On September 10th, we were all stunned to learn that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. One immediate reaction was that the threats from Charlie’s enemies would cause people to think twice before speaking out about their faith or values. Yet we have seen tens of thousands gathered worldwide to honor his life and legacy as they declare Christ is King. His widow, Erika, publicly said two days after his death that a fire had been lit in her and in the next generation—a fire to be bold and courageous as we all stand for Truth. Our challenge is to keep that fire burning…
DON’T BE AFRAID 2 Timothy 1:3-7
- Living in the Roman empire, what could have been the reasons for Timothy’s timidity or fear? 1:7
- What reasons do you have for being afraid to stand up and speak out for your faith?
- In each of the following examples, what could have caused fear? Instead, what was the result of the threats? John 9:13-34; Acts 4:1-10, 13-21
- Who was praying for Timothy? 1:3
- What encouragement do you think this was to Timothy?
- Who is praying for you?
- Do you have a prayer partner? If not, would you ask God to bring someone to mind that you could pray with daily, weekly, or monthly?
- Who else is praying for you? Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26-27
- What difference does prayer make when you face hostility for your witness? Acts 4:23-32
- What encouragement does this give you?
DON’T BE ASHAMED 2 Timothy 1:8-12
- What specifically did Paul tell Timothy not to be ashamed of? 1:8
- What two situations possibly tempted Timothy to be ashamed? 1:8-9
- In today’s world, how does living a holy life provoke suffering, persecution, marginalization, ostracism, criticism?
- When have you suffered because of the difference Jesus has made in the way you live?
- When have you been ashamed of Jesus to the point you remained silent when you should have spoken, or seated when you should have taken a stand? When have you stood up or spoken out for Jesus even though scared?
- How did Paul set the example for Timothy? 1:11-12
- Who else has set the example for us? Hebrews 12:1-3
- What example are you setting for the next generation?
Keep fanning the flame…!
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Fall 2025 Newsletter.
Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.
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I’ll start you off:
A—He is your Advocate
B—He is the Bread of Life
C—He is your Creator
D—He is your Deliverer
…keep going with as many of His names for each letter that you can think of…
- What or who has interrupted your praise? What will you do to remove or silence the interruptions?
If your praise has been interrupted for any reason, would you reestablish it at the core of your life, then make it a priority to keep praising Him for who He is?
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Summer 2025 Newsletter.
Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.
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Years ago, I sat in a little mountain cabin when I became aware that it was growing dark outside. The wind picked up bending the trees double as it roared along the ridge like a jet plane terribly off course. Tree branches snapped under the strain, sounding as though some phantom hunter with a shotgun was recklessly opening fire. When I looked out the window, I saw a grey curtain sweeping across the little valley, and I knew the rain was coming. It did! Within moments, the cabin was under a deluge that could be likened to perpendicular white-water rapids.
As the storm unleashed in all its fury outside the cabin, inside I was snuggled under a blanket, curled up in an easy chair beside a crackling fire, with a cup of hot coffee in my hand and an open Bible on my lap. And I thanked God for a safe, dry, comfortable refuge from the storm.
Then I thought of the storms that raged in my life. And I quietly bowed my head, and thanked God again for His refuge from the storms…
- Name the storms that are raging in your life, your family, your church, your community, our nation and our world.
- In each of the following passages, give the word or phrase that describes our refuge from the storm of danger: Psalm 27:1-3, 5; 46:1-11; Romans 8:31-39. How does each phrase encourage you, and how could you use it to encourage someone else?
- Describe the danger to God’s people in 2 Kings 6:8-23. What phrase in this passage encourages you when you feel surrounded by the enemy? Relate it to Psalm 34:7; 1 John 4:4.
- What is God’s promise to us when we are facing danger? Isaiah 43:1-2
- Describe how God’s people experienced the refuge of His help in danger: Moses in Exodus 14:5-14, 21-31; David in 1 Samuel 17:34-37, 41-50; Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 14-22; three Hebrew slaves in Daniel 3:1-27; Daniel in Daniel 6:1-28; Peter in Acts 12:1-11.
- How have you experienced God’s help in past danger? Who do you know who is fearful that you can share your experience with? Do it!
If we are entering into a time of national or global war, unrest, and further confusion, division and chaos, would you recommit yourself to trusting the Prince of Peace to be your refuge and strength? “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2025 Newsletter.
Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.
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- What phrase in Genesis 39 indicates God’s presence was with Joseph in his suffering? How many times is the phrase repeated? Give the verses.
- In what circumstance does Psalm 23:4 promise God’s presence? Apply this to your life.
- In what circumstances does Isaiah 43:1-2 promise you will have God’s presence? Which of these have you experienced in the past? Which applies to you at present?
- What fears do you have? What weakness are you experiencing? What help do you need? How do Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 118:6-7 encourage you?
- What encouragement do you receive from Matthew 1:23? Romans 8:31-39? Hebrews 13:5-6?
As you face the New Year, take a moment now to claim the promise of God’s presence with you on whatever path you find yourself traveling.
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Winter 2025 Newsletter.
Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.
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Read Psalm 23 with Acts 22-28
- Trace the Psalmist’s progression of his life’s journey in Psalm 23:1-6.
- How did his journey begin? Psalm 23:1-3
- What pain, persecution and problems are alluded to in Psalm 23:4-5?
- What phrase in Psalm 23:4 indicates that as the journey became difficult, it was also slow
- How did Paul’s 4th journey begin? Acts 21:17-26
- What pain, persecution, and difficulty did Paul encounter? Acts 21:27-32; 22:22-25; 23:6-10; 23:12-15; 24:5-9; 25:23-24; Acts 27:1-2, 27-44; 28:1-6
- Read Acts 22-28. Underline the phrases and give verse numbers for each reference to a passage of time, indicating Paul’s journey was also slow.
- Explain how Psalm 23:4 is confirmed by Paul’s experience in Acts 23:11; Acts 27:21-26;
2 Timothy 4:16-17.
- Where did Paul’s 4th journey end? Acts 28:15-16, 30-31
- Where did Paul’s life journey end ultimately? 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 18
- How did the Psalmist describe his journey, and where did it ultimately end? Psalm 23:6
- Think through your life’s journey from the time you met Jesus until today. – How did it begin?
– What difficulties have you experienced?
– How long did you experience suffering, pain, problems, etc.?
– Describe how the presence and promises of God have sustained you.
– As a child of God, what will be your ultimate end? 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Revelation 21:3-4
- What was the attitude of Jesus as He traveled on this journey? Hebrews 12:1-2
- What is your attitude?
Take a moment to thank Jesus for His example that reveals we can experience joy…even on the fourth missionary journey…as we anticipate our journey’s ultimate end.
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Fall 2024 Newsletter.
Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.
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