ScriptureStream

By Mark Watson

Just the gospel, plainly spoken. ScriptureStream compiles lessons presented at the Benchley church of Christ, located just north of Bryan, TX. Visit ScriptureStream.com for full notes on each lesson a... more

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How many episodes does ScriptureStream have?

The podcast currently has 3,198 episodes available.

ScriptureStream episodes:

August 11, 2024How to Make Benchley Fail
Introduction
Revelation 2:1-7
Casually stray to a different authority
Give up hope and optimism
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29min
August 07, 2024Naaman
Introduction
We’ll be studying some things in the Bible that are not discussed as often.
We’ll look primarily at the Bible, also pulling in other sources for additional information as necessary.
Naaman
Text: II Kings 5:1-19
What do we know about Naaman?
His position? Head gui of Syrian army under the King of Aram (Syria)
Not a captain?
Translation could mean captain, general, ruler, prince, etc.
Context indicates a top military officer.
King considered him to be a great man
Highly respected
God chose to give Aram victory through Naaman (I Kings 22:29-40)
Valiant warrior
Leper
Laws of leprosy (Leviticus 13-14)
Lepers were unclean
Prophet’s purity?
What can we guess about Naaman?
Inspiring leader
He and his wife communicated with each other
Very good relationship with his king (Hadadezer – generous gifts to take and a letter)
Talent of silver: A weight of 75 pounds. Ten talents is work about $654,480 today.
Shekel of gold: A weight of about 0.4 ounces. Six thousand shekels would be worth about $5,759,520 today.
Believed that Israelite prophets were subject to their king in what they did as prophets.
John 11:48
His actions scared the king (Jehoram) into thinking he was trying to start a war.
Given to ceremony (arrived with chariots and horses, expected ceremony from Elisha)
Short temper (furious over Elisha’s failure to reciprocate ceremony and command to wash in the Jordan River)
Willing to listen (took correction from his servants)
Had loving concern from those who served him (servant girl, other servants)
Willing to humble himself (obeyed and dipped in the Jordan seven times)
Some things we can learn
God’s favor doesn’t imply faultlessness on our part.
Was faith a requirement for Naaman’s healing?
Kindness to your servants can pay off, even if you don’t deserve it.
Servants took a risk correcting the boss
Servant girl may just have remembered Proverbs 24:17; 25:21-22
Same principle at work between God and Elisha
II Kings 6:21-23 – God’s reward to her?
Servant girl was likely a faithful Israelite at a time of great unfaithfulness
Jehoram was king at the time.
He was an evil king who led Israel to sin.
Put away pillar of Baal (where his brother was murdered by his parents)
Continued all the rest of his parents’ sins
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41min
August 04, 2024My Effect on Others
Introduction
Proverbs 22:24-25
Like it or not, the way I behave is affecting people.
I may be having a bad influence.
Matthew 18:4-6
Romans 14:13
I Corinthians 5:6-8 – One sinner can have a tremendous effect on the entire congregation.
Even if I think I am hiding my sin, my influence on others is not as good as it should be.
I Corinthians 8:9
II Timothy 2:14 – Wrangling with words could ruin others.
But there is enormous potential for good influence!
Matthew 5:13-16
Philippians 4:8-9 – Can I tell other people to copy what they’ve seen me do?
Three areas to think about …
Joy
Acts 13:47-49
Often, we can do our best teaching when we are at the lowest point in our lives.
Humility
I Peter 5:5
Proverbs 11:2
Acts 26:1, 9, 15, 19 – Paul humbly admitted his previous mistakes.
I Peter 2:12, 15
Healthy relationships
I Timothy 3:4-5 – How did the man manage his family relationships?
Ephesians 6:1
Proverbs 17:17; 18:24
“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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26min
August 04, 2024Deuteronomy 1:1-3:29
Introduction
The book of Deuteronomy contains speeches that Moses gave to the people of Israel before they crossed over to the promised land.
The three promises to Abram (Genesis 12)
“I will make you a great nation” – Fulfilled in Exodus 1:7
“To your descendants I will give this land” – Fulfilled in Joshua 21:43
“In you all the nations of the earth will be blessed” – Acts 3:26
Deuteronomy 1
Deuteronomy 1:1-5 – Opening
It was only an eleven day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea yet it took them forty years because of their disobedience.
Deuteronomy 1:6-8 – Moses begins his first speech
Deuteronomy 1:9-18 – Moses appointed leaders
Deuteronomy 1:10 – Moses needed help because of the enormous size of the group.
Deuteronomy 1:19-46 – Spies and rebellion
Moses retells the history of spying out the land and the rebellion.
Deuteronomy 1:32 – They did not trust God.
Deuteronomy 2
Deuteronomy 2:1-23 – Wandering in the wilderness
Israel tried to pass through Edom, but Edom refused.
Deuteronomy 2:7 – God provided for them – they didn’t lack anything.
Deuteronomy 2:14 – It took them thirty-eight years to cross the Zered River. All the previous generation had died off.
Deuteronomy 2:24-37 – Victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon
See Numbers 21.
Deuteronomy 3
Deuteronomy 3:1-11 – Victory over Og, King of Bashan
Deuteronomy 3:12-20 – Two and a half tribes
See Numbers 32.
Deuteronomy 3:21-29 – Moses pleads with God.
Deuteronomy 3:22 – God is the one fighting for you! Compare Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:30. They still had to go and fight, even through God was giving them the victory. Similarly, just because salvation is a gift of God doesn’t mean we don’t have to do anything to receive it.
Deuteronomy 3:23-27 – Moses pleaded with God to go into the land but God said no, and God was just in His decision.
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46min
July 31, 2024Righteous Living: A Total Life Change
Introduction
Galatians 2:20
What is the difference between saying, “I go to church” and “Christ lives in me”?
Obeying God involves a complete change of life.
Matthew 22:37
Romans 6:4, 6
I John 1:6-8
Acts 2:42 – Obeying Christ involves changing habits and routines.
I Corinthians 15:33
James 4:4
Physical
II Corinthians 11:23-28 – What was Paul’s attitude toward his physical body?
I Timothy 2:9; 4:6
Our attitude toward our body should change completely.
Mental
Colossians 3:1
Luke 23:33 – Jesus had a different mindset! We are trying to be like this.
Emotional
Philippians 3:20
I Thessalonians 2:19 – Paul rejoiced because of other Christians
III John 1:4
Our joy is pinned on God.
Social
I Kings 22:8-9, 13-14 – The prophets did not have many friends! If we are speaking truth, we may not have many friends either.
I Peter 4:11
I must be willing to give up my social life if that’s what it takes to serve God.
Financial / vocation
Philippians 3:4-11
Can we serve God in our line of work?
Death / eternity
Philippians 1:21 – To die is gain!
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41min
July 28, 2024Benchley Bible Classes
Introduction
Jeremiah 35:5-10, 16 – God is having Jeremiah set up a lesson. The Rechabites carried out the legacy of their father. They still followed his commands some 300 years later. How can we leave a legacy like this?
Overview
Objective-based program
What should the children have learned by the time they leave the program?
Two-tiered curriculum structure
Up to fifth grade: study through the Bible every three years.
Sixth grade and up: focus on New Testament and Old Testament wisdom, with topical studies
Classes do not change age/grade range
Class overview
Class 1 (0-2 years)
Become comfortable being in Bible class
Hear Bible words, stories, and songs
Class 2 (2-3 years)
Learn basic Bible class conduct
Learn Bible words, short stories, big ideas
Class 3 (grades -1 to K)
Refine Bible class conduct
Learn Bible storie3s and basic lessons
Class 4 (grades 1-2)
Learn Bible story details and basic application
Class 5 (grades 3-4)
Longer term recall
Class 6 (grade 5-6)
Begin self-guiding to answers
Class 7 (grades 7-8)
Become independent Bible students
Build independent faith
Class 8 (high school and up)
Prepare for independent lives
Prepare for adult responsibilities
Curriculum update notes
Grades 7-8
Two-year cycle
Sundays: New Testament narrative
Five quarters in the gospels
Two quarters in Acts
One quarter TBD
Wednesdays: Bible study skills, daily living
High school
Four-year cycle
Sundays
Old Testament poetry and wisdom literature
Chapter a week: Acts – Revelation
Wednesdays: Four general topic areas, rotating quarters
Q1: The church
Q2: Daily living
Q3: Evidence
Q4: Split classes
Classes through sixth grade
Bible a wide, firm foundation of knowledge of the scriptures
What can I do as a teacher?
Younger grades
II Timothy 3:15 – Don’t shy away from memorization and recitation.
Middle grades
Luke 10:25-28 – Engage the students in the learning process.
Older grades
Luke 9:2 – Engage students in the teaching process.
Make the most of class time.
Ephesians 5:16 – Be deliberate
I Corinthians 14:26 – Do all things for edification
Adjust the curriculum as you feel appropriate for the age/group
Don’t teach the book. Teach THE BOOK.
Use workbooks as a topical guide.
What can I do as a parent?
Take responsibility for your child’s spiritual development
Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19
Have your children prepared for class.
Mark 2:27
Study and discuss other scriptures and topics instead of the lesson, if that is the need of the moment.
Give feedback to teachers, class deacon, elders
Be patient, think long term
Student, teachers, and topics change
Reminders and notes
Teach!
Only man teachers for boys once boys hit 13 years old.
Teachers may open the high school class to other students at their discretion.
Two-quarter special opportunity
Last two quarters of 2024/2025, topic is teacher’s choice.
What is a teacher’s goal?
Interest – Acts 13:15-18, 38-44
Comprehension – Matthew 13:13, 16
Application – Matthew 7:24
Retention – Numbers 15:40
Encourage – Philippians 1:6-10
Matthew 10:25
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57min
July 28, 20242 Corinthians 12:19-13:14
II Corinthians 12, continued:
II Corinthians 12:19 – Compare II Corinthians 5:12.
II Corinthians 12:20-21 – See Revelation 21:8 and I Corinthians 1. Paul is here saying that he’s afraid these things may be happening.
II Corinthians 13
II Corinthians 13:1-2 – See II Corinthians 12:14. Paul did end up making this third trip and stayed in Achaia about three months. This is a quote referenced from Deuteronomy 19:15; Numbers 35:30.
II Corinthians 13:3-4 – See Matthew 12:38-39. This is similar to the request for proof that Jesus was continually getting.
II Corinthians 13:5-6 – The idea here is that of testing a metal to see if it is genuine. We fail this test when we forget whose spirit we are part of. Paul wanted them to test themselves against the objective standard of God’s word.
II Corinthians 13:9-10 – Paul was hopeful for their restoration. He waited until the end to mention authority as that was not his primary tact, but he did have authority from God for his teaching.
II Corinthians 13:11 – This is translated a number of different ways. “Farewell” vs. “rejoice.” “Be complete” vs. be “restored.”
II Corinthians 13:12-14 – Paul’s end for the letter echoes his words in II Corinthians 1:2.
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45min
July 28, 2024Thelema
Introduction
Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer
thelema – translated “will” as in, “will of God”
Exceptions!
Matthew 21:31
John 1:12
I Corinthians 7:37; 16:12
Ephesians 2:3
II Timothy 2:26
I Peter 4:3
Jesus was perfect, sinless …
Hebrews 7:26
II Corinthians 5:21
I John 3:5
Hebrews 4:15
The will of Jesus
There is a distinction between the will of God and the will of Jesus, but Jesus never sinned.
Matthew 26:26-56
John 5:30; 6:38
By the will of God
John 1:1-14
Romans 1:8-10; 15:30-33
I Corinthians 1:1
II Corinthians 1:1; 8:5
Ephesians 1:1
Colossians 1:1
II Timothy 1:1
According to the will of God
Matthew 18:10-14; 26:39, 42
John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40
Galatians 1:3-5
Ephesians 1:3-12
I Peter 3:14-17
Revelation 4:11
Being in the will of God
Matthew 7:21; 12:46-50
John 7:15-24; 9:30-34
Romans 2:12-24
Ephesians 5:15-21; 6:5-6
Galatians 1:7-14; 4:12
I Peter 2:13-15
Hebrews 13:20-21
I Peter 4:12-19
I John 2:15-17
We can be confident of the will of God even though we don’t fully understand it. God’s thoughts are much higher than our thoughts.
There is someone else
Ephesians 6:13-17
James 1:13-14
I Peter 5:6-10
The devil still has abilities in modern times, although not to the degree that he did in the New Testament times.
Conclusion
I Thessalonians 4:3-8; 5:12-23
Hebrews 10:1-39
Luke 12:35-48
Romans 12:1-2
God’s will in heaven needs to be done here on earth.
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34min
July 24, 20241 John
Why written
I John 1:4; 2:1, 7-8, 12-14, 26; 5:13 – John tells us why he was writing. He was writing to combat Gnosticism.
Subject matter
Jesus – The first 14 verses tell you everything you need to known about Jesus and sin.
Sin
False teaching / teachers
What we know.
How we know it.
Love
Action
Conditions: if
Jesus
From the beginning – I John 1:1; 2:13
Manifested, historical figure – I John 1:2; 4:2
Destroyed works of devil – I John 3:8
With the Father – I John 1:2
Blood cleanses from sin – I John 1:7; 3:6, 16
Propitiation for sin – I John 2:2; 4:10
Is righteous – I John 3:7
Have spiritual life through – I John 4:9; 5:11
Savior of the world – I John 4:14
The Son of God – I John 4:15; 5:5
Begotten of God – I John 5:1
Came by water and blood – I John 5:6
Gives us understanding – I John 5:20
Is the true God and eternal life – I John 5:20
False teachers and teachingThe basics
I John 4:1, 2, 6 – Don’t be naïve and gullible. Study for yourself!
Strong language
Liars – I John 1:6; 2:4, 22; 4:20
Children of the devil – I John 3:10
Antichrist – I John 2:18-19, 22; 4:3 – There are many antichrists. Those that deny Christ are antichrists.
Sin
All are sinners – I John 1:8, 10
What it is – I John 3:4; 5:17
Two walks – I John 1:6-7
How to avoid – I John 3:6, 9; 5:18
Provisions for – I John 3:5; 1:7; 2:2; 4:10
Consequences of – I John 3:6, 8, 10
When we sin – I John 1:9; 2:1
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0min
July 21, 2024"Mom and Dad, show me how."
Introduction
I John 3:16
How do we as parents teach our kids spiritual lessons?
Philippians 2:5
I Peter 2:21
Examples are powerful – just look at Jesus.
Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 29; 11:1
Philippians 4:9
Titus 2:7
I Timothy 4:12
I Peter 5:3
It’s our job to show them WHAT is possible.
I Thessalonians 1:6
I Timothy 1:15-16
II Timothy 3:15
James 5:10
Roger Bannister ran a four-minute mile, showing that it could be done. Now, more than a thousand people have done it!
It’s our job to show them HOW to do it.
John 13:5, 14 – Jesus showed them directly how to do what He was commanding. The apostles probably remembered this for the rest of their lives!
John 13:34
Acts 20:17-21, 31-34 – Paul showed them how to behave.
Acts 17:24-27, 30-31 – It’s possible to honor God as Creator in this world!
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27min

FAQs about ScriptureStream:

How many episodes does ScriptureStream have?

The podcast currently has 3,198 episodes available.