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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 320 & 321

Nov17

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 320 – Reading – Acts 1 – 3

Day 321 – Reading – Acts  4 – 6

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 320 – Acts 1 – 3.

A new era is beginning. Jesus has instructed His hand-picked men (less one) in the message of Salvation. He has demonstrated His power over death and the devil.  Soon they will be empowered from above as He promised.  His “work” on earth finished, Jesus raises His arms in blessing and returns to His Father, leaving these precious “earthen vessels” waiting to be lit by the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Is the world ready for them and their message??

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Ascension and Promises.

We got a glimpse of Jesus’ ascension yesterday in the Gospel of Luke, but here in Acts, the good doctor provides more details. 

Jesus stayed around after His resurrection for 40 days (40 being a time of testing or proof).  He showed Himself to the disciples, His brothers, and groups of believers up to 500 at a time.  There can be no doubt. Now it was the time for Jesus to return to His Father.  Another member of the trinity, who could be present with them all, individually and forever, would be sent by the Father.  They were to wait for this Heavenly baptism.

“Oh, but Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? “they asked,

(“Seriously, guys?) “It’s not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.” Jesus again reminded them. “After the Holy Spirit comes with power, you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem … in all Judea … Samaria … and to the ENDS of the earth.”

Then Jesus began to rise right off the ground, and up toward the sky, and into the clouds until He vanished. The disciples stood gawking, their mouths hung open, hardly believing what their eyes saw. 

“Men of Galilee!” a voice interrupted.  They blinked and looked around, seeing two angels in brilliant white robes. “Why do you stand looking into heaven?  This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

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A Replacement Apostle.

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples/apostles returned to Jerusalem to the upper room where they were staying. All eleven, along with the women and Jesus’ mother Mary, and Jesus’ brothers (who now believed) were of one accord, giving themselves to prayer.

Peter, taking the leadership that Jesus had given him, stood up and said they should replace Judas (who had betrayed the Lord and then gone and hung himself) among the twelve apostles.  The person had to have been with them since Jesus was baptized by John and had witnessed the resurrection.  All agreed.

There were two men eligible, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas.  They prayed and drew lots, leaving the choice up to God.  Matthias was chosen.  He was thereafter numbered with the eleven.

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Pentecost & The Holy Spirit.

As Jesus instructed, they all waited in Jerusalem for Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit with power.  All 120 of them were in the upper room when suddenly there came from Heaven the sound like a mighty rushing wind which filled the entire house where they were sitting. Then the appearance of divided tongues of five, dividing and resting on each one of them. 

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues/languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 

Since it was the Feast of Pentecost (or “Weeks” referring to 50 days after Passover, one of the three festivals required of Jewish men to attend), Jerusalem was crowded with Jews from far and wide who had come to celebrate. All spoke Hebrew, as well as the tongues of the countries they lived in – Parthians, Medes, Elamites, People of Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. 

At the sounds of the 120 speaking other languages, these foreign Jews all came together.  And they were bewildered, amazed, and perplexed because EACH ONE was hearing them speak in their own language.

“What does this mean?” they said to one another

“Ha! They are filled with new wine!” said others, mocking.

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Peter’s First Sermon.

But Peter, the rock, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them.  “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you.  These people are NOT DRUNK, as you suppose, since it is only 9 a.m.  But this is what the prophet JOEL prophesied. 

“In the last days…I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…

in those days, I will pour out my Spirit and they shall prophesy…

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord

will be saved.”

And Peter began his first sermon, a beautiful and powerful sermon that pointed out their sin in killing Jesus (although it was indeed God’s plan from the beginning of time), and the mighty resurrection, again quoting Psalms.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom YOU crucified.”

“Brothers, what shall we do?” the crowd cried. 

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…. for the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day … about three thousand souls.

And these new believing souls devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

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A Lame Beggar Healed.

Peter and John were going to the temple to pray around 3 p.m. when they noticed a lame man being carried to the “Beautiful Gate” of the temple.  He was going to beg for alms as people entered the temple.  The lame man called out to the apostles, “Alms! Alms!”

Peter and John stopped and asked the man to look at them.  When he did, Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Then Peter took the man by the hand and pulled him upright.  Immediately, the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.  The man leaped up to his feet and began walking.  He went into the temple with them, walking, and leaping, and praising God!

All the people saw him and recognized him as the lame beggar.  They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  They ran together to the portico called Solomon’s Porch, where Peter and John were.

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Peter’s Second Sermon

Peter saw the opportunity to preach. He immediately told them that the power to heal the lame man did not come from themselves.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob glorified His Servant, Jesus – whom THEY had delivered to Pilate to be crucified. THEY had denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be released. THEY had killed the Author of Life….. whom God RAISED FROM THE DEAD.

WE are witnesses, Peter preached. “And in His name – by faith in His Name – have made this man strong.  Faith, through Jesus, has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

That miracle settled, Peter went on preaching for their souls.  “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. 

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MONDAY – Day 321 – Acts 4 – 6.

The glory of Pentecost and the massive response to Peter’s preaching, plus the healing of a man who was lame from birth, caught the attention of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.  They were greatly annoyed at Peter and the others who preached and proclaimed that Jesus (whom they had killed) had been resurrected from the dead.  (NOT THIS. again!!)

They arrested Peter and John. 

Did Jesus’ words come to the apostles’ minds in that cell?  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” and “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you.” 

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Peter and John Before the Council

Priests, Sadducees and the captain of the temple guard heard Peter preaching. They were greatly annoyed that they were teaching and proclaiming to the people that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (Remember the Sadducees did NOT believe in resurrection.)

The arrested Peter and John and put them into custody until the next day. (Peter and John were the only ones present at Jesus’ trials before these men.  Did they wonder what was to happen? 

(Meanwhile, those that the two had been talking to BELIEVED their message, making the total amount of believers around 5,000!)

The next day, the Jewish leaders gathered together in Jerusalem with Annas, the high priest, his father-in-law, Caiaphas, as well as John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly family. 

“By what power or what name did you do this healing?” they demanded. 

And just like Jesus promised, that when they were before magistrates, the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say, Peter opened his mouth.  “If we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, but what means this man was healed ….. let it be known to YOU and to all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom YOU crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead … by Him this man is standing before you well. 

(The Jews thought they were done with this Jesus, and people getting healed.)  But Peter wasn’t finished.

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you!  He’s become the cornerstone. AND, there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved!”

When these men saw Peter and John – uneducated men – speak with such boldness, they KNEW they had been with Jesus.  Gulp.  Now what?  They took them out of the room to have a private consultation.

“What shall we do with these men, for a notable sign has been performed, and we cannot deny it.?”

“Let us warn them to speak no more in this “Name.”  (And they called Peter and John back.)

“Okay, we’ll give you a warning. Do not speak or teach any more in the name of Jesus.” 

“Ha! Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.  For we CANNOT BUT SPEAK of what we have seen and heard!”

Because of the people who were praising God at the miracle, the rulers threatened Peter and John, then let them go, finding no reason to punish them.

When they were released they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests had said.  And there was great rejoicing and praised their Sovereign Lord.  And they prayed further,

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The Believers Pray for Boldness

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your Holy servant, Jesus. 

After that prayer and praise, the whole house was shaken and all who were there were filled with the Holy Spirit.

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They Had Everything In Common

Such love did these new believers have, that they sold their possessions to help each other, for some were very needy.  One particular, godly man, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus sold his property and brought the money to the apostles for that use.

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Ananias and Sapphira

Barnabas, had a pure heart of love. He encouraged the needy by his selfless act.  (He was the very opposite of the Rich Young Ruler who had come to Jesus.  He did not find it in his heart to sell his possessions and give to the poor.)

There was another couple who wanted to get in on the glory.  They sold a piece of property, kept some back for themselves in case they also came on hard times.  The rest of the cash they gave to Peter, indicating they had done as Barnabas and given ALL to the poor. 

Peter: “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy spirit and keep back a portion for yourself?  It was YOURS you could have kept all or part of the money.  BUT to say you are giving all to be seen as “holy” before men, is a great sin.  You have lied to God.”  And Ananias fell down dead.

The same thing happened when Sapphira claimed the same thing before the Apostle. She also fell down dead. 

“And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

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Many Signs and Wonders Done

Teaching and preaching continued by the Apostles. Many miracles were performed to verify their words, and multitudes of both men and women were added to the Lord.  People began bringing the sick and possessed to the apostles, and they were all healed.

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The Apostles Arrested and Freed

But this did not please the high priest, and all the Sadducees with him.  They were filled with jealousy and arrested Peter and John again, putting them into public prison.

BUT!!!  During the night and angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, telling them to go to the temple and continue to speak to the people “all the words of this life.  And they obeyed.

Next day when the council called for the prisoners, but it was told to them that the apostles were gone.  The prison was locked securely and the guards were on duty… but the cell was empty!  The Jews were perplexed.

Then someone came to tell them Peter and John were in the temple teaching.  A guard was sent to get them – but not by force, for they feared the people.  Politely they brought the apostles before the council for questioning.

Council. “We told you not to teach in that name, and you have FILLED Jerusalem with your teaching. You intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.”

Peter: “We MUST obey God more than man. God raised Jesus – whom YOU killed.  God exalted Him at His right hand – to give repentance  to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  WE are witnesses.”

This infuriated the council, and they wanted to kill Peter and John.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee:  “Wait, wait!”  And after the apostles were take out again, he continued, “Men of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men.  Keep away from them. Let them alone. For if this plan is of man, it will fail.  But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.  You might even be found opposing God!”

So, they beat the apostles, and again let them go, charging them NOT to speak or teach in that Name.

Peter and John left there rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ Name.  And… they DID NOT cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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Seven Chosen to Serve.

A small problem arose in the growing “church,” as they struggled to meet the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs of the multitudes of believers.  The apostles thought it not right to have their time taken up with all the details of distribution.  God had called them to preach.  So seven men of good refute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were chosen to run the operations.  Steven was one of the seven chosen, a man full of faith and the Spirit.

And so the word of God continued and the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem.  EVEN a great many PRIESTS became obedient to the faith.

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Stephen is Seized.

Stephen – full of grace and power – was doing great wonders and signs among the people.  But some of the Greek synagogue rose up to dispute with him. Some from Cilicia….. rose up against him too.  But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.  (Remember, Saul/Paul was from Cilicia. He probably was a member of this synagogue….)

The disputers secretly instigated men who said they’d heard Steven blaspheme Moses and God.  And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes.  These religious rulers came upon Stephen and seized him and brought him before the council, and they brought false witnesses (Just like with Jesus) who claimed Stephen spoke against the Temple and the Law, saying that that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change customs. 

But the council, gazing at Stephen, “saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

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2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 365 – the last day!

Dec31

   Day 365—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying THE REVELATION to John.

Day 365 – Revelation 19 – 22 (Rejoicing in Heaven, 1,000 years, Satan defeated, new Heaven/Earth, new Jerusalem, River & Tree of Life, Jesus is coming)

Revelation 19.

“Hallelujah! Salvation, and glory, and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just.”

“Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.”

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready: it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.”  Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Then John saw a white horse ridden by One called “Faithful and True.” His eyes are like a flame of fire and on His head are many diadems. He has “a name written that no one knows but Himself.”

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is “The Word of God.”  This One will defeat the nations and rule them. He will “tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”  On his robe and on his thigh, He has a name written, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

And the “armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white a pure” (the saints) were following Him on white horses.

“I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who was sitting on the horse and against His army. The beast was captured, and the false prophet, who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the Mark of the Beast and those who worshipped its image.  THESE TWO WERE THROWN ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE THAT BURNS WITH SULFER.”

Revelation 20.

Then John saw an angel holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer.” (Until the thousand years have ended, and he is released for a LITTLE while.)

Then John saw the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. (It’s when Israel’s promised King will reign on the actual earth from Jerusalem.  (A promise fulfilled to the Jews.)

After that, Satan will be released to try to deceive men again, and there will be a great war until fire from Heaven comes down and consumes them. THEN THE DEVIL WILL BE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND SULFUR AND WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER!”

Next comes “the Great White Throne Judgment,” when all the dead will stand before God’s throne. Books will be opened and the dead will be judged by WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, as written in the books.  “If anyone’s name was not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“. 

Revelation 21.

John then saw a NEW heaven and a NEW earth.  He saw “the Holy City” descending out of heaven from God, like a bride adorned for her husband.  GOD IS GOING TO DWELL WITH MEN, AND THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND HE THEIR GOD. 

All tears will be wiped away. There won’t be death, no mourning, no crying, and no more pain.  All things will be made new. 

Then, an angel showed John the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God. It was radiant like the most rare jewel, crystal clear like a diamond.  It had a high wall with twelve gates. Inscribed on each gate was the name of one of the twelve sons of Israel.  The wall had twelve foundations made of twelve precious jewels, with each of the twelve apostles’ names on them. 

The angel with John measured the city. It was a perfect 1,500-mile cube (about 2 million square miles in volume). It mirrored the configuration of the Most Holy Place in the temple.  It was made of pure gold, transparent as glass. 

There was NO TEMPLE because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were the temple.

There was NO SUN OR MOON because the glory of God and the lamp of the Lamb gave it light.

There was NOTHING UNCLEAN, ONLY those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are allowed to enter the city.

Revelation 22.

The angel then showed John the pure, crystal-clear river of the Water of Life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  It flowed through the middle of the street of the city. Growing on either side was the Tree of Life with twelve kinds of fruits, one for each month.

The servants of God and the Lamb will worship  Him.  And they will SEE HIS FACE. (see 1 John 3:2)

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John then signs his name. “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.”   

The angel told John, “Do NOT seal up the words of the prophecy of this book (like the prophet Daniel was told to do in Daniel 8:26, 12:4-10), “for the time is near.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, COME!

Let the one who hears (reads) say, COME!

He who testifies to these things (Jesus) says, SURELY I AM COMING SOON.

John says, AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!

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We did it. What a glorious trip through the Word of Almighty God, from pure beginning to purity restored.  Glory, hallelujah!

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 363-364

Dec29

   Day 363-364—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

NOTE: USUALLY, Sunday’s and Monday’s studies are posted TOGETHER,  but because these readings are so long, I’ll post them SEPARATELY, today AND Monday. 

Day 363, Part A – Revelation 6 – 11 (Aspects of the Great Tribulation, the seven seals, 144K of Israel sealed, seven trumpets, two witnesses)

Revelation 6.

When Jesus, the Lamb, opens the first seals on the scroll, we see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse emerge, one after another, bringing antichrists, war, famine, and death to the earth. The fifth seal reveals those who had already been martyred, crying for God to avenge their deaths. The sixth seal brings great earthquakes and changes in the heavens, causing the people on Earth to cry and hide in terror.

Revelation 7.

Then there is a pause while an angel of God descends and “seals” 144K of Israel (12K from each tribe) to give them authority and protection to proclaim salvation saved in the Tribulation, having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Revelation 8.

When Jesus, the Lamb, opened the seventh seal, there was absolute silence in heaven for a half hour. Then, an angel came to stand by the altar with a gold censer filled with incense and “the prayers of God’s people.” The smoke from it rose before God.  Then, the angel filled the censer with fire and hurled it on the Earth. There were peals of thunder, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Next, angels with seven trumpets began to blow them, one at a time. At the first trumpet, hail and fire (and blood) were thrown onto the earth burning up a third of the vegetation. The second blast sent a vast burning mountain into the sea, turning a third into blood and killing a portion of sea creatures. With the third trumpet, a great star fell like a torch onto a third of the rivers, poisoning them. At the fourth trumpet, the sun, moon, and stars lost a third of their light.  “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth!“

Revelation 9.

At the fifth trumpet, John saw a star (angel) who was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.  He opened the shaft, and there arose from it smoke like a great furnace that darkened the sun. And from it came creatures like locusts and scorpions to kill and torment the people on earth for five months. (the 144K were spared this)  People longed for death but couldn’t. These creatures had a “king.” It was Apollyon himself.

At the sixth trumpet blast, God released the four angels, bound up at the Euphrates River. They were released and went in four directions, killing a third of mankind with plagues. 

“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, DID NOT REPENT of the works of their hands, or give up worshiping demons and idols, nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts.”

Revelation 10.

After that, a mighty angel descended from the clouds and set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. In his hand was a little scroll, opened.  And he roared like a lion or many peals of thunder, reading from the scroll.  But a voice told John NOT TO WRITE DOWN what it said.  Then the voice told John to go over, take the scroll, and eat it (like Ezekiel did in 3:1). It would be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach.  John obeyed.  

Revelation 11.

John is then told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.  He is also told about God’s TWO WITNESSES, clothed in sackcloth, who will prophesy for three and a half years.  No one can harm them for that time. They will have the power to stop it from raining during that time, turn the earth’s waters into blood, and strike the Earth with all kinds of plagues. 

(Many people believe, from the description of their powers, that these two men are Elijah and Moses.)

At the end of those 3.5 years, the “beast that rises from the bottomless pit” will kill them.  All the world will see. Their dead bodies will lay in the street. People will refuse to bury them but rather rejoice over them, make merry, and exchange presents at their death BECAUSE they had been a torment to them. However, after 3.5 days, a breath of life from God will enter them and they will arise.  And God will call them from Heaven, “Come up here!”  And they will go up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watch. 

At that, a great earthquake will cause a tenth of the Great city to fall, killing 7K people and terrifying the rest. 

Finally, the seventh trumpet is blown. And, as a prelude, loud voices in heaven proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, an He shall reign forever and ever!”

Everyone falls on their faces and worships God, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for You have taken Your great power and begun to reign….” 

Then….. God’s temple in heaven was opened. The Ark of His covenant was seen within His temple!

And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. And a great sign appeared in heaven……….

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Day 364, Part B – Revelation 12 – 18  === See tomorrow.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 362

Dec28

   Day 362—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying THE REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST to John.

Day 362 – Revelation 1 – 5 (Meeting the reigning Jesus, His messages to 7 churches, into the throne room.)

John, an old man, and the last surviving apostle, is in exile on the prison island of Patmos (think Alcatraz) for his faithful preaching of the gospel. The churches he wrote to before are feeling the persecution and have begun to decline. This is a message of hope.

Revelation promises a blessing for reading it and ends with a warning about tampering with it.

1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

22:18-19 “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

Revelation 1.

A glorious introduction reveals the author and the recipient of the “revelation” letter.  It describes the Eternal triune God who was, is, and is to come. It depicts Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, firstborn from the dead, and ruler of kings on earth, the One who LOVES us, has FREED us from our sins, and MADE us a kingdom and priests.  TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER!  And He is coming soon, in the clouds, as he left.

John explains he was “in the Spirit” when he received this revelation and ascended to heaven.

(It makes me think of Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, except Paul was NOT allowed to speak of what he saw.)

In John’s experience, Jesus told him to ‘write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” 

Then John attempts to describe the glorified Jesus Christ.  I saw “One like a son of man, clothed with a long robe with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.”

WHEN I SAW HIM, I FELL AT HIS FEET AS THOUGH DEAD.

And what were Jesus’ first words to His beloved disciple?  “Fear not. I am the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” He tells John what to write: “The things that you have seen, those that are, and those that are to take place after this.”

Then, Jesus begins his messages to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor, listed in the route the “book” would be circulated, beginning with Ephesus (John’s church).

Revelation 2 – 3.

There is a pattern to the messages. First, Jesus identifies Himself in a certain way. Then, He lists the good things (if any) that are found in that church. Next, He raises a concern – what has gone wrong in that church, either with their own hearts or with the entrance of some false doctrine. Lastly, Jesus promises them a reward if they “conquer” (overcome the sin/threat and persevere to the end).

He does this with Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  Smyrna is a church under deep persecution and poverty, and Jesus states nothing wrong with them, while He says nothing good about Laodicea, giving only a warning to change while there is still time. 

Revelation 4.

John dutifully writes every word he hears, and then he looks up and sees an open door into heaven! (WOW!) He hears a voice saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place.” 

IMMEDIATELY, John, in the Spirit, was IN THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD!  And oh, what a sight that was.  He tries to describe the One seated on the throne and the throne in terms of radiant jewels – jasper, carnelian, emerald.

He describes 24 elders (maybe representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles) clothed in white with golden crowns.  He tries to describe the sounds and sights – flashes of lightning, peels of thunder, torches of fire, and in front, a reflecting pavement of crystal-clear glass.  There were “strange-looking living creatures” around the thrown who never stopped singing, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND IS AND IS TO COME!”

Everyone falls on their faces and worships Him, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Revelation 5.

Then John saw that the One on the throne was holding a scroll.  And angel shouted, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?”

No one was found in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, and John began to weep loudly.  But one of the elders said, “Weep no more; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that HE can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

But instead of a Lion, John saw a Lamb with a bloody throat as if it had been killed.  It was Jesus, and HE took the scroll.  When that happened, all the creatures and elders sang a new song.

“Worthy are YOU to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood, You ransomed people for God, from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

At that, all around the throne and in heaven, myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands of angels broke into praise and worship.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory and blessing.”   “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 

And all fell down and worshiped.

(Can you imagine being John??)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 361

Dec27

   Day 361—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 361 – 2 John 1, 3 John 1 (Do’s and do not’s of Christian hospitality)

This is the second of three letters John wrote to churches in Asia-Minor under his oversight. John calls himself “the elder,” which signifies his age and position in leadership.

There are warnings about false teachers trying to influence them and encouragements to hold fast to the truth and to Christ-like love for each other.

2 John.

John is encouraged that in this church (the elect “lady”) some make it a habit to walk in the truth of God’s word.  He encourages them all to keep loving one another. “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”

John cautions them about “many deceivers” who do NOT confess Jesus Christ in the flesh.  They are to watch out for them.  These deceivers are anti-Christ.  “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching of Christ, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 

John closes, saying he wishes to come and talk to them face to face to complete his joy.

3 John.

In this letter, John addresses the “beloved Gaius,” a member in good standing of the church. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul.”

(What a great New Year’s prayer!!)

John also tells Gaius that it brings joy to his heart that he is “walking in the truth.”  He says Gaius is doing well in supporting true believing brothers in Christ, even if they are strangers, in a manner worthy of God. This way, supporters and missionaries can be “fellow workers for the truth.”

John then calls out two men – Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first man is selfish, does not acknowledge authority, talks wicked nonsense, and refuses hospitality. (I will deal with him when I come.) The second man has received good testimony from everyone, including from us. “Beloved Gaius, don’t imitate evil, but imitate good.”

In closing, John repeats that he hopes to see them soon and talk to them face to face. Meanwhile, “peace be to you.”

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Tomorrow, we begin John’s last writing – The Revelation.

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 360

Dec26

   Day 360—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 360 – 1 John 1 – 5 (God is light, confession, God is love, assurance)

1 John is one of three letters the apostle John wrote to the churches in Asia Minor, probably from Ephesus, probably in 90+AD.  He is the only survivor and eyewitness to Jesus’ earthly ministry, which he mentions in the first few verses.

He writes about the danger of false teachers and heresy by asking his readers to remember the fundamentals of faith.  He writes as ‘a loving father to his children’ and tells them how they can be assured of God’s love.

1 John 1.

 John reminds his readers that he has personally seen, heard, and touched “the word of Life” Jesus in the flesh. And what he heard with his own ears he proclaims to them so they may have the joy in knowing Him intimately too.    

The message? “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”  If we know Him, we will walk in the light and have fellowship with Him, and His blood will cleanse us from all sin. If not, we still are in darkness. 

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 2.

“My little children, I am writing so you may not sin. But IF anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins.” (what satisfies God that our sin has been punished)

Then John writes about the perfect love in Christ that should also be in believers. The “old commandment” was to LOVE GOD supremely and your neighbor as yourself.  The “new commandment” from Jesus was to love your neighbor, as He loved you and gave his life for you.  (sacrificially: John 13:34-35)  There is no place for hate in the heart of a believer.

Then John writes about the family of God in three spiritual stages: little children, young men, and fathers.  They know the Father, their sins have been forgiven, and they have overcome the evil one…because they are strong and the Word of God abides in them.

“Do not love THE WORLD or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh (to indulge yourself), the desires of the eyes (to acquire for yourself), and the pride of possessions (to impress others about yourself) — is NOT from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires. But whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1 John 3.

See what kind of LOVE the Father has given us – that we should be called ‘the children of god.’ And we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is. 

This is the message you have heard from the beginning that we should LOVE one another.

By this, we know LOVE, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.  Little children, let us not LOVE in word or speech but in deed and truth. 

“This is His commandment that we BELIEVE in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and LOVE one another.” 

1 John 4.

Do not believe every spirit, but TEST THE SPIRITS to see whether they are from God, for many FALSE PROPHETS have gone out into the world.  BY THIS, you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. Every spirit that does NOT confess Jesus is NOT from God, but antichrist.  Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is IN YOU is greater than he who is in the world.

“Beloved, let us LOVE one another, for LOVE is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not LOVE does not know God because GOD IS LOVE.  In this, the LOVE of God was made manifest (clear) among us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is LOVE, NOT that we have loved God, but that He LOVED us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the satisfaction that our sins have been paid for) for our sins.”

If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

By this, we KNOW that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

There is no fear in LOVE, but perfect LOVE casts out fear.

We love Him because He first loved us. 

1 John 5.

“Everyone who BELIEVES that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who LOVES the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.”

Whoever BELIEVES in the Son of God has the testimony in himself –that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does NOT have the Son of God, does not have life.”

“I write these things to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.”

(Amen.)

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 359

Dec25

   Day 359—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 359 – 2 Peter 1-3 (Salvation, Scriptures, Prophecies) 

This is the second letter that Peter wrote to the persecuted churches. He is even more concerned with the false teachers infiltrating them. He warns and encourages the believers to stand firm in the faith.

It’s possible that Peter wrote THIS letter from prison in Rome and soon faced execution by Emperor Nero.

2 Peter 1.

Peter affirms that his recipients “have obtained a faith of equal standing…by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” By God’s grace alone.  God has done it all by His divine power: life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. 

Peter challenges them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind.” 

“If you practice these qualities, you will never fall.” 

“Therefore, I intend to always remind you of these qualities…..to stir you up by way of reminder.”   

Peter knows he will be martyred soon and says, “I will make every effort so that after my departure, you may be able at any time to recall these things.”  (Review NOW the qualities Peter emphasized so strongly in the above paragraph.)

Peter then tells them he knows what he’s talking about because he was one of the three eyewitnesses of Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount.  And…. not only THAT, he has a “more sure word of testimony…. the word of the prophets.  “...knowing first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 2.

Peter warns, “False prophets and teachers are among you!  They blaspheme the truth and will exploit you. Their destruction is sure. God didn’t spare the world in Noah’s time. God destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah (except Lot).  “God knows how to rescue the godly from trials while keeping the UNRIGHTEOUS under punishment until the day of judgment.”  

Peter then writes about the horrible things (verses 10-22) the “unrighteous” are and do that will bring God’s final judgment on them. For them, the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.

2 Peter 3.

You can hear Peter’s desperation as he writes, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days, following their own sinful desires.

They will taunt, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? Since the fathers fell asleep, ALL THINGS continue as they were from creation.”  (Like today, too!)

Regardless of what these “scoffers” say, “the Day of the Lord WILL come like a thief” with cataclysmic horrors in the heavens and on earth.  “The heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!”  (WOW)

But true believers are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (As God promised.)  “Since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace. 

Count the patience of the Lord as salvation (SEE verse 9), JUST AS OUR BROTHER PAUL ALSO WROTE TO YOU ACCORDING TO THE WISDOM GIVEN HIM.”

“Take care not carried away by the error of lawless people and so lose your own stability.  But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.“

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(Peter, probably in his seventies, was martyred soon after writing this letter, being crucified (as tradition says) upside down, refusing to be crucified like his Lord.)  (Read John 21:18-19 where Jesus tells Peter how he will die.)

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Day 359 – Jude 1 (True apostles & apostates, doxology)

Jude (Judah in Hebrew/Judas in Greek) was one of Jesus’ four half-brothers, listed in Matthew 13:55. He calls himself “the brother of James,” who was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Although he and his brother initially rejected Jesus as Messiah, they were converted after Jesus’ resurrection, and so Jude was an eyewitness.

The content of Jude’s letter is very similar to 2 Peter and powerfully confronts apostasy/false doctrine in the church. Peter says it is coming; Jude says it has come. (Christianity was thought to be very vulnerable at this time. Only John and Jude, the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death & resurrection, were now alive .)

(Jude uses many OT illustrations and even quotes Peter. And… he quotes from books NOT in the Canon of the Bible but were accurate and true.  See how Paul did this in Acts 17:28, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Titus 1:12)

Jude 1.

Jude wanted to write to these believers about their “common salvation” (a wonderful topic to write on), BUT, instead, he felt the necessity to urge them to “contend for the faith that was ONCE FOR ALL delivered to the saints.”   Why? Because certain people “have crept in unnoticed,” ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Then, like Peter, Jude reminds them of OT instances where God brought judgment on those who indulged in unbelief (Israelites), immorality (Sodom & Gomorrah), and blasphemy (fallen angels). 

“WOE TO THEM, for they walk in the way of “Cain’s greed,” “Balaam’s error,” and “Korah’s rebellion.”

He calls these false prophets and teachers “shepherds feeding themselves, waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wild waves of the sea, and wandering stars,” always leading believers astray.

Jude further calls them, “grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires, loud-mouthed boasters, and ones who show favoritism for gain” (in case you missed them before!).

REMEMBER, beloved, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the predictions of (Peter).  “In the last time, there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions, who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit!”  (WATCH OUT!!)

But you, beloved…

  • build yourselves up in the most holy faith
  • pray in the Holy Spirit
  • keep yourselves in the love of God
  • wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
  • and have mercy on those who doubt
  • save others by snatching them out of the fire,
  • to others, show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

And then Jude’s doxology.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION, AND AUTHORITY, before all time and now and forever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 358

Dec24

   Day 358—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 358 -2 Timothy 1 – 4 (perseverance, illustrations of a man of God, farewells, requests)

This is Paul’s last letter (that we have), and it’s to his “beloved child,” Timothy. It’s written during his second imprisonment in Rome – deep in the Mamertine Prison – and this time, it’s just before his execution.

2 Timothy 1.

Paul constantly remembers Timothy in prayer, remembering his faith, that began first in his mother and grandmother and now dwells in him.  Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and strong and “fan into flame” the gift he’s been given (evangelism?), and he’s not to be ashamed of Paul in prison.

“I AM NOT ASHAMED, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day, what has been entrusted to me.”

2 Timothy 2.

Paul challenges Timothy, his child, to be strengthened by the grace that is Christ Jesus. Everything that the young man heard from Paul, he was to entrust to faithful men who would, in turn, teach others.  “Be a good soldier of Christ Jesus and not be entangled in civilian pursuits.”  “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”

Paul urges Timothy to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth.”   “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”  I can picture Paul on his knees, praying for and encouraging his protege to be a strong and holy man of God. He knows Timothy’s weaknesses and physical problems and intercedes for him.

2 Timothy 3.

Paul warns him about false teachers and doctrines that will surely come and indeed have already. “Follow MY teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, love, steadfastness and sufferings. ”  (Indeed, all who live godly WILL be persecuted. “CONTINUE in what you have learned and believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from a child you have been acquainted with the sacred writings.”

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 4.

Urgency strikes Paul as his letter comes to an end. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus: PREACH the Word, BE READY in season and out of season. REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT with complete patience.  For the time is coming when people will NOT ENDURE sound teaching.”

As for Paul, he says,  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  And now he’s looking forward to the reward – the crown of righteousness – waiting for him in heaven.

Almost with tears in his eyes (I imagine), Paul urges Timothy, “Do your best to come to me soon. And bring Mark with you. When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas…. and the books…. and above all the parchments.”

He sends a few greetings, then again urges Timothy to “Do your best to come before winter.”  

And his final words, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

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Paul was martyred by beheading in A.D. 67 for the glory and everlasting praise of the LORD.  We don’t know if Timothy made it to Rome before then.  We do know that for Paul, “to die was GAIN.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 356-357

Dec23

   Day 356-357—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE: Sunday’s and Monday’s studies will be posted on MONDAY,

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10 (Melchizedek, Better Covenant, Redemption, Sacrifice, Faith)

Read a quick review of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.

Hebrews 7.

The author discusses Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), king of righteousness (zedek) and a priest of the Most High God. He tells how Abraham, coming home from rescuing his nephew Lot from an invading army, gave this priestly/kingly man a tithe (10th) of the loot. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

This was WAY before Israel’s priesthood was set up on Mt. Sinai, with Aaron, the Levite, as High Priest.  In a way (the author of Hebrews says), Aaron, the High Priest, paid tribute to Melchizedek, “being still in Abraham’s loins.” (He had no children at that point.)

Melchizedek is also said to have had “no beginning of days nor end of life” as a priest forever. He was a priest not based on the law (like Aaron) but on the power of an “indestructible” life. The author compares Jesus to this mysterious man, without beginning or end of days, but HIS ministry is much more excellent.  

The first covenant of law could make nothing perfect, so a new one was needed, allowing us to draw near to God. “Consequently, Jesus can save to the uttermost, those who draw near to God through HIM since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus is a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  HE HAS NO NEED TO OFFER SACRIFICES DAILY like other priests, first for their own sins, then the people.  Jesus did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up HIMSELF.

Hebrews 8.

Jesus, as High Priest, is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a more excellent ministry than the old one.  He can mediate better because the new covenant has better promises and is faultless. In this new covenant, God says He will put His Law on their hearts and minds, not stone tablets, and His people will know Him.

He will be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more!

Hebrews 9.

The author then reminds readers how the old covenant worked, with the Holy and Most Holy places in the “tent of worship.”  Behind the second curtain was the ark of the covenant and God’s presence.  No one could go into this place except for the High Priest, and that only once per year… carrying the blood of the sacrifice. 

But Christ, as high priest, entered ONCE FOR ALL into the most holy place through HIS OWN BLOOD. Doing this, he obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.  He appeared ONCE FOR ALL to put away sin by sacrificing himself. 

Hebrews 10.

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were a reminder of sins every year. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Now, we have been sanctified (made clean, holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.

When Christ had offered FOR ALL TIME A SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, He sat down at the right hand of God. “For by A SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected FOR ALL TIME, those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus. the perfect, sinless High Priest, offered Himself a spotless sacrifice and opened the new and living way for us through the curtain so that we can now “draw near (to God) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” 

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Day 357 – Hebrews 11 – 13 (the FAITH chapter & heroes of the faith, witnesses for us to endure too, discipline as sons, acceptable worship, final instructions)

Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11 is called the “Faith Chapter” or the “Saint’s Hall of Fame.” In it, the author defines faith and how it’s to be used. He lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, sixteen by name (including women), and many others by deeds or means of death. These all have served and glorified God.

DEFINITION: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (verse 1)

WHAT IT INVOLVES: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (verse 6)

From righteous Abel to the prophet Samuel, men and women have lived and died for God, loved and obeyed Him, trusted and spoke for Him without shame or fear, and many paid for it with their lives. 

These heroes “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong through weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to fight, and some women received back their dead by resurrection!! 

(I can think of some names that come to mind here, can you?”

Others were tortured for their faith, suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonments, stoning, beheading (killed by the sword), and even being sawn in two!  They were destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and lived in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves.  OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY!

And YET, they did not “see” the promised Messiah they spoke about and waited for like WE HAVE!  (How totally blessed we are!)

Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, SINCE we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith.  He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, as God’s Son, endured much hostility against Him. And so we, as God’s children, must endure “discipline” too.  God disciplines us (through suffering/persecution) for OUR GOOD, so we may share His holiness.  It doesn’t seem pleasant at the moment, but later, it “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those trained by it. 

So…. lift your drooping hands….strengthen your weak knees….and make straight paths for your feet.   And “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (by persecution or death), and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 13.

The author encourages readers to continue in brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, and prayer and support for those imprisoned for their faith.  They are to be faithful in marriage, not love money but be content with what they have.

They are to “remember their leaders (in prayer and financially), the ones who first spoke the Word of God to them.”  They are to consider the fruit of those men’s ministry and imitate their faith.  They are to pray and support their leaders and also to submit to and obey them (for THOSE MEN will have to give an account one day).

He ends with a doxology. ‘Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant….equip you with everything good, that you may do His will.

To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 355

Dec21

   Day 355—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 355 – Hebrews 1 – 6 (Preeminence of Jesus, don’t neglect salvation, high priest forever)

The author of this weighty book is unknown (well, the Holy Spirit wrote it through a person; we just don’t know who), and the recipients are also unknown (i.e., the city – perhaps it was circulated among many groups). Still, it seems to be written to Jewish believers.

Since referrals to Temple worship are mentioned throughout, it was probably written BEFORE 70 AD when the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. HINT: to understand the book of Hebrews more clearly, perhaps first read the OT book of Leviticus.

Hebrews 1.

Although the book opens almost like a Star Wars movie (Long ago, at many times and in many ways…), the truths contained in it are in no way fanciful. 

It portrays Jesus in glorious splendor as the “Son of God,” the “Heir of all things,” the “One who created all things, upholding the universe by the word of His power,” the “radiance of the glory of God,” and the “exact imprint of His (God’s) nature.”   After “making purification for sins,” He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (to be worshiped forever). 

Jesus IS God, hands down.

He is far superior to ANY of the angels, who are only ministering spirits sent to “serve” believers. 

Hebrews 2.

“Therefore,” the writer says, it is even MORE important that we pay attention to what we have heard about Him and His ministry on earth and in heaven.  Jesus was the founder of our great salvation, and we are warned not to neglect it!

Jesus suffered and died “to bring many sons to glory” because, as part of the triune Godhead, it was determined that it should happen in that manner. As God, Jesus became “flesh” like us and through His death, He made powerless the devil who, with God’s permission, had held the power of death. Being in the flesh and overcoming death, Jesus can now help us when we are tempted.  

Hebrews 3.

Jesus, now the apostle and faithful high priest of our confession, is FAR SUPERIOR and worthy of more glory than Moses, who also was faithful in all God’s house.

Moses oversaw the building of the Tabernacle of God. Jesus oversees the building of the “living” Temple of God, which is made up of all believers.

The writer warns us not to be like those Jews in the wilderness who “hardened their hearts” and “put God to the test.” He writes, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 4.

The Good News came to us just as to them (those in the wilderness during Moses’ time), but the message they heard did not benefit them because they were not united BY FAITH with those who listened. The writer urges us with Psalm 95:7-8, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

“Let us HOLD FAST our confession, for we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, One who has in every respect been tempted as we are, and yet without sin. Let us then, with CONFIDENCE, draw near to the throne of Grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 5.

The writer then describes human high priests chosen and appointed to act on behalf of men concerning God and to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  They can deal gently with the “ignorant and wayward” since they are also beset with weaknesses. But God appointed Christ as High Priest forever “after the order of Melchizedek” (and not Aaron).  (Genesis 14:18-20)

The writer now seems frustrated, wanting to teach them things harder to explain, but they are not ready to hear them.  Instead, they still need to be taught the basic principles of God. They need “milk” instead of the “solid food” of the mature believer, who has had his powers of discernment trained through practice. 

Hebrews 6.

The writer wants to go on from the elementary doctrine of Christ (repentance from dead works and faith in God as taught in the OT). These outward things don’t ensure salvation. They are aspects visible to people, but God sees the TRUE thoughts and intentions of the hearts. He knows if a person’s confession is genuine and based on faith through Christ’s atoning death.  He wants them to have the “full assurance of hope” until the end.

Those who have “fled for refuge” in Christ alone have a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. Christ, a sinless high priest like Melchizedek, has entered “behind the curtain into the inner place” (God’s presence) on our behalf.