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1 John 4 - Testing the Spirits
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now it is already in the world.
- Beloved (notice who this is addressed too)
o Do not believe every spirit (those who claim to be Christians)
o But (instead) test the spirits (Christians) to see whether they are from God
§ Because many false prophets (people act like prophets but they are not) have gone (past tense) out into the world (they are here already)
o By this you will know the Spirit of God
§ Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God
§ Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God (they are false prophets)
§ This is the spirit of antichrist (like Christ but fake; false; liars)
o Which you have heard is coming (if you know the Word of God you know this)
§ And now is already in the world (antichrist is already among us)
4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world, therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. The one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
- You are from God, little children (simple, pure, faith; simple instruction)
o And have overcome them (who? The false prophets)
- Because greater is He who is in you (Christ in you, the Hope of Glory)
o Than he that is the world (the devil who was cast down)
- They are from the world
o Therefore they speak as from the world (crass, prideful, foul)
§ And the world listens to them (like people who listen to filthy rap music)
- We are from God
o The one who is not from God does not listen to us (worldly people won’t listen)
- By this we know the spirit of truth
o And the spirit of error
o You can know the difference by making this observation (who do they listen too)
God Is Love
7 Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
- Beloved (it’s a love letter to you)
o Let’s love one another (that is what you are called by God to do)
o For love is from God (it originates from God; this is where true love comes from)
§ So that we may live through Him (this was His purpose)
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1 John 3 - Children of God Love One Another
3 See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
- See how great a love the Father has given us
o That we would be called children of God
o And in fact we are (it’s a fact)
- For this reason
o The word does not know us (won’t recognize us)
o Because it did not know Him (would not recognize Him)
- Beloved (this is to us)
o Now we are the children of God (now – right now – today)
o And it has not appeared as yet what we will be (after we leave the flesh)
- We know when He appears (we know with certainty)
o We will be like Him (able to walk through solid doors; yet still be touched; eat)
o Because we will see Him just as He is (what will He look like?: What will we?)
- And everyone who has this hope (what hope?; the hope of heaven and our changed state)
o Is your hope set on Him?
o Then this is what you will likely be doing
§ Purifies himself (motivated to run from sin)
§ Just as He is pure (in order to be like Jesus)
4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 No one who remains in Him sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen Him or knows Him.
- Everyone who practices (continues to do it) sin
o Also practices lawlessness (they break God’s laws)
o And sin is lawlessness (breaking God’s laws which have penalties)
- You know that He appeared in order to take away sins (His purpose)
o And in Him there is no sin (is none whatsoever)
- No one who remains in Him sins continually (you may fall but never practicing it)
o No one who sins continually (continuing in sin even though you know better)
§ Has seen Him or knows Him (no relationship with Jesus Christ)
7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil [c]has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: [d]anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.
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2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Reasons for Writing
12 I am writing to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
14 I write to you, dear children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
On Not Loving the World
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Warnings Against Denying the Son
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.
God’s Children and Sin
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
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1 John 1 - The Incarnate Word
1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
- This book is anonymous, so we don’t know for sure if John wrote it
- However, it follows the same style as 2 John and 3 John and John so it is likely written by John but which one?
o Could be John the son of Zebedee (the disciple Jesus Loved – John 21:20-24)
o Could be John The Elder
o Either way he is older and in charge of house-churches (primarily Jewish Christians
o There was a crisis as a group of them broke off and left the church and denied Jesus as Messiah and Son of God (1 John 2:18-13)
o They were stirring up hostility to those who stay faithful to the teaching of Grace
o False teachers and liars also stir up hostility towards those who speak truth
- What was from the beginning (this is story that will start from the beginning so you can get the entire picture)
- What we have heard (they were taught verbally and heard the word; faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God; if we don’t speak God’s Word then no one hears it)
- What we have seen with our eyes (things they saw in person, 1st hand knowledge)
- What we have looked at and touched with our hands (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself)
- Concerning the Word of Life (notice capital letters); this is what the story is about
o And the life was revealed (unmasked by God)
o And we have seen and testify (stating the facts under oath)
o And proclaim to you (announce to you; blow the trumpets)
o The eternal life which was with the Father and was revealed to us (His Origin)
o What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also (declaring truth)
§ That you too may have fellowship with us (to take-part in this good news)
§ Indeed (for-a-truth) our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (this is who they have fellowship with and with whom you may also if you believe the Word of Life – Jesus Christ)
o These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete
§ Completed when you believe and receive these truths; you become born again; you secure reserve seating in heaven; rewards are given those who planted the seed; rewards are given out by God
§ So that you too gain fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son (this is the purpose of this letter; it also our life’s purpose)
o Does He know you!
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Acts, Chapter 28 - Safe at Malta
28 When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.
- When they had been brought safely through
o Through the storm
- Then we found out that the island was called Malta
o Malta means “honey”; “land of honey” (another name for the promised land)
- The natives showed us extraordinary kindness
o Extraordinary means beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly exceptional; remarkable (this is what the promised land will make you feel too)
- For because of the rain that had set in (water)
- And become of the cold (cold temperatures)
- They kindled a fire (fire)
- And received us all (not some)
o John the Baptist said the one comes after me will baptize you in fire
o Water is used to cleanses sin; fire is used to judge (it’s final)
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.
- But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire
o Notice Paul was to keep the fire going
- A viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand
o Notice Paul’s hand was pierced by the viper (another name for snake)
o It was meant to harm or kill him
- When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand
o Notice they are using their eyes and logic (not the Spirit)
- However he shook the creature off into the fire and no harm
o Notice the snake went back into the fire (to burn up)
- But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead
o But after they had waited a long time and seen nothing unusual happen to him
o Notice they go from the physical, carnal, logical mind to the spiritual
o This is showing us that God’s power is greater than the serpent (the devil)
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.
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Acts, Chapter 27 - Paul Is Sent to Rome
27 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5 When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8 and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.
- When it was decided that we would sale for Italy
o This is because King Agrippa decided to send Paul to Rome since he appealed to Caesar (this was according to God’s will even as He previously told Paul”
- A sacrifice was sent, humble yet deserving reverence because of ancient wisdom, soft-haired in human form sent to die and rise again, the best ruler from the extended land (heaven) to give victory over the flesh, a fisher of men, He would come in the flesh (soft-haired), small and humble (human form) because of God’s love, a blossom for all to see as proclaimed by Paul, born a Jew but speaking to every tribe that Christ died and was anointed with Myrrh, His blood spilled to establish a new covenant with those living in the land of the wolf, residents of the world, the sacrifice would be made at the right age with thorns on His flesh (head) judged for our sins to cover us in His white robe, beautiful and ready for heaven before we become to weary, faint and fall prey to the Lion
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Acts, Chapter 26 - Paul’s Defense before Agrippa
26 Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his hand and proceeded to make his defense:
- In Chapter 25, Festus gave an intro to King Agrippa and his wife Bernice and told them that the Jews wanted to kill Paul because of a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive (the entire issue is about the risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ).
2 “Regarding all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 3 especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
- Paul considers himself fortunate that he is about to make his defense before King Agrippa
o This implies that he knows the Jewish laws and their religion (he is an expert)
4 “So then, all Jews know my way of life since my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and in Jerusalem, 5 since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.
- Paul declares “all Jews know my way of life since my youth”
o Which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and in Jerusalem,
o Since they have known about me for a long time (his whole life)
o If they are willing to testify (tell the truth)
§ That I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion
§ In other words, Paul diligently followed God’s laws given to the Jews
§ These facts make Paul as Jewish as it gets
6 And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7 the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day.
o Notice God made a promise to our fathers (the Abrahamic covenant)
For this hope, O king, I am being accused by Jews. 8 Why is it considered incredible among you people if God raises the dead?
- For this hope, O king, I am being accused by Jews
o What hope?
o The hope of the promise made to Abraham and through all the prophets
- Why is it considered incredible among you people if God raises the dead?
o In other words, you should have known this is possible and would happen
9 “So I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, after receiving authority from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being put to death.
o Jerusalem means “in awe of peace”; “teaching peace”
o Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation”
o Nazareth means “one separated” or “set apart”; “sanctified”
- And yet the names described in this paragraph tell the Gospel story:
o They were teaching peace with God (they were in awe of the peace available0
o That Jehovah is salvation (God saves)
o That Jehovah sent Jesus for the exclusive purpose which is why He came
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Acts, Chapter 25 - Paul before Festus
25 Festus, then, after arriving in the province, went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea three days later. 2 And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with Festus, 3 requesting a concession against [c]Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way).
- We left off in Chapter 24 when Felix did not release Paul after 2-years
- Chapter 24 began with a 5-day grace period
- 2 is the number for Witnesses (confirmation of truth)
- 5 is the number for Grace
- We stated with Grace and we ended with Witnesses (confirmation)
- Now we learn that Festus (the new governor)
o Went up to Jerusalem “in awe of Peace”
o From Cesaea “city of the King”
o Three days later “three is the number for the trinity”
o Grace -> witnesses -> in awe of peace -> city of the king -> trinity
- And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul
o These are false charges
o And they were pleading with Festus
o Requesting a concession against Paul (to concede)
§ That he might have him brought to Jerusalem
§ At the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way
§ Evil intentions; evil plot; pleading for a concession to allow it
4 Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody in Caesarea, and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he *said, “have the influential men among you [e]go there with me, and if there is anything wrong [f]about the man, have them bring charges against him.”
- Festus then answered
o And if there is anything wrong about the man
o Have them bring charges against him
o This is how Roman law works (bring charges; have a court; make a judgement)
o They kept wanting to take maters in their own hands but God didn’t let them
6 After Festus had spent no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered that Paul be brought.
o Eight is the number for new beginnings
o Ten is the number for law (God’s commandments, Man’s responsibility)
o Paul was about to come and share the gospel again; they would have a chance for a new beginning again ! To receive grace and fulfill the law.
7 After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many, and serious, charges against him which they could not prove, 8 while Paul said in his own defense, “I have not done anything wrong either against the Law of the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar.”
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Acts, Chapter 24 - Paul before Felix
24 After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,
- Five days (grace)
- Ananas “whom Jehovah has graciously given”
- Tertullus “triple hardened”
- God is trying to pour out grace upon the Jews but some of them are triple hardened
“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
- Sounds like a lot of apple shinning to me
4 But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you [d]to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout [e]the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
- But, that I may not weary you any further (this means waste your time)
- I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing (false flattery)
o Sometimes people speak very kindly when they want something
- For we have found this man a real pest
o A pest is a bug that continues to show up and create fear
o The Jews were afraid of losing their power, position and prosperity
- And a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world
o How would Tertullus know about worldwide communication (he is exaggerating)
- And a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes
o Nazarenes means “one separated”; “sanctified” or “set apart”
o Jesus was set apart to do God’s will exclusively
6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
- Tertullus is a liar and is intentionally lying about Paul
- Of course he wanted to judge him and convict him and punish or kill him if he was allowed to operate by his own law but he is not (this is why Paul was sent to the governor)
- The Jews also joined in the attack (notice it was attack; a matter of war)
o We wrestle not against flesh and blood but from spiritual wickedness in high places (it is spiritual warfare in process)
10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,
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Acts 23 - Paul before the Council
23 Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2 The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4 But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
6 But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.
11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”
A Conspiracy to Kill Paul
12 When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”
16 But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18 So he took him and led him to the commander and *said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22 So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”
Paul Moved to Caesarea
23 And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.”
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Outbless Weekly is a podcast of the bible study hosted by Michael Metcalf who studied at Calvary Chapel Bible College and has been a volunteer bible teacher for over 30 + years. Michael teaches…