Keys to the Kingdom

"Jesus answered them, 'Has it not been written in your Law, "I said, you are gods"? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’"? (John 10: 34-36) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take a closer look at an intriguing passage of scripture that some have used to promote the false teaching that humans can be equal to God. What do these verses actually mean? Tune in to find out.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being ... And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3 & 14) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we review the many scriptures that prove Jesus is God. Not just a prophet who died. Not only the SON of God – but also GOD the Son. God Himself.

Episode 122 of our original "Mysteries of the Kingdom" radio show. Andy & Jordan introduce the important theological concept of "dispensationalism" and how this present age, the Age of Grace, fits within it.

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy — and that is what you are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) The Bible says your body is a temple, and that means you shouldn't smoke, drink or eat unhealthy food — right? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine that claim in responding to comments from a vegetarian believer.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Should Christians divide the Word of God? And if so, what does that even mean? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we discuss methods and challenges in rightly dividing the Word.

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple … So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. " (Luke 14:26-27,33) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we learn the true cost of discipleship by tackling some of the hardest things to hear that our Lord Jesus ever said.

“For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." (1 Timothy 2:13-14) Was Adam weak-minded for listening to his wife, Eve, and accepting her call to eat of the forbidden fruit? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explore an alternate interpretation.

"Answering them, He said, 'Who are My mother and My brothers?' Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, 'Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.'" (Mark 3:33-35) God is “our Father in heaven.” Christians are our “brothers and sisters in Christ.” In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we discuss the amazing realizations that follow from this understanding of God's family.

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15) Have you ever been asked: How did you choose your God from the hundreds of other gods? As with all things, the Bible has the answer. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we go back and see how the Israelites dealt with this question.

"And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, 'Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' And He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?' And he answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.' And He said to him, 'You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.'" (Luke 10:25-28) Every Christian knows the story of the Good Samaritan. But did you know there's a lesson about the Kingdom in the introduction to that parable? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take a closer look.

"Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness … These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: 'Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'" (Matthew 10: 1, 5-6) Everyone knows the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” But did you know that was the second commission? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine the first.

Fact 1: No one knows for sure when Jesus was born. Fact 2: Christmas is not based on a pagan holiday. Fact 3: There’s no need to put the “Christ” back in “Xmas.” Fact 4: There’s no reason to believe there were only three wise men. Fact 5: Jesus wasn’t a newborn when the wise men reached Him. Fact 6: The gifts the wise men brought were symbolic and prophetic. Fact 7: Christmas reminds us that Jesus is the Messiah, the promised King of Kings. But it should also remind us of the promise that we can be kings!

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. " (1 John 2:15-16) The Bible commands: Do not love the world. But what does loving the world really mean? And what, exactly, should we be doing to avoid falling into that trap? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we provide scripture-backed answers to these questions.

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. " (1 Corinthians 1:18) Do you know your 'tenses' of salvation? If not, this 20-Minute Bible Study is for you.

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. " (Hebrews 11:6) We must have initial faith in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. But, crucially, we must also continue to believe throughout our lives that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine a passage from the Hebrews 'Hall of Faith' to better understand this truth.

"Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) The above is a great verse to begin questioning your understanding of the words “salvation” or “save” when they appear in the Bible. These words can have different meanings other than just initial salvation (or salvation from hell). In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we demonstrate this with a closer look at the precise wording of scripture.

"...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) We are saved by grace through faith and not as a result of works. Yet in the above scripture, it says you must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord to be saved. Isn’t that a work? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we discuss and resolve this seeming contradiction.

"But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." (Galatians 4: 4-5) The phrase most focus on from this passage, typically during the holiday season, is “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman.” This indeed ties in with the Christmas story nicely, but those with spiritual ears will hear clearly the phrase at the end of this passage, which has deep meaning. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explain and explore that meaning.

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. " (John 15:5-7) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine the True Vine metaphor for Jesus Christ and clear up some common misunderstandings about its meaning.

"So Jesus said to them again, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. '" (John 10: 7-9) What did Jesus men when He called Himself a door? Who were the sheep of which He spoke? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we answer these key questions, and more.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. " (2 Peter 3:10) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we dig into 2nd Peter and a prophecy about the end times.

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;." (1 Peter 3:18) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explore a foundational passage for the doctrine of Assurance. That is, the doctrine that teaches "once saved, always saved."

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18) The Apostle Paul’s promise of inheritance should inspire great excitement in every Christian who reads of it. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explain why.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1) Can Mary and the saints hear our prayers? Those who believe they can cite the verse above as evidence. But is this verse compatible with that interpretation? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take a closer look.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2: 8-9) The oft-cited passage of scripture above represents the foundation of Protestantism. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take the time to study it more closely.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3: 16-17) The first few words of the above verse are well known and quoted by every Christian. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we go a little deeper in order to understand the meaning of the rest of this section of scripture.

"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." (Matthew 11:12) A listener sent us this verse and asked: "Is Jesus speaking about a spiritual kingdom of heaven, or the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom of heaven? What or which kingdom of heaven is suffering violence?" In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we provide our Bible-supported answer.

"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. '" (John 3:5) Do you need to be baptized to be born again? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we look carefully at God's Word to find out.

"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory." (1 Corinthians 2:6-7) What is the "hidden wisdom" the Apostle Paul spoke of in his letter to the Corinthians? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we go to the Word to seek an answer.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. " (Revelation 3:20-21) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we study two verses you’ve probably heard many times ... but may have some misunderstandings about what they mean.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Like God, we are a trinity of mind (soul), body and spirit. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we share the scriptures that support this truth.

“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire. If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell." (Matthew 18:8-9) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take on this confusing and often controversial passage from the gospel of Matthew.

"So also it is written, 'The first man, Adam, became a living soul.' The last Adam became a life-giving spirit." (1 Corinthians 15:45) The Bible makes a clear connection between Adam and Jesus that reveals a deep truth about the Trinity. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explore this connection.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) The rest Jesus offered in Matthew 11 is one of three key "rests" that appear in the New Testament, each one representing a different, critical aspect of salvation. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explore each one.

"When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, 'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, 'Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.' And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" (Luke 22:14-19) When you take communion, do you ever think about the kind of bread the church has chosen? Some use regular bread, but did you know Matzah is the proper choice? That’s because using regular bread ruins a biblical type. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we make the case using the Word of God.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." (Romans 5:8-9) The wrath of God is a tough topic. Focusing on it risks turning people off and taking the focus away from God’s love and the many positive attributes of the faith. And yet, it is a biblical truth. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take up the challenge.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, 'Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. '" (Matthew 18:1-4) Who will be the greatest in the Millennial Kingdom? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we look at how Jesus answered that question when it arose among His disciples.

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the market place; and to those he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ And so they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’" (Matthew 20:1-7) Parables contain the highest level of Christian knowledge, and we can access it if we behave as true disciples. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine the Parable of the Laborers in order to perceive what it has to teach us.

"...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1: 4-6) The Old Testament and the New Testament agree: God has planned everything in advance – and that means He also has a timing for a person’s salvation that is predetermined. For evidence of this, check out this 20-Minute Bible Study.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:7-9) As you pursue a God-honoring life, you'll encounter those who doubt His will, His word and His way. Rest assured: God won’t allow them to have the last laugh. In His time, He will always give you the victory.

"The Chaldeans answered the king and said, 'There is not a man on earth who could declare the matter for the king, inasmuch as no great king or ruler has ever asked anything like this of any magician, conjurer or Chaldean' ... Because of this the king became indignant and very furious and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they looked for Daniel and his friends to kill them." (Daniel 2:10, 12-13) God comes through on time in providing wisdom during tough situations. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we explore several biblical accounts where God's timely wisdom was vital.

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.'" (John 14:23-26) We must act when and how the Lord commands us to act because our timely obedience not only affects ourselves but so many others. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we look at how God provides teaching at the right time to benefit those who heed it.

"The Lord said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey.'" (Exodus 3:7-8) God has a plan, purpose and will for our lives. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we review two famous stories from the Old Testament that remind us of God’s timing for training us up.

"When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep ... But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:3-4, 6) In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine a story from the Old Testament that exemplifies God’s timing for encouragement when we need it.

"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend My lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Shepherd My sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Tend My sheep.'" (John 21:15-17) Encoded in a seemingly simple story about Jesus asking the Apostle Peter if he loves Him are several deeper truths about love, spiritual maturity and the Kingdom. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we unlock and explore these truths.

"As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:14-15) Growing into spiritual maturity is the only way we can hope to qualify for the reward of ruling and reigning with Christ Jesus when He returns. However, many are stuck in spiritual infancy with no idea of how to grow in Christ. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take another look at what the Bible has to say about this topic and what spiritual maturity looks like in a believer.

"Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." (1 Peter 2:2) A deeper teaching of the Bible is that the message of salvation – the Gift – is spiritual milk meant only for new believers. The Bible also teaches that mature Christians must progress to understanding what is beyond the Gift, moving on to the spiritual meat of the Word, in order to please God and earn heavenly rewards. Several scriptures support these beliefs, but one scripture from First Peter seems to contradict it. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we take a look at that scripture in detail.

"Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,' and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13:8-10) What is true love? According to the Bible, it's not any of the types of love we think about in daily life. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine God's definition.

"A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’" (Luke 19: 12-13) “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey." (Matthew 25: 14-15) While similar in theme and structure, the parable of the minas and the parable of the talents teach different lessons. In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we examine both in close detail.

"Peter said to Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And He said, 'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?'" (Matthew 14:28-31) Sometimes, the storms of life never seem to stop blowing. You might ask yourself, How can God allow these constant storms to happen to me? Am I always failing God and others because of my sins? Will my life ever change? In this 20-Minute Bible Study, we answer these questions by more closely examining a familiar Bible story.