Welcome to episode 17 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of Habakkuk.  We discuss: 

• God’s action in nature (3:8-11) 
• God’s actions in nations (3:12-15) 
• Habakkuk’s faith (3:16-19) 

Key takeaways: 

• God’s presence and power are so incredible that even the earth shakes and crumbles in His presence. 
• Just as the earth is in awe, so we should tremble in the presence of the Almighty. 
• In His time, God steps in and rescues those who are victims of this world’s ways. 
• Salvation is not found in our stuff (what has been created), but in the Creator. 
• We need to enjoy the divine Person, rather than the things we can get from Him. 
• The way to get out from under the load is to get right under the Lord. To be under the Lord is to be over the circumstances. 

Quotable: 

Inner peace does not depend on outward prosperity. 

Application: 

• Trusting God and having a close relationship with Him enables us to rest, even when the world around us is falling apart. 
• We need to take our eyes off our circumstances and put them on the One who can do something about it. 
• We must not find joy in things (what we own) but rather in a relationship with Jesus.  Don’t allow your financial situation shape your relationship with him. 

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Welcome to episode 16 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue in our study of the Book of Habakkuk, wrapping up chapter two and starting chapter three.  We discuss: 

• Three different woe speeches (2:12-20) 
• Habakkuk’s prayer (3:1-7) 

Key takeaways: 

• Gains or achievements made by harming, oppressing, or taking advantage of others do not last.  They will eventually be brought to ruin. 
• God desires that everyone comes to know Him and works in the universe in to so that people would. 
• Those who shame God’s people will one day be brought to shame by Him. 
• Whenever a person sets his priorities on things made rather than on the Maker of things, he is guilty of idolatry. 
• Effective prayer: 
• begins with humility before God 
• continues in adoration (worship) of God 
• contains petitions (desires) that are in accord with God’s will 
• If we would see a mighty working of the Spirit of God in our time, we must get to the point where we desire and earnestly pray for His mercy. 

Quotable: 

Worship an idol, and you receive from it what human beings can accomplish; but worship the Lord God, and you receive what the creator of the ends of the earth can accomplish. 

Application: 

• Knowing God is different from knowing about God.  When we know someone, it’s about a relationship.  When we know about someone, we know data.  God wants a relationship, not a fact-based interaction. 
• We all desire to put our trust in something.  We need to be careful about what we put our trust in.  Will it be in something man created, or will it be in the One who created man? 
• We must not enter God’s presence lightly.  Even the mountains will crumble in His presence. 

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Welcome to episode 15 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue in our study of the Book of Habakkuk, wrapping up chapter one and starting chapter two.  We discuss: 

• Habakkuk’s dilemma (1:12-17) 
• God’s second reply (2:1-5) 
• Woe to the extortioner (2:6-8) 
• Woe to the greedy and arrogant (2:9-11) 

Key takeaways: 

• Sometimes what we know about God causes more problems for us than what we don’t know.  It can be hard for us to understand why God allows certain things to happen, knowing His character. 
• When we take our concerns to God, we also need to put ourselves in a posture of listening for Him to reply. 
• Faith involves not just intellectual ascent, but also action on our part. 

Quotable: 

Entrance into the Christian life does not come from working, but from receiving.  We don’t earn salvation, we accept the free gift offered by Jesus Christ. 

Application: 

• When it seems that evil people are getting away with things, and even prospering at the hands of their victims, we must remember that God is in control, working things out that we may not see or understand. 
• Prayer is a dialog between you and God.  Too often, we behave like it’s a monologue.  We speak, but don’t take time to hear from Him.  Approach prayer with a heart expecting to hear from God and wait for Him to speak. 
• By our faith, we are made right, we are continually active in seeking God, and we understand that our works do not contribute to our salvation. 

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Welcome to episode 14 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of 2 Timothy and cover chapter 4.  The title of the message is, “The Personal Appeal.”  We discuss: 

• The need for consistent behavior (vv. 1-5) 
• The rewards for self-sacrifice (vv. 6-8) 
• Paul and his coworkers (vv. 9-13) 
• A warning about an enemy (vv. 14-15) 
• A reminder of God’s power to deliver (vv. 16-18) 
• The conclusion (vv. 19-22) 

Key takeaways: 

• Even though some will tire of the gospel message and pursue novel teachings that make them feel better, ministers are reminded to remain faithful to the teachings handed down by the apostles. 
• Ministry is challenging, but eternal rewards await those who persevere. 
• Some who begin with you in ministry may no longer be with you at some point in the future. 

Quotable: 

Live life now with eternity in mind.  In other words, remain focused on the eternal prize that Jesus will bestow and it will make the challenges of today easier to face. 

Application: 

• As with professional athletes, being a faithful Christian involves discipline, training, and hard work in order to run the race with endurance. 
• Although people will disappoint us in ministry, don’t dwell on it and get stuck.  Look for other ways God is advancing His work.  

Connect with us: 

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Welcome to episode fourteen of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we are opening up the Book of Habakkuk and covering chapter 1:1-11.  The title of the series is, “Where’s the Justice? (Why do Unrighteous People go Unpunished?).” 

We discuss: 

• Background information (author, date, recipient, purpose) 
• Habakkuk’s first complaint about violence and injustice (vv. 1-4) 
• God’s reply (vv. 5-11) 

Key takeaways: 

Every generation faces issues of injustice and human suffering and people in every generation ask why God doesn’t step in and do something about it. 

God’s plans confound Habakkuk, much like His plans do to us today. 

Just because we do not see God actively at work does not mean that He is not engaged. 

Quotable: 

It’s not so much what we don’t know about God’s character as what it is we do know that causes us problems. 

Application: 

We are people who want fairness and justice and find it problematic when it seems that God is letting evil people get away with oppressing and hurting others.  But we don’t often see or understand God’s plans for addressing these issues.  Rest assured that He knows what is happening and the best way to remedy the situations. 

Connect with us: 

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Welcome to episode 12 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we return to the Book of 2 Timothy and cover chapter 3.  The title of the message is, “The Prophetic Appeal.”  We discuss: 

• The characteristics of the false teachers in Ephesus (vv. 1-5) 
• The actions of the false teachers (vv. 6-9) 
• The fact that persecution is coming (vv. 10-13) 
• The sufficiency of Scripture in our lives (vv. 14-17) 

Key takeaways: 

• Since churches in every generation have false teachers, we need to know how to recognize them and their activities.   
• Self-centeredness leads to all kinds of ungodly actions. 
• If we desire to live a life pleasing to God, we will encounter persecution. 
• The Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction, and moral training. 

Quotable: 

Character is determined by behavior.  What we are is seen in what we do. 

Application: 

• A true relationship with God is not a matter of knowledge alone, but of knowledge and practice (obedience) of what is known.  
• To suffer for the name of Jesus is not something rare, but is actually the norm. 
• Just as students learn from textbooks to be equipped for a task, Christians learn from the Bible to be equipped for the work God has called us to. 

Connect with us: 

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Welcome to episode 11 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we return to the Book of 2 Timothy in our series called “The heart of a finisher.”  Today, we cover chapter 2.  The title of the message is, “The practical appeal.”  We discuss: 

• Traits necessary for effective ministry (vv. 1-7) 
• The hope, promise, and fulfillment found in Jesus (vv. 8-13) 
• The futility of engaging in meaningless discussions (vv. 14-19) 
• The difference between fine China and everyday utensils (vv. 20-21) 
• Being kind and not quarrelsome (vv. 22-26) 

Key takeaways: 

• Effective ministers teach others, don’t get entangled in the affairs of this world, discipline and train themselves for the work, and can expect a reward for faithful service. 
• What enables us to endure under difficult circumstances is knowing who Jesus is, what he has done for us, and what awaits us as a result. 
• False teaching is like a terminal disease; it eventually kills churches. 
• Gentleness and patience are essential traits for church leaders when dealing with those who hold to false teachings. 

Quotable: 

It is not the presence of struggle and suffering in the life of the Christian that ought to be questioned, but rather the absence of them. 

Application: 

• When we feel like giving up on our Christian walk and following the world, we must remember what awaits us after this life ends. 
• The goal of correcting false beliefs is to restore those who have been led astray. 
• It is not enough to run away from what is wrong.  We must also run to what is good. 

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Welcome to episode ten of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we begin our 4-week study in the Book of 2 Timothy with a series called “The heart of a finisher.”  Today, we cover chapter 1.  The title of the message is, “The pastoral appeal.”  We discuss: 

• Paul’s gratitude for his ministry and for Timothy (vv. 3-5) 
• A call for Timothy to be courageous (vv. 6-7) 
• A reminder that being a Christian involves suffering at times (vv. 8-12) 
• A responsibility to guard the gospel (vv. 13-14) 
• An incentive for faithfulness (vv. 15-18) 

Key takeaways: 

• Through the Holy Spirit, God equips every Christian with at least one spiritual gift.  He expects us to use it boldly and fully in service of the local church. 
• Christians must not be ashamed of suffering for the faith.  When we remember who we are suffering for, whatever affliction we experience is minor compared to the shame and suffering Christ endured for us. 
• All believers have been entrusted with the most incredible message the world has ever heard.  We must guard it and transmit it faithfully to others. 
• There may be times when others abandon you for your beliefs, but those who remain can be counted on for loyal support. 

Quotable: 

Every generation bears the responsibility of evangelizing, equipping, and encouraging the next generation to continue the faithful spreading of the gospel. 

Application: 

• Each day should be lived in gratitude for being called into service for the King of the universe. 
• Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live a bold and powerful life for Jesus in a fallen world. 
• Standing up for Jesus will involve persecution and shaming by the culture. 
• Just like banks guard the deposits entrusted to them, we must guard the gospel of Jesus Christ entrusted to us. 
• Be an encourager to Christians who are suffering for the gospel. 

Connect with us: 

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Welcome to episode nine of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we conclude our study of the Book of 1 Timothy by covering chapter 6.  The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Ministry, Part 2.”  We discuss: 

• The responsibility of Christian slaves (vv. 1-2a) 
• Opposing false teachers (vv. 2b-5) 
• The greed of false teachers (vv. 6-10) 
• Paul’s final charge to Timothy (vv. 11-16) 
• Instructions to the wealthy in the church (vv. 17-19) 
• A concluding caution (vv. 20-21) 

Key takeaways: 

• Although slavery was rampant in ancient times, Paul wanted Christian slaves and masters to act differently from their non-Christian counterparts. 
• Timothy was to discharge his responsibilities (and thereby refuting the false teachers) by teaching and urging the true faith handed down by Paul. 
• Eternal values must shape our view of temporal things. 
• A Christian leader should model virtues of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 
• Hope in wealth undermines trust in God. 
• Believers have been entrusted with the gospel and must guard this sacred deposit. 

Quotable: 

A healthy church depends on healthy ministers whose ministry and personal life reflect equally the power of God. 

Application: 

• No matter what our position in life, Christians are called to think and behave in ways that honor Jesus, and not follow worldly patterns. 
• As much as the world promises it, true contentment cannot come from our “stuff.” 
• The proper attitude toward wealth that comes from a proper understanding of God. 
• We are daily in a fight for our faith.  We must constantly be ready for battle against heretical teachings and the teachers who espouse them. 

Connect with us: 

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Welcome to episode eight of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we return to the Book of 1 Timothy and cover chapter 5.  The title of the message is, “The Church and Its Ministry, Part 1.”  We discuss: 

• Proper treatment of men, women, genuine widows, and young widows in the church (vv. 1-16). 
• Instructions on the treatment of pastors (vv. 17-25). 

Key takeaways: 

• Paul’s advice on how to treat the various groups in the church focused on the three terms: respect, compassion, and responsibility.  
• He called on Timothy (and by extension all Christians) to show respect for age and sexual differences. The call for respect implied the need for courtesy, thoughtfulness, and gratitude.  
• He spoke to the church and to individual families about the urgency for showing compassion for truly needy widows. A demonstration of Christian compassion can draw inquiring and even antagonistic outsiders to the Christ who causes that compassion in his children.  
• Paul also talked about responsibility. He urged younger widows to assume the responsible behavior appropriate to a married woman rather than the idle, meddlesome actions of a tattletale. Responsible action by all believers can win credibility for Christianity. 
• Paul counseled Timothy in his relationship to the elders by discussing three topics:  Pay, discipline, and selection. 

Quotable: 

A member’s mistakes may affect only the member, but a leader’s mistakes affect the whole church. 

Application: 

• Fellow church members, regardless of sex or age should be treated as a loved family member. 
• Although family members bear the primary responsibility for providing for older widows, churches should also help godly widows, when needed. 
• Pastors should be:  paid appropriately, afforded a fair hearing when accusations are made against him, and selected carefully. 

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Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.