Steve Hunter Bible Study

Deuteronomy 12:32 "See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it."   - Deuteronomy 12:32 There is so much in this verse... A warning against taking only what you "like" thus giving yourself higher moral authority than God. Self-declaration of right & wrong. A warning against syncretism (combining Christianity and other belief systems) as well as cults like Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness & false religions like Islam that all "add to" and "delete from" the Word of God to give the appearance of authority.

Video Ravi Zacharias:  Postmodernism and Philosophy   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAwyIDKoXYY Christian Commentary on Ravi Zacharias:  Postmodernism and Philosophy   As Ravi Zacharias begins this presentation, he acknowledges the brilliance of the other speaker Albert Mohler in such a humble way.  To anyone viewing Ravi's presentation, his humility is immediately apparent, thus displaying his character.  Ravi also elicits emotion in his audience through humor.  Pastors learn this technique in Homiletics.  Laughter stimulates a part of the brain known as the Amygdala.  Once stimulated, concepts within the sermon more easily conjure up the intended emotions.  In making decisions, we most often decide based on how something makes us feel.  Have you ever thought, "It doesn't feel right."  Ultimately, you will be pushed by the evidence to decide for yourself if what is being said rings true in your heart.  So, ...

Romans 5:11-14 Warning Against Falling Away Romans 5:11-14 "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Commentary How many of us have said, "I'm too busy" to take time and effort in God's Word for days, weeks, months and years! How many say, "the Pastor will tell me what I need to know". How many are not taking an active role and responsibility for the maturity that Christ has called us all to grow into. So much like infants we make excuses, kick dirt and procrastinate while at...

Genesis 46:3  I am God (Yaweh), the God (Yaweh) of your father (Jacob referring to his lineage)," he said.  Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation t here . Let's break down this verse's greater meaning...We see Jacob's fear of Egypt in verse 3.  God removes his fear reminding him of the Abrahamic Covenant.  God has a plan to preserve and protect his lineage.  God states, "...for I will make you into a great nation there."  We see the words, "I will" which indicates one of God's Unconditional Covenants.  There is nothing that Abraham or his descendants can or will do to prevent it.  It is God's will to do this through them.  When God says, "I will", he will do it.  Why not to be afraid? A transitional contractual term is used..."For".  "For...make you a great nation...".  One last word remains..."there".  We often pass this over.  It is extremely important.  ...

When the Lord calls Samuel, he does not recognize the voice of God.  Instead, he runs to Eli several times thinking he is calling him.  On the third time, the Bible states in 1 Samuel 3:8 that " Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy".   As a Priest, Eli had great knowledge of the scriptures.  His delay in immediately realizing who was calling the boy may have been because he himself was not in a right relationship with God.  He may not have heard God speak to him audibly or to his heart in quite a while.  When Samuel came to Eli the third time, he may have realized that he had once learned of a similar story in Genesis 46:2-3.  In that story, God calls to Jacob.  It is possible that Eli may have told the story of Jacob to young Samuel.  This would have been a great teaching opportunity.  After this knowledge may have been imparted by Eli to Samuel, Samuel returns to bed.  In 1 Samuel 3:10, God repeats the name of Samuel tw...

Regarding elections and the ministry...  I have read a number of well written social media political posts and some sadly misguided and hurtful character smears. No matter what our personal feelings about candidates or issues, as a minister of the Gospel, you must be separate from all of this. I know it's really tempting to comment but don't. The minute you comment on a candidate, your audience is diminished by 50%. What do I mean? I mean that at least 50% of your potential audience now disagrees with you and has tuned out. Resist taking sides. Our message is not politics. Our message is the Gospel. We should not endorse anyone. 2 Timothy 2:4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. This verse reminds us to keep a clear focus and only one mission. Remember that we serve Him, not politics or economics. These are not our Savior. Our hope does not come from government. ...

God's emotion does not incapacitate Him.  Don't allow yours to incapacitate you or cause you to make an error in reaction.  Most people simply react to confront or escape without a long-term purpose incorporated in their momentary behavior.  Lay your burden upon the Lord.  When you feel the pressure, it's time to pray, consult scripture and release in a healthy way through & to Him.  Then your response will be according to & in synchronicity with scripture...  Ultimately, in alignment with God.  We cannot always determine other people's reaction, nor should we be bound by it.  We can however carefully fine tune our internal and external reaction by the infinitely wise and omniscient words of God.