Bible with Brian

Survivor: Esther

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Tucked in the middle of the Old Testament is the story of a heroic woman who moved decisively and sacrificially in a moment of crisis. Esther went down a road traveled by very few as she risked her life to protect her people, the Jews. Her willingness to risk and act resulted in her own personal survival in a very tenuous situation and ensured that her people, from whom the Messiah would eventually come, survived as a nation.

Esther, a Jewish orphan, was raised by her cousin Mordecai who was also her lifelong mentor. Being a woman in the Persian Empire was not easy or pleasant. As is still true in many countries today, women were considered second-class citizens and were at the mercy of the men in authority over them. Queen Vashti was removed as queen for embarrassing King Xerxes, and Esther was chosen as her replacement. The king's second-in-command, Haman, developed a hatred for the Jews and used his influence with Xerxes to attempt to annihilate them. Essentially a powerless sex partner to a king who strongly preferred women who never interfered with his wishes, Esther was understandably fearful of the consequence of revealing her identity as a Jewess.

After three days of fasting and prayer by the entire Jewish community, Esther realized everything that had happened in her life had prepared her for that moment in history, and she enacted a plan to uncover Haman's plot and save her people. God uses humble, teachable and obedient people to accomplish God's long-term plans. What appear to be coincidences are often part of God's involvement and timing. We can be an effective part of God's plan as we accept unfair persecution and follow Esther's example of maintaining a can-do attitude, humility and determination to lean on God. Who knows but that God has put each of us, like Esther, in our current position for "just such a time as this"!

In this lesson you will:

Relive the story of Esther
Identify the survivor in you
Recall the power of your story

Study Guide: Esther

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Caleb, Joshua and the Spies: Defeating the Wilderness Mentality

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

The story of Caleb, Joshua, and the Spies have captured the attention, imagination and has inspired millions throughout the centuries. It shows God's strategic plan to work with and through humanity to accomplish God's will. It shows God's divine favor and companionship for all who choose to walk by faith and not simply by sight. In this story we see God's eye view of the world, neighbor, and yourself.

Moses had successfully followed God's command in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Now it was time to prepare to enter the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses directed by God, sent in a team to spy out the land. The spies go into Canaan, seemingly unaware that their report to be given upon their return would be graded and have life changing consequences. They were to investigate the land that God had promised would be theirs. Was the land rich and fertile? They were also sent to size up the competition, how many people were there and were they weak or strong? Were the cities unwalled or protected? They were told to be bold and bring back fruit from the land. This was their job, God would then tell them how to proceed.

The twelve spies brought back two dominant reports. Their story is your story. God is your partner, you do your part and God will do God's part. You are called upon to remember where God has brought you as you travel where God is leading you. You never will walk alone. God walks with you as you walk in God's community of believers. Always understand that your decisions affect you, your neighbor and the world. Be encouraged by the triumph of Caleb and Joshua as God leads you and uses you to guide others into our promised land. Never judge the look, follow the book. Where God leads, God always will provide!

In this lesson you will learn:

The tragedies that follow fear.
The benefits of faith.
How to recognize and defeat a wilderness mentality.

Study Guide: Caleb, Joshua and the Spies

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Metamorphosis: Nicodemus and Zaccheus

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Following Jesus brings transformation that results in profound changes in a believer's life. This metamorphosis is different for everyone, but is the hallmark of the Christian life. Two biblical characters, Nicodemus and Zaccheus, demonstrate just how individualized a relationship with Jesus can be.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the supreme Jewish council (the Sanhedrin), which meant he was both a religious and political leader of the Jews. He was one of the few religious leaders who believed in Jesus, but the desire to protect his leadership position with the Jews caused him to come to Jesus undercover and by night. Nicodemus showed progressive development of faith over time - continually exposing himself to increased risk, and finally dramatically demonstrating his faith by openly participating in Jesus' burial. During Nicodemus' original night visit, Jesus identified the source of life transformation: a work of the Spirit that launches a lifelong process of growth and change and is so profound it's like being born again.

Unlike religious Nicodemus, Zaccheus was the chief tax collector in Jericho and was considered a traitor for serving the Roman government. He was despised for overcharging fellow Jews on their taxes to fill his own pockets with their money. His metamorphosis began very publicly when, much to the consternation of the religious folks, Jesus picked Zaccheus out of the crowd and Zaccheus responded immediately by welcoming Jesus into his life and home. As a result, Zaccheus pledged half of his wealth to the poor and restitution to anyone he had swindled. His radical and instant change reinforces the reality that the inward change that comes with the new birth is available to saint and sinner alike, and is expressed in outward action.

Whether your experience is like Nicodemus or like Zaccheus, embrace the transformation process that the new birth initiates. Fully owning the God-changes of this new birth identifies you as a believer and will complete God's intended plan in you and through you.

In this lesson you will:

Learn steps Nicodemus and Zaccheus took to experience metamorphosis
Identify where you are in the transformation process
Steps to take for transformation into the miraculous

Study Guide: Nicodemus and Zaccheus

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EDT

All in the Family: The Prodigal Son, The Father, and The Older Brother

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Jesus often taught in parables or every-day life stories to teach spiritual truths about God and the kingdom of God to his followers. Jesus' purpose in using parables was so that we can better understand key characteristics, motives, principles, and morals of both God and our relationship with God. Within Jesus' stories we can recognize ourselves and discover God's truth and direction in powerful ways.

This lesson takes a close look at the parable of the prodigal son and his family, including his father and his older brother. Jesus' reason for telling this story was to answer the accusation of the Pharisees and teachers of the law who suggested he was wrong in hanging out with "sinners" and even going so far as eating with them. Essentially those religious leaders were saying to him, "How can you call yourself a man of God, yet associate with those who don't follow God's ways or commands?" In understanding this parable, here's a hint: keep in mind that Jesus directly correlated "the sinners" to the younger son, God to the father, and the religious leaders like the Pharisees and teachers of the law to the older son.

In this lesson you will learn:

The timeless nature of Jesus parables
The basic dynamics of family systems.
God's purpose for you and all of your relationships

Study Guide: All in the Family

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Braveheart: Elijah

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Braveheart: Elijah (Part 1)

Elijah is one of the greatest "Greats" in the Old Testament. What catapults him ahead of others is a phenomenal display of courage and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. We know nothing about his parents, yet the name they chose for their son speaks to the life he lived. Elijah means "My God is Jehovah." Mostly standing alone without support, this prophet of God set the bar on displaying courage, trusting God, and going against the current of the popular yet ungodly ways of society.

Confronting the most powerful couple in the country - evil King Ahab and his Phoenician wife Jezebel - made Elijah's courage and trust in God all the more vivid. Jezebel had introduced the worship of the idol Baal with full support from her husband. But the prophet Elijah insisted that worshiping only the God of Moses was the path to lasting peace and prosperity. King Ahab didn't listen to Elijah. He appointed priests and allowed the worship of Baal in the royal palace, building a temple, an altar, and a wooden image.

Elijah fearlessly cried out against idolatry, immorality and all other forms of personal passions that were leading God's people on a one-way path to destruction. He urged the people to repent and return to God even though it could have cost him his life. Elijah's courage led to some of the most amazing displays of God's power and miracles in the entire Bible. He was such a powerful instrument of God that we find him mentioned in the New Testament in the ministry of John the Baptist, as well as being present along with Moses when Jesus was transfigured as a radiant light on a mountain top.

Elijah was God's instrument of choice to get the attention of the people of Israel when they had veered from the path of obedience. He is a reminder that the crowds around us are often going in the wrong direction, and that courage is necessary to stay faithful.

Elijah- Braveheart: Overcoming Discouragement (Part 2)

Elijah brings hope to those who know the feelings of fear, discouragement, and even depression. Like you and I, Elijah was created to demonstrate God's power and purpose in exceptional ways.

After being sent to stand, confront, and lead the Israelites away from idolatry, immorality, and personal destructive patterns, Elijah's mission was far from over. He demonstrated God's power and defeated the prophets of Baal, yet more battles against evil lay ahead. Queen Jezebel promised to kill Elijah as soon as she found him. Tired, confused, and depressed, Elijah ran for his life and asked God to relieve him of his misery by taking his life. Fortunately for Elijah and for us, when we place our lives in God's hands, discouragement never has the last word.

Despites Elijah's failure in the face of fear, God didn't give up on him. Elijah was not decommissioned, but restored and re-commissioned for the remainder of his assignment. Elijah's journey didn't get easier, but his understanding of God's faithfulness and his courage got stronger. God called him to continued bravery and boldness. On a later occasion King Ahab became disappointed when unable to purchase a vineyard near his winter palace. His wife Jezebel, filled with the deadly venom of pride, caused Naboth the land owner to be killed so that King Ahab could take the land. God sent Elijah to confront King Ahab and to tell him this same evil would return upon his descendants.

Elijah went on to live out his purpose not only with courage and total commitment, but taught his student, Elisha, how to reproduce an even greater witness of serving and display of God's power. Elijah's message is simple and encouraging. When you are weak, God is still strong. God is always willing and able to replenish your life in order that you can overcome discouragement in order to complete and live out your purpose. Discouragement is certain to visit. But Elijah reminds us that God never leaves, no matter what.

In this lesson you will:

Journey with Elijah through mountaintop experiences as well as times in the valley.
Identify your own mountaintop and valley experiences.
Develop action steps to step connected to God regardless of life seasons.

Study Guide: Elijah

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Reasonable Doubt: John the Baptist & the Disciple Thomas

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

The Christian life is difficult at times, and discouragement, uncertainty and confusion can seem to take over even in the midst of serving Christ passionately. In this week's study we are will meet two of Jesus' most dedicated followers, John the Baptist and the disciple Thomas. Both of these individuals were fully devoted to God and courageously followed their calling for Jesus. But even in the face of their courage, both also struggled with doubts and misgivings about who Jesus truly was.

For John the Baptist, living as a witness to the coming of the Messiah was his life's calling and he fulfilled it boldly. But after being thrown into prison and suffering persecution by King Herod, John experienced doubts and questioned Jesus about whether he was really the Messiah. Yet in the end John the Baptist held to his courage, never wavered from his message to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus, and suffered martyrdom for being the voice of God for his generation.

Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve closest disciples, followed Jesus for three years watching, learning and experiencing the power of God. As an Israelite waiting in anticipation for Jesus to set up an earthly reign, Thomas was devastated when Jesus was killed on the cross--and was filled with doubts when he heard that God resurrected Jesus from the dead. But after meeting the resurrected Jesus personally, Thomas' devotion as a follower was reestablished. He became one of the great courageous evangelists of the early church, preaching as far away as modern day India and starting churches wherever he went.

God never promises that his purpose and calling on your life to be a living witness will be easy, smooth or without persecution. And at times doubt and confusion will occur on your journey. But take a lesson from these followers of Jesus: if you keep on pursuing Christ and Christ's calling with courage, you too will overcome those doubts and do great things for the kingdom of God.

In this lesson you will:

Discover the cause of reasonable doubt
Determine your belief to doubt ratio
Learn how to increase your belief and put it into action

Study Guide: John the Baptist & Thomas

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Solomon - A Tale of Two Kings, Part 2

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Solomon: A Tale Of Two Kings, Part 2

Although known for his God-given wisdom, Solomon's reign as king and his personal lifestyle did not end well. Like all human beings, Solomon faced internal issues and external influences that challenged his choice to either stay true to God or to go another direction. So while Solomon was initially an example of great wisdom, he was later an example of great spiritual compromise. When Solomon faced financial problems caused by his excessive building projects, he began to form alliances with other nations by marrying women from those nations. His foreign wives influenced Solomon to incorporate the worship of their gods into his relationship with the one true God. To please his wives he built places of worship for these foreign gods as well as God's temple. Solomon's worship of pagan deities unfortunately was practiced by the majority of Judean kings after him, and resulted in the kingdom being divided during his son Rehoboam's reign.

The reality is that when focus is taken off of God and God's priorities, compromise happens. Solomon initially compromised by investing twice as much time and resources in the building of his own palace as he did in the building of God's temple (1 Kings 7). The more we compromise, the harder it is to see the need for repentance and return to true faith. The scriptures show no record of Solomon asking for forgiveness and returning to God. His later writings reflect the cynicism and despair of a life spun out of control through lack of confession and repentance. Solomon's story reminds us of the need to seek God's wisdom, to identify any areas of compromise--and to confess them, accept God's forgiveness and then move forward in God's grace.

In this lesson you will:

Identify sources that may lead to compromise.
Examine God's call for total obedience.
Learn how to take precautionary measures to avoid spiritual compromise

Study Guide: Solomon, Part 2

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Solomon - A Tale of Two Kings

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Part 1: Wisdom

King Solomon's life had two different seasons: one of great wisdom and godly leadership and the other of great spiritual compromise. As a young man entrusted with the headship of the nation Israel, his one request of God was for wisdom. God-given wisdom gave him sure footing in handling his responsibilities and brought in the "Golden Age," during which Israel was characterized by peace and wealth. David, the warrior, had fought many battles to create a strong kingdom and his son Solomon, with the advantage of the resulting peace, had the opportunity to be the consummate diplomat. This time of unparalleled prosperity in Israel created unity among the people and loyalty to the throne.

During this golden age Solomon had the time and money needed to build God's temple in Jerusalem. Like the tabernacle before it, the temple was the symbol of God's continuing presence with the people. Solomon's reign was also a golden age of literacy, with large cultural advances made. Solomon contributed personally by writing or compiling three of the "wisdom books" of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.

These three books chronicle Solomon's development of his gift of wisdom--from his humble use of God's gift as a young man in the early years of his kingship, to the final cynical thoughts of a life compromised in the second part. During the later season of Solomon's reign, he became a different type of king consumed with building palaces for himself and his wives, using the taxation of trade routes and alliances with foreign countries to provide the needed resources, and allowing idols to foreign gods to be worshiped. This compromise of his faith resulted in Israel's kingdom being divided and ultimately being taken into foreign exile.

Solomon's life is a reminder that obedience to God is the pathway to life and wisdom-and disobedience brings heartache and disappointment.

In this lesson you will learn:

The formula for maximizing Godly wisdom.
The season you are currently experiencing.
The result of applying Godly wisdom.

Study Guide: Solomon

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Three's Company - Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.

Speaker: Brian Brown

Jesus was the Son of God - but he was also fully human, just like us. Relationships were important to him. In the first four books of the New Testament we read descriptions of Jesus as God's Son investing himself in training his disciples, healing the sick, and teaching large groups of people. Seldom, however, do we consider that the human Jesus also had personal friends with whom he enjoyed sharing time. The scriptures identify three friendships Jesus enjoyed: two sisters named Mary and Martha along with their brother Lazarus.

These friends were so important to Jesus that the authors of the gospels record three different occasions on which he made intentional time to spend with them. These friends loved Jesus not only for his companionship, but also for his relationship to God. At times they struggled whether to relate to him personally or to acknowledge and respect his spiritual authority. In every circumstance, Jesus made sure he responded with affirmation of what they brought to the relationship.

All three stories involving the friendship of Jesus with Mary, Martha and Lazarus share a common theme: extravagant love. Whether it was in the day-to-day hosting of Jesus' visit to their home, or trusting Jesus' best intention in the face of tragedy, or even offering a valuable material gift to symbolize deep devotion, each of them was willing to bring, in love, all that they were to all they knew Jesus to be. And in return, Jesus lavished them with the unconditional extravagant love whose source could only be the very heart of God.

The legacy of these three friends of Jesus offers us rich lessons on what it means to use our own unique giftedness to honor and deepen our own relationships with others as well as with him. Then as now, true friends of Jesus receive countless opportunities every day to choose and act toward others showing the extravagant, grace-filled, forgiving unconditional love that Jesus offers us. As you read and consider this week's daily verses, ask God to help you learn now only how to deepen your friendship with Jesus, but also to become more and more aware of your own ability to be a vessel of extravagant love to those around you.

In this lesson we will learn:

Five love languages of God
Our primary love language
How to speak the love language of others

Study Guide: Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:59:00 EDT

Study guide/outline in PDF format.