Start Here: The New Testament

Dr. Eric Michael Bryant

The Bible has been the most influential book in history, but it has also been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and even used for the agenda of people who did not have the heart of God or were a product of their times. Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey or what doubts you might have, I believe God will reveal Himself to you. So join me in an experiment! 1. Pray: "God, if you are real, show me who you are." Or "God, I need help to believe in you." 2. Read one chapter. 3. Listen to the podcast of that chapter. 4. Journal what you sense God is showing you.

  1. 3d ago

    Galatians 6 - Are You Willing to Take Responsibility and Accountability?

    Galatians 6 - Are You Willing to Take Responsibility and Accountability? Paul begins by urging believers to restore and help one another when someone stumbles or falls into sin. He emphasizes the importance of gentleness and humility in this process, encouraging the stronger members of the community to come alongside the weaker ones to offer support and guidance. The chapter continues with the concept of accountability and personal responsibility. Paul encourages each person to carry their own load and fulfill their obligations, while also emphasizing that the community should share in one another's burdens. He underscores the idea of contributing to the needs of others, both spiritually and materially. Paul introduces the principle of sowing and reaping, using agricultural imagery. He explains that the choices and actions we make in life have consequences, just as sowing seeds in a field leads to a harvest. He encourages believers to sow good deeds and to persist in doing what is right, trusting that in due time, they will reap the benefits. Paul concludes the letter by reiterating the centrality of the cross of Christ. He emphasizes that boasting should only be in the cross, which represents the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. He also mentions the marks on his body that symbolize his dedication and suffering for the sake of the gospel. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

  2. 5d ago

    Galatians 4 - Are You a Child of Promise?

    Galatians 4 - Are You a Child of Promise? Paul begins by comparing the time when people were under the law to a period when they were like children under the guardianship of rules and regulations. Just as a child is subject to tutors and guardians until a certain appointed time, humanity was under the constraints of the law until the coming of Christ. Paul highlights the significance of Jesus' arrival, explaining that through his life, death, and resurrection, believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God. This adoption brings them into a new and intimate relationship with God, allowing them to address Him as "Abba," an affectionate term for father. The chapter also delves into the contrast between the old way of living under the law and the new life of freedom and grace through faith in Christ. Paul expresses his concern that the Galatians are returning to legalistic practices, observing days, months, seasons, and years, as if they were still bound by the law. He urges them to embrace the true freedom that comes from being heirs of God's promise through Christ. Paul employs an allegory involving two women, Hagar and Sarah, and their sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to illustrate the difference between the two covenants. Hagar represents the covenant of the law, while Sarah represents the promise of grace. Paul explains that those who rely on the law are like children born to Hagar, while those who have faith in Christ are like children of promise, born to Sarah. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

  3. Aug 20

    Galatians 3 - Do You Understand Your Identity in Christ?

    Galatians 3 - Do You Understand Your Identity in Christ? Paul begins by reminding the Galatians that they received the Holy Spirit not through their adherence to the Jewish law but through faith. He points to the example of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, who was justified by his faith in God's promise rather than by obeying the law. Paul argues that all those who have faith in Christ are considered children of Abraham and share in the blessings of his faith. Paul also discusses the purpose of the law, explaining that it was given to reveal human sinfulness and the need for a Savior. He emphasizes that the law cannot justify anyone before God; rather, it serves as a tutor leading people to Christ, who fulfills the requirements of the law through his sacrificial death and resurrection. The chapter goes on to describe how faith in Christ brings about a new status for believers. Paul uses the metaphor of putting on a new garment to illustrate how those who believe in Christ are "clothed" with Christ and become part of God's family. He stresses that this new identity erases distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender, as all believers are one in Christ. Paul concludes by highlighting the permanence of God's promise and the importance of faith as the key to receiving God's blessings. He compares the law to a temporary guardian, while faith in Christ brings about a new and direct relationship with God. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

About

The Bible has been the most influential book in history, but it has also been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and even used for the agenda of people who did not have the heart of God or were a product of their times. Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey or what doubts you might have, I believe God will reveal Himself to you. So join me in an experiment! 1. Pray: "God, if you are real, show me who you are." Or "God, I need help to believe in you." 2. Read one chapter. 3. Listen to the podcast of that chapter. 4. Journal what you sense God is showing you.