What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 54 - 24/05/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the topic of predestination. Does free will exist? Or does God decide everything?

Title and Overview: The discussion, titled "What the Bible Says About Predestination," actually covers a broad examination of biblical texts related to predestination, foreknowledge, and related theological concepts.

Key Biblical Passages: The session begins with an analysis of Romans 8:29-30, exploring the idea of predestination and its implications. The verses suggest that God predestines believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, which raises questions about whether predestination implies a lack of free will.

Predestination and Free Will: There is a debate about whether God's foreknowledge (knowing who will choose salvation) leads to predestination or whether predestination means individuals have no choice in their salvation. The discussion includes perspectives on how predestination aligns with human free will.

Theological Perspectives: The discussion touches on different theological views, including Calvinism, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and predestination, and Arminianism, which focuses on human choice. It also critiques the concept of limited atonement within Calvinism, arguing that Jesus's sacrifice was meant for all.

Practical Implications: The conversation reflects on how theological interpretations of predestination affect understanding of salvation, human responsibility, and the nature of God’s grace. It also highlights the ongoing debate between different theological traditions and their interpretations of scripture.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12s915pZmuXNtoXyN8DTkXlxcSmQ76UBC/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 53 - 10/05/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the Servanthood and what it means to be a servant for Christ and to others. This is the first part in a two part series.

Servanthood in Scripture: The study highlights the concept of servanthood as demonstrated by key biblical figures like Job and Moses. Both are noted for their unwavering faith and humility, exemplifying servanthood through their actions and attitudes.

Job's Integrity: Job is presented as a model of servanthood due to his blamelessness and fear of God, despite immense personal suffering. His story emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and faith in the face of trials.

Moses' Humility: Moses is described as the epitome of humility and faithfulness, distinguishing him from other leaders. His story underscores the value of humility in service to God, contrasting with worldly notions of power and ego.

Jesus as the Ultimate Servant: Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate example of servanthood, highlighting His selflessness and obedience even unto death. His actions and attitude serve as a model for Christian service, emphasizing the importance of serving others and submitting to God's will.

Practical Application: The discussion encourages believers to respond to God's call to servanthood through personal obedience and faithfulness. The transformative power of serving others is linked to a deeper understanding and reflection of God's character.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UIw6bMMO87WNMOwGDYtWjEgN3JLcfCwv/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 52 - 26/04/24

This week we look at what the bible says about concerning children who die. Do children go straight to heaven or not. Do they need to profess faith? What about infants?

Biblical Perspective on Children’s Death: The Bible does not explicitly state that children who die go straight to heaven. There is no direct scriptural evidence to support this view.

God's Character and Understanding: The discussion emphasizes understanding God’s character—described as gracious, compassionate, and just. Key scriptures like Psalm 145 and Deuteronomy 32 highlight God’s goodness and justice, suggesting that His actions align with His perfect nature.

Judgment and Reincarnation: The Bible teaches that people die once and face judgment (Hebrews 9:27-28), rejecting reincarnation. The concept of reincarnation is contrasted with Christian beliefs in judgment after death and the Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-15).

Comfort and Perspective: The speaker discusses the importance of understanding biblical principles to comfort those who have lost children. They also reflect on the value of each day of life and the perspective needed to understand divine justice and mercy.

Inclusivity of the Book of Life: The discussion concludes with the idea that all people are initially in the Book of Life, but those who reject God’s love and salvation are blotted out. The speaker highlights Jesus’ words about the kingdom of God belonging to those who are childlike, reinforcing a message of inclusive grace.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12wLhX6X4vgJtdgTLlp8yW5YDhcCCCeUi/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 51 - 12/04/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the discipleship and discipling others. This is the final part in a three part series.

Discipleship Begins with Personal Growth: Before making disciples, one must be a committed disciple of Jesus themselves, reflecting on Isaiah 4:1, which emphasizes the importance of being nurtured and growing in Christ to be effective in disciple-making.

Responsibility of Disciples: The call to make disciples is given specifically to those who are already disciples of Jesus, not to the world at large. This idea is supported by passages like Matthew 28:18-20 and John 17:6-24, which stress that disciples should pass on what they have learned.

Role of Scripture: Effective disciple-making relies on understanding and teaching the commands of Jesus as recorded in the Scriptures. Both John 17 and 2 Timothy 2:2 highlight the importance of teaching and passing on biblical truths faithfully.

Continuous Process of Discipleship: Discipleship is a continuous process involving various stages and different people. No single person has a monopoly on discipling others; rather, it involves multiple contributors over time, as seen in biblical examples like Moses, Timothy, and Apollos.

Unity Through Discipleship: Belief in and adherence to the word of God leads to unity among believers. John 17 emphasizes that unity with God and each other is a result of faithfully following Jesus’ teachings and engaging in true discipleship.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V98IXxCVyub3EqEOCJLS0qMXGRJNsYLk/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 50 - 29/03/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the atonement. What is it and what does it mean to us?

Origin of the Term "Atonement": The term "atonement" is a 16th-century English creation, combining "at one" to convey the idea of reconciliation or being "at one" with someone. It was first used in the English Bible translation by William Tyndale.

Frequency and Context in the Bible: The word "atonement" appears often in the Old Testament but less frequently in the New Testament. In Hebrew, the term encompasses meanings such as reconciliation, forgiveness, and covering for sin.

Biblical Example - Exodus 32: In Exodus 32:30-35, Moses offers to make atonement for Israel’s sin of worshiping a golden calf. Despite his willingness, the people's sin results in a plague, indicating that the atonement was not fully achieved as there was no genuine repentance.

Levitical Offerings: Leviticus 1:5 describes a formal process for making atonement through burnt offerings. This ritual involves an unblemished male animal, symbolizing substitutionary atonement, where the animal's death represents the death due to sin.

Personal Responsibility and Symbolism: The process emphasizes personal responsibility, with the individual offering the sacrifice themselves, highlighting the personal nature of atonement. The shedding of the animal’s blood underscores the serious cost of sin, reflecting the necessity for Jesus' sacrificial death.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ciSqXbOWjk4mrESDLK4tGWUpORfnZHtZ/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 49 - 15/03/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the discipleship and discipling others. This is the second part in a three part series.

Personal Discipleship: Effective discipleship starts with one's own commitment to following Jesus. One cannot teach or disciple others without first living out the principles of discipleship in their own life.

Biblical Foundations: The session reviews key scriptures on discipleship from Luke, Mark, and Matthew. It emphasizes that discipleship involves personal sacrifice and commitment, as demonstrated in the lives of the early disciples and Jesus' teachings.

Conditions of Discipleship: According to Jesus, to follow Him, one must "deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). This entails self-denial, accepting personal challenges, and a daily commitment to living according to Jesus' teachings.

Voluntary Sacrifice: The cross symbolizes voluntary sacrifice and suffering. Unlike those who were forced to carry their cross to execution, Jesus calls His followers to willingly embrace personal challenges and sacrifices for the sake of their faith.

Value of Discipleship: The value of following Jesus and accepting His teachings far outweighs the personal struggles involved. The promise of rest and fulfilment comes from learning and living according to Jesus' example, despite the daily challenges and sacrifices required.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A7f4hsy6Z2tu8nsI-BQOlJJF6KN1YfHa/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 48 - 01/03/24

This week we look at what the bible says about the discipleship and discipling others. This is the first part in a three part series.

Focus on Personal Discipleship: The study emphasizes the importance of being a disciple of Jesus yourself before attempting to disciple others. Personal growth and alignment with Christ's teachings are essential.

Scriptural Basis for Discipleship: Various Bible verses are cited to support the idea that discipleship involves learning from Jesus, taking up His yoke, and being transformed into His image (e.g., Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 2:5, Romans 8:28-29).

Continuous Learning and Transformation: Discipleship is described as a lifelong process of continuous learning and transformation, where believers progressively reflect Jesus' character and teachings through their lives.

Role of Community and Example: The study notes that effective discipleship also involves interacting with and learning from others in the faith community. This communal aspect complements personal growth and learning.

Reflection and Practice: The importance of reflecting on Scripture and applying it to daily life is highlighted. The analogy of a mirror is used to explain how constant exposure to God's word helps in personal transformation and becoming more Christlike.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6xyC3YQFDh_ztDcSgsU-HC8ZqkpaV8h/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 47 - 16/02/24

This week we look at what the bible says about believers baptism. Sprinkling or full immersion? Adults or babies? We look into all the aspects of what baptism is and isn't.

Definition and Focus: The study centres on water baptism specifically, explaining that the Greek word "baptism" means immersion. The discussion may briefly touch on the baptism of the Holy Spirit but will primarily focus on water baptism.

Biblical Basis: Key scriptures referenced include Romans 6:3-4 and Matthew 28:18-20. Romans 6 describes baptism as a symbolic act of being buried and resurrected with Christ, while Matthew 28 outlines the Great Commission, emphasizing the importance of making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them.

For Believers: Baptism is intended for those who are already believers in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and repentance, as supported by scriptures like Acts 2:38-41, where Peter instructs new believers to repent and be baptized.

Timing and Process: The process involves belief and repentance before baptism. The Ethiopian eunuch's story (Acts 8:36-38) illustrates that baptism should occur soon after a person has genuinely repented and believed, without unnecessary delays or additional requirements.

Teaching and Discipleship: Baptism is part of a broader discipleship process, which includes continuous teaching and growth in faith. The discussion stresses that while baptism follows repentance, it is not a prerequisite for being a disciple; rather, it is an integral part of the disciple-making process.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T6q_SAo0-xKJCUBoZPSutvd7e-alOYcn/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 46 - 02/02/24

This week we look further at what the bible says about suffering. Why does God allow people to suffer. Can we avoid it? What is suffering?

Purpose of Suffering in Christianity: The study discusses suffering in Christianity, highlighting that suffering is a part of life due to the fall and sin, and it aims to explore its purpose in the believer’s life.

Biblical Passages on Suffering: Key passages from the Bible are examined, including Luke 12:49-53, which describes how Jesus’ message might cause division, and John 16:32-33, which offers comfort that Jesus has overcome the world despite suffering.

Jesus’ Warning: Jesus warns that following Him may lead to personal and familial divisions, and His message is not one of immediate peace but of deeper, often challenging spiritual realities.

Role of Suffering: Suffering is seen as a means of spiritual growth and refining, as illustrated by the examples of Job and the faithful in Hebrews 11, who remained steadfast despite severe trials.

Practical Implications: The talk emphasizes that Christians should be prepared for suffering, understanding that it can be a path to deeper faith and reliance on God, rather than a sign of divine displeasure or failure.

STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2ZLqKAVr1oQ-gfS2oDvjKfJF4aiRjI8/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Martock Christian Fellowship

Episode 45. 12/01/24

Led by Graeme McPherson

This week we begin to look at the difficult subject of why suffering exists.

Suffering begins with the Fall (Gen 3:8–19): shame, fear, fractured relationship with God and one another, a cursed ground, pain in childbearing, toil in work, and the certainty of death—yet alongside judgment God promises the serpent-crushing Seed (the proto-evangelium, Gen 3:15), so even the first dark chapter holds gospel hope.

What God made good is now bent, not abolished: headship/help is marred by domination and desire; work remains a gift but resists us with thorns; creation groans; and our first reflex in sin is to hide in fear and self-covering—works that cannot truly clothe our guilt (Gen 3:7–13; Rom 8:20–23).

Job shows that undeserved, intense suffering can fall on the righteous, within boundaries set by God: stripped of wealth, children, and health, he worships—“The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD”—and refuses to charge God with wrong (Job 1:20–22; 2:9–10).

Satan’s accusation is that piety is merely transactional; God proves His worth by sustaining faith when gifts are removed, so Job’s steadfast worship displays to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” the manifold wisdom and glory of God (Job 1–2; Eph 3:10).

In his agony Job confesses God’s holiness and his own smallness and longs for an arbiter who can lay a hand on both God and man (Job 9:2–4, 19, 32–33); the New Testament reveals that Mediator in Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and men, our righteous High Priest (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:14–16).

Scripture reframes believers’ trials as Fatherly discipline that yields holiness; thus we endure by trusting the God who raises the dead, learning to worship in the dark, and comforting others with the comfort we receive (Heb 12:5–11; 2 Cor 1:8–10; 1:3–7; Hab 3:17–19).

Therefore, Christians face suffering with cross-shaped hope: to live is Christ and to die is gain; our light and momentary afflictions work an eternal weight of glory, and even death is swallowed up by resurrection through the Second Adam—so hold fast, worship, and wait for the restoration of all things (Phil 1:21–23; 2 Cor 4:17–18; 1 Cor 15:20–26; Rev 21:1–4).

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waVqg26axD4cYPcHSgJIYiiqn7TMcFr5/view?usp=drive_link