What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 35 - 18/08/23

This week we look at what the bible says about the Sanctity of Life. We touch on areas of abortion and the unborn child as well as life in general.

The discussion centres around the biblical concept of the sanctity of life, particularly focusing on abortion and end-of-life issues, emphasizing that life is sacred because humans are made in God's image.

The participants explore various Bible verses, such as Genesis 1:26-27 and Exodus 20:13, discussing the implications of being created in God's image and the commandment "You shall not murder."

The conversation delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding sustaining life versus taking life, with references to difficult situations like euthanasia and the story of the Amalekites.

There is an emphasis on the unique spiritual aspect of human beings, as God breathed life into humans, setting them apart from animals, and the importance of understanding this difference.

The group discusses the idea of God's foreknowledge of each person, citing scriptures like Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139, which suggest that God knows and values each life even before birth.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 34 - 04/08/23

The second part of our look into what the bible says about the flesh.

The discussion centres on understanding the concept of "the flesh" from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the idea of being spiritually dead in sin before accepting Christ and becoming alive in Him.

The group explores key scriptures (2 Corinthians 5, Colossians 3, Galatians 2) to understand what it means to be "dead" in Christ, noting that accepting Christ's sacrifice should lead believers to live not for themselves but for Christ.

The love of Christ is described as a compelling force that should drive believers to live in alignment with God's will, rather than following their own desires, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's love and sacrifice.

A significant part of the conversation delves into the theological debate about whether Christ's sacrifice was for all humanity or only for believers, with differing views discussed without reaching a definitive conclusion.

The importance of living out the life of Christ is highlighted, with the idea that simply embodying Christ's teachings and values can serve as a powerful witness to others, often leading to changes in behaviour or attitudes in those around them.

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What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 33 - 21/07/23

This week we investigate bible verses that teach about the Thessalonians.

The discussion explores themes from Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of deception and the signs of the end times.

The group reflects on how contemporary issues and widespread apathy in churches might be related to prophetic warnings about the end times, including the rise of false teachings and the Antichrist.

There is a focus on the importance of community and mutual support among believers, as well as the necessity of staying grounded in Biblical truth to avoid being misled by subtle deceptions.

The conversation touches on various interpretations of prophecy, including the impact of preterism, and the need to discern the truth amidst competing claims and interpretations.

The group emphasizes the significance of maintaining a strong understanding of Scripture and the prophetic signs outlined in the Bible to stay alert and prepared for future events as described in the New Testament.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 32 - 07/07/23

This week we investigate bible verses that teach about the old and the new testament.

Mirroring Between Testaments: The discussion explores how the New Testament sheds light on the Old Testament and how the Old Testament anticipates the New Testament. Specifically, it examines the parallels between the lives of Joseph and Jesus, highlighting how Joseph’s experiences foreshadow aspects of Jesus’s life.

Joseph and Jesus Parallels: Joseph’s story in Genesis is compared with Jesus’s life, noting similarities such as their roles as saviours, experiences of betrayal, temptation, and forgiveness. Both figures also demonstrate themes of sovereignty and redemption.

Biblical Symbolism: The narrative draws connections between symbols like Joseph’s multi-coloured coat and Jesus’s garments, and how these symbols represent deeper theological meanings, including Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice and the tearing of the temple curtain.

God’s Timing: The speaker emphasizes that God's actions and timing, as seen in Joseph's long imprisonment and subsequent rise to power, differ from human expectations. This highlights the importance of patience and trust in divine providence.

Value of Old Testament: The talk asserts the importance of the Old Testament for understanding the New Testament, noting that Jesus and the early apostles preached based on the Old Testament scriptures. The integration of both testaments enriches the comprehension of biblical prophecy and fulfilment.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 31 - 23/06/23.

This week we look at what the bible says about the fear of The Lord. Is it healthy? What exactly does it mean?

Biblical Perspective on Fear: The Bible contains numerous references to the "fear of the Lord," which is often associated with respect and reverence rather than terror. Verses like Deuteronomy 6:24 and Jeremiah 32:39 emphasize that fearing God is beneficial for our well-being and is intended to keep us aligned with His will.

Positive Fear vs. Negative Fear: The fear of the Lord is presented as a positive force, leading to respect and a desire to follow God's commands. This reverent fear differs from the negative fear associated with danger or harm, as it stems from understanding God's power and love rather than from dread.

Fear and Wisdom: Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." This indicates that true wisdom and understanding start with recognizing God's authority and living in accordance with His teachings. Without this foundational fear, other forms of knowledge are considered incomplete or misguided.

Fear and Mercy: Psalms 130:4 and other scriptures highlight that God's fear is linked to His mercy and forgiveness. The acknowledgment of God's ability to forgive is paired with a healthy respect for His holiness and the consequences of sin, reinforcing the balance between reverence and gratitude.

Fear as a Blessing: The fear of the Lord is described as a blessing because it fosters spiritual growth and understanding. It helps believers appreciate the gravity of their actions and the importance of living in accordance with God's will, which ultimately leads to a more profound and insightful relationship with Him.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrQlxNkwWWJEBNH3Jj1IV9NIshaJlawk/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 30 - 09/06/23

This week we look at what the bible says about singing? Is there "biblical" or "unbiblical" singing? Why do we sing? How does singing factor into our Christian lives? Is singing and worship the same thing?

Singing as a Christian Practice: Singing, along with prayer, is one of the most frequently commanded practices for Christians in the Bible, signifying its importance in worship and daily life.

Biblical Examples and Origins: Singing is depicted in the Bible as predating humanity, with angels and stars singing during the creation (Job 38:4-7). This suggests that music and singing have a divine and spiritual dimension.

Psalms and Worship: The Psalms frequently command singing and music as expressions of praise and worship. Psalm 33:1-5 highlights that singing to the Lord is fitting and beautiful, encouraging all to sing from an upright heart.

Music's Spiritual Impact: Music is portrayed as spiritually significant, pre-existing human creation and influencing emotions and spiritual experiences. It connects believers with God and can uplift or change one's mood profoundly.

Contemporary Church Practices: The discussion touches on how modern church practices around singing and music can sometimes become divisive or overly focused on musical proficiency, rather than the heartfelt expression of worship as encouraged in the Bible.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19plUJXVKFcVzthAcPMfmULQVjBJlfSZ1/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 29 - 26/05/23

This week we look into what the bible says about the flesh. What is it? Where's the harm? can we avoid it's influence?

Definition of the Flesh: The term "flesh" in the Bible is synonymous with human nature, sinful nature, and the old self. It's described as being in opposition to the Spirit and is associated with actions and thoughts that are contrary to God's law.

Biblical Translations: Various Bible translations, including the Good News Bible, New Living Translation, and Amplified Bible, provide different perspectives on the "flesh," emphasizing its role as the human nature or sinful desires that lead to spiritual death unless overcome by living according to the Spirit.

Scriptural References: Key scriptures such as Romans 8 and Colossians 3:9 illustrate that the "flesh" refers to the old self or sinful nature that must be replaced by the new self, renewed in the image of God. The contrast is made between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.

Spiritual Conflict: The discussion highlights the ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit within individuals. This internal struggle reflects the tension between pursuing worldly desires versus spiritual growth and obedience to God.

Need for Rebirth: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 emphasizes the necessity of being "born again" of water and the Spirit to overcome the corrupt nature inherited from birth. This rebirth is crucial for entering the Kingdom of God and signifies a transformative change in nature from flesh to Spirit.

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What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 28 - 05/05/23

This week we look at what the bible says about Moses. Who is he? What does he teach us about Jesus and the future?

The study explores how typology, a method of interpreting the Bible, is used to understand deeper connections between Old Testament figures, like Moses, and New Testament figures, especially Jesus.

Typology involves identifying patterns, shadows, or types in the Old Testament that prefigure or symbolize events or persons in the New Testament, giving a richer understanding beyond the plain text.

The session compares the life of Moses with that of Jesus, noting that both were threatened as infants by evil rulers, fled to Egypt, and later returned to fulfil their missions, showing Moses as a "type" of Christ.

The discussion highlights that Moses was initially rejected by his own people but was later accepted, drawing a parallel to Jesus' first and second comings, where He is initially rejected and later accepted by His people.

The conversation also touches on the relationship between Jews and Christians, emphasizing that the New Testament completes the Old Testament and that both Jews and Gentiles are part of God's plan, which can be misunderstood without recognizing the deep connections between the two Testaments.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RVfDjPG3OYaeAkp2qYrf9GFW3GfP5ch0/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 27 - 21/04/23

This week we look at what the bible says about work, jobs and ministry.

Work in Creation: The Bible suggests that work existed even before the fall of man, as seen in Genesis 2. Man was placed in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it, indicating that work was part of God's original plan for humanity.

God as a Worker: God himself worked during the creation of the world, as stated in Genesis 2. Humans, being created in God's image, were also made to work, reflecting the divine nature of creativity and productivity.

Impact of the Fall: The fall introduced toil and hardship into work, as seen in Genesis 3. While work was originally fulfilling, it became burdensome and associated with pain and struggle due to the curse on the ground.

Symbiosis with Creation: There is a symbiotic relationship between humanity and creation, where the earth needs to be managed and cultivated by humans. This management was part of humanity’s role to rule and subdue the earth under God’s guidance.

Restoration Through Salvation: Through salvation, God seeks to restore humanity to the pre-fall condition, where work is fulfilling and done in partnership with God. This reflects a return to the original purpose of work as seen in Genesis 2.

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2M3zO0wQtzkhm-vRth2trgDR89mZ1tV/view?usp=drive_link

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly Bible Study.

24/03/23

Led by Tim Clark

1) The Peace Jesus Gives Is Not of This World

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). The world’s peace is temporary—merely the pause between wars or the absence of conflict—but Christ’s peace is inward, spiritual, and eternal. His peace calms the heart amid tribulation, bringing courage and stability even when the world is in turmoil (John 16:33).

2) Biblical Peace Is Wholeness, Not Merely Calmness

The Hebrew shalom comes from shalem, meaning “complete” or “made whole.” Peace in God’s Word is not just quietness, but completeness—when all that is broken is made right. To be at peace is to be reconciled, restored, and fulfilled in relationship with God and others (Gen 15:15; Exod 22:4). It is the soul’s state when nothing essential is missing because God has made it whole (Isa 26:3).

3) Peace Comes from Reconciliation with God through Christ

Humanity’s greatest conflict is separation from God caused by sin (Isa 59:2). But “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Christ is “our peace”—He reconciles us to God, breaking down the wall of hostility and making us one with Him (Eph 2:13–14). True peace begins only when a sinner is made right with God through the cross.

4) Peace Is a Fruit of the Spirit, Not Self-Generated

Peace cannot be achieved by self-discipline, wealth, or favorable circumstances; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Gal 5:22). This peace flows from trust and obedience, guarding the heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6–7). The Spirit continually reminds believers that they are secure in God’s grace.

5) Peace with Others Flows from Peace with God

We are commanded to “be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). Just as Christ reconciled us to the Father, we must seek reconciliation with one another—through humility, gentleness, and forgiveness. Pride, impatience, and self-righteousness destroy peace; humility and love restore it. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18).

6) Peace Guards the Heart Amid Suffering and Fear

The peace of God is not dependent on outward comfort. Believers can experience peace even in persecution, poverty, or loss, because “He Himself is our peace.” This peace is seen in martyrs who sang in death, in the suffering who still rejoice in Christ, and in every believer who trusts that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom 16:20; Phil 4:9). It is the calm of faith in the storm.

7) Peace Completes God’s Work of Sanctification

Peace is both a present reality and a future promise. God is continually perfecting His people, making them whole until Christ’s return: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely… faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it” (1 Thess 5:23–24). The believer’s ultimate peace will come when sin and death are no more—when we are fully restored in His presence, complete in Christ (Isa 9:6; Rev 21:4).

DOWNLOAD STUDY NOTES

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