MyBibleBasics.com is helping lay people improving and developing their Bible literacy. We define literacy as to read, share and recall the Bible in conversation with family, friends and children so we are comfortable sharing God's Word among all people. We see the Bible as basic instruction, God's basic manual before leaving earth...
“The organization of the material in a systematic fashion to aid memory is genius.” - Mark Earley – President – Prison Fellowship
“Tom has creatively used Jesus’ four base locations for ministry to open up the basics of Christian theology – an original insight that offers much farsighted wisdom.”
Leonard Sweet – Author – Summoned to Lead, Out of the Question, Jesus Drives Me Crazy
Jesus holds out his hand and invites us to follow him on life's journey, to discover our possibilities and purpose.
Tom's Blog
Acts 12, Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, II Corinthians 12, Hebrews 12,
“The Twelve’s”
Acts 12: 7b “Quick, get up!” he said (an angel), and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
• Our chains can fall off! There is a freedom in faith in Jesus Christ. We are new creatures, free to serve and walk with Him in our daily lives. Early in my adult life I read a book by Keith Miller that described pouring new wine into new wine skins. Christ wants us to be new wine in the Lord’s world. After receiving my D. Min. in 2005, the OU movement has allowed my gifts to be “unchained” for serving Him.
Romans 12:1,2a & 5a Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 5a so in Christ we who are many form one body
• We are transformed to a new God centered vs. world centered life! We are called to boldness in His world. Transformation may occur slowly. Inch by in it is a cinch. Transformation can begin with a renewing of one’s mind. New dreams, new priorities, God’s agenda becomes a priority in our life. The idea of seeking feedback and fine tuning of ideas is important, from our close body of believers.
I Corinthians 12:4-5 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit, there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
• We are unique, unrepeatable, gifts in God’s Kingdom. We must recognize and encourage the gifts of our fellow believers. We are all part of the same spirit and service to Jesus. I think of two melodies that run through my mind.. In Christ there is no East nor West, but one great fellowship, and We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord…
II Corinthians 12:8-9a Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it (thorn in my flesh) away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• We are weak but He is strong! What are some physical thorns God has given you to overcome? For me in recent years it has been Urological issues. Daily, we must rely on His grace as being sufficient to overcome our personal weaknesses. This is not easy.
Hebrews 12:1-2a Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
• Life is a journey. There will be bumps in the road. We must run with perseverance for the Lord. My wife Karen and her women’s Bible study, have been focusing on legacy these recent years. The great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews, persevered. Jesus left a legacy of eternal life with Him, for all who walk daily as His followers with Him.
TJC-8/11
