Prayer Request for Sunday 7/22

1. Derik & Mandy: continue to pray for Mandy's brother and sister-in-law; pray for Mandy's Mom Sally as she has some tests run.
2. Shawn & Angie: pray for Angie's sister, brother-in-law & family as they're travelling; Their friend John Scott in Iraq; Angie's two clients with cancer- Ms. Campbell & Ms. Hilling; Shawns brother Alan is having some problems
3. Steve: please pray for Steve's friend in Louisville, KY with MS and pray also for her family
4. Andy and Mary: for Mary's cousin joining the Navy; for brother Devin going to Iraq; Mary's sister is looking for a job; Extended family travelling
5. Orville Williamson: cancer; starting chemo treatment
6. Misty Willingham: pray for her recovery from infection in her leg
7. Cody & Paige Light: I received an email from Cody saying that they will be moving to Victoria, Texas; please pray that all would go well. If you would like to send them an email here is their address: codypaige@sbcglobal.net

Daily Bible Study: Day Six- 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:20-21 at least twice.

2. Read at least two different commentaries (including the commentary in a Study Bible) on 1 Timothy 6:20-21.

3. How does this text apply to the Church and to the believer?

Study Questions:

1. How can we guard "what has been entrusted to us?"
2. How do we avoid "worldly chatter?"
3. What kinds of present day examples can 1 Timothy 6: 20-21 address?

Daily Bible Study: Day Five- 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:20-21 at least twice

2. Read 1 Timothy 6:20-21 in at least two Bible translations. I like the way the Good News Translation renders verse 20: "Timothy, keep safe what has been entrusted to your care. Avoid the profane talk and foolish arguments of what some people wrongly call "Knowledge."

3. Look up the meanings of the key words/terms you found in your reading from Day Four.

Study Questions:

1. What is the "what" in verse 20?
2. Is Paul saying in verse 20 that we should not defend the Christian Faith against false teachers?
3. What does Paul mean by "some who have professed?"

Daily Bible Study: Day Four- 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:20-21 at least twice.

• Mark key words/terms.
• Mark key verbs/verbal phrases noticing whether they are past, present, or future.

Daily Bible Study: Day Three- 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 at least twice.

2. Read at least two commentaries on 1 Timothy 6:3-5. I appreciate what the People's New Testament says about verse 3-5: "If any man teach otherwise. Teach new doctrines or duties which differ from the doctrine of Christ. See 1:3, 4. 4. He is proud. The idea is that he is blinded with pride, so that he really knows nothing. Doting. Morbidly dwelling upon foolish questions. He no doubt refers to foolish disputes which had been sprung upon the church by heretical teachers. 5. Thinking that gain is godliness. Men who have come into the church for gain and think that godliness is a source of gain."

3. How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer? I would normally try to come up with some questions at this point but I would rather encourage you to really think about the above question. Try to think about some possible scenarios in our own church and consider how this text tells us how to view the scenarios.

Daily Bible Study: Day Two- 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6 at least once (To get the full context).

2. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 at least twice.

3. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 in at least two different Bible translations. I appreciate how the Holman Christian Standard Bible translates verse 4 & 5: "he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slanders, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among men whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain." If you don't have a copy of the Holman Christian Standard Bible I would encourage you to purchase one. It is a good translation for both indepth study and devotional reading. You can find them for lest than $20.00 at Lifeway Christian Stores- My Shameless Plug.

4. Find the meanings of the words/terms that you found in your readings from Day One.

Questions To Think About:

1. Did the apostles teach the "words" of Christ?
2. What does Paul say is the character of those who "advocate a different doctrine?"
3. According to the apostle Paul what are the 5 characteristics that follow interest in controversy & disputes?
4. What is the condition of the minds of the men who commit themselves to controversy and disputes?

Daily Bible Study: Day One- 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Modern Gnosticism & The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6 at least once.

2. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 at least twice.

• Mark key words/terms. One example of a key word in verse 3 would be "sound doctrine." Sound doctrine refers to teaching that is in good health; teaching that is free from a mixture of error. Any doctrine or teaching that is not biblical or in accordance with Scripture is unsound doctrine.
• Mark key verbs/verbal phrases noticing whether they are past, present, or future. One example of a key verbal phrase is found in verse 5. "Deprived of the truth" is in the perfect tense which means that not only are these false teachers and false believers robbed and defrauded of truth but this action has lingering effects and leaves ongoing results.

Prayer Request for Sunday 7/15

1. Derik & Mandy: continue to pray for Mandy's brother and sister-in-law; Derik, Mandy, & family will be travelling this weekend to take the boys back to Houston; pray for Dustin & Seth.
2. Shawn & Angie: pray for Angie's sister & family as they're travelling; Kaleb & Kyler will be at camp this week; Their friend John Scott going to Iraq; Angie's two clients with cancer- Ms. Campbell & Ms. Hilling; Shawns brother Alan is having some problems
3. Steve: please pray for Steve's friend in Louisville, KY with MS and pray also for her family
4. Mary & Andy: Pray for Mary's cousin joining the Navy; for brother Devin going to Iraq; Mary's sister is looking for a job
5. Regenna Jones: Pray for her recovery from heart attack
6. Pray for Mrs. Marge Banta's friend Sue with breathing troubles
7. Marge Banta: recovery from Gall Bladder surgery
8. Orville Williamson: cancer; starting chemo treatment
9. Misty Willingham: pray for her recovery from infection in her leg
10. Cody & Paige Light: I received an email from Cody saying that they will be moving to Victoria, Texas; please pray that all would go well. If you would like to send them an email here is their address: codypaige@sbcglobal.net

Daily Bible Study: Day Six- 1 Timothy 4:1-5

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5 at least twice.

2. Read at least two commentaries on 1 Timothy 4:1-5. Concerning verse 1 John Calvin said "Here Paul, therefore, in the person of Timothy, forewarns not only the Ephesians, but all the churches throughout the world, about hypocritical teachers, who, by setting up false worship, and by ensnaring consciences with new laws, adulterate the true worship of God, and corrupt the pure doctrine of faith. This is the real object of the passage, which it is especially necessary to remark."

3. How does this text apply to the Church and the believer?

Questions to Think On:

1. What are some examples of verse 1 taking place today?
2. Does verse 3 point to some sort of legalism?
3. Does this text point to "doctrinal tolerance?"

Daily Bible Study: Day Five- 1 Timothy 4:1-5

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read 1 Timothy 4 at least twice.

2. Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5 in at least two different Bible translations. I appreciated how The Message rendered verse 4: "These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth."

3. Look up the meanings of the key words/terms that you found in your reading from Day Four.

Questions to Ponder:

1. In verse 1 does Paul's references to "deceitful spirits" and "doctrines of demons" refer to general false teaching or to something more specific?
2. Where do you think Paul would draw the line in verse 4?

Daily Bible Study: Day Four- 1 Timothy 4:1-5

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?

1. Read 1 Timothy 4 at least twice asking who, what, when, why, where, and how.

• Mark key words/terms as you read verses 1-5. A key word in verse 1 would be the word "faith" which refers to the content of belief or system of belief; system of doctrine.
• Mark key verbs/verbal phrases noticing whether they are past, present, or future.

Daily Bible Study: Day Three- 1 Timothy 1:3-6

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-6 at least twice.

2. Read at least two commentaries on 1 Timothy 1:3-6. You will probably notice that verse 4 is a commonly debated verse.

3. How does 1 Timothy 1:3-6 apply to the Church and to the believer?

Questions to Ponder:

1. How would we identify "strange doctrines" today?
2. What would be an example of "myths" and "endless geneologies" in our world today?
3. Would Paul say that it is "fruitless" to discuss theology and doctrine?

Daily Bible Study: Day Two- 1 Timothy 1:3-6

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read 1 Timothy 1 at least twice. Notice who, what, when, why, where, and how.

2. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-6 in at least two different Bible translations other than the one you normally study from. I appreciate the way the Good News Translation translates verse 4: "Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. "

3. Look up the meanings of the key words/terms that you found in your reading from Day One.

Daily Bible Study: Day One- 1 Timothy 1:3-6

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?

1. Read the introduction in a study Bible to Paul's first letter to Timothy.

2. Read all of chapter 1 at least twice.

• Mark key words/terms as you read verses 3-6. An example of a key term in verse 3 is "strange teaching" which refers to doctrines that deviate from the truth. These are doctrines that are contrary to the doctrine of Paul and the other apostles.
• Mark key verbs/verbal phrases. An example of a key verb in verse 4 would be "nor pay attention." This verb is a present tense verb which conveys continuous & habitual action. They were instructed to never pay attention to "myths and endless geneologies."

3. Paul is writing this letter to Timothy who is minstering in the city of Ephesus. Whenever you find a city or a place in your reading it becomes important to not only take notice but also examine some significant facts about that city or place. This can help in better understanding the original readers and their social context.

Prayer Request for Sunday 7/8

1. Derik & Mandy: continue to pray for Mandy's brother and sister-in-law; their friends Jason & Melissa Barnette- help for them after flooding damage.
2. Shawn & Angie: pray for Angie's sister & family as they're travelling; Kaleb & Kyler will be at camp next week; Their friend John Scott going to Iraq; Angie's two clients with cancer; Angie's friend Jan is going in for a medical procedure; Shawns brother Alan is having some problems
3. Steve: please pray for Steve's friend in Louisville, KY with MS and pray also for her family
4. Mary & Andy: Pray for Mary's cousin joining the Navy; for brother Devin going to Iraq
5. Youth Camp
6. Regenna Jones: Pray for her recovery from heart attack
7. Pray for Mrs. Marge Banta's friend Sue with breathing troubles
8. Craig & Audrey: Pray for Audrey that she can deal with Craig while kids are gone; Emily, Ethan & Esai in God's country Indiana visiting family
9. Marge Banta: In doctor's care at BSA with abdominal pain

Daily Bible Study: Day Six- Colossians 2:8-9

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read through Colossians 2:8-9 at least twice.

2. Read two commentaries on the text.

3. How does this passage apply to the Church and to the believer?

Questions to Ponder:

1. How would verse 9 be effective with Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons?
2. How would Colossians 2:8-9 apply in the following scenario?

• You begin to build a friendship with someone in the workplace who you think might be a believer because of some of the things they say concerning God, Christ, Salvation and the Scripture. Eventually you ask them if they have trusted Christ for salvation and they reply that they certainly have. But later you begin to hear things that just don't seem to jive with what you believe the Bible teaches. They begin to start saying that God has been speaking to them when they are in some sort of "spiritual trance." Or maybe they begin telling you that they believe that most of the Scripture is nothing more than myth and legend. What does this text say to such a case?

***This posting is going to look a little strange due the fact that the title field will not work. I'm glad this thing is free.

Daily Bible Study: Day Five- Colossians 2:8-9

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read Colossians 2:8-9 at least twice.

2. Read Colossians 2:8-9 in at least two different Bible translations. I appreciate the way the NIV translates verse 8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

3. Look up the meanings of the key words/terms you found in your reading from Day Four.

The Daily Bible Study: Day Four- Colossians 2:8-10

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see?

1. Read the introduction to Paul's letter to the Colossians in your Study Bible concentrating on the theme of the letter.

• I also want to encourage you to read through the whole letter in one sitting.

2. Read through all of chapter two at least twice focusing on Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How.

• In verses 8-10 mark any key words or terms. One example of a key word in verse 8 would be the word "philosophy" which simply refers to the love of wisdom. Colossians 2:8 has been a much misapplied verse used as a reason to neglect the study of philosophy and to consider the subject as evil. Is this the point Paul is making in this verse? Is Paul talking about all of philosophy as being bad or is he referring to a specific type of philosophy?
• Also mark key verbs and verbal phrases noticing whether they are past, present or future tense.

Reading Material: Why We Shouldn't Hate Philosophy

Daily Bible Study: Day Three- Ephesians 4:11-15

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How does the text apply to the Church and to the believer?

1. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 through at least twice.

2. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 in at least two different commentaries. I appreciate what John Calvin said concerning verse 14:

"Tossed to and fro, and carried about. The distressing hesitation of those who do not place absolute reliance on the word of the Lord, is illustrated by two striking metaphors. The first is taken from small ships, exposed to the fury of the billows in the open sea, holding no fixed course, guided neither by skill nor design, but hurried along by the violence of the tempest. The next is taken from straws, or other light substances, which are carried hither and thither as the wind drives them, and often in opposite directions. Such must be the changeable and unsteady character of all who do not rest on the foundation of God’s eternal truth. It is their just punishment for looking, not to God, but to men. Paul declares, on the other hand, that faith, which rests on the word of God, stands unshaken against all the attacks of Satan."

3. How does this passage apply to the Church and to the believer?

Questions to ponder:

• According to this text why is it essential to grow in Christian maturity?
• Can we truly be united doctrinally? If so how?
• Can continual immaturity lead to false teaching?

Daily Bible Study: Day Two- Ephesians 4:11-15

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?

1. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 through at least twice.

2. Read Ephesians 4:11-15 through in at least two different translations. I really like the way the Holman Christian Standard Bible translated verse 14 "Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit."

3. Find the meanings of the words/terms you found in your reading from Day One.

Daily Bible Study: Day One- Ephesians 4:11-15

The Timeless Apologetic: The Biblical Teaching Against False Teaching

Observation: What do I see in the text?

1. Read through all of chapter 4 at least twice.

2. Read through verses 11-15 at least twice.

• While reading somehow mark key words/terms. For example in verse 13 a key word is the word "knowledge" which refers to real knowledge or true knowledge as opposed to the false knowledge of false teaching.
• While reading also mark key verbs or verbal phrases. For example in verse 14 Paul uses the verb "carried about" which refers to being in doubt and hesitation; to be lead away to another view or opinion.

Questions to consider:

1. In verse 14 Paul states "As a result" (your translation might be different). As a result of what?
2. Who equips the saints in verse 12?

Prayer Requests for Sunday 7/1

1. Derik & Mandy: Mandy's brother & sister in law; pray for their discussion with Duston's mom concerning Duston living with them.
2. Shawn & Angie: Angie sister & family traveling; boys will be at camp; friend John Scott going to Iraq; Angie's two clients with cancer; Shawn's brother Alan is having some problems.
3. Mary & Andy: cousin going to Navy
4. Audrey: her brother Adam in Kosovo.
5. Pray for our visitors from Sunday morning including a couple I met named Chris and Rachel.
6. Pray for our fellowship on Saturday at the Gallier's