As Christians living in this day and age, we should be very thankful for the ubiquitous nature of God’s Word. We have it in the mediums of audio and print. God has been very gracious to the church to ensure that we have the very Word of God in our language. In his wisdom, God ensured we would have the Bible for the church's edification. As the Westminster Confession of Faith, 1..1 states:
Read MoreMost Christians have some Bible reading plan that they follow. There are many good plans available. The important part is that you are reading God’s Word daily. A Bible reading plan is a tool, nothing more and nothing less. I have found that reading the Bible in large chunks is very helpful
Read MoreRead: John 3
John 3 is perhaps one of the most known chapters in the gospel of John. It is here that a religious leader comes to inquire of the Savior. In an odd turn of events, Jesus redirects the discussion to that which is most needful: the necessity of being born again. On two occasions in the dialogue, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he cannot see or understand matters related to the Kingdom of God unless he is "born again" (3:3, 7). Literally, the phrase is "born from above." The idea is that fallen people, lost in their sin and dead to sin, cannot and will not see the Kingdom of God unless the Spirit of God gives them "birth" (new life). The means of this new birth are contained within the sovereign will and action of God the Holy Spirit. Although Nicodemus, as a law teacher, should know and understand these things, he is confused by the expression, although Jesus goes to great lengths to explain it.
Read MoreChapter Two contains two sections. The first (2:1-12) highlights the first sign that Jesus performed (2:11), demonstrating his glory. The main point of the miracle is to highlight that better has come to the people of God in the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the Old Testament pointed to Christ in everything, it was a mere type and shadow of the substance (the old wine). Now, the new wine has come represented by the coming of the Savior. He is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament said.
Read MoreRead: John 1
The Gospel according to John, is different than the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Synoptic means “to see together,” which is why much of what is contained in those Gospel accounts is similar. John, however, is unusual. The account is framed around the various signs Jesus performed (E.g., 2:11, 23). John uses those signs to establish and prove his purpose in writing the Gospel. He writes, "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31). Therefore, as you read through this Gospel, it is essential to always keep that purpose before you.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 30
Genesis 30 continues the events that began in 29:31 with the contest between the two wives of Jacob. Lean was the more fertile of the two wives, and Rachel was envious of her sister, demanding Jacob to give her children. Of course, that was out of Jacob’s hands as he pointed out to her, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of your womb?” The Bible is clear that the Lord opens the womb and closes it. Many years ago, I knew a couple who were told they could not have children. For years, that medical opinion seemed accurate. One day, suddenly, the wife was pregnant. The Lord does determine who will and who will not have children. As a result of Rachel’s frustration, she employs her servant to give Jacob offspring. Eventually, God opened the womb of Rachel and gave birth to Joseph. That significant act will establish the narrative until the end of the book. Joseph will become a significant figure in the lives of God’s people.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 29
Genesis 29 is the narrative account of Jacob's marriage to Leah and Rachel. The account is similar to the events found in chapter 24 when Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac. There are some differences. However, the most notable is that Jacob is never recorded to have prayed for a wife. However, through God's providence, Jacob is led to his two wives, although it is clear that Jacob had a greater love for Rachel than for Leah. Jacob, the deceiver, is deceived by his uncle and forced to marry Leah after serving him for seven years through an ironic twist. Subsequently, Jacob was forced to labor for Laban for another seven years for the wife he truly loved.
Read MoreRead: Matthew 28
Matthew 28 details the events of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and his final days before ascending to his Father in heaven. Matthew's account is much shorter than Luke's, but it has some important observations. First, like the other accounts of the resurrection, the first day of the week is mentioned. That is precisely why we worship the risen Lord on the first day of the week. To worship on the seventh day, before the resurrection, would miss the whole meaning of the resurrection. We do not worship a dead Savior but a risen one who lives evermore, interceding for his people. Second, when Jesus meets up with his disciples, they worship him.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 28
Genesis 28 continues the narrative from chapter 27 with the immediate consequences of Jacob's deceitful behavior over his father, Isaac. Because Esau threatened to kill Jacob, Rebekah sends him to his uncle, Laban, forcing him to leave his land and become an exile in another country. The theme of exile and restoration will dominate the Pentateuch for many chapters and into the historical books of the Old Testament. That theme is one that God's people continue today. We are pilgrims and sojourners in this world as we await a better country, the New Heavens and the New Earth.
Read MoreRead Matthew 27
Matthew 27 is the account of the death of Christ through the cruel Roman method of crucifixion. The chapter opens with Jesus before Pilate, who found no fault in him. Yet, due to his weakness, he trades a criminal for Jesus and delivers him to be crucified.
Read MoreRead: Genesis 27
There are two occasions in Scripture when a man blesses his sons at the end of his life. In both of them, Jacob is at the center. The account of Genesis 27 is that of Isaac blessing his sons before he dies. His health is failing, and his eyes dim. Isaac intended to bless Esau as the oldest, but Rebekah tricked her husband resulting in the blessing being placed on Jacob. That singular act strengthens the words of 25:23.
Read MoreRead: Matthew 26
Matthew 26 is one of the longest chapters in the gospel record. Contained within are the following items, all leading to the Savior's death, burial, and resurrection.
First, The plot to kill Jesus reaches a fever pitch from within the ranks of the religious leaders (26:1-5).
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