The Six Elementary Teachings of Our Faith
Daily Bible Studies for November 17-22, 2008
Let's Get Back to Basics!
This Week’s Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 27:50-53; John 11:25-26; Acts 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NLT
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
50Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. Matthew 27:50-53 NLT
25Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. John 11:25-26 NLT
32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:32-35 NLT
12But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 20But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You raised Jesus from the dead, demonstrating once and for all that He is, indeed, Your Son and our Savior and Lord! Fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may tell others of Jesus’ great salvation winsomely and joyfully. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
If you were to “rank” the six elementary teachings, where would you rank “the resurrection of the dead”? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today with confidence knowing that since Jesus rose from the dead, I will one day rise with Him, as I trust Him as Savior and Lord of my life!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus’ death was the darkest moment in human history and yet even at that moment, you foreshadowed His resurrection by bringing many godly men and women back to life! Remind me that Your power is always greater than sin and death. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
50Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. Matthew 27:50-53 NLT
Why do you suppose God raised these people at the moment of Jesus’ death?
What is the application of this Scripture to Your daily life?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in victory knowing that nothing—not even death can hold me down!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple assurance that Jesus is both the resurrection and the life for me, now and always! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
25Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. John 11:25-26 NLT
Read the context surrounding John 11:25-26 in your Bible. Why did Jesus say this to Martha?
What is the application of these verses in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with Jesus at the center of my life today and everyday, so that I may prepared when the day comes for me to join Him!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for this description of how the early church lived with such unity and love, which was its own powerful testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Thank You, too, for giving them powerful testimonies of the resurrection to demonstrate to others Your love and power. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:32-35 NLT
What were the “signature” characteristics of the early believers?
What may we learn from them about how we ought to live and relate to one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will draw on the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit to help myself and others to grow in the love and joy of Jesus!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the “lynchpin” of our faith is Jesus’ resurrection. Thank You for the Apostle Paul’s powerful words to the Corinthian Church assuring us of that resurrection and calling us to live in the power of that assurance. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Why do you think that some of the believers in Corinth disputed that Jesus had risen from the dead?
What does Paul say about the importance of the resurrection?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the assurance of Jesus’ resurrection and will let others know of the centrality of that reality in my life—and theirs!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that Jesus HAS risen from the dead, and that because He lives I will live also, along with all people of all times and places who trust Him as Savior and Lord. I pray that You will touch my life that I may be a credible witness of Jesus’ resurrection to others in my sphere of influence. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
20But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT
What does it mean that Jesus is “The first of a great harvest of all who have died?”
What is the application of that truth in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today with the joy of knowing that Jesus IS alive!