Video Bible Study by David E. Pratte

Wisdom of Men vs. Wisdom of God ======================= In religion people often trust in human learning: educators, philosophers, scientists, professors, psychologists instead of God's word. Some want to follow preachers because of their education degrees or seminary training. What problems can come from emphasizing human wisdom? How do people view God, Christ, and the gospel when they trust human wisdom? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Is Baptism Essential to Salvation? Should Babies Be Baptized? ======================================= Denominations today are divided much like the division Paul condemned in Corinth. Religious leaders are often exalted to honor them. Paul said he was not sent to baptize but to preach: did this mean we are saved without baptism? He baptized a household: does this authorize infant baptism? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Let There Be No Divisions Among You ======================== Paul instructed the Corinthian church to overcome their divisions, yet modern denominations are more divided from one another than Corinth was. How important is religious unity and what does it require? Were Jesus and His Father united or divided? How important is following the proper spiritual guide or standard, and how important are proper attitudes? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

What Does the Cross of Christ Mean to You? ============================= What is the connection between Jesus' death and forgiveness of sin? How important are the gospel, the church, baptism, and a faithful life? If we are saved by Jesus' death, then do we need these other things or can we be saved without them? If we do not see our need for all of them, do we really understand Jesus' death? This material is available as a free Bible study article at https://gospelway.com/salvation/benefit_blood.php Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Corinth: A Troubled and Divided Church ========================== Corinth was an influential city in ancient Greece and a major trade center, known for immorality. The church consisted of new converts who were divided and troubled, struggling to overcome the evils of their society. Paul introduced his letter by affirming his authority as an apostle and reminding them that they were sanctified or set apart from the evils around them. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Synagogues, Pharisees, and Sadducees ========================= What were the synagogues and why were they important in the spread of the gospel? In what ways did Jesus criticize the Pharisees? Did He say they were wrong for emphasizing strict obedience to the law? What did the Sadducees believe and how did Jesus disprove their views? Who were the scribes, the Sanhedrin council, and the Herods? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Apocrypha ========================== What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and what is their significance regarding our knowledge of the Scriptures? Do they confirm or contradict other copies of Scripture? What is the Apocrypha and what is their role in Scripture? Who accepts them and who rejects them? What evidence indicates whether they belong in the Scriptures? What is the Septuagint and why is it important? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

How Did Jesus View the Accuracy, Inspiration, and Authority of Scripture? =============================================== Many people doubt or deny the accuracy or authority of the Bible. Did Jesus believe in the accuracy of Creation, Noah's flood, and Jonah? Did He believe the Old and New Testaments were inspired by God as authority and a standard to guide people to know and obey the word of God? May we take a middle-ground position that we are followers of Jesus but we doubt some Bible teachings? This material is also available as a free article here: https://gospelway.com/bible/scripture-and-jesus.php Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

They Feared the Lord Yet Served Their Own Gods =============================== Persecution of the Jews by Antiochus Epiphanes resulted in the Maccabean Revolt led by Mattathias Hasmoneas and his sons, especially Judas. They won military victories against great odds, purified the temple, and established a dynasty. The Samaritans were a mixed race that resulted from intermarriage of Israelites with foreigners moved in by Assyria. They had a mixed religion that acknowledged God but compromised with false religion. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

They Shall Defile the Sanctuary Fortress ========================= "The Years of Silence" are a period of some four hundred years between Malachi and the life of Christ in which we have no inspired record of prophets who lived or wrote. However, events developed during this period that relate to the Bible record of the New Testament. The class discusses the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great and the following Ptolemy and Seleucid kingdoms, including the persecutions by Antiochus Epiphanes. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

I Will Send You Elijah the Prophet ====================== When people claimed that service to God was vain, He replied that He would distinguish the righteous from the wicked. The wicked would be destroyed but those who feared God would be blessed. So the people should obey His law. Then God promised to send Elijah the prophet to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and vice versa. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

A Book of Remembrance Was Written before Him ================================ Some people claimed that serving God was vain because it did not give physical benefits in this life that they expected. God said those who truly feared Him would be written in His book of remembrance. They would be His jewels, and He would distinguish them from the wicked. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings ======================== The people were cursed because they failed to give the offerings that the law required. If they brought the tithes, He would bless them richly. How does the New Testament require us to finance church work? Does God require giving a tenth (tithe) today? In what ways might we be guilty of robbing God? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Truth Matters: The Importance of Truth ========================= Our society increasingly belittles the importance of truth in spiritual and moral Issues. Some say there is no absolute truth or truth for you is whatever you believe it to be. How essential is truth regarding the existence of God and the truth of His word. Do we need the truth regarding salvation, morals, the church, worship, and doctrine? Is truth essential in government, business, the family, education, and science? This material is also available as a free Bible study article at https://gospelway.com/bible/truth-importance.php Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

The Messenger Who Would Prepare the Way ============================= The people accused God of injustice. God responded by predicting He would send His messenger (John the Baptist) to prepare the way for the Messenger of the covenant. He will demand repentance, purify the people, and witness against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, and other evils. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Marriage a Divine Institution: One Man for One Woman for Life ========================================= Marriage is a covenant relationship ordained by God at creation: one man and one woman joined in marriage for life. Families that respect God's plan for the home are a blessing to the husband, the wife, and the children. God seeks godly offspring and hates divorce, All perversions of marriage constitute treachery against God's institution and against the other family members. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

You have caused many to stumble at the law ============================= God’s covenant required priests to fear God, teach the law, and practice justice. But He accused the priests that they had departed from the way, caused others to stumble, shown partiality, and corrupted the covenant. He warned them that disobeying His command would cause them to be cursed. How well are we fulfilling our covenant responsibilities? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

If I Am a Master Where Is My Reverence? ========================== God deserved honor but the people despised Him by offering sacrifices that were lame, sick, or stolen. Would a governor, father, or master accept such gifts favorably? Instead of obtaining God’s blessing, such gifts brought God’s curse. What lessons should we learn about our worship to God? Do we believe that how we worship does not matter or do we give God our best? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

In What Way Have You Loved Us? ====================== When God affirmed His love for the people of Judah, they showed lack of respect for God by questioning His love. He reminded them that He had chosen Israel to be His special nation rather than the Edomites who descended from Esau. Did God's love for Israel prove Calvinistic unconditional predestination of each individual to eternal salvation or damnation? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

How Long Ages in Bible History Affected Knowledge of God's Will ========================================== Before the Law of Moses people had no written revelation from God. How did people in Noah's day know about creation and the sin of Adam and Eve? How did Abraham and Isaac know about the Flood of Noah's day? Did God leave people with no way of knowing how to please Him? Has His message to us been lost throughout history? This material is also available as a Bible study article at https://gospelway.com/invitations/long-ages.php Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Priests and Priesthood in the Gospel ======================== Should churches have a special class of priests who offer worship, obtain salvation, and give official teaching on behalf of the people? Does the Levitical priesthood authorize special priests under the gospel? Who may serve as Melchizedek priests? What role and responsibilities does Jesus have as High Priest, and what priesthood do Christians have? This material is also available as an article at https://gospelway.com/church/priesthood.php Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

They Shall Worship the King and Be Holy to the Lord ================================== When the Christ had defeated the forces of evil by His crucifixion and resurrection, He would reign as King and High Priest over His spiritual kingdom. The people who had fought against Him would have a choice. They could refuse to worship Him, in which case they would receive a plague but not His blessings. Or they could worship Him and be among those who are holy to the Lord. Which do you choose? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

In That Day Living Waters Shall Flow from Jerusalem ================================== Zechariah prophesied that the Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives and give His people a way of escape. Light will come in the evening and living water will flow everywhere from Jerusalem. The Lord is King and Jerusalem is safe. To what "day" do these prophecies refer? Is this a prophecy of Jesus' second coming and an earthly millennial kingdom? Is Jesus' kingdom physical or spiritual? Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

Strike the Shepherd and Scatter the Sheep =========================== Zechariah predicted the suffering of Jesus when He would come "in that day" (the gospel age). He would be captured and slain, and His disciples would forsake Him. They would be purified by suffering. Conflict between God and the forces of evil would result in a way of escape or deliverance for the remnant of God's people. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture

A Fountain Shall Be Opened for Sin and for Uncleanness ===================================== Zechariah continues to prophesy God's accomplishments in the Messianic age. When they look on him whom they pierced, they will mourn for him as for an only son and a fountain will be opened for sin and for uncleanness. Idols will be cut off and prophets and unclean spirits will depart from the land. Lesson presented by David E. Pratte; https://gospelway.com #Bible #BibleStudy #religion #Jesus #Christ #God #Christianity #truth #gospel #Scripture