed in that season until I went to the wedding of a couple from my larger friend circle. At the time, my brother was dating a girl with my same first name. At the wedding, everyone began asking them when they would be getting married too. They all asked as though it were a foregone conclusion they would be the next couple to marry, and I suddenly faced the potential of no longer even having my name as part of my uniqueness. There would be another woman, in my family, with the same name.

Every major identity marker I could think of to distinguish myself to a new person felt like it had been pulled from my fingers. I remember telling my brother that very statement with tears streaming down my face. His response is forever imprinted on my mind and heart for I sensed both the love of the Lord and His reminder in his words. My brother replied that maybe, just maybe, the Lord had intentionally brought me to that place to prove that my identity is found in Him alone.

We were on the third floor balcony of a hotel and I distinctly remembering wanting to throw something off the edge when I heard those words, but I also felt all fight leave as well. This was truth spoken in love, and it became the foundation for such a grand adventure.

Large amounts of healing were still needed as I moved through that season, and I remember thinking my body and emotions had taken a beating (think fundraiser car with sledgehammer dents). However, I also recognized that my spirit and walk with the Lord had never been more alive.

The beating had left its marks, but I arose undefeated
for the Lord had carried me through it all.

In Scripture, Stephen demonstrated this reality long before my college experience, and His beating led to a literal death. His source of strength, however, shone through for the glory of the Lord. In Acts 6:8, Stephen is described as being full of grace and power evidenced through signs and wonders. He knew who he was in the Lord and he knew the Lord intimately. This was no mere acquaintance for whom he put his life on the line. Stephen’s source of strength resided deep within him and fortified his actions and faith.

So, my dear sister, while we may not walk the path of Stephen with the same level of physical persecution, we do face a daily choice to live from a similar place of identity and confidence.

What does that look like in your daily life?
What verses are imbedded in your heart and spirit that anchor your identity in Him?

Do you know that you are:
Fearfully and wonderfully made? (Psalm 139)
Called by name? (Isaiah 43:1-3)
An overcomer? (I John 5:4-5)
Forgiven? (1 John 1:9)
Seen? (Genesis 16:1-14)
Chosen? (John 15:16)

I am forever grateful for the season of having my identity deconstructed,
for it challenged me to build on the foundation of Christ alone.
I still need to remind myself of this truth and rest on the promises of who I am found in the Word, but I live with a confidence that, regardless of the battles faced,
the Lord is faithful and true. Christ in me results in victory.

Live, dear sister.
Live as Stephen did.
Live in the fullness of Christ and who He created you to be.
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Seeds Day 7 Never Alone: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage? 

2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?

3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?

Acts 5:17-42

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Original Intent

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage?
Luke, the author of the Gospel of the same name, also penned the book of Acts. The setting of this passage – in broad terms – was Jerusalem. The very city where Jesus had been tried and crucified finds us watching another scene of imprisonment and questioning. Most of the activity preceding this particular scene happens at the temple where Jews have regularly been worshipping the Lord for centuries. Now, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of the gospel revealed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles leverage the religious center of the temple an opportunity to share truth and freedom found in Christ, the long-awaited Messiah.

2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?
The religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) hadn’t learned anything from Jesus during His time on earth or from the empty tomb. The feelings they’d had toward Jesus were now pointedly placed on the twelve apostles: jealousy, bitterness, hatred, and fear of losing their position of political, social, and religious power. The Sanhedrin had tried to stop Jesus’ teachings, even going so far as to crucify Him. Now this council was poised to assert their will against the apostles, even if it meant death. The disciples, of course, knew this would be the case, which is why they stayed huddle together in an upper room even after Jesus’ ascension and they had seen the risen Lord. They had no power to go about teaching, even if everything Jesus had taught them was true. Everything changed when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles and they were given Christ’s resurrection power to teach, preach, and boldly share, regardless of the cost to themselves. (Acts 2:1-4)

 3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?
Peter and John stated in Acts 4:20, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” The apostles were Jesus’ circle of companions and students for three years. They heard every teaching, saw every interaction, and witnessed every miracle. After spending time with the Resurrected Lord (John 20:19–21:23; Acts 1:1-5), their lives were so changed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) they were compelled to share Jesus with everyone. Because they had personally experienced the transforming power of Jesus and were empowered by His own Spirit, obeying Him was an act of love.

Everyday Application

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage?
The broad scene was Jerusalem, but in this passage we see the apostles in jail, in the temple courts, and in front of the religious leaders.  Is it ironic that Jesus Himself walked a similar road? Not at all! Followers of Christ will experience a small portion of what He experienced…and we should rejoice! (1 Peter 4:13) Consider the regular, everyday “platforms” the Lord gives you where you regularly meet people. The grocery, the bank, the coffee shop, the PTA, or your neighborhood. How might God be calling you to step up and leverage these for His kingdom work? The risk to Peter and the other apostles was imprisonment and even death, but sharing the truth and freedom found in Jesus was worth it because their reward was eternal. When eternity is at stake, persecution for the Name of Jesus is always worth it!

 2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?
Until Jesus returns to reign and judge sin, evil will always try to prevail against Jesus Christ and His people, but it will never win. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) We should not be surprised when persecution affects us today. Our choices to follow Christ will lead to being shunned, excluded, and mocked in varying forms and degrees. To share even a small part in suffering for the Name of Jesus is an honor and, as Paul records in his letter to the Philippians, his sufferings served as a conduit for the gospel to be preached even more boldly! (Philippians 1:12-14) Where is God calling you to speak the truth boldly with grace?!

3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?
Obedience is a choice…and every choice has consequences, whether positive or negative. In this case, what we see as a negative consequence (flogging – brutal!), the apostles considered a blessing. The hearts of the apostles had been made new and their minds had been renewed in how they thought about persecution. Whereas before the Holy Spirit’s power and before they had encountered the risen Lord, they would have denied Jesus or run in fear, now these same men rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Is this a popular thought? No. Not then, and certainly not now in our world of self-serving entertainment and comfort. So, ladies, let us pray. Boldly. For hearts that are willing to suffer the world’s torment for the joy of serving and loving Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us obey out of a heart of love because we have been so radically loved and rescued!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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