Bible study Archives - Page 24 of 32

Posted on August 10, 2020 by TonyAugust 25, 2020

Immortality Song and won't you sing along

Who can sing the immortality song?

The Bee Gees wrote a version of it. And they sang background vocals when Celine Dion recorded it back in 1997. Pearl Jam also wrote and recorded their own Immortality song. And plenty of other songwriters and songs have focused on it. But they all fall short of the full meaning and power and understanding.

My Immortality Song will fall short, too.

Because no one can fully comprehend or express the full meaning and power of eternal life. And that’s because all we experience, here on Earth, is temporary. Even if you live to be 100. And even if every day of that hundred years was filled with good health. Temporary.

And I’ll bet, no matter how many years you live, your life here on Earth will feel like a few blinks of your eyes to you. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you get to the end of it wishing you had done more.

But I don’t wanna just dump a bunch of gloom and doom on you.

Because there’s a silver lining to this temporary, mortal life you cling to. It’s an opportunity. A full-fledged, free gift opportunity. And no one (not even you) can afford to pass it up. An opportunity to turn from temporary to eternal. From mortal to immortal.

And once you seize the opportunity, you’ll never be alone again.

And you’ll be in the hands of the only source of immortality. The hands of your Creator who’ll help you sing the immortality song. That’s why Paul wrote to Timothy and told him to:

“…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”

Immortality, in totality,
Is a gift that no one ever has deserved.
But we have it still, if we only will
Grab onto the life that Jesus reserved.

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Posted on July 15, 2020 by TonyJuly 23, 2020

Manly Bible study you should share with your buddy

Guess who needs a manly Bible study

Men. Guys. And every person who was born a male. I think that covers it. And why do I say men need a manly Bible study? Because most men, at least most of them in typical churches in America, are getting that.

Wanna know a great source for a quick manly Bible study?

Try Psalm 18. It’s not gonna give you an in-depth look at theology. Or epistemology. Or even eschatology. But what it IS gonna give you, and plenty of it, is a manly look at our super manly God.

Now, before you go off the deep end (or think I’ve gone there), I know God the Father is not a man. But guess who IS a man. God the Son. Jesus. And He is the manliest man who ever lived. And He’s fully God, too. So, when David, “servant of the LORD”, talks about his rock and fortress and deliverer, he’s not talking about some all-forgiving peace hippy.

No, Psalm 18 is full of strong, powerful descriptions of our living, loving Creator. And there’s lots of earth shaking, hills quaking, fire and smoke, and hailstones. Coincidentally, as I’m writing this it’s hailing outside. And even though the hailstones are small, they make some noise. So, imagine hailstones big enough to get mentioned in the Bible.

Anyway…

Psalm 18 also talks about God’s power over brightness and darkness. Foundations of the world are uncovered. And there are “lightnings in abundance.” Does this sound like a peacenik or a pacifist? Hardly. And David even has faith he can jump over walls and face enemy troops alone. Because he knows God will be with him.

But you know what else is manly about God?

His mercy.

It’s not like God takes pleasure in pounding wicked people down. He’d much rather show mercy. But He shows mercy to the merciful. And His love knows no limits for those who love Him.

But just know. If and when you decide to go up against God, you’ll lose. And there will be no avengers or justice league superheroes who will be able to withstand His justice. Because this isn’t a fictitious Thanos we’re talking about. This is the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven, Earth, the universe, and all of us. And that’s as manly as it gets.

Manly men love God’s truthful word.
It’s the best news they’ve ever heard.
So, right now is the time to start.
Be a man after God’s own heart.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 11, 2020 by TonyJuly 23, 2020

Count your blessings. They're not just window dressings.

Life got you down? Count your blessings.

I’d like to encourage you, today, to count your blessings. But I don’t want you to spend the whole day on it. And you certainly could. Because you have way more than you might first think. Yeah…even you.

When you count your blessings, something cool happens.

You start to see how your whole life is a blessing. And, if you’re honest with yourself…and pay attention, you see how you could literally spend the whole day counting. Because the blessings are in the details. In spite of the fact that so many people say that’s where the devil is.

I mean, think about it. Your blessings start the minute you get up in the morning. In fact, even before you get up. Your pillow is a blessing. And your mattress. And don’t forget the bed linens. Wow, that’s almost a half dozen. And you’re not even out of bed yet.

Then you sit up on the edge of the bed and put on some clothes. Shirt. Blessing. Shorts. Blessing. Sandals. Blessing, blessing.

Maybe there’s a quick trip to the restroom. An indoor restroom? Are you kidding me?! Boom! On the list. Right? And then, you walk through the house (check), across the hardwood, manufactured, or carpeted floors (check) to the kitchen (check).

And you get a cold glass of water from the filtered pitcher of water in the fridge (check, check, check, check). “Hmm,” you think to yourself, “Should I make 8 cups of coffee? Or 9?” And you decide on 9. So, you add more filtered water to the coffee maker. And you scoop out some of your organic coffee and add it, too. (check, check, check, check)

Hey, this is really starting to add up!

And you haven’t even gotten past the morning java yet.

Now, of course, I’m describing a typical life here in America. And I’m sure it fits a lot of other people in other parts of the world. And I’m also sure not everybody has all these same blessings. But every person on the planet has way more blessings than they deserve.

Because every person on the planet is broken. And needs to be fixed.

Sadly, most don’t want any part of the fix. So, they mope and complain through life. And they arrive at the end of it only to find the worst is yet to come.

But you’re not gonna be one of those.
Because you know where all of that goes.
And you’re just like me. We’d rather live free
Than to die by the turn of our nose.

(By the way, your blessings are infinite.)

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 7, 2020 by TonyFebruary 15, 2025

Everybody has selfish desires

Yeah, it’s a fact. An unflattering fact. But a fact nevertheless. You have selfish desires. And I do, too. But they don’t have to rule over you. Trouble is…most people in the world allow that to happen. In fact, they prefer it that way. So, what’s a “good person” to do?

First, acknowledge that you’re not a “good person”. Because of your selfish desires.

“What?! Me, not a good person? How dare you, Tony!”

Ooh…that’s a tough one, right?

Sure, you and I might get along and enjoy a conversation over a cup of coffee. And we might even have a lot in common. So much so that we could become lifelong friends. Even have each other over on holidays. But you’re still not a “good person.” Because of that darn selfishness thing going on inside you.

Now, easy there champ. You can say the same thing about me. And I won’t even hold it against you. Why?

Because the truth matters.

And if God, Himself, says nobody is good, then it’s gotta be the truth. Right? Right.

And He does say that. But what He also says…more times than once…is, you and I are redeemable. We don’t have to be selfish, little knuckleheads forever. But most of the people in the world don’t wanna hear about His solution for our problem. Because they wanna be their own king…or queen.

Sadly, they don’t realize their selfish desires lead to eternal fires. And whether those fires are literal or figurative doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is, they never burn out. And the souls caught in those flames will never find relief. So, here’s what I recommend.

Trust in the only good person who ever lived.

And get off your high horses.

Up on the mountains of self…
Looking inside of our hearts, we think we see.
Fallible searchers are we…
Without a standard to judge, how high we can be!

We’re riding our high horses.
We’re wearing our best leather and lace.
Yes, we’re riding our high horses…
Hoping to ride them away…
Ride them to favor and grace! © 1989

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Posted on July 6, 2020 by TonyJuly 12, 2020

Bad news travels fast but only the good news will last

Have you noticed how bad news travels fast?

How does that happen? Short answer, of course, is…people. Because people tend to have itching ears. And dark hearts. And bad news travels fast from hearts to ears and back to hearts. It’s a vicious cycle. Fortunately it’s far from a hopeless situation. At least for some people.

Good news is even gooder when bad news travels fast.

And, yes, I used bad grammar to illustrate a good point. They say it’s always darkest just before the dawn. And calmest just before the storm. And I’m adding that good news shines even brighter in the middle of all the bad. But you gotta know how to look for it. And where.

Keep in mind, when I say “good news”, I’m not talking about stories of puppies and rainbows. I’m talking about the kind of good news you can depend on to be good…for good.

And if there IS that kind of good news (and there is), don’t you think the world should know about it?

Yeah, me too.

But here’s the twisted irony.

Most of the people of the world don’t wanna hear that kind of good news. Because that kind of good news only comes from one source. And, sadly, they hate the source.

So, if you’re gonna share that kind of good news with them, they’re gonna hate you, too. Not all of them. But most. And you might feel disconnected from them when you refuse to compromise this good news. And, if you do, it means you’re doing it the right way.

“But Tony, how can I be doing it right if I share good news and feel disconnected?”

Well, it means you’re doing what your living, loving Creator told you to do. You’re refusing to be “conformed to this world.” And hopefully you’re renewing your mind, daily, so you can be transformed.

To be conformed to this world means you do pretty much what everybody else does. No matter how bad or wrong. But to be transformed means to be changed and different.

And because the world is overflowing with temptation to conform, you’re gonna need help. Fortunately help is there any time you need it. In fact, a little over five years ago I shared what to do when you need help as things grow darker in this world…

“Love God. Talk to God. Trust God.

Sound too simple? Remember, it’s best to keep things simple concerning evil. Start from a position of loving God. He gave you life. He knows you better than you know yourself. And He knows what you’re going through. He won’t let this evil world endure forever. Next…talk to God. Let Him know you love Him. When it comes to love, God is like us…He takes great pleasure in being told you love Him. Finally…once you’ve told God you love Him…trust Him to give you peace. Yes, even in the middle of so many dark days. That’s when His light can shine brightest. Let it shine through you. Stand up and be a beacon of hope. The good news of eternal life with your Creator should outweigh all the bad news on the doorstep.”

I believe you can do it. In fact, I know you can,
When you trust the One who’s fully God and fully Man.
And you might feel disconnected, but it will not last
‘Cause good news will transform you when bad news travels fast.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 5, 2020 by TonyAugust 18, 2022

Speaking into the air and nobody will care

Speaking into the air doesn’t work.

Here’s a childhood memory to illustrate why speaking into the air is an exercise in futility. And I hope I remember this correctly. But when I was around 6 years old, I remember going to a school playground with a couple of my stepsisters. And this was on a Saturday. Because we just wanted to play on the swings, slides, and the monkey bars. So, anyway…there we were at the playground…

And I wasn’t speaking into the air. I was singing.

Yeah, as far back as I can remember, I loved to sing. I’d sing while I was playing in the back yard. On hikes. In the shower. And as I got older…on long drives (or even short ones for that matter). Basically anytime I had the chance.

So, there we were. Playing on the playground. It was a brisk and breezy late Autumn day. And I climbed up the steps of a tall slide and sat at the top prepared to slide down. And the whole time I was singing. My stepsisters liked my singing. And they said they couldn’t hear me. They yelled to sing louder.

At first I thought they were making fun of me. But they told me they liked my singing and just wanted to hear more. So, I started singing louder. But the cold breeze sort of stifled my voice. It felt like as soon as the words came out of my mouth they were swept up in the cold breezes and blown through the air.

And it started to get even windier, which made my eyes water. And all that, including the fact that I was starting to get really cold, made me slide down and give up entertaining the sisters.

But why do I bring up this seemingly insignificant memory?

Because I ran across a line in 1 Corinthians 14, again this morning, where Paul told the Christians in Corinth how speaking in tongues could be like speaking into the air. And he wanted them to see how seeking spiritual gifts is fine. But not if it doesn’t help unbelievers. And speaking in tongues no one can understand doesn’t help anybody.

So, I recommend…

Speak in the language you speak.
And speak to any people who seek
The truth that’s found in God’s Word.
It’s the only way you’ll be heard.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 1, 2020 by TonyOctober 23, 2025

“Why is love so hard?”

Wow. I’ve heard that question so many times. In real life. And in movies, tv shows, and talk shows. But most people who ask, why is love so hard, actually don’t have a clue what love is. So, it’s only an empty concept. And they never reap the benefits of true love.

Maybe you do amazing things and still ask, “Why is love so hard?”

Maybe you’ve been able to move mountains of obstacles and you’ve created successful businesses. Great. But even if you build up unimaginable riches, if you don’t have love, you have nothing.

“Well, I’ve donated my time and money to help the poor and hungry, Tony.”

Awesome. But if you do those things without love, no big deal. I’m not impressed. Especially if you bragged about it on Facebook or Instagram. Or fill in the blank with your favorite social media channel.

But you wanna know what WOULD impress me? Hope so, ’cause I’m gonna tell you.

If you’ve suffered through difficult relationships and you were able to still be kind, I’d say you know a little something about love. And if you’ve ever done something wonderful for someone and never told anyone, you probably know about love. Plus, if you prefer to behave respectfully, not allow yourself to be provoked, think good thoughts, and be glad when you discover truth, boom! You know a little something about love.

People come and go.

Life on earth is here today, gone tomorrow. Cities and towns grow and fade. And even empires rise and fall. But true love never fails. Like one of my favorite quotes says, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

By the way, love is not a weakness. And it’s not just a feminine trait. The manliest man who ever lived knew how to love better than any other person who ever lived. And He laid down His life for His friends to prove it.

That elusive commodity
That perpetual oddity.
So, I do it all for love.

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Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You

Category Archives: Bible study

Who can sing the immortality song?

My Immortality Song will fall short, too.

And once you seize the opportunity, you’ll never be alone again.

Guess who needs a manly Bible study

Wanna know a great source for a quick manly Bible study?

But you know what else is manly about God?

Life got you down? Count your blessings.

When you count your blessings, something cool happens.

Hey, this is really starting to add up!

Everybody has selfish desires

First, acknowledge that you’re not a “good person”. Because of your selfish desires.

Trust in the only good person who ever lived.

Have you noticed how bad news travels fast?

Good news is even gooder when bad news travels fast.

“But Tony, how can I be doing it right if I share good news and feel disconnected?”

“Love God. Talk to God. Trust God.

“Why is love so hard?”

Maybe you do amazing things and still ask, “Why is love so hard?”

People come and go.