Enough of What?

ENOUGH OF WHAT?
Luke 12:20-21
The Message: “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’ That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”

Luke 23:42-43
The Message: “Then he [the robber next to Jesus] said, ‘Jesus remember me when You enter Your kingdom.’ [Jesus] said, ‘Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join Me in paradise.’”

Both thieves at the crucifixion mocked Jesus at first (Matthew 27:44). Then one changed his mind. This repentant thief had absolutely nothing to offer the Lord—no good works, no faithful service—he wasn’t even baptized. But in his utterly helpless condition, he had enough to avoid eternal death. What did he have, stripped of his clothes, hanging on a cross? He had Faith! In Jesus’ mercy, He saved the man on the spot, recognizing his faith.

Faith in Jesus is the only way anyone is saved.

The guy in Luke 12:16-21 had no faith. He worked very hard, and acquired enough grain to provide for himself for many years. He had enough for himself, but he had no faith. Unbelievers have different approaches to life and death. One group stockpiles wealth for himself and his children, enough for their lifetimes. But then what?

Another group laughs at death. Their existence, while fun on the outside, is meaningless on the inside (1Corinthians 15:32). God proved His point in Luke 12:20. He’s looking for people who fulfill their unique, God-given purpose.

All three of these people lived lives of futility (fu-TIL-i-tee, meaning useless, worthless, pointless). Two were thieves, and one stockpiled stuff. In this life, believers do not labor in order to leave a monetary or legacy of “stuff”. Nor do we waste our days pursuing pleasure. Instead, we help those in need, making a difference in other’s lives. Meeting their need is enough for us. Prior to the repentant thief begging Jesus to remember him, he scolded the other thief (Luke 43:40-42). His heart changed on the spot--believing Jesus was God’s Son—and that was enough.

Futile life to faith in Christ brought salvation and eternal life instantly! He turned in faith to the only One who could save—the one dying on the cross next to him—and that was enough.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus’ empty tomb proves that there’s life after death. For the believer, death is not a frightening end—it’s new life—eternal life beginning when one accepts Christ as Lord. Then his faith is enough—even at the last moment of life.

J.D. Griffith

From Him, who loves me so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, or earth or hell?
No—I am His forever.

Small

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Enough of What?
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

What's Purgatory?

WHAT’S PURGATORY?
2Corinthians 5:1, 5
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, and eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose [clothed with our heavenly dwelling] and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”

Have you ever heard the word, purgatory? (PUR-ga-TOR-ee). What is purgatory? Supposedly, purgatory is a place where people go when they die. The deal with purgatory is that people can earn salvation, their sins wiped out. Either by suffering long enough, by having loved ones pray enough, or give enough money (theoretically) wins a person’s entrance into heaven. This restitution (res-ti-TU-shun, meaning payment) attains the person’s salvation.

Well, there’s no such thing! Purgatory’s never mentioned in the Bible. It’s a total lie. Purgatory is only a hope, a second-chance for people to get to heaven.

(Alternatively, some people use the word purgatory, to mean that something is in an undecided state—having nothing to do with death.)

The false idea of purgatory directly opposes God’s saving plan for His children. If people could work out their own salvation, why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

Jesus death was the Father’s gift to save His sinful children from eternal death. It was Jesus’ blood, substitution sacrifice for our sins, that paid our sin-debt in full (Hebrews 9:12). We did nothing to win our salvation—it’s a gift—just because God loves us.

Nowhere can we find purgatory, a detour where someone could pay penance for a “get out of hell” pass. If we could purchase our own salvation, then Jesus’ death makes no sense. Those who reject Christ as Savior get no second chance for salvation after death, simple as that.

Remember the thief who was crucified next to Christ begged, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43). That’s all it takes to win salvation. It really is that simple!

But each new day is a second chance for everyone. The Lord’s mercies are never used up. His compassion never fails, they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-24).

Take Home Nugget

People can choose to live in gratitude for God’s mercy and grace every day, thanking Him for another second chance. Today is our second chance at life—let’s make the most of it!

As shadows of night open up dawn’s light,
God extends before us a brand new day;
With this come mercies from His gracious hand
Providing new mercies is always His way.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for What’s Purgatory?
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Forever=Eternity

FOREVER=ETERNITY
John 10:28
“I give them [Jesus’ sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.”

“I cheated at baseball, today” Kal admitted. “I really did drop Lemmy’s fly ball when I lunged forward, landing on my face. No one saw the ball drop out of my glove as I ate dirt. I scooped it back up, and we won the tournament. I’m so ashamed. But what’s worse, I’ll never get to Heaven, now.”

“What? Are you nuts?” Neil shrieked. “Jesus won’t let you to be snatched out of His hand. That’s what the devil wants you to believe. Don’t fall for his lie, Kal. Just ask for God’s forgiveness. It will be trickier apologizing to Lemmy...But your salvation is tight.”

Can anyone be sure of salvation?

Whoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that His death on the cross purchased the forgiveness for his or her sins, is saved—for all time. Forever saved. Saved from now throughout eternity. God’s promises never change.

John 5:24 is clear: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” These are Jesus’ very words. Jesus’ Dad, our heavenly Father, promised that whoever trusted in His Son would have eternal life. That’s a truth you can depend on today, tomorrow, and even when you lie about dropping a fly ball.

Sometimes people plunge into the abyss of sinful living—sure that their salvation expired, or worse—figuring that no matter they do, they’re saved. After a cycle of drug abuse, or stealing begins, the tug dragging a person down becomes more enticing than halting the sin. The devil lies, “May as well continue, it feels sooooo good. Do you think God would really save a terrible person like you?”

What’s worse than continuing to sin because there’s no compelling reason to stop? Taking God’s grace for granted, (because He loves us unconditionally), wounds Him when we’re defiant. Believe that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 35:39), and turn back to the One Who never fails us. The devil’s charges against us never change how precious we are to God.

Blessed assurance confirms that believers are sealed for salvation eternally.

Take Home Nugget

When believers receive salvation, the indwelling Holy Spirit is the deposit that guarantees our being God’s children forever (2Corinthians 1:22). Can you answer truthfully that you’re sure about where you’ll spend eternity?

Why not turn while yet you may,
Too late, it soon will be that you cannot stay.
Repent of sins today so reconciled you’ll be
Secure in Him for eternity.
Only because God, with infinite grace,
Sent Christ to die in our place.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Forever=Eternity
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Children of the King

CHILDREN OF THE KING
Luke 5:27-28
“After this [Jesus healed a paralytic], Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him.”

Did the devotion Who do you say Jesus Is? answer some of your questions about why He’s such a big deal? Now that you’ve got answers, what are you going to do? Ignoring this truth is not an option. You see, God calls us to either accept or reject Jesus as Savior. Avoiding Him—as though His existence means little or nothing to us—is rejection.

What does it mean to accept Jesus? It means—we believe that He exists, that He is God’s Son, that His death is His gift, forgiving us all our sins—and follow Him.

Who among us will take the next step? Who will transfer this knowledge from the brain to the heart? Who will live by Him? Who will live for Him? Who will call Him Lord?

Who will surrender to Jesus’ will? He’s the only One Who can forgive sins, the only One Who has our best interests at heart, the only One who’s God. He is the bridge that leads us to the Father.

The instant a person accepts Jesus as Savior, he or she becomes a child of the King. That makes children of the King royalty, siblings to Jesus. Our Savior is also brother, Jesus (Mark 3:35). Do you feel possessive of your brother Jesus, just as your earthly brothers? For sure Jesus is possessive of you! John 10:28 says that “no one can snatch them [Jesus’ sheep] out of My hand.”

Q: Who’s trying to snatch me out of Jesus’ hand? A: The devil, and whoever follows him.

We’re secure inside Jesus. This fills our hearts with adoration, gratitude, and love. How can we show our love? Jesus asks us to yield our sinful will to His Lordship—which in no way excludes fun. Jesus promises to be in our midst during work and play. He’ll delight us by His presence when we abide in Him, our living worship. His name Imanuel means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Children of the King show their love for Him through right thoughts, words, and deeds. By this, we proclaim His Lordship to the world.

Take Home Nugget

No person is ignorant about the person Jesus Christ—the bible is translated in all languages today. Will you serve King Jesus? He longs to forge a personal relationship with each one of His kids.

Let us adore Him and brag His right,
All glory, power, all wisdom and might.
Our actions and words bless Him above
With unceasing thanks for infinite love.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Children of the King
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?
Matthew 16:13-20
V. 16: “Peter replied, ‘You are the Son of the Living God.’”

Jesus came to earth as a human baby (Matthew 1:18-25). He ministered, taught, and healed, leading followers to God’s truth (Matthew 4-25). He lived a perfect life (2Corinthians 5:21). He died on a cross for mankind’s sins (Matthew 27:32-50). He rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6-7).

Jesus’ earthly life is only part of the story. To understand more, check out His ascension (Luke 24:50-52).

The Lord asks us the same question He asked Peter: “Who do you say I am?” Let’s investigate the Bible to find some answers.

As a member of the Holy Trinity, Jesus is God’s Son. The Father announced at Jesus’ baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus’ life purpose was to live perfectly (sinlessly) among us, and then die. Not just die, but shed His blood—the whole reason for the cross. His sacrificial death paid for all human sins—past, present, and future.

In Old Testament times, people’s sins could only be forgiven by the shedding of blood. Animal sacrifices were necessary to purchase forgiveness—temporary solutions for an unending problem—until Jesus. He’s the only One who could satisfy this requirement permanently. Jesus’ death was the final sacrifice by which humans were finally reconciled (REK-on-siled, meaning accepted) by God. This makes Jesus our Savior.

Doesn’t this make you wonder: When did Jesus understand why He was a mortal human? Did He realize His divinity—as a baby, young boy, teenager? We only know that at age twelve, He stayed behind in the temple at Jerusalem. Once the Feast of the Passover ended—His family proceeded home to Nazareth—without Jesus. Mary returned, finding Him among the teachers, listening to and quizzing them.

“Jesus! Here You are!” Mary exclaimed. “What were You thinking, staying behind?”

“Hi, Mom” Jesus said. “Didn’t you realize that I’d be here, pursuing my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-52). This tells me that He did understand what His life was all about then. What would your Mom say if you didn’t return home with your family?

Hebrews 4:15 and 7:26 confirm that Jesus is our High Priest. In ancient times, the temple priest interceded (in-ter-SEED-ed, meaning to settle a dispute) for man before God. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, He sits at the Father’s right hand as our intercessor.

Doesn’t that make Jesus our King?

Take Home Nugget

Would you acknowledge to Jesus that He’s your Savior, Priest, and King? If not, I urge you to ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to truly know Him, forming a personal relationship.

To know Jesus is to discover our destiny.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Parakletos

PARAKLETOS
2Corinthians 1:3-7
V. 3: “Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we received from God.”

Parakletos is a Greek word that means “he who stands at one’s side; he who comes to one’s aid.” Lucky for believers—our parakletos (pa-RAK-le-tos) lives within. The Holy Spirit instantly comforts and relieves pain. God’s kids never need outside remedies for easing their worries.

Even before God’s Spirit was sent to indwell believers, Scripture identifies God as the One who comforts His people (Isaiah 40:1, 49:13). He is truly our Living Hope, (see Living Hope devotion). Regardless of any circumstance that threatens His children, immediate comfort, consolation, and peace is a prayer-cry away. Jesus came to earth as a human, so He knows our pain first-hand. He walks beside us providing relief and support, assuring us that we’re not alone.

When we enter into suffering and difficult times, "His hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock” (Anonymous quote). Everyone can identify with being angry, depressed, or frustrated with something that’s beyond our control. Isn’t it soothing that we’re not alone? God keeps track of our distress and knows the extent of every trouble. He will never allow His children to be tested beyond their endurance (1Corinthians 10:13).

But, God often lets us endure hardships to learn and grow. We frequently try everything before turning our troubles over to the Lord. Handling problems ourselves—without praying for help from God—always causes needless suffering. God’s trying to teach us to come to Him first—at the onset of every difficulty. Jesus never leaves our side throughout our suffering. He sustains us, limiting our pain and the length of our setback. When we emerge victorious from adversity, we’re wiser, and more humble. If we’ve learned the lesson, our faith has grown strong and sure.

His Spirit’s reassuring whisper provides more comfort and solace (SOL-ase, meaning relief) than any family member or friend could. Can you trust God to comfort you when your world dangles upside down?

Take Home Nugget

People who don’t grasp the truth that help’s within, escape pain other ways. Pursuing pleasures, gaining material wealth, taking drugs, or alcohol to soothe their aching hearts isn’t the solution. Only God can offer lasting relief from pressure and heartache, releasing people from their pain. He promises to see us victoriously through whatever’s troubling us.

J.D. Griffith

God is here; He stands beside you.
God is here; He wants to guide you.
God is here and He will help you,
So do not fear—Your God is near.

D. De Haan

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Parakletos

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Living Hope

LIVING HOPE
1Peter 1:3-5
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Hope is both a noun: anticipation, faith, expectation, and a verb: trusting, wishing, looking forward to. We learned that avoiding God can lead to discontent and a wasted life (See Avoiding God devotion). When our goals are unmet, we often become angry. Bitterness, discouragement, or despair often follows—clearly the absence of hope. We wonder what is this living hope?

We can remain optimistic in the face of unachieved expectations by remembering where our confidence originates: From Jesus. His outstretched arms welcome unhappy siblings, encircling them with love and trust. At salvation, each believer is born into a living hope. God remakes us into a new creation, freeing us from the bondage of the old sin nature (2Corinthians 5:17).

His Spirit lives within us. We’re co-heirs with Christ. Our new home—our true home—is in heaven with God. Nothing alters this family relationship with Him. This truth transmits confidence from being God’s child—sealed for eternity—and that IS living hope!

Also, Romans 15:4 says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Noun). V.13 offers additional gifts: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [Emphasis mine].

This awesome promise guarantees God’s kids that we’re part of a huge family of believers. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are linked by common love for Him and for each other—all expressed with joy and peace.

Believers should always remember whose we are—children of the Almighty—not reacting to disappointment and trials as the world does. We’re to live by faith, being certain for that we hope (verb). (Hebrews 11:1).

Whether you use hope as a noun or a verb, remember it springs from faith in Jesus.

Take Home Nugget

We can, most assuredly, rely on the Lord’s faithfulness. Trusting Him never disappoints because all of His promises are “Yes” in Christ (2Corinthians 1:20).

WISHING EVERY WOMAN A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

J.D. Griffith

Our strength and hope is in the Lord—
Werest secure in His sure Word;
And though we’re tempted to despair
We know we’re kept within His care.

D. De Haan

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Living Hope

personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Avoiding God

AVOIDING GOD
Luke 15:20-32
V. 20: “But while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, never mentions the son’s name. But during our lifetimes, every one of God’s children BECOMES the prodigal child. The word prodigal describes someone who’s wasteful, reckless, uncontrolled. Often parents become angry or confused, when their adorable child rebels. Our heavenly Father understands their frustration—totally!

Nodding His head, God remembers when each parent rebelled against Him—when defying a parent. Patiently watching and waiting, is He ever surprised at the parent’s or the child’s behavior? That’s exactly why Jesus told this parable—so that both kids and parents learn how God handles rebellious children.

God will never force us to obey, or remain with Him—His “free will” gift to us. Whoever has not accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, won’t have an internal compass (the Holy Spirit) guiding him toward living right. But when believers try ignoring the Holy Spirit’s direction, insisting on following an ungodly path, God allows it.

However, there are always consequences when avoiding God.

The wayward son loses close contact with his Dad; their relationship lost top priority (PRI-or-i-tee, meaning level of concern) that it once had. The consequence is spiritual disconnect from the Father. Believers cannot successfully avoid God without first closing their minds and hearts to His call (in their lives).

The prodigal son in the parable squandered (SQWAN-derd, meaning wasted) his inheritance on frivolous (FRIV-o-lus, meaning silly, thoughtless) things. Included in the wondrous human creation package are our Father’s gifts, planted inside. Avoiding God—while pursuing personal agendas—wastes these gifts.

Discontentment becomes the prodigals’ path. Every new day finds them struggling to survive. Chasing dreams, when avoiding God, never achieves satisfaction, success, or pleasure.

The prodigal son could have been restlessness, angry, or sick of his life. All we know is that he rebelled—and his Dad released him—with his inheritance in tow.

Notice that his Dad didn’t disinherit his son. He remained a loving Dad. Our heavenly Father tolerates His kids’ adventures too, when we avoid Him. The love tether between us remains. (Our inheritance intact).

The question is: How long will God's children remain disconnected?

Take Home Nugget

Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets. But they do not have to dictate our future. Just as the prodigal son’s father welcomed him home with open arms—throwing him a party—all of heaven celebrates in welcoming home God’s wayward children.

The power in a believer’s life
Is diminished by our wayward sin.
Repentance overcomes our strife,
Forgiveness cleansing within.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Avoiding God

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.