Verse By Verse Bible Study Podcast

Mark 13:31 - My Words Shall Not Pass Away

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:53:00 GMT

What are the implications of Christ's statement that His "words shall not pass away"?

Mark 13:28-33 - This Generation Shall Not Pass

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:53:00 GMT

Christ continues to describe the events of His Second Coming.

Mark 13:26-29 - The Gathering of the Elect

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:53:00 GMT

Christ continues to describe the events of His Second Coming.

Mark 13:24-25 - The Day of the Lord

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:53:00 GMT

Christ gives several specific events that precede the day of the Lord. In this lesson, we examine these events as they are described in both the Old and New Testaments.

Mark 13:19-23 - Affliction and Delusion

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:53:00 GMT

Christ warns his disciples of the great affliction that will come on the earth following the abomination of desolation. This is a time characterized by a great delusion in which those that have not believed on Christ will be susceptible to the delusions of the anti-Christ.

Mark 13:14-18 - Israel's Flight into the Wilderness

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:39:00 GMT

Christ tells the disciples that the setting up of the abomination of desolation should be seen as the very last opportunity to flee into the wilderness. In this lesson, we look at various passages which describe the future flight of the believing remnant into the wilderness, where they are sheltered from the events of the Tribulation.

Mark 13:13-14 - The Abomination of Desolation

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:43:00 GMT

Is salvation secure, or is it conditional upon "enduring to the end?" And what is "the abomination of desolation" that Christ refers to in this passage? In this lesson, we look at several prophetic passages in the Gospels, Daniel and Revelation to answer this question.

Mark 13:3-13 - The Beginning of Sorrows

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:59:00 GMT

Many Christians view every war, earthquake and persecution as a sign of the soon return of Christ. But in this passage, Christ warns his disciples not to be troubled by these things, that they are not the signs of the end. Join us for this exciting Bible study that removes much confusion regarding prophetic events.

Mark 13:1-2 - Not One Stone Left Upon Another

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:06:00 GMT

If you consult the commentaries on this passage, they will almost universally declare that these verses were fulfilled in 70 AD. Where did this teaching come from and does it really fit the Scriptures? Join us for this important study.

Mid-Winter Retreat: Romans 3:19-31 - The Righteousness of God Without the Law

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:53:00 GMT

The Mid-Winter Retreat in Chippewa Falls was a great time of fellowship around God's word. Here is my message from Saturday morning of the retreat. You can listen to all of the messages at http://www.bereanbiblechurch.com.

Mark 12:38-44 - Beware of Religion

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:09:00 GMT

Christ warns the people about the dangers of religion and its leaders - a warning that we ignore at our own peril. The attitude of the religionist is contrasted with the attitude of true faith. Which to you have: religion or faith?

Mark 12:28-37 - The Greatest Commandment and the Son of David

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Christ continues to answer questions from the scribes and Pharisees, this time about the greatest of the commandments. When they won't dare to ask Him any more questions, He asks them a question about the relationship of David to the Christ.

The Purpose of the Church

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT

In Pastor Richard Church's last message as the pastor of the Friendship Congregational Bible Church, he reminds us of the purpose of the local church in the plan and purpose of God.

Mark 12:18-27 - Marriage and the Resurrection

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:20:00 GMT

After the failure of the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Christ, the Sadducees take their turn with a question about how the Old Testament laws of marriage would apply in the resurrection.

Acts 6:8-7:60 - The Stoning of Stephen

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT

The stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 is one of the great turning points of Scripture. Listen to this message to learn more about the importance of Stephen's message before the Jewish council, and their negative response.

Mark 12:13-17 - Render Unto Caesar

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Christ answers an entrapping question about taxes with a wise answer that trips up His opponents, while revealing some important principles about the power of God and of government.

Acts 6:1-7 - The First Deacons

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:30:00 GMT

When disagreement about church resources arises in the Jerusalem church, the apostles appoint faithful men to oversee the matter. This division of labor is later established within the two offices of the local church: bishops and deacons.

Acts 5:11-42 - Worthy to Suffer Shame

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:30:00 GMT

After the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, with great miracles being performed, Peter and the apostles face persecution by the priests. Their attitude toward this persecution provides an important lesson to us when we face rejection because of Christ.

Mark 11:27-12:12 - Christ's Authority and the Lord's Vineyard

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 GMT

After Christ cast out the moneychangers, the Temple authorities confront Him about the source of His authority. Christ refuses to answer, but instead tells them a parable about a vineyard that demonstrates their guilty state before God.

Acts 5:1-14 - Lying to the Holy Ghost

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:30:00 GMT

Despite the great demonstrations of faith and power among the church at Jerusalem, we start to see that there were faults among them as well. Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Ghost with severe results.

Mark 11:15-19 - Purifying the Sons of Levi

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:20:00 GMT

After looking around at the temple, Christ takes it upon Himself to reform some of the worst abuses taking place there. What were the sellers and moneychangers doing that was so offensive the Lord that He would physically drive them from the temple grounds? This lesson takes a Biblical and historical look at the commercial and monetary practices of that day.

Acts 4:13-37 - The Offense and Fellowship of the Word

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:30:00 GMT

As Peter and John experience, the preaching of the word creates conflict with the world, but fellowship among believers.

Mark 11:20-26 - Kingdom Prayer and Forgiveness

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Far too many Christians are guilty of misapplying many kingdom passages regarding prayer and forgiveness. This confusion often results in disappointment and disillusionment. In this lesson, we examine some of these passages in light of the dispensation of God's grace.

Mark 11:11-14 - Curse of the Barren Fig Tree

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:20:00 GMT

As Christ and His disciples enter Jerusalem, Christ curses a fig tree because it has no fruit. Was this just an act of anger by the Lord? Or was He using the opportunity to teach an important lesson regarding the Jewish religion?

Mark 11:7-11 - Christ's Entry Into Jerusalem

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

In this lesson, we look at how Christ's entry into Jerusalem figures into Old Testament types and prophecies. See how the choosing of the Passover lamb and Daniels prophecy of the seventy weeks were both fulfilled when Christ entered Jerusalem.

Acts 4:1-12 - The Stone Which the Builders Rejected

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMT

Peter and John are brought before the religious leaders of the temple and use the opportunity to once again preach Christ.

Mark 11:1-7 - A Wild Ass's Colt

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

As Christ prepares to enter Jerusalem for the last time during His earthly ministry, He sends His disciples to loose a colt for Him. This account bears much symbolic truth. Join us as we examine the symbols that play a part in this story and see a wonderful figure of salvation by grace.

Acts 3:17-26 - Since the World Began

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMT

In Acts 3, Peter claims to be preaching what was foretold by all the prophets "since the world began." In Romans 16, Paul claims to be preaching what was "kept secret since the world began." These two messages cannot be the same.

Mark 10:46-52 - Blind Bartimaeus

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Christ heals a blind man outside of Jericho, providing a powerful picture of salvation by grace through faith.

Acts 3:12-21 - Christ and the City of Refuge

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMT

In his sermon at the temple, Peter acknowledges that Israel and her rulers killed Christ "through ignorance." This statement indicates special treatment for Israel under the justice of God's Law, for now they could be dealt with as one who had killed another "unawares." Join us to see how God's provision of "cities of refuge" for Old Testament Israel is fulfilled in Christ and Peter's offer of salvation in Acts 3.

Mark 10:45 - Christ A Ransom For Many Or For All?

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Mark 10:45 says that Christ would give Himself as "a ransom for many." Paul says that He was a "ransom for all." Which of these verses is true? What is the key to unlocking this apparent contradiction?

Acts 3:1-16 - Miracle at the Temple

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMT

As Peter and John continue to worship at the temple, a lame beggar provides an opportunity for the name of Christ to be glorified.

Mark 10:41-45 - Rulers of the Gentiles and the Church of Christ

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

The Lord contrasts the behavior of "they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles" with the proper behavior of believers. But who really rules over the nations of the world? This fascinating study looks at several Biblical passages that reveal who pulls the strings behind the authorities of this earth and also examines the way to be truly great among the believers in Christ.

Acts 2:44-47 - Singleness of Heart

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

In this early church, the believers "had all things common" and provided for each of the believers "as every man had need." How did a system like this work, and is it to be the practice of the church today?

Mark 10:32-40 - A Cup and a Baptism

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMT

In response to a selfish request by some of the disciples, the Lord tells them about a cup and a baptism that they were to partake of. Though the disciples had no ability to understand His words at the time, late Scripture explains for us what it means to drink of Christ's cup and be baptized with His baptism.

Acts 2:39-43 - Israel and Those Afar Off

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

Peter says that "the promise is unto you... and to all that are afar off." What is this promise and who are these far off people?

Mark 10:23-31 - A Camel Through the Eye of a Needle

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMT

The encounter with the rich young ruler raises some questions for the disciples regarding wealth and salvation. Christ makes the statement that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." In light of this statement, can rich people be saved?

Acts 2:38-39 - Repent and Be Baptized

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

With these words, was Peter instituting a new ordinance for the church, or continuing an Old Testament ordinance? Should you be baptized today? Join us as we examine the significance of Peter's words.

Mark 10:13-22 - Little Children, A Rich Young Ruler and Taking Up Your Cross

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMT

In these verses we see a contrast between the proper and improper ways to approach Christ. The Lord tells his disciples that they must come as little children, while the rich young ruler tries to approach Christ on the basis of his works. These accounts demonstrate the complete insufficiency of our works and abilities for salvation.

Acts 2:38 - Repentance and Belief

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

When Peter tells the crowd on the day of Pentecost to "Repent...", what is he telling them to do? In this lesson, we examine some common misconceptions about repentance and deal with the question of whether repentance is necessary for salvation in the dispensation of grace.

Mark 10:1-12 - The Question of Divorce

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMT

The Pharisees try to trap Christ on the question of divorce, spurring additional conversation with the disciples. So what does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage?

Acts 2:36-38 - Israel's Repentance

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:30:00 GMT

When the men of Israel ask Peter, "What shall we do?", Peter begins by telling them to repent. The repentance spoken of is primarily a national repentance. In this lesson, we look back at the plan for blessing and cursing that God had laid out for Israel, in order to see where the events of Pentecost fit in God's overall plan.

Mark 9:49-50 - The Salt of the Earth

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

There are three instances in the Gospels where Christ uses salt as a picture of the believer in the world. But if that salt does not retain its unique preservative properties, then what purpose does it have? Join us as we examine these three passages and their important instruction for the Christian.

Mark 9:41-48 - Millstones, Hell Fire and the Crimson Worm

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

What could these items possibly have in common? Christ words in this passage bring out several important points regarding the progression of God's plan for Israel, the reality of hell and, by comparison with other Scripture, the suffering of Christ on the cross.

Mark 9:30-40 - For Us or Against Us?

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Once again Christ must rebuke the disciples as they dispute about which of them is the greatest. The occasion provides the opportunity for an important lesson about service.

Mark 9:14-29 - Coming Down From the Mountain Top

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Upon His return from the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ finds the disciples in confusion and disputation over their failure to cast out a devil. This account holds an important lesson for us as we seek to minister to others.

Mark 9:11-13 - Elias Is Indeed Come

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:20:00 GMT

In these verses, Christ says that Elijah had already come, in fulfillment of prophecy. But in what sense had Elijah come? To whom is He referring? And will Elijah still come in the future? Listen to this lesson to find out.

Mark 9:1-10 - The Transfiguration and the Kingdom of God

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Jesus tells his disciples that some of them will not taste death until they had seen "the kingdom of God come with power." Is this an unfulfilled prophecy? Does it point to some event yet in the future? Learn the answer in this week's lesson.

Mark 8:31-38 - Taking Up Your Cross

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:12:00 GMT

The disciples' confusion at Christ's explanation of His upcoming death and resurrection allows us to see that the gospel they had been preaching up to this point was not the gospel of the grace of God. Following His rebuke of Peter, the Lord tells the people that whoever would follow Him must "take up his cross." This term is often used to teach works salvation, but in this lesson we see that is the exact opposite of what the Lord is teaching.

Mark 8:1-30 - A Feeding, A Healing and a Confession

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Do you have a hard time remaining focused on the spiritual things of God's word? The disciples often had the same problem as we see in this lesson.

Mark 7:24-37 - A Gentile Dog and Crumbs from the Table

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:12:00 GMT

When a Syrophenician woman comes to Christ for healing for her daughter, He first won't talk to her and then calls her a dog. Why would Christ treat this woman in this way? The answer helps to reveal a key for understanding many portions of the Bible.

Mark 6:53-7:23 - Tradition of the Elders and the Word of God

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:12:00 GMT

As word of the works of Jesus Christ spread, the Pharisees began to look for anything they could use against Him. In this lesson, they accuse Him of forsaking the tradition of the elders regarding washing. He in turn points out their hypocrisy and denial of the word of God. See how many church practices today follow the example of the Pharisees in replacing the word of God with the tradition of men.

Mark 6:45-52 - Peter Has a Sinking Feeling

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Jesus again demonstrates His power as the Son of God by walking on the water. See how this event fulfills Old Testament Scripture, and also points to how the Lord will aid the nation of Israel in the coming Tribulation.

Mark 6:30-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Seeing the people "as sheep not having a shepherd", Christ provides both spiritual and physical sustenance.

Mark 6:14-29 - The Horrid Herods and the Death of John

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 16:12:00 GMT

When Herod hears of Jesus, his guilt over the death of John the Baptist causes him to think that Jesus is John risen from the dead. This lesson fills in some of the sordid historical details that led to Herod's marriage to Herodias, and Herodias' hatred of John.

Mark 6:1-13 - Unbelief at Nazareth and the Commission of the Twelve

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Sometimes Christ's worst reception came from the people who knew him the best. In this lesson, we see the unbelief in Christ's own hometown. We also examine Christ's commission of the Twelve to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and see some important lessons about the nature of this commission.

Mark 5:21-43 - A Healing, A Resurrection and God's Plan for Israel

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:12:00 GMT

On His way to heal Jairus' daughter, the Lord is delayed as a woman with an issue of blood is healed. The order of these events typify God's plan for Israel. Listen in as we draw the connections between these two miracles and God's order for the restoration of Israel.

Mark 5:1-20 - The Demoniac of Gadara

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:12:00 GMT

In this passage, Christ casts the Legion out of the demoniac of Gadara. We look at some more details regarding possession of devils. Be sure to listen to the end of the message to see how Satan is bringing people into captivity today. Could you be one of those that he has taken captive?

Mark 4:35-41 - Even the Wind and Sea Obey Him

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Christ demonstrates His power by stilling the wind and waves. By comparing this miracle with several of the Psalms, we see how Christ was proving to the disciples that He was Jehovah God. His rebuke of the disciples also provides important instruction for us in times of tribulation and distress.

Mark 4:24-32 - More Mystery Parables

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Christ gives more parables which identify the "mystery" gap between His first and second advents. In parable form, Christ describes how the kingdom would grow during this period, but also be infiltrated by false doctrines.

Mark 4:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:12:00 GMT

What was Christ's purpose in speaking in parables? You might be surprised. In this lesson, we examine the parable of the sower, which is the key to understanding all of the rest of the "mystery" parables spoken by Christ.

Mark 3:31-35 - Mary and the True Family of Christ

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:58:00 GMT

While many today venerate Mary because she was Christ's biological mother, in this passage Christ reveals that there is a spiritual relationship that supercedes any physical family attachments.

Mark 3:28-29 - Blasphemy and the Unpardonable Sin

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Have you committed the unpardonable sin? Find out what this sin means in light of the revelation of the mystery in the dispensation of grace.

Mark 3:22-27 - Devil Possession and the Dispensation of Grace

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:13:00 GMT

Are devils possessing people today? In this lesson we examine a broad overview of Satan's tactics throughout the Bible. Each time God revealed a change in His dealings with man, a change in Satan's tactics can be identified. By understanding Satan's devices, we learn how to be effective in the spiritual battle.

Mark 3:7-21 - Silencing of Devils and the Commission of the Twelve

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:11:00 GMT

Jesus' authority was such that even the unclean spirits were compelled to declare who He was, but Christ does a curious thing: He commands them not to "make Him known." Join us for this lesson as we see why Christ would tell devils and even His disciples not to tell people His identity. This lesson also includes the commissioning of the Twelve Apostles.

Mark 3:1-6 - Hypocrisy and the Law of the Sabbath

richard@richardchurch.com (Richard Church) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:20:00 GMT

Should religious traditions be used as an excuse for not doing what is right? Christ is again confronted by the Pharisees with regard to the observance of the Sabbath.