BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

The Grounds, Means and Conditions of Salvation by Grace

Salvation is by grace, but what does that mean and entail? In this lesson study, the grounds, means, and conditions of salvation are considered in relationship to one another with the specific goal of understanding the role of the Gospel, the faith of Christ, in our salvation. [Please read Ephesians chapter two as preparation for this study.]  

Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus (John 6:41-71)

In this study we explore one of the more difficult and startling statements of Jesus found in John 6:53. The Lord affirms that eternal life requires that men eat His flesh and drink His blood. What does that mean? 

The Transgression

The Bible refers to the first sin as "the transgression" in 1 Timothy 2:14. Some have misunderstood this passage respecting Eve, her sin, and the consequences for humanity. In this study both the sin of Eve and that of Adam are examined to discover a template for temptation and sin. Attention is also given to the differences between the sin of Eve and that of Adam mentioned in Romans 5 to better understand how it is "by one man's disobedience many were made sinners." 

Micah 6:1-8

God pleads His lawsuit against Judah by challenging the nation to bring evidence of a justifiable cause for their rejection of Him. Judah complains they are weary of God and HIs burdensome demands. God demands: "Wherein have I wearied you?"

The Implied Conversions in Judea, Galilee and Samaria

Jesus had said the Gospel would spread from Jerusalem throughout Judea and Samaria, then to the rest of the world (Acts 1:8). In Acts 9:31 Luke sets the stage for the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles by necessarily implying the Gospel had been succesfully preached in these first regions. What was involved in these conversions? What may we learn that will help us convert the world to Christ?

The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus

Saul of Tarsus was the leader of the first great persecution against the Church of Christ. Seeking to extend that persecution, he went to Damascus. On his way he encountered the resurrected Christ and everything changed. Study with us this case of conversion of the man who will become the Apostle Paul. 

I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:16-40)

After having walked on the water to the Disciples, Jesus returns to Capernaum where some from the multitude come to him seeking bread. Jesus' answer is "labor not for the bread which perishes but for that bread which endures to everlasting life." What does Jesus mean?

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (John 6.1-15)

John moves forward in the narrative several months to just before the third Passover in Jesus' ministry and the miracle of the loaves and fishes. This is the only miracle recorded by all four of the Evangelists. John makes unique use of it to set the background for Jesus' great discourse on the bread of life.

The Conversion of Cornelius

One of the most significant cases of conversion recorded in the NT is that of Cornelius. The facts of his conversion help in understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion and dispel much of the error about the Holy Spirit believed today.  

The Proof of Jesus’ Claims to Be the Son of God (John 5:30-47)

Jesus did not a make claim for divinity without offering the proof of His claim. Jesus acknowledges that His affirmation alone is insufficient. He introduces the witness of John the Immerser, but relies upon even greater testimony than his. Whereupon He offers the testimony of His miracles, the witness of the Father, and that of the inspired writings of Moses.