LHIM Weekly Bible Teaching

LHIM

A weekly podcast featuring the Sunday Bible teachings of Living Hope International Ministries (LHIM) in Latham, NY. You'll get practical Christian living, doctrinal teachings, as well as plenty of encouragement from a variety of teachers, including Sean Finnegan, Vince Finnegan, and Jerry Wierwille. read less

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Lydia of Thyatira

Lydia of Thyatira

Acts 16:1 Paul embarked on his second missionary journey from Antioch in Syria to Derbe and Lystra, travelling over land. Acts 16:6-8 As they travelled, God kept dissuading them from going to Asia Minor or Bithynia—places that were obvious choices for missionary work. Instead, they kept travelling. It took them 350 miles to get from Antioch in Pisidia to Troas. Acts 16:9-12 Sleeping on the west coast of the continent of Asia, Paul’s dream convinced him they should cross the Aegean Sea into Macedonia. Acts 16:13-15 Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth from Thyatira. After she believed in Christ, she invited Paul, Silas, Timothy, and probably Luke. Acts 16:16-24 Paul cast the spirit of a python out of a fortune-telling slave girl, resulting in the city government beating him and Silas with rods and throwing them in jail. Acts 16:40 After Paul and Silas had caused a riot, suffered a public beating, and spent a night in jail, Lydia still received them back into her house. Lydi

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Lydia of Thyatira

Lydia of Thyatira

Acts 16:1 Paul embarked on his second missionary journey from Antioch in Syria to Derbe and Lystra, travelling over land. Acts 16:6-8 As they travelled, God kept dissuading them from going to Asia Minor or Bithynia—places that were obvious choices for missionary work. Instead, they kept travelling. It took them 350 miles to get from Antioch in Pisidia to Troas. Acts 16:9-12 Sleeping on the west coast of the continent of Asia, Paul’s dream convinced him they should cross the Aegean Sea into Macedonia. Acts 16:13-15 Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth from Thyatira. After she believed in Christ, she invited Paul, Silas, Timothy, and probably Luke. Acts 16:16-24 Paul cast the spirit of a python out of a fortune-telling slave girl, resulting in the city government beating him and Silas with rods and throwing them in jail. Acts 16:40 After Paul and Silas had caused a riot, suffered a public beating, and spent a night in jail, Lydia still received them back into her house. Lydi

Filled With the Spirit

Filled With the Spirit

People are “filled” with holy spirit when they believe in Jesus Christ and confess him as their Lord. But, a believer doesn’t receive only a portion or part of the spirit or even just most of the spirit—they are filled with the spirit to the fullest measure. There is no lack or deficiency. They are filled completely with the gift of the spirit. Acts 9:17 Paul was “filled with the spirit” when Ananias laid hands on him, and he was delivered of his temporary blindness. Paul received the gift of the spirit here when Ananias laid hands on him, but there are other ways that the phrase “filled with the spirit” is used that involve a believer experiencing the power of the spirit in various ways. Acts 2:4 Being filled with the spirit led to speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost. Acts 4:8, 31 Being filled with the spirit led to speaking boldly and proclaiming the good news. Acts 13:9, 52 Being “filled with the spirit” led to condemning a “son of the devil” and denouncing his evil and wic

Acts 1:1-11 Jesus stated the mission and purpose of the church. Matthew 5-7 Jesus elaborated on how we become his witnesses. Matthew 5:13-16 The beatitudes prepare disciples to be salt and light. These beatitudes are intended to yield at least three significant outcomes: 1) glory to God, 2) blessedness (holiness and happiness) for the disciple, and 3) godly influence in the world. We are different – different from both religious and the nonreligious, from the Pharisees (Matthew 6:1-18) and the Gentiles (Matthew 6:24-34). Matthew 5:13 Salt was used as a preservative and a disinfectant. Prayers, visibility, and sharing are all part of being salt. We are different (but not separate) from the world. We are not to peacefully coexist and acquiesce to the world’s insanity. Christ’s disciples follow his example. He was continually out in the community modeling holiness, confronting evil, and speaking the truth. Salt represented qualities like loyalty, fidelity, commitment, purity, int

Looking at various incidents in the life of Christ, we can appreciate how courageously and admirably he lived. Comparing him to heroes of old or those we laud in our own time, we see that Jesus comes out as the most impressive person to ever live. Thankfully, Jesus’ righteous life and heroic death were not the end, for God raised him from the dead! Mark 3:1-6 When he healed the man with the withered hand, Jesus courageously prioritized the hurting man over the risk to himself and the inevitable consequences. Matthew 4:1-11 When the devil tempted Jesus, again and again he heroically resisted the challenge to prove his identity as God’s Son. Mark 14:32-36 Before he was arrested, Jesus had to stay at Gethsemane, knowing the grisly fate that awaited him if he did not flee. Luke 22:54-62 Peter provides a contrast to Jesus’ heroism. Rather than fessing up, Peter repeatedly denies his association with Jesus. Mark 14:55-56, 62-64 When standing before the high priest, Jesus had to de

Triumphal Entry

Triumphal Entry

Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, eliciting widespread joy and praise from the people. However, within a short span of time, those very praises gave way to vehement cries of “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.” What precipitated such a profound and abrupt shift in sentiment? John 1:29 and 36 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Revelation 5:12-13 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” I heard…”To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. John 12:1, 12 Entrance into Jerusalem was 5 days before his crucifixion. Within a four-day swing, they went from shouts of joy with “Ho

Parables of Generosity

Parables of Generosity

In Luke 16, Jesus told two parables about generosity. In the first, a dishonest manager ingratiates himself to his boss’ debtors to gain favors after he’s fired. Surprisingly, Jesus says such shrewdness is an example to his disciples. The second parable has a rich man and a poor man whose fortunes switch in the afterlife. The second parable illustrates the shrewdness of the first. By giving generously to those in need, we are investing in our future with God. Luke 16:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a dishonest manager and then tells his disciples that this “shrewdness” is an example for them. Luke 12:16-21 The parable of the rich fool illustrates the flaw in amassing wealth amid spiritual poverty. Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus provides a sterling example of heartfelt generosity. Luke 16:14-18 The Pharisees were lovers of money. They did not appreciate his instruction to use money to make friends with the poor. Luke 16:19-23 We know the story is a parable

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

A life of discipleship can be described as “a long obedience in the same direction.” While in our Christian walk, we might take wrong turns and have to course correct and get back on track moving forward toward the Lord, our desire should be to develop a pattern in our lives every day of taking one step closer to being like Christ. John 15:1-8 Deuteronomy 5:28-33 Genesis 12:1-10 Proverbs 24:16The post A Long Obedience in the Same Direction first appeared on Living Hope.

Zerubbabel’s Perseverance

Zerubbabel’s Perseverance

Zerubbabel was an important leader among the initial migration of Jews from Babylon. Arriving in Jerusalem they built an altar and began work on the temple. Though the government forced them to stop, Zerubbabel eventually led the effort to reinitiate the building project. Likewise, Clarence Jordan of Georgia serves as an example of persevering in the work God called him to amid great opposition and danger. These two examples show us the value of persevering through tedium and trials so that we can be faithful to God’s calling on our lives. Ezra 1:3, 5 In 538BC Cyrus the Great, king of the Medes and the Persians, released the captives of Judah to return to their ancestral land. Nearly 50,000 people responded to the call, migrating approximately 900 miles from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra 3:2-3 After arriving, they set up an altar where the temple had been and offered burnt offerings to God. Ezra 3:7-8, 11 Under Zerubbabel’s leadership, they laid the foundation of the temple and threw a c

Priscilla and Aquila

Priscilla and Aquila

Acts 18:24-28 Priscilla and Aquila took the time to share with Apollos what they have learned about the “way of God.” They were willing to give of themselves in order to shape the life of another. Acts 18:1-4 After leaving Rome (Italy), Aquila and Priscilla met Paul in Corinth, Greece. Interestingly, they were of the same trade/occupation, and so they invited Paul to stay with them and work with them. Paul stayed in Corinth for a total of a year and a half. 1 Corinthians 16:19 Aquila and Priscilla were leaders, and they hosted a church in their house. It seems like a small remark, but hosting a Christian gathering in your home was not such an easy feat in the Roman Empire as one might think. Romans 16:3-5 Paul does not explain what it is that Priscilla and Aquila did, but it was significant enough for Paul to describe in extravagant terms as though it were a massive risk and sacrifice on their part for him. Luke 10:1-23 Jesus sent the 72 disciples out 2×2. There is strength with

Elisha was a prophet who repeatedly made bold moves in his walk with God. His example serves as a corrective to a milquetoast Christianity that hesitates and hopes without ever stepping out boldly in faith. Is it time for you to make a bold move? 1 Kings 19:19-21 Elijah invited Elisha to train with him to become a great prophet of God. Elisha may have hesitated, but before long he fully committed. 2 Kings 2:1-2, 8-14 When Elijah was to depart, Elisha refused to leave his side, requesting a double portion of the spirit. Miracles of Elisha in 2 Kings splitting the Jordan with Elijah’s mantle (2.13-14) healing waters of Jericho with salt (2.19-22) prophecy of water coming to save military campaign (3.15-19) cursing youth resulting in a bear attack (2.23-24) multiplying widow’s oil (4.1-7) predicting the Shunammite woman would give birth (4.16-17) raising the Shunammite woman’s son (4.32-35) purifying the stew (4.40-41) multiplying loaves (4.42-44) healing Naaman’s leprosy (5.1-27) float

There are many heroes we look up to in the Bible – Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and of course, Jesus – just to name a few. But who are the unsung heroes? This week we kick off a new series which will take a closer look at some important, but obscure figures who made a significant impact on biblical history. We start off with Rahab, a woman whose dubious reputation did not stop her from declaring her faith in Yahweh, in word and deed, when it mattered most. Joshua 2:1 Two spies are sent by Joshua to Jericho and stayed with Rahab, a prostitute. Joshua 2:2-3 The king of Jericho sends for Rahab. Joshua 2:4-5 Rahab lies to the king’s men. Exodus 1:15-21 The midwives lied to Pharoah to save babies from slaughter. Joshua 2:6-7 Rahab hides the spies on the roof and diverts the king’s men. Joshua 2:8-11 Rahab declares her fear for Yahweh and that Yahweh is the one true God. Joshua 2:12-14 Rahab makes an agreement with the spies. Joshua 2:15-16 Rahab helps t

Focus on Reaching Others

Focus on Reaching Others

What does God want? Genesis 1:26-28 God’s original and ultimate purpose for humanity 1 Timothy 2:1-4 What does God want? 2 Peter 3:9 Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet? John 3:16 Why did God give His Son? Why did Jesus give his life? Colossians 1:27 With the holy spirit, we have Christ within enabling us to be in the image of God with His morals, motives, and desires. 2 Corinthians 5:14,15 Controls, constrains, compels, or motivates as it did for Peter, Andrew, John, James, and Paul. 16 Our understanding of others is no longer based on external, superficial criteria such as social status, race, gender, wealth, or physical appearance. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Spiritual lens – How does God see people? 1 Corinthians 5:17 Our morals, motives, motions now align with Gods’. 1 Corinthians 5:18 Ministry of reconciliation – helping people to come to God or to come back to God through Christ 19 Word of reconciliation – Romans 10:17 20 Ambassadors for Christ 21 Our qualific

Stewarding Your Time

Stewarding Your Time

Time is something we all have been given the same amount of but don’t all use the same way. God wants us to be mindful of how we use our time so that we make the most of the time that we have been given. Ephesians 5:15-16 “Watch carefully” — This means to pay careful attention or be keenly aware of something. “Unwise/wise” — Wisdom and foolishness are an important matter of interest here. There is a way to live that is wise, and there is a way to live that is foolish. Each day, we can consider how we choose to live. “Making the best use of the time” — The Greek word means “to buy up,” and in the context, it means to make the most of every opportunity. To buy up time means to metaphorically purchase that time for a purpose, and that purpose is to do “the will of the Lord” (v. 17). “The days are evil” — This refers to the fact that “the days” are filled with darkness and are characterized by the activity of this present evil age in which we live. Romans 13:11-14 We must be those w

As a result of the problems we face, from political tribalism to economic inflation to the decline of civility in our society, it’s easy to lose hope. Yet, for us who follow Christ, we have strong reasons to have hope. Looking to examples like Hezekiah’s deliverance from the Assyrian Empire, Jesus’ heroic suffering and death on the cross, and Martin Luther King’s belief in overcoming, we can see how incredibly empowering hope can be. God calls us to be the people of hope who shine the light of His hope into a dark world. 1 Peter 1:3-5 God has begotten us to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ. This hope includes the righting of wrongs and the renewal of creation (Isaiah 25:6-9). 1 Peter 1:6-9 When we face trials, hope can help us endure as it did for Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:13-19:37). 1 Peter 1:10-12 Looking to Christ’s example, we can see the true power of hope in the face of intense and prolonged suffering (Matthew 27:42-43; Hebrew 12:1-2). 1 Peter 1:13-16 Hope sho

Luke 8:41- 56 The details of love Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitators of God – Matthew 5:43-48 Walk in love like Christ – John 13:34 Matthew 16:24-27 Deny self, die to self, and live for Him. Luke 10:25-37 Involves self-sacrifice of your time, your energy, and your resources. Estroban Romans 12:8-9 Honor one another. Love in the little things, the details. Ephesians 4:29-32 Seek to edify one another. Romans 16:3-16 Be a love initiator, not just responder. Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet each other with a holy kiss. 1 Peter 3:8-12 To sum up, all of you be harmonious…. We love others because God loves us, and we love Him. Reciprocal human love is no longer a temptation.The post Focus on Love first appeared on Living Hope.

Focus on Your Spiritual Life

Focus on Your Spiritual Life

Your spiritual life is an incredibly significant part of your life. It affects your inner peace, sense of purpose, mission, morality, personal growth, experience of gratitude, and even your health. As we begin a new year, consider incorporating some new spiritual practices into your life, including daily Bible study, reading Christian books, daily prayer, fasting, listening to Christian music, going to church, attending a midweek fellowship, offering sacrifices, and evangelizing. Daily Bible study (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:103) Reading Christian books (Proverbs 18:15) Daily prayer (Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 145:18-19; Luke 5:16) Meditation (Psalm 1:1-3; 77:11-12) Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18; Psalm 35:13) Listening/singing Christian music (Colossians 3:16) Going to church (Psalm 22:22; 35:18; 95:6-7) Attending a midweek fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) Offering sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:11-12; Proverbs 3:9-10) Evangelizing (Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 10:14-15) Why not take advantage of this season

The Messiah is Born

The Messiah is Born

The birth of Jesus, recorded in Luke 2:1-20, involved Joseph and Mary journeying from Nazareth to Bethlehem, labor and delivery in a humble room for animals, angels announcing the birth to shepherds, and their subsequent visit to see the swaddled baby in a manger. Luke 2:21-40 covers Joseph and Mary’s visit to the temple (probably forty days later) when they made the necessary offerings for their firstborn son and Mary’s purification after which they received encouragement from Simeon and Anna. Luke 2:1-5 Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because of a census. This enabled Mary to give birth to Jesus (in accordance with the prophecy in Micah 5:2) in the ancestral city of David, Bethlehem. Luke 2:6-7 Jesus came into the world in a humble setting with a feeding trough as his cradle. Still Mary swaddled him and made sure he was well cared for. Luke 2:8-14 Shepherding was a humble profession, and shepherds were generally poor. God chose them (of all people) to hear the birth announcement f

The Messiah Will Come

The Messiah Will Come

A Visit from an Angel and a Song to Remember Gabriel and Mary Luke 1:26-38 Mary was a teenager who was of low to modest means. Mary’s confusion was not due to unbelief but a matter of not understanding “how” it was going to happen. Gabriel confirms the promise to Mary with the testimony of her cousin Elizabeth. Nothing is impossible with God! Elizabeth and Mary Luke 1:39-56 Mary leaves quickly to go see Elizabeth. Joseph may or may not have accompanied her. Elizabeth prophesies to Mary immediately upon hearing her voice. And then, Mary responds with some of the most amazing, inspired words in Scripture—The Magnificat. Verses 46-56 are traditionally called “The Magnificat” because the Latin Vulgate begins with “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” (“My soul magnifies the Lord”). There are easily a dozen references or allusions to the Old Testament in The Magnificat.The post The Messiah Will Come first appeared on Living Hope.

The Kingdom will be on Earth

The Kingdom will be on Earth

The Bible’s consistent focus is on planet earth. It does talk about heaven as the domain of God and His angels. Also, Jesus is there temporarily until he returns to establish God’s Kingdom. However, earth is where all the action is. It was God’s original creation, and it’s what He ultimately will restore to paradise. Today, we’ll focus on three problems the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth will solve. Effects of War: Micah 4:1-7 The prophet pictures the last days when God will instruct and judge the nations, bringing about an unprecedented and enduring age of peace. Environmental Dysfunction: Isaiah 35:1-7 Isaiah prophesies of a time when the deserts will blossom. Romans 8:19-22 Paul tells about the link between humanity and creation. Creation is groaning, awaiting the day when God will free it of its bondage to corruption. Human Sinfulness: Revelation 21:3-8 In the end, God Himself will come to earth and dwell with us like it was in Eden. He will wipe away our tears and

The Wicked will be Annihilated

The Wicked will be Annihilated

In the end, the wicked and unrepentant will also rise from the dead for judgement. Those not found written in the book of life will be destroyed in the second death. Romans 2:5-11 The principles of divine justice are revealed throughout the Scriptures. The righteous judgment of God is clear. Psalm 89:13-14; Romans 11:33-36 Righteous and just are His judgments. Daniel 12:2 Disgrace and everlasting contempt [abhorrence] Matthew 25:31-34, 40-41, 46 Eternal punishment John 5:28-29 The resurrection of judgment Acts 24:15-16 The resurrection of the wicked Revelation 20:1-15 Lake of fire (Jude 1:7) Revelation 21:5-8 “The lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” Psalm 37:18-20; 68:1-2; 73:27; 145:17-21 Romans 12:19-21; 1 Peter 2:21-23 Never take your own revenge.The post The Wicked will be Annihilated first appeared on Living Hope.