Friday, October 21, 2011

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For Sunday October 23, 2011
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IT’S ALL ABOUT GOD’S PLAN
(We can communicate GOD’s plan to save those who believe)
(Romans 10)

The reason why the gospel has to be preached is, because, mankind continues to suppress the truth. In the Greek, the word used for “truth” is “aletheia” (al-ay-thi-a), and it is “that which is in harmony with reality”. The “truth” is that JESUS has accomplished the whole purpose of the Law, and, that all who believe in HIM are made right with GOD. That is the gospel, the good news, or truth that must be preached by all who follow HIM.
The “good news” of JESUS CHRIST, or, “the Gospel”, comes from the Greek word “euangelizo” (yoo-angghel-id-zo), and it describes not only the message, but also, the act of preaching the message. Out of the 76 times the word “gospel” is used in the New Testament, 60 of those incidences occur in the Apostle Paul’s letters. We must all in some way “evangelize” the gospel of CHRIST, especially if we are in any sense, going to proclaim ourselves to be HIS followers.
Paul has already shown how righteousness has always been a gracious gift from GOD in chapter 9. Now, his argument shifts to how GOD continues to be loyal to us with HIS covenant promises. HE has not rejected us, but rather, we have rejected HIM. Paul acknowledged the Jews enthusiasm for GOD, but, because they did not accept CHRIST, their zeal was misdirected, and as a result of rejecting CHRIST, they also, unwittingly, rejected GOD.
The Jews steadfastly tried to earn their way to Heaven, by following the letter of the Law, however, Paul reasoned that the only way to get right with GOD, is through faith and belief in JESUS CHRIST. Salvation can only come by trusting CHRIST through the message that is preached by HIS servants. That way, JESUS can always be in the reach of those who seek HIM. And when we confess with our mouth, we activate GOD’s angels around us, who then begins to protect from the demons of satan. That gives us time to fill our hearts with love for CHRIST through the study of GOD’s word, with the help and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. 
Anyone who believes in CHRIST, and enters into a personal relationship with HIM, will not be disappointed, and, it does not matter if you are Jew, or Gentile. But our “personal relationship” with CHRIST must be “publicly personal” as well as “privately personal”. We must be willing to display an outward expression of our love and belief in CHRIST JESUS, WHO ushered in to us, salvation. And our commitment to CHRIST must be exemplified in both our “public and “private” life, in no uncertain terms.
Everyone is on equal footing as far as GOD is concerned, because we are all sinners, and we are all called to believe in order to be saved. We don’t have to be able to write, or think, like the apostle John, nor do we need to be able to travel all over the world and preach like the Apostle Paul. We just have to be willing to talk about the good news we know about CHRIST JESUS to those, whom we come in contact with everyday. People need to hear the “Word”, before they can believe the “Word”, and if we have the “Word”, we are charged by CHRIST, to share the “Word” with everyone that we meet, who is willing to listen. 
All Christians are “called” by GOD to fulfill the great “Commission of CHRIST”, as it is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (KJV). That’s GOD’s plan, or at least, that’s the only part of GOD’s plan that we need to know. Our life’s goal should be to please GOD by communicating HIS plan to save those who believe.


PERSONAL APPLICATION:

(1). Let your mouth express the love you have for CHRIST in your heart.
(2). Start ministering for CHRIST in your home, neighborhood, and workplace,
       through your behavior.
(3). Keep in mind that your greatest witnessing will be, in the way you
       behave publicly and privately, and not necessarily, in what you say.


LIFE RESPONSE:

Pray and give thanks to GOD for the Good News of CHRIST JESUS. Express to HIM that your heart is ready to use those gifts and talents that HE has given you to help bring others to CHRIST.


KEY VERSES: Romans 10:14-15


DEVOTIONAL PASSAGES: 1 John 1, John 1:1-5, Acts 2:14-21


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