David Foster » Friday Morning Bible Study http://www.davidfoster.tv Defying convention since 1971 Sun, 13 May 2012 13:24:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Copyright 2011 David@DavidFoster.tv (Dr. David Foster) David@DavidFoster.tv (Dr. David Foster) Christianity, Faith, Non-religious, God, Jesus, spirituality, interfaith, interdenominational, church, church leadership, preaching, looking for church 1440 http://thegatheringnashville.com/images/renegadesguide_144.jpg David Foster http://www.davidfoster.tv 144 144 A verse by verse study of a book of the Bible with Dr. David Foster A weekly show that answers the questions real people have about God and how to relate to Him without all the weird religious jargon and super spiritual advice. Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville Dr. David Foster no no Copyright 2011Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,NashvilleReligion & Spirituality/ChristianityEducation/TrainingReligion & Spirituality/SpiritualityHealth/Self-HelpDFosterhope@gmail.comDr. David Foster FMBS 032: John 15 – Here’s Why You’re Failing and Frustrated http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-032-john-15-heres-why-youre-failing-and-frustrated/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-032-john-15-heres-why-youre-failing-and-frustrated/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:00:15 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5247

Ever wonder why you feel so frustrated that no matter how many resolutions you make, how much effort you exert, how many books you read or classes you attend, you seem to stay stuck all the time?   Well, if you’ve ever felt that way, or if you feel that way… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-032-john-15-heres-why-youre-failing-and-frustrated/feed/ 1 0:19:35 Ever wonder why you feel so frustrated that no matter how many resolutions you make, how much effort you exert, how many books you read or classes you attend, you seem to stay stuck all the time?   Well, if you’ve ever felt that way, or if you[...] Ever wonder why you feel so frustrated that no matter how many resolutions you make, how much effort you exert, how many books you read or classes you attend, you seem to stay stuck all the time?   Well, if you’ve ever felt that way, or if you feel that way right now, at the beginning of a new year, you’ve come to the right place.  Because we’re going to be able to learn today, in John 15, why people fail, and why they stay frustrated. This is the chapter about the vine, about how the life of God flows into ordinary, fractured, broken human beings;  how God takes us where we are, and plants us into himself. He becomes the vine, we’re the branch, and He flows through us.  The life that we live, as Paul said, is not the life that we live, it’s the life He lives through us, so that our fruitfulness and our continued success over time is guaranteed, as long as we don’t forget the vine/branch relationship.  And also, by the way, there’s a reason why so many people don’t like you, why there are people who lie to you, why there are people who betray you, why there are people who walk away just at the right time to cause you the maximum pain and frustration.  It’s all in there.  You’ll find it today in John 15: the vine and the branch theory. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 031 John 14 The One Thing God Demands From You http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-031-john-14-the-one-thing-god-demands-from-you/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-031-john-14-the-one-thing-god-demands-from-you/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5179

No matter how long you’ve been walking with God, or how sophisticated your knowledge, or how complete your experience, you’ll never get beyond one single demand.

What demand is that? It’s not moral perfection, or doctrinal sophistication.  It’s not faithful church attendance, or the willingness to be nice to each… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-031-john-14-the-one-thing-god-demands-from-you/feed/ 0 0:19:12 No matter how long you’ve been walking with God, or how sophisticated your knowledge, or how complete your experience, you’ll never get beyond one single demand. What demand is that? It’s not moral perfection, or doctrinal sophisti[...] No matter how long you’ve been walking with God, or how sophisticated your knowledge, or how complete your experience, you’ll never get beyond one single demand. What demand is that? It’s not moral perfection, or doctrinal sophistication.  It’s not faithful church attendance, or the willingness to be nice to each other.  It’s the one thing without which your life without God is not possible.  It’s simply this.  Jesus demanded that we trust Him.  Of all the beautiful things that are promised in this chapter – Heaven, the Holy Spirit, fruitfulness, blessing, peace of mind, the purposeful life – none of it can be accessed through effort, through family, or through business achievement.  All of it hinges on your ability to trust God, to test God and take Him at His word.  This is what He demands.  And on this, He will not compromise. But if you can trust Him, all things open up. The world gets bigger.  His promises drop into place.  Listen to them as we study together in our Friday Morning Bible Study. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 030 John 13: You Will be Humbled Eventually http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-030-john-13-you-will-be-humbled-eventually/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-030-john-13-you-will-be-humbled-eventually/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:00:06 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5142

The fear of being humiliated is one of the strongest fears we have to defeat if we’re going to live well.

Jesus introduces this idea of humility through the practice of feet-washing.  You probably know this is a cultural thing; that feet were washed by servants when people entered the… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-030-john-13-you-will-be-humbled-eventually/feed/ 0 0:19:07 The fear of being humiliated is one of the strongest fears we have to defeat if we’re going to live well. Jesus introduces this idea of humility through the practice of feet-washing.  You probably know this is a cultural thing; that feet were [...] The fear of being humiliated is one of the strongest fears we have to defeat if we’re going to live well. Jesus introduces this idea of humility through the practice of feet-washing.  You probably know this is a cultural thing; that feet were washed by servants when people entered the house after a long journey.  But what the disciples could never have expected was that Jesus, their God, Lord, and Messiah, the One they had left everything for, would humble Himself to wash their feet. He taught them that humility was the bedrock of our faith, that we are servants, not task masters, not Lords, not those who demand their own way. One of the great contributions of this chapter is Jesus giving us a very clear, focused understanding of how we are to express our faith in the real world.  And that’s simply this, that if we love other people, particularly other Christians, that becomes one of the first evidences of our faith. You can’t say that you love God and not love people, period.  That rules out hate, prejudice, any of the stuff that we see people using to excuse their behavior in God’s name. Humility is a beautiful thing.  Humiliation can become a beautiful thing as God applies His grace to it.  It’s His love that grows strong in us that allows us to be strong in the world, even as we take up the towel as our Savior did, and serve others.     Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 029 John 12: A Death That Leads to Life http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-029-john-12-a-death-that-leads-to-life/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-029-john-12-a-death-that-leads-to-life/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:02:24 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5082

We’re getting to the section of John where Jesus is now beginning to taper down His activity and focus on moving to Jerusalem.  This is the direction he has been going, with purpose and intentionality, all along.  He is beginning to enter the phase of His ministry when He suffers… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-029-john-12-a-death-that-leads-to-life/feed/ 0 0:20:31 We’re getting to the section of John where Jesus is now beginning to taper down His activity and focus on moving to Jerusalem.  This is the direction he has been going, with purpose and intentionality, all along.  He is beginning to enter the [...] We’re getting to the section of John where Jesus is now beginning to taper down His activity and focus on moving to Jerusalem.  This is the direction he has been going, with purpose and intentionality, all along.  He is beginning to enter the phase of His ministry when He suffers and dies as a sacrifice for our sins. As you go through the study of John 12, think about how important Jesus’ statement is when He says, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies it remains only a single seed.” Reflect on that as you’ve seen what has happened since the death and resurrection and the growth in the movement of this faith that has resulted in the fact that 2,000 years after His death 40% of the billions of people on this planet claim to follow Jesus.  Is it any accident that the fastest growing faith on the planet is Christianity?  This just leads you to believe that Jesus was and is real, that He did and does live, and that what He did in a moment of history remains done and continues to happen. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 028 John 11: Jesus Promises the Impossible http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-028-john-11-jesus-promises-the-impossible/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-028-john-11-jesus-promises-the-impossible/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:00:44 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5060

Let’s get something straight.  Jesus Christ is God, is the Savior, no doubts, no ifs, no ands, and no compromises.  Anyone who tells you any differently is lying to you.

That having been said, you might ask, “How can you be so sure?”  Well, Jesus was.  So sure, that in… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-028-john-11-jesus-promises-the-impossible/feed/ 0 0:00:01 Let’s get something straight.  Jesus Christ is God, is the Savior, no doubts, no ifs, no ands, and no compromises.  Anyone who tells you any differently is lying to you. That having been said, you might ask, “How can you be so sure?[...] Let’s get something straight.  Jesus Christ is God, is the Savior, no doubts, no ifs, no ands, and no compromises.  Anyone who tells you any differently is lying to you. That having been said, you might ask, “How can you be so sure?”  Well, Jesus was.  So sure, that in John 11 He promised to raise the dead.  And not only raise the dead, but He promised that those who believed in Him, trusted Him, accepted Him, embraced Him in a personal connected relationship of Savior to the one needing to be saved, that after this life, we would live. Death would not be the final note, but death would be defeated.  The sting of death, the victory of death is gone forever for those who are in Christ. What does it say about those who aren’t in Christ?  It means there is no hope; absolutely nothing but desolation; a future so horrible that the Bible describes it as hell.  Now, can this be true?  As true as the other.  The opposites do exist.  That’s why it is imperative for the simple gospel message to be heard, and people be given a choice and a chance to receive it or to reject it. As a Christian, I can accept people saying “no” to Christ.  It’s their right.  As a matter of fact, it’s their right between them and God; not me.  I can’t save you.  I can’t even save myself.  I can’t save the world, and I don’t need to save Jesus.  But here it is: Jesus promises the impossible.  Life – eternal life – and though we die in this life, we awaken in a place called Heaven. A future in eternity, better and more glorious than anything we can ever imagine.  That is something to not be missed, nor can it be compromised. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 027 John 10: 1-33 Jesus Claims Ultimate Power http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-027-john-10-1-33-jesus-claims-ultimate-power/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-027-john-10-1-33-jesus-claims-ultimate-power/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:51 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=5033

Jesus is radical, you might almost say fanatical about his equality with God the Father.  It’s important to understand that Jesus didn’t just claim to be a good guy, a religious leader, a prophet.  He claimed to be God, to have the ultimate power, willingly die, and then by His… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-027-john-10-1-33-jesus-claims-ultimate-power/feed/ 0 0:20:16 Jesus is radical, you might almost say fanatical about his equality with God the Father.  It’s important to understand that Jesus didn’t just claim to be a good guy, a religious leader, a prophet.  He claimed to be God, to have the ultim[...] Jesus is radical, you might almost say fanatical about his equality with God the Father.  It’s important to understand that Jesus didn’t just claim to be a good guy, a religious leader, a prophet.  He claimed to be God, to have the ultimate power, willingly die, and then by His own power, come back to life.  Only Jesus was crucified and was resurrected from the dead. The other thing that stands out in these verses is that he wasn’t afraid of confrontation.  He wasn’t afraid to put people in their place when their intent was to harm other people.  Jesus wasn’t nice, calm, and limp-wristed.  He had a strong will and was willing to confront when the truth was at stake, when lives were at stake.  Getting Jesus right is everything.  And everything else is secondary to that. As you reflect on the study today, ask yourself these questions: Is Jesus Christ my God and Savior? Do I have a personal relationship? Is my profession of faith as a Christian a current reality, not just something in the past I refer to? Do I walk in the abundant life that Jesus dies to make possible? What is abundant life? How would I know it when I see it? If Jesus Christ is essential, what am I doing to make sure other people hear the story of the gospel and the claims of Christ? Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 026 John 9: God Can’t Do That For You http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-026-john-9-god-cant-do-that-for-you/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-026-john-9-god-cant-do-that-for-you/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:26 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4912

One of the hardest things to get right is how to understand  God’s part and my part. We either think that God does everything without any participation on our part, or that He does nothing.  That we have to earn our way to God and the good or the bad… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-026-john-9-god-cant-do-that-for-you/feed/ 0 0:20:27 One of the hardest things to get right is how to understand  God’s part and my part. We either think that God does everything without any participation on our part, or that He does nothing.  That we have to earn our way to God and the good or [...] One of the hardest things to get right is how to understand  God’s part and my part. We either think that God does everything without any participation on our part, or that He does nothing.  That we have to earn our way to God and the good or the bad that happens in our life is brought onto ourselves by our action or lack thereof. Today in John Chapter 9, we learn, in the encounter of Jesus and the blind man, that there are things that Jesus does, like healing out of His power.  And then there are times that He requires our help or participation, like getting up and going to bathe in the Pool of Siloam. John Chapter 9 is also a typical encounter of Jesus as He speaks truth to power.  Religious abuse is still conducted today in the name of God.  Religious professionals and other weird-type people who have one agenda – power and control – resort oftentimes to manipulation by threat of exclusion from the community in order to get their way. As you follow along today, get the subtleties of how radical Jesus’s teachings and behaviors were in His day of religious conformity, and ask yourself this question, “Has it changed much in my day?” Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 025 You Think You’re Free, But You’re Not http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-025-you-think-youre-free-but-youre-not/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-025-you-think-youre-free-but-youre-not/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:06:45 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4877

We continue in our study of the Book of John with Chapter 8, verse 12 and finish with verse 58.

One of the key messages of Jesus is that if you know Him you know the truth, and if you the truth, the truth will set you free.  The response… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-025-you-think-youre-free-but-youre-not/feed/ 0 0:19:59 We continue in our study of the Book of John with Chapter 8, verse 12 and finish with verse 58. One of the key messages of Jesus is that if you know Him you know the truth, and if you the truth, the truth will set you free.  The response of the Phar[...] We continue in our study of the Book of John with Chapter 8, verse 12 and finish with verse 58. One of the key messages of Jesus is that if you know Him you know the truth, and if you the truth, the truth will set you free.  The response of the Pharisees is that they had never been in bondage, so they didn’t need to be set free.  How blind is the person who is in bondage to his sin, his opinions, or his fears, and doesn’t realize not only does he need to be set free, the One who can set him free is standing right in front of him? As you share today’s study with your small groups or friends and your family, ask yourself these questions: “Are we really free?  Are we living in freedom? What does it mean to be free in Christ?  What does it mean to be free from?  What does it mean to be free under?  And what does it mean to be free for? This is the trinity of freedom that Chirist offers. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 024 John 7:25-8:11 God Makes Me Mad http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-024-john-725-811-god-makes-me-mad/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-024-john-725-811-god-makes-me-mad/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:06 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4852

One thing we are discovering in our study through the book of John is, Jesus had a message.  He was a man on a mission.  He didn’t avoid controversy and he constantly made the religious elite mad; not just mad, but angry.  He confronted them on every side about the… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-024-john-725-811-god-makes-me-mad/feed/ 0 0:20:28 One thing we are discovering in our study through the book of John is, Jesus had a message.  He was a man on a mission.  He didn’t avoid controversy and he constantly made the religious elite mad; not just mad, but angry.  He confronted them o[...] One thing we are discovering in our study through the book of John is, Jesus had a message.  He was a man on a mission.  He didn’t avoid controversy and he constantly made the religious elite mad; not just mad, but angry.  He confronted them on every side about the truth of who He was, and what the implications of that truth would mean to them and their future. When Jesus heals, he does it publicly, on the Sabbath, at major festivals, outside the temple courts.  He preaches and teaches that He and His Father are One, that if they knew God they would know Him.  In our study today, a group of religious professionals got together to try to trap Jesus by bringing a woman caught in adultery.  If He lets her go, He’s condemned.  If He condemns her then He’s taken the authority of the Jewish Sanhedrin – accused either way.  Yet the Master Teacher had a masterful response to those who tried to trap Him.  Read it and you’ll understand that Jesus constantly made people mad by telling them the truth; the truth about who He was and how life would change now that the Messiah has come; the truth about why He came, but most of all the truth about themselves. Notice what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery. He said, “I don’t condemn you.”  But He had another message for her. Think about it.  Ask yourself this question: “If Jesus were speaking to me today on my worst day, what would he tell me?”  Would He say, “Peace, be still.  You’re forgiven”? And what instruction would He give me to change my life?  The truth is, Jesus makes people mad in order to heal them and set them free; confronting the truth and then allowing His grace to cover it, redeem it, set us free, and love us back to life.  Yea God!  Yea Jesus! Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 023 John 6:60-70, John 7:1-20 Misjudging Badly by Appearances http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-023-john-660-70-john-71-20-misjudging-badly-by-appearances/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-023-john-660-70-john-71-20-misjudging-badly-by-appearances/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:58 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4811

Jesus is now being public with His intentions.  He’s making claims that rightfully should shock His listeners, unless of course they’re true.  The guy in the room who claims to be God and is, you would expect that everything now is going to change.  So Jesus is not only training… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-023-john-660-70-john-71-20-misjudging-badly-by-appearances/feed/ 0 0:13:12 Jesus is now being public with His intentions.  He’s making claims that rightfully should shock His listeners, unless of course they’re true.  The guy in the room who claims to be God and is, you would expect that everything now is going[...] Jesus is now being public with His intentions.  He’s making claims that rightfully should shock His listeners, unless of course they’re true.  The guy in the room who claims to be God and is, you would expect that everything now is going to change.  So Jesus is not only training His disciples, telling His story, but also slowly and methodically moving toward Jerusalem where He pushes the religious elite into a corner where they have to come after Him. One of the most poignant and pointed questions in this passage is when Jesus looks at Peter and says, “Others have left me.  Will you leave me too?”  And we have to give it to Peter here.   For all the times he got it wrong, this time he got it right, in spades.  He looked at Jesus and said, “Where can we go, because we believe and know that you are the Son of God?” Here is a beautiful and balanced view of belief.  We believe in our heart and our spirit, with our emotions, whatever you want to call it, but that part of us that makes us human; and we know in our mind, that part of us that helps inform our emotional decisions and makes sure that we make wise ones. As you consider this week’s passage, ask yourself these questions.  How do we tell this radical story in a cynical world?  How do we help confront the world with the truth that Jesus is God in human form, that He has come to rescue the world, that He is the Messiah, He is God’s first and last answer for the hope of the world? How do we tell this in a way that helps people consider it, believe it, and know it as Peter did? And how do we answer the objections of those who call attention to all the weird and goofy stuff that has grown up around the American church to obscure and hide the true simplicity? Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 022 How to be Safe in a Storm and Fed in a Famine http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-022-how-to-be-safe-in-a-storm-and-fed-in-a-famine/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-022-how-to-be-safe-in-a-storm-and-fed-in-a-famine/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:00:06 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4786

We start today in John 6:16, with the account of the disciples meeting Jesus in a storm, walking on the water.

Remember this, Jesus never did anything for show.  There was a meaning, a purpose that tied into His larger mission in everything He did. So walking on the water… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-022-how-to-be-safe-in-a-storm-and-fed-in-a-famine/feed/ 0 0:00:01 We start today in John 6:16, with the account of the disciples meeting Jesus in a storm, walking on the water. Remember this, Jesus never did anything for show.  There was a meaning, a purpose that tied into His larger mission in everything He did. [...] We start today in John 6:16, with the account of the disciples meeting Jesus in a storm, walking on the water. Remember this, Jesus never did anything for show.  There was a meaning, a purpose that tied into His larger mission in everything He did. So walking on the water and meeting the disciples was certainly a teachable moment.  Not only the metaphor of storms, water and spiritual calm, but that Jesus was the Lord over creation and over nature.  There is no realm into which His power does not extend. From the storm we go to another metaphor of bread, that Jesus is the bread of life.  It is a repeated theme here that comes over from John 4, and the woman at the well.  Jesus told her that whoever drank His water would never be thirsty again.  Now there is bread that satisfies, walking on the water, healing the sick.  There’s a picture developing here that Jesus Christ is the mighty Messiah, the Lord of all creation and the servant of God sent to redeem and to reconcile for God.  What a beautiful picture John is painting; like a word-artist telling stories that lead us to that ultimate place of absolute confidence in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, His love for us, and His plan for our future. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 021 Mastering the Art of Missing the Point http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-021-mastering-the-art-of-missing-the-point/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-021-mastering-the-art-of-missing-the-point/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:00:48 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4741

Today we begin in John Chapter 6. We go through the first 15 verses.  This is the famous account of Jesus feeding the tens of thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish.

This is an illustration of God’s provision.  It’s an authentication of Christ as the Messiah.  And… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-021-mastering-the-art-of-missing-the-point/feed/ 0 0:19:53 Today we begin in John Chapter 6. We go through the first 15 verses.  This is the famous account of Jesus feeding the tens of thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish. This is an illustration of God’s provision.  It’s an authenticat[...] Today we begin in John Chapter 6. We go through the first 15 verses.  This is the famous account of Jesus feeding the tens of thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish. This is an illustration of God’s provision.  It’s an authentication of Christ as the Messiah.  And it also a teaching moment for his disciples. After all that Jesus had done to “wow” the crowd, what they really fall in love with is not Jesus, but the fact that Jesus is now their own private restaurant.  If they could only make him King, he could supply all their needs, all their wishes, set them free, return them to national pride.  They missed the entire point, as we often do today.  We so easily fall in love with what God can do for us, rather than who God is to us, through us, and in us. How many times have you gotten mad and angry at God because He didn’t perform up to your expectations and standards?  But make no mistake about it. As in Jesus’s day with the feeding of the tens of thousands, He’s not the one on trial.  We are. We are the ones who have a chance to reject religion and embrace a real relationship; a relationship in which God is God, and we are His created beings.  Where the Father loves His children.  Where the children obey their Father.  Where we worship and adore, pay homage and sacrifice to the One who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 020 The Guy Who Claims to be God is a Nut http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-020-the-guy-who-claims-to-be-god-is-a-nut/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-020-the-guy-who-claims-to-be-god-is-a-nut/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:29:38 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4707

We continue in our study of John in John Chapter 5, beginning with verse 31 throughout the rest of the chapter, with an extended confrontation of Jesus with the Pharisees.  He loved nothing more than driving them crazy by claiming to be God; or more importantly for their understanding, the… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-020-the-guy-who-claims-to-be-god-is-a-nut/feed/ 0 0:19:59 We continue in our study of John in John Chapter 5, beginning with verse 31 throughout the rest of the chapter, with an extended confrontation of Jesus with the Pharisees.  He loved nothing more than driving them crazy by claiming to be God; or more[...] We continue in our study of John in John Chapter 5, beginning with verse 31 throughout the rest of the chapter, with an extended confrontation of Jesus with the Pharisees.  He loved nothing more than driving them crazy by claiming to be God; or more importantly for their understanding, the Messiah. And let’s be honest.  Any guy who claims to be God is a nut, unless he is God.  If he is God, everything changes.  Jesus is in a pattern here in the Book of John.  He heals someone on the Sabbath.  Those people go tell other people and attract the attention of the fundamentalists among them.  They get upset. They gather a growing number of people who are upset.  And they begin to follow Jesus, and confront him, trying to trap him, ultimately, so they can accuse, arrest, and have him crucified, and in their way of thinking, done away with.  And yet we see as we study this book, Jesus is always in control knowing exactly what he is doing, leading them exactly where he wants them to go.  But all at the same time helping us understand that Christ is indeed the promised Messiah, rooted in the history and prophecy of Scripture, fulfilling all the covenants and promises of God. Here’s what we understand at the very end of this. Everything changes if Jesus is indeed God.  If he is God, he is the Messiah.  If he is the Messiah he is the Redeemer.  And if he is the Redeemer and he died and rose again, then he has actually purchased an atonement for our sin.  We can know God, be right with God, and everything radically changes. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 019 John 5:1-30 If You Want a Miracle, You’re Going to Have to Help http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-019-john-51-30-if-you-want-a-miracle-youre-going-to-have-to-help/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-019-john-51-30-if-you-want-a-miracle-youre-going-to-have-to-help/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:00:38 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4665

We’ve come to John Chapter 5 when Jesus now leaves the rural areas and goes straight into the eye of the storm in Jerusalem. He’s there to stir up trouble.  Yeah, our sweet,little, wouldn’t hurt a fly Jesus was looking for a fight and knew exactly where to go.

He… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-019-john-51-30-if-you-want-a-miracle-youre-going-to-have-to-help/feed/ 0 0:20:18 We’ve come to John Chapter 5 when Jesus now leaves the rural areas and goes straight into the eye of the storm in Jerusalem. He’s there to stir up trouble.  Yeah, our sweet,little, wouldn’t hurt a fly Jesus was looking for a fight [...] We’ve come to John Chapter 5 when Jesus now leaves the rural areas and goes straight into the eye of the storm in Jerusalem. He’s there to stir up trouble.  Yeah, our sweet,little, wouldn’t hurt a fly Jesus was looking for a fight and knew exactly where to go. He meets a lame guy, who has been lame for 38 years, using perfectly good excuses why he can do no other.  And yet Jesus in a moment says, “Get up, take up your bed and walk,” illustrating the fact that God is not going to do magic for you.  You’re going to be involved in every miracle He does in your life in some way.  You’re going to join Him because God is looking for a relationship, not more people to wow. Since Jesus healed the guy on the Sabbath, the religious people totally forgot about the miracle and the good news that this guy could walk.  It’s the fact that they were carrying his bed, they wanted to know who to blame, and they soon found Jesus. It’s also important to listen carefully to this week’s episode to understand that Jesus claimed to be God.  We worship Jesus as God; not as a sub-god or a lesser god, but listen to the ways in which He drew attention to Himself by confessing that He was equal with God. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 018 John 4:23-54 How Dare Jesus Say That http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-018-john-423-54-how-dare-jesus-say-that/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-018-john-423-54-how-dare-jesus-say-that/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:55 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4627

As we continue our study in the Book of John, I beg you to at least attempt to put your understanding into the first century context.  Jesus claims to be the Messiah; not a great teacher, not a great man, not a holy man, not even a man with… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-018-john-423-54-how-dare-jesus-say-that/feed/ 0 0:20:37 As we continue our study in the Book of John, I beg you to at least attempt to put your understanding into the first century context.  Jesus claims to be the Messiah; not a great teacher, not a great man, not a holy man, not even a man with the pow[...] As we continue our study in the Book of John, I beg you to at least attempt to put your understanding into the first century context.  Jesus claims to be the Messiah; not a great teacher, not a great man, not a holy man, not even a man with the power to do miracles.  But the one and only God come down, to be prophet, priest, and King, as Redeemer, once and for all. The other thing I want you to notice as we go through the study today is the Messiah is always communicated in terms of relationships, or in connection to them.  Jesus comes to the woman at the well: relationship.  She goes back and tells the people in town what she’s heard and what she’s experienced: relationship.  They come and hear Jesus: relationship.  The disciples who we all think are the great Green Beret of the Christian faith, still have to learn an awfully lot about Jesus in relationship. Even Jesus raising from the dead, the official Son, was put in context of relationship. It’s important that you understand that the study of the Bible is not to make you a smarter sinner or not to give you an elevated sense of self-righteous, but to introduce you to a personal, radical transforming relationship with Jesus Christ as the only Messiah that we’ve ever had or are ever going to get. Jesus said outrageous things, but if they are true, they are not only good news, they are the kind of hope we need and the kind of hope that sustains and creates a better future. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 017 John 4:1-24 Jesus Goes a Slummin’ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-017-john-41-24-jesus-goes-a-slummin/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-017-john-41-24-jesus-goes-a-slummin/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:30:19 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4591

Last week in John Chapter 3 we saw how Jesus dealt with the ultimate insider; a guy named Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was well-connected: a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee, the ultimate insider, the ultimate religious professional.  And when he comes to Jesus by night, Jesus graciously and carefully deconstructs… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-017-john-41-24-jesus-goes-a-slummin/feed/ 0 0:19:57 Last week in John Chapter 3 we saw how Jesus dealt with the ultimate insider; a guy named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was well-connected: a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee, the ultimate insider, the ultimate religious professional.  And when he comes [...] Last week in John Chapter 3 we saw how Jesus dealt with the ultimate insider; a guy named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was well-connected: a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee, the ultimate insider, the ultimate religious professional.  And when he comes to Jesus by night, Jesus graciously and carefully deconstructs his entire religious worldview.  He tells Nicodemus that the relationship that God seeks is in the heart; not a national, not a surface, not a traditional relationship, but one that radically changes a person and makes them different. So as we come to Chapter 4 today, Jesus goes from the insider to the ultimate outsider as he goes through Samaria, the equivalent of the slums for the Orthodox Jew in Jesus’s day.  And instead of a man imbued with power and cloaked in religious approval, Jesus engages a woman; a scandalous woman with a secret, with a past.  He engages her about her need for the kind of water that only God can give. These two passages illustrate beautifully that Jesus Christ came to change something, not about our behavior, but fundamentally about our existence.  To be born again is not just to have a religious agenda, but it’s to receive the greatest gift that God can give a human being.  All of this today on Friday Morning Bible Study. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 016 The Greatest Gift You’re Ever Going to Get http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-016-the-greatest-gift-youre-ever-going-to-get/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-016-the-greatest-gift-youre-ever-going-to-get/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:00:32 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4557

Friday Morning Bible Study is a 20-minute verse-by-verse study through the Book of John.  It’s intended to be used in your small groups, or in your drive to work.  The length is long enough to dig deep, but not too long for those on a tight schedule.

Today we… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-016-the-greatest-gift-youre-ever-going-to-get/feed/ 0 0:19:59 Friday Morning Bible Study is a 20-minute verse-by-verse study through the Book of John.  It’s intended to be used in your small groups, or in your drive to work.  The length is long enough to dig deep, but not too long for those on a tight s[...] Friday Morning Bible Study is a 20-minute verse-by-verse study through the Book of John.  It’s intended to be used in your small groups, or in your drive to work.  The length is long enough to dig deep, but not too long for those on a tight schedule. Today we come to John chapter 13 through verse 36.  This passage contains the first Scripture I ever learned and is still the best verse I’ve ever known. It’s the verse that assures us that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die that we might have eternal life. There’s also some interesting back-and-forth in this passage between John the Baptist and his followers and Jesus and his gaining popularity.  Just as in our day, we have people who try to cause trouble, to stir up jealousy and competition, it was true in Jesus’s and John the Baptist’s day.  And how John the Baptist faced it is also a great learning for how we can face it in our own life. This passage ends with the powerful statement that flies in the face of a lot of the current teaching in American Christianity.  There seems to be a controversy in some people’s minds about the essential nature of Jesus. Can you know God without Jesus?  Can you go to heaven without accepting Him as Lord? Can you stand before God and be forgiven even if you haven’t repented your sins, you don’t love God, as a matter of fact you hate everything righteous and holy, and want nothing to do with God?  Is it true that in eternity God forces Himself on those who refuse to love Him and bow to Him on this earth?  The Scriptures make it very clear and it’s a fascinating read. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 015 A Beautiful Anger http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-015-a-beautiful-anger/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-015-a-beautiful-anger/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:51 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4515

We continue, today, in our weekly verse-by-verse study of John by beginning with John 2:13.  Here are introduced the most intriguing aspects of Jesus’s ministry, of his ability to become angry and remain righteous and sinless, all at the same time.  Oftentimes we teach Christians that anger and frustration… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-015-a-beautiful-anger/feed/ 0 0:20:45 We continue, today, in our weekly verse-by-verse study of John by beginning with John 2:13.  Here are introduced the most intriguing aspects of Jesus’s ministry, of his ability to become angry and remain righteous and sinless, all at the same[...] We continue, today, in our weekly verse-by-verse study of John by beginning with John 2:13.  Here are introduced the most intriguing aspects of Jesus’s ministry, of his ability to become angry and remain righteous and sinless, all at the same time.  Oftentimes we teach Christians that anger and frustration and other such emotions have no place in Christ or in the spiritual life.  And yet Christ was angry.  He got upset. He wasn’t just some nice pushover that people could treat just any way and he would “turn the other cheek.” We are also introduced to another character, Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin by night.  Without a doubt he got more than he bargained for and certainly a different story than he had heard before he met Jesus. Why did he come at night?  How did he respond?  And what does this story have to do with your life and mine in the modern world?  Why the phrase, you must be born again, makes all the difference in your relationship with God and your future. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 014 John 1:39-2:12 Two Words That Change Everything http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-014-john-139-212-two-words-that-change-everything/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-014-john-139-212-two-words-that-change-everything/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:00:38 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4485

As we continue our verse-by-verse study of the Book of John, we are introduced to the disciples that Jesus is now gathering around Him.  And as they come around Him, each one of them is so transfixed with Jesus and who He is and what He’s here to do,… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-014-john-139-212-two-words-that-change-everything/feed/ 0 0:00:01 As we continue our verse-by-verse study of the Book of John, we are introduced to the disciples that Jesus is now gathering around Him.  And as they come around Him, each one of them is so transfixed with Jesus and who He is and what He’s her[...] As we continue our verse-by-verse study of the Book of John, we are introduced to the disciples that Jesus is now gathering around Him.  And as they come around Him, each one of them is so transfixed with Jesus and who He is and what He’s here to do, he goes and finds his friend or his brother.  As they come around Jesus asking Him what He wants them to do, He simply says, “Follow me.” These are the two words that change everything, aren’t they?  It’s not, “Admire me,” “Add me to your life,” or even, as I was told as a child, “Make a decision for me.”  That’s how my spiritual life began; down front, signing a “decision card.”  The next was to be baptized.  The next was to join the church, and after that was pretty much set. And yet Jesus never asked you to join the church. He never asked you to sign a decision card. He asked you to simply follow Him.  And as the disciples began to follow Him, He took them on a journey and an adventure they could only have imagined. As we start Chapter 2, we see Jesus launching His public ministry at the most unlikely place – a public wedding, by doing the most unlikely miracle – turning the water into wine.  There’s a lot there, as we walk through these verses together. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 013 John 1:15-38: God Gets Down and Dirty http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-013-john-115-38-god-gets-down-and-dirty/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-013-john-115-38-god-gets-down-and-dirty/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:00:07 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4455

We continue in our study of John in today’s episode.  We talk about the power of John the Baptist as he presents with great boldness and clarity, Jesus as the Messiah.

He talks about a new kind of grace, a power that will accompany the words and work of… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-013-john-115-38-god-gets-down-and-dirty/feed/ 0 0:00:01 We continue in our study of John in today’s episode.  We talk about the power of John the Baptist as he presents with great boldness and clarity, Jesus as the Messiah. He talks about a new kind of grace, a power that will accompany the words [...] We continue in our study of John in today’s episode.  We talk about the power of John the Baptist as he presents with great boldness and clarity, Jesus as the Messiah. He talks about a new kind of grace, a power that will accompany the words and work of Jesus with the Holy Spirit.  We get introduced to the idea of the Trinity; that God is One expressed in three persons, with three very separate tasks to accomplish. As you study these next verses, think about the richness of what it means for God to give us a new kind and a better kind of grace; what it means when they call Jesus, “Rabbi.”  What does it mean that He is a Teacher?  What did He come to teach us?  What’s the content and mission?  Is it being pushed forward today by the church, or has the church lost its way on a mission of its own? Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 012 John 1: Why Jesus is a Big Deal http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-012-john-1-why-jesus-is-a-big-deal/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-012-john-1-why-jesus-is-a-big-deal/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:00:15 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4416

Well today we turn the corner in our Friday Morning Bible Study in two ways:  a brand new book, and a newer, shorter format.

For our first eleven episodes, I taught from the Book of Romans in a a live forum.  But for the Book of John, I’m going… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-012-john-1-why-jesus-is-a-big-deal/feed/ 0 0:00:01 Well today we turn the corner in our Friday Morning Bible Study in two ways:  a brand new book, and a newer, shorter format. For our first eleven episodes, I taught from the Book of Romans in a a live forum.  But for the Book of John, I’m goi[...] Well today we turn the corner in our Friday Morning Bible Study in two ways:  a brand new book, and a newer, shorter format. For our first eleven episodes, I taught from the Book of Romans in a a live forum.  But for the Book of John, I’m going to record the lesson on Thursday in my studio and have it posted by 5:00 AM every Friday morning, so that you can download it and have it for your Friday Morning Bible Study or whenever your small group, family, or work group gets together and studies. The 20-minute format gives you plenty of time to play the study in your group, and time for intro and discussion.  Twenty minutes is about the average commute, so it gives you time to listen to it on your way to work each Friday.  I hope you find it helpful. We’re starting with John Chapter 1 in the first 14 verses where John tells us that Jesus is a big deal; that He is preincarnate, eternal, He is the agent of creation, He is the Light of the world, and He chooses people that we wouldn’t have. This is a rich couple of paragraphs full of meaning that really sets the standard for what makes Christianity so unique and gives you some reasons why it has been so successful over these two thousand years. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 011 It’s Not All About Me http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-011-its-not-all-about-me/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-011-its-not-all-about-me/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 10:00:34 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4383

Today we’ve come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Romans with chapters 15 & 16 convincing us our lives should be lived not out of our weakness, but out of Christ’s strength.

Today we’ll talk about the power of hope and the transformation that happens… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-011-its-not-all-about-me/feed/ 0 0:23:23 Today we’ve come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Romans with chapters 15 & 16 convincing us our lives should be lived not out of our weakness, but out of Christ’s strength. Today we’ll talk about the power of hop[...] Today we’ve come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Romans with chapters 15 & 16 convincing us our lives should be lived not out of our weakness, but out of Christ’s strength. Today we’ll talk about the power of hope and the transformation that happens when the Holy Spirit comes into the world not only to restrain evil and to convict and draw the elect, but also to energize our hope and to give us power for service.  As a Christian it is never just about me.  It’s about serving the movement. It’s about living out of strength to weakness. One of the other fallacies we deal with in this Bible study is the whole idea that I’m just a sinner saved by grace.  I heard that all my life growing up.  But we are more than sinners.  Paul says we’re saints – holy ones.  We have a new position and orientation to God and therefore, to the world.  We’re no longer living out of weakness; we’re living out of strength. Again, we are very careful to understand that it’s God’s strength in and through us, but a strength, nonetheless; strength enough to go out and pioneer the good news, to go into a dark world where people are losing their lives every single day around us and still smiling all about it, seeing past the facade and offering the hope of Jesus Christ;  caring, loving, serving, and pouring our life and our resources into this epic movement that God cares so much about. As you use the study today in your small groups or Bible studies, particularly ask yourself these questions, “What does it mean to say that life is not all about me?  What is the true Christian hope?  What is the Holy Spirit’s role in my life and in the world these days? What should I do about those who cause divisions among us?  What about those who are in need? What are my responses to others who are suffering, and especially suffering for their faith?” Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 010 Not Everyone Can Do What You Can Do http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-010-not-everyone-can-do-what-you-can-do/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-010-not-everyone-can-do-what-you-can-do/#comments Tue, 24 May 2011 10:30:53 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4349

We began in Romans 14 in our study, this week, with really practical teaching on Christian liberty.

Too often in an effort to live Christian-ly we end up judging each other over the things that we can and cannot do and maintain our Christian testimony.

The truth of the… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-010-not-everyone-can-do-what-you-can-do/feed/ 0 1:10:10 We began in Romans 14 in our study, this week, with really practical teaching on Christian liberty. Too often in an effort to live Christian-ly we end up judging each other over the things that we can and cannot do and maintain our Christian testim[...] We began in Romans 14 in our study, this week, with really practical teaching on Christian liberty. Too often in an effort to live Christian-ly we end up judging each other over the things that we can and cannot do and maintain our Christian testimony. The truth of the matter is, not everyone can do what everyone else can do.  And not everything that is sinful or unwise is true for everyone.  There’s not one blanket statement, unless of course you’re talking about the principles and the absolutes of the faith. And even those sometimes are up for debate.  But I think we can agree that adultery, lying, greed, gossip, bitterness, back-biting, and taking the Lord’s name in vain are all things to be avoided.  They lead to no good place. But what about the other things such as what you eat, what you wear, the Holy days and festivals you observe, things you abstain from – one person’s a vegetarian, while other people love bacon.  How can we all be right when we have to make moral decisions about these questionable habits?  It’s called Christian liberty and maturity.  And that’s what we delve into and get insights on today in Romans 14. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 009 – Romans 12 and 13: Let’s Get Down and Dirty http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-009-romans-12-and-13-lets-get-down-and-dirty/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-009-romans-12-and-13-lets-get-down-and-dirty/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 10:30:45 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4309

As we continued our journey in our Friday Morning Bible Study this week ,we dealt with Romans Chapters 12 and 13.  These are the verses where we get practical, down and dirty, about the living-out of our faith.

It’s almost poetic and comical that Chapter 12 begins with the… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-009-romans-12-and-13-lets-get-down-and-dirty/feed/ 0 1:01:33 As we continued our journey in our Friday Morning Bible Study this week ,we dealt with Romans Chapters 12 and 13.  These are the verses where we get practical, down and dirty, about the living-out of our faith. It’s almost poetic and comical [...] As we continued our journey in our Friday Morning Bible Study this week ,we dealt with Romans Chapters 12 and 13.  These are the verses where we get practical, down and dirty, about the living-out of our faith. It’s almost poetic and comical that Chapter 12 begins with the word “Therefore.”  We’ve always learned that when we see a “therefore” in Scripture, we have to see what it’s there for.  In other words, is it looking forward to what’s coming, or looking back at what’s already been taught.  In this case, it’s obviously looking back at the first 11 chapters. Paul goes to great lengths, 12 chapters worth, to help the Romans understand the majesty of their faith, the depth, the breadth, and how great it is in light of how bad the bad news is. And sometimes when he uses words like election, predestination, justification, transgression and the like, we can get confused.  But trust me, he speaks plain emotional language that’s too hard to misunderstand, and too good to ignore. I thought it was interesting at the recent wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate, this chapter was read by Kate’s brother, almost in it’s entirety. Chapter 12 leaves no doubt as to what God is up to in the knowledge of all of this theological content.  It’s the transformation of our mind.   That’s what Christianity really is, isn’t it? Transformation.  Religion is about reformation.  Fundamentalism is about devastation or judgment.  But true, Jesus spirituality is about being transformed from the inside out. As you listen to this session, look at all the practical things we’re told to do about loving one another.  The chapter ends with this bold, radical statement that you overcome evil not with bombs, guns, and filibusters, but with love, or with good.  Chapter 13 gets even more into our face and down to our business when it tell us our obligation to the government.  I  think you will enjoy the Q & A time at the end of this session as well, as we talked about some of the practical implications of the teachings of Romans. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 008 Romans 10 & 11: God Makes No Casual Covenants http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-008-romans-10-11-god-makes-no-casual-covenants/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-008-romans-10-11-god-makes-no-casual-covenants/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:30:29 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4170

It’s hard to believe we’re already up to Chapters 10 and 11 in our Friday Morning Bible Study.  But we have arrived at two verses that make it very clear that when God makes a promise, He takes it seriously.

The great teacher, Paul, turns our attention to God’s… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-008-romans-10-11-god-makes-no-casual-covenants/feed/ 0 1:13:42 It’s hard to believe we’re already up to Chapters 10 and 11 in our Friday Morning Bible Study.  But we have arrived at two verses that make it very clear that when God makes a promise, He takes it seriously. The great teacher, Paul, tur[...] It’s hard to believe we’re already up to Chapters 10 and 11 in our Friday Morning Bible Study.  But we have arrived at two verses that make it very clear that when God makes a promise, He takes it seriously. The great teacher, Paul, turns our attention to God’s covenant with Israel.  Even though their disbelief has worked out to the benefit of the outsiders, namely the Gentiles; namely, you and me, God still is going to keep His promise to Israel. It’s a fascinating study that helps us understand: God takes His promises seriously. This means that God is not only personal, but very relational. God is incredibly creative in the way that He fulfills His plans, even when fallible, fickle people refuse to cooperate. And last, but not least, God’s grace has been extended for those who are aliens to the promises of God. That makes this a good day. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 007 It’s God’s Way, or the Highway http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-007-its-gods-way-or-the-highway/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-007-its-gods-way-or-the-highway/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:30:03 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4130

This week at our Friday Morning Bible Study we dealt with the last verses of Chapter 8, and all of Romans Chapter 9.

Romans 8 ends by talking about these good, glorious ideals; that we are more than conquerors in Christ, that nothing can separate us from the love… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-007-its-gods-way-or-the-highway/feed/ 0 1:14:28 This week at our Friday Morning Bible Study we dealt with the last verses of Chapter 8, and all of Romans Chapter 9. Romans 8 ends by talking about these good, glorious ideals; that we are more than conquerors in Christ, that nothing can separate us[...] This week at our Friday Morning Bible Study we dealt with the last verses of Chapter 8, and all of Romans Chapter 9. Romans 8 ends by talking about these good, glorious ideals; that we are more than conquerors in Christ, that nothing can separate us from the love of God: not life, not death, not the future, nor the past, nor any other creature could ever separate us from the love of Christ.  And then we go to Chapter 9.  Oh, what a headache! It’s in Chapter 9 we’re told that God will have mercy on whom He’ll have mercy. That as the Creator He’ll have full sway and right to say what He will or will not do with and for His creation.  These are deep thoughts, deep ideas that most Christians, in my experience, turn away from to embrace the more shallow truths; that God loves everyone, that no one is going to hell, that no one is estranged from God, that everyone is a friend of God, that God is a big grandpa in the sky without the right to rule and reign and judge His own creation. Bottom line of what we learned this week in Romans: this indeed is my Father’s world, He is a big God, a good God, an awesome God; and He will reign with absolute sway over His creation.  He will do as He pleases.  The only obligation He owes us is to be fully who He is and do what He does. Ha cannot violate His nature.  He is righteous, holy and without sin, absolutely. If we’re going to be loved and included, there has to be another story added.  It’s called the gospel, the story of grace. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 006 Romans 8: What Do You Do When Things Go Bad? http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-006-romans-8-what-do-you-do-when-things-go-bad/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-006-romans-8-what-do-you-do-when-things-go-bad/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:45:40 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4102

We began studying Romans Chapter 8 this past Friday at our Friday Morning Bible Study.  We talked about God’s promises to the elect, to those whom He has called.  We talked about issues like predestination and election.  What did God mean when he said, “To whom the Lord calls, He… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-006-romans-8-what-do-you-do-when-things-go-bad/feed/ 0 1:10:13 We began studying Romans Chapter 8 this past Friday at our Friday Morning Bible Study.  We talked about God’s promises to the elect, to those whom He has called.  We talked about issues like predestination and election.  What did God mean when[...] We began studying Romans Chapter 8 this past Friday at our Friday Morning Bible Study.  We talked about God’s promises to the elect, to those whom He has called.  We talked about issues like predestination and election.  What did God mean when he said, “To whom the Lord calls, He justifies, and whom He justifies He glorifies”?  What are the promises that we’re missing when we turn away from concepts like election, destiny, calling, and predestination? Don’t forget that at the end of each one of our studies, which is about an hour long, there is a 15-minute session of Q and A that sometimes is as interesting or more interesting than the studies themselves. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 005 The Two Me’s http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-005-the-two-mes/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-005-the-two-mes/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:30:35 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4074

Have you ever wondered if there are really 2 “You’s” inside of you: one wanting to do the right thing with all its heart, and the other, lazy and hard to discipline?

In our study of Romans 7 this week, we talked about why it’s so hard to live out… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-005-the-two-mes/feed/ 0 1:16:11 Have you ever wondered if there are really 2 “You’s” inside of you: one wanting to do the right thing with all its heart, and the other, lazy and hard to discipline? In our study of Romans 7 this week, we talked about why it’[...] Have you ever wondered if there are really 2 “You’s” inside of you: one wanting to do the right thing with all its heart, and the other, lazy and hard to discipline? In our study of Romans 7 this week, we talked about why it’s so hard to live out faith, and why it’s so easy to compromise on the very things we say we believe. To understand the conflict between the old man and the new man is to be able to stand against the temptations to compromise when they come. There are several questions after this week’s study, and an important one at the very beginning when one of our students asked to describe the difference between a transgression and a sin. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 004 What’s the Big Deal About Being Christian? http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-004-whats-the-big-deal-about-being-christian/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-004-whats-the-big-deal-about-being-christian/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:56:25 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=4041

In the fourth edition of our Friday Morning Bible Study, we arrived at Romans, Chapter 5.  It’s a welcome summation and declaration about what’s so important about being Christian.

In the first four chapters of Romans, Paul paints a bleak picture that we are helpless and hopeless on our own,… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-004-whats-the-big-deal-about-being-christian/feed/ 0 0:54:31 In the fourth edition of our Friday Morning Bible Study, we arrived at Romans, Chapter 5.  It’s a welcome summation and declaration about what’s so important about being Christian. In the first four chapters of Romans, Paul paints a blea[...] In the fourth edition of our Friday Morning Bible Study, we arrived at Romans, Chapter 5.  It’s a welcome summation and declaration about what’s so important about being Christian. In the first four chapters of Romans, Paul paints a bleak picture that we are helpless and hopeless on our own, estranged from God with nothing to offer for reconciliation.  And yet as we arrive in Chapter 5, we see the benefits of being Christian. What scares me about what passes for Christianity these days, is that I am afraid it is nothing more than religious moralism.  Be better, be good, be more like Paul and everything will be ok.  Because after all, God is God and He can give anything he wants, love anything He wants, without regard to anything inside or outside of Himself.  But nothing could be further from the truth. Not even God can violate who He is.  His holiness is the core of His character and His existence. For Him to love us, who are totally unholy, He has to do something to make us absolutely holy. And that is the story of the gospel and what we learn in Romans Chapter 5.  That while we were powerless, dead in our sin, and hopelessly estranged from God, God moved in our direction in a mighty, grace-filled way; not only to redeem us, but to reconcile us so that we would have peace with God.  Not just a cosmetic, surface, emotional peace, but a true peace.  The war is over, and now we’re in the process of restoration. As you listen to this podcast of our Friday Morning Bible Study, ask yourself this question: “Do I live every single day in the awe and wonder of the privilege to be at peace with God?” Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 003 A New Radical Way of Relating to God http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-003-a-new-radical-way-of-relating-to-god/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-003-a-new-radical-way-of-relating-to-god/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:25:59 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=3999

I am loving our new Friday Morning Bible Study.  Three weeks in, and I can’t wait to get up and get there every Friday morning and really dig in to the meat of Scripture.

So this week we dealt with Romans 3 and 4: a new way of relating to… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-003-a-new-radical-way-of-relating-to-god/feed/ 0 1:13:57 I am loving our new Friday Morning Bible Study.  Three weeks in, and I can’t wait to get up and get there every Friday morning and really dig in to the meat of Scripture. So this week we dealt with Romans 3 and 4: a new way of relating to God.[...] I am loving our new Friday Morning Bible Study.  Three weeks in, and I can’t wait to get up and get there every Friday morning and really dig in to the meat of Scripture. So this week we dealt with Romans 3 and 4: a new way of relating to God.  How are we justified?  How do we “earn” the right to come to God and call Him Father after we’ve rebelled and wandered so far away?  By this radical idea called faith, believing. It’s hard to believe that God would care so much about me and you that He would put into place a radical plan of redemption based upon hundreds of years worth of planning and fulfillment, the incarnation of God into human form, the sinless life, the vicarious death, and the victorious resurrection: all so we could relate to God by faith. I am convinced it’s not until you understand how dark the story is without the gospel that you’ll ever truly understand how overwhelmingly amazing the story is with it. Listen and enjoy. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 002 No Exceptions, No Excuses, No Way Out http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-002-no-exceptions-no-excuses-no-way-out/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-002-no-exceptions-no-excuses-no-way-out/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:45:41 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=3943

As we continued our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Romans, I saw at the end of the session what I saw on my own face when I went through this many years ago; utter confusion.

I’ve learned that when you really are embracing new truth, when you are going… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-002-no-exceptions-no-excuses-no-way-out/feed/ 0 0:46:01 As we continued our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Romans, I saw at the end of the session what I saw on my own face when I went through this many years ago; utter confusion. I’ve learned that when you really are embracing new truth, when[...] As we continued our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Romans, I saw at the end of the session what I saw on my own face when I went through this many years ago; utter confusion. I’ve learned that when you really are embracing new truth, when you are going deeper to the next level of your understanding of a thing, confusion is always the front door. But why confusion in our study today from Romans 1:17 through the entire second chapter?  It’s because I think we very seldom hear how bad the news is.  We hear that God loves us and God has a wonderful plan for our life, but often we don’t hear the foundational truth.  And that is, we are totally and hopelessly lost, disconnected, and heading for a dark future unless God intervenes. Why is it that we have so much confidence in religion? Why is it that we have so much confidence in our own ability to be better, to do better, to be reformed by our own human efforts?  Listen to this podcast today: every verse, every affirmation, every proclamation of the hopelessness of religion, national origin, personal effort or any human effort to reconcile or justify a man or woman to God. I know that oftentimes a jeweler will help highlight the different facets of a diamond by laying it on a black velvet background.  It allows the brilliance of the diamond to stand out in the blackness of the backdrop. This is exactly what Paul is doing in these verses; giving us the blackest most hopeless, most dreary background he possibly could to lay on, against which to contrast the majestic, unmatched, unrelenting grace of God that justifies the heart, reconciles the soul, and gives an everlasting inheritance to the recipient. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville FMBS 001 Introduction to The Book of Romans http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-001-introduction-to-the-book-of-romans/ http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-001-introduction-to-the-book-of-romans/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:01:51 +0000 DFosterhope@gmail.com (Dr. David Foster) http://www.davidfoster.tv/?p=3905

It was exciting to get started on our first Friday in our Friday Morning Bible Study series.  This is a 12-week series where we will be studying the Book of Romans verse-by-verse, line-by-line, precept upon precept.

This is actually the first time in 21 years since I’ve been in Nashville… More

]]> http://www.davidfoster.tv/fmbs-001-introduction-to-the-book-of-romans/feed/ 0 0:00:01 It was exciting to get started on our first Friday in our Friday Morning Bible Study series.  This is a 12-week series where we will be studying the Book of Romans verse-by-verse, line-by-line, precept upon precept. This is actually the first ti[...] It was exciting to get started on our first Friday in our Friday Morning Bible Study series.  This is a 12-week series where we will be studying the Book of Romans verse-by-verse, line-by-line, precept upon precept. This is actually the first time in 21 years since I’ve been in Nashville that I’ve actually taken this approach.  I am excited by the good response; so much so that we decided that we will record each session and not only post it on davidfoster.tv, but also turn it into a podcast that you can subscribe to, and hold onto for as long as you would like. In this broadcast, we deal with an introduction of the book, why we’re dealing with it, different concepts like predestination, election, eternal security, the nature of salvation, justification, sanctification; all of those really important foundational truths that we often don’t focus on, on a Sunday morning. Go through this podcast, write down questions.  You’re more than welcome to send them to me at davidfoster.tv and we will answer them during the next Bible study. If you missed the first week, join us this Friday at Financial Peace Conference Center here in the Cool Springs area (click here). Also if you haven’t signed up to be on the mailing list to know exactly what is going on, when and where we’ll meet, and what other things we may include in these sessions, it would be great to put your name on the list.  Even if you’re not able to come every week, maybe you know someone who could benefit from this.  Get them to go to the web site and sign up on the mailing list as well. Dr. David Foster clean no Study,Education,Spirituality,Bible,Nashville Dr. David FosternonadultA verse by verse study of a book of the Bible with Dr. David Foster