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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/2) Mark 1:16-28

Jan2

A 5-day per week study.

January 2 – Reading Mark 1:16-28.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Mark 1:17

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The Gospel According to Mark.

Verses 16-20.  As Jesus walked along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, He saw four fishermen.  Two were casting a net into the sea and two were in their boat mending nets.  Nets need mending before they can be thrown out to catch fish. 

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Jesus was going to teach these four fishers of fish how to mend and cast out the kind of nets that would bring in a harvest of men (and women) for the Kingdom of God.  It would take three years of training, but these four (two sets of brothers) were willing.  They “immediately” left both their nets and their “boss” (father) and fellow workers to follow Jesus.

Now this wasn’t an out-of-thin-air call to follow a stranger.  John, one of Zebedee’s sons, had been with John the Baptist when he’d pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.”  Simon’s brother, Andrew, had also heard the announcement. These two had followed the Baptist’s pointing finger.  They walked after Jesus, and when the Savior turned and asked who they were seeking, they responded, “Teacher, where are you staying?” 

“Come and you will see,” Jesus had said mysteriously.  So they went, saw where, and stayed with Jesus the whole day. Andrew and John knew who was asking them to follow Him.

So did Peter.  When Andrew realized the treasure he and John had found, he ran to Peter, shouting, “We have found the Messiah!” and brought him to Jesus.

“So, you are Simon, bar Jonah,” Jesus had said to the big fisherman.  “You shall be called Cephas (or Peter).”

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Verses 21-22.  And they went to Capernaum….  This was Peter’s hometown.  He had a house (and a wife and mother-in-law) living with him.  It must have been a good sized house because Jesus made it His headquarters while in Galilee.

There was also a prominant synagogue in Capernaum. 

“Immediately” on the Sabbath, Jesus entered it and began teaching.  (Any Jewish man who could read the Scriptures was allowed to read and “give a word” from them. He would stand to read, then sit to teach.)

Jesus, well, He not only knew the Scriptures, He had basically (via His Holy Spirit) authored the entire Old Testament. He knew what was “meant” by them, and did not have to quote other famous Rabbi’s to prove His point like the scribes did.  He taught with “authority.”  His listeners were astonished at his teaching. 

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(Remember when Jesus was twelve and had stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover celebration? (Luke 2:41-51)  His earthly parents were worried about Him, thinking He was “lost.” When they found him, they scolded Him, but Jesus told them, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”  

And what had the boy Jesus be doing?  He was in the temple, sitting AMONG the teachers (Pharisees), listening to them and asking them (profound) questions. “All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.”)

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Verses 23-28.  “Immediately” (after Jesus’ authoritative teaching) a demon-possessed man in the synagogue cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have You come to destroy us?  I know who You are – the Holy One of God.”

It was like the man had been sitting there quietly before this. Perhaps no one knew that he was demon possessed.  But in the presence of “the Holy One of God” the demons inside him could not be restrained.

What a shock that must have been to the other people in the synagogue!  Eyes stared. Jaws dropped!

“Be silent, and come out of him,” Jesus commanded.

The unclean spirit, convulsing the man and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

Wide eyed and aghast, the congregants sat amazed.  Then they turned and whispered among themselves, questioning just WHO this Jesus was?  A new teaching with authority!  He commands and unclean spirits obey Him!!

And at once Jesus’ fame spread everywhere in the surrounding region of Galilee. 

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Were the four fishermen who “followed Jesus” there when this happened? The Bible doesn’t specifically say. They had followed Jesus on a “work day,” and this was the Sabbath.  Would they normally have attended this synagogue?  Perhaps. 

Peter must have heard about, or actually witnessed this, and later told it to Mark.

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 360

Dec26

Day 360 – Reading – 1 John  1 – 5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 John

(An aside: I just noticed that this is Day 360. 360 degrees is a perfect circle. That’s interesting because John writes this letter/sermon in a very circular manner, returning to and repeating things he’s already said, but in different ways. See if you notice it as you read.)

The author is John, the “beloved disciple” of Jesus.  He’s already written the Gospel of John.  He will write this letter/sermon, two more very short letters, and the massive book, The Revelation.   The Gospel and these letters were probably written while he was at Ephesus.  The Revelation was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos.  John was an old man when he became an author. He was the last remaining “eyewitness” disciple of Jesus.

After the threat of “legalism” in Paul’s day, it is “Gnosticism” that now threatens to destroy the churches. It’s the belief that matter is evil and spirit is good. This means they taught that Jesus was God but not human (to preserve Him from that evil).  However, if Jesus were not human, He couldn’t have died as the redeemer of humanity. John emphasized that Jesus WAS human.  John was an eyewitness. He saw Him, heard Him, and TOUCHED Him. A test of a true believer was someone who would affirm that “Jesus has come in the flesh.” (1 John 4:2-3)

Also, since “the body” was evil, it didn’t matter what sins it committed. Indulgence and immorality were permissible. They could deny that sin even existed.  John boldly confronted this idea. (1 John 1:8-9. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…..But if we confess our sin… )

1 John is a call “back to the basics of Christianity.”  God had preserved John for such a time as this, and he wrote with true apostolic authority. 

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1 John 1.

Credentials:   “That which was from the beginning (Jesus), which we have HEARD, which we have SEEN WITH OUR EYES, which we looked upon and have TOUCHED WITH OUR HANDS….” The word of life — that which we have seen and heard, we PROCLAIM to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.“

And what did John (and true believers) PROCLAIM?  

  • “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
  • If we SAY we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie…
  • If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all SIN.
  • 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… and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
  • If we say we have NOT sinned, we make Him a liar, and the truth is not in us.”

John’s first “chapter” refutes Gnostic beliefs.

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1 John 2.

John speaks more about sin.  It’s a real thing. It is against God’s laws.  His readers (and we) DO IT. And it’s wrong.

“Little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you may NOT sin. But IF anyone does sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father: Jesus Christ the Righteous.  He is the PROPITIATION (appeasement) for our sins.”

John offers some proofs that they really “know” Christ (and are saved).

  • “If we keep His commandments, we know “we know” Him.
  • Whoever says he knows Him, but does NOT keep His commandments, is a liar.
  • Whoever KEEPS His Word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.
  • Whoever SAYS he abides in Him ought to WALK in the same way in which He walked.”

John does a little wordplay with “old” and “new” commandments from Jesus.

  • The “old” commandment is still the same:  LOVE.
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
  • Love “others’ as (you love) yourself.

Jesus raised the standard of love for others to a new level for His followers.

  • Love “others” as “I have loved you.”  (Sacrificially, to the death if need be.)

Again, SAYING and DOING make all the difference.

  • “Whoever SAYS he is in the light (saved) and yet hates his brother, is still in darkness (unsaved).
  • Whoever loves his brother, abides in the LIGHT, and there is no cause for stumbling.”
  • But… whoever HATES his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.  (Speaking about false teaching.)

And more on what NOT to LOVE.

  • “DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD, or the things of the world. 
  • If you do, the love of the Father is not in you.”
  • Everything in the world (lust, greed, and pride) is NOT from the Father and is passing away.
  • Whoever does the will of God abides forever.

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Next, John warns them about the false teachers, liars, antichrists, and deceivers.

Many antichrists have come already!  They are already here, in the form of those who would lead them astray.

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?

If you confess the Son, you have the Father too, and eternal life.  You also have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who teaches you what is true.  Abide in Jesus, so when He appears, you may have confidence.

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1 John 3.

“What love the Father has for us – that He calls us His children.  We are His children now, and when Jesus appears. we shall be like Him, because we shall SEE Him as he is.  WE have this HOPE, and it makes us want to live pure lives, as He is pure.

In Him, there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either SEEN Him or KNOWN Him.   Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil!  And the reason the Son of God appeared was TO DESTROY the works of the devil. NO ONE BORN OF GOD practices sinning.

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God….. nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (Anyone who hates his brother – like Cain – is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal LIFE dwelling in him.)

Instead of killing, we should be “laying down our own lives” for the brothers.  And we should be loving, not in “talk” only, but in DEEDS and truth.

This is His commandment, that we BELIEVE in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Faith, love, and obedience.

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1 John 4.

Warning: Do NOT believe EVERY spirit, but TEST the spirits to see whether they are from God.  By THIS you will know the Spirit of God – that he confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

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“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.”

(Yes, I sang the song as I typed that!)

“And this is how the love of God is made manifest (evident) to us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins.”

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1 John 5.

  • “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.
  • 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 commands.
  • Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the World.
  • He who overcomes the world is the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 

John says three things testify that Jesus is the Son of God.  It’s the SPIRIT and the WATER and the BLOOD. The witness of God via the Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, and His blood shed on the cross for the redemption of sinners. 

HE IS GOD. HE DID COME IN THE FLESH. IN THE FLESH HE DIED AS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TOOK AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. HE AROSE, ASCENDED, AND NOW INTERCEEDS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TRUSTED IN HIM BY FAITH.

  • We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning.
  • We know that we are from God, and the world lies in the power of the evil one.
  • We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding to know Him who is true.

Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 358

Dec24

Day 358 – Reading – 2 Timothy  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Timothy

This is Paul’s LAST letter that we have recorded.  It’s to his beloved “son in the faith,” Timothy, who is currently ministering in Ephesus.  Paul is once again in prison in Rome, this time in the dungeon and not in a house under simple arrest.  It’s cold, lonely, and his old, achy body is yearning to “go home.” He will soon be martyred.  But he’s concerned with Timothy and the church in Ephesus…. and a few bodily comforts, if possible.

(I wonder what “my” or “your” last letter to a beloved convert would sound like.  Sadly, mine would probably be full of complaints. 

O LORD, help me! Make me a willing servant! Fill me with the Holy Spirit’s love. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross … and follow You to the death.)

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2 Timothy 1.

See Paul’s love for Timothy in the first verses.  “My beloved child.” “I remember you constantly in my prayers.” “I long to see you that I may be filled with joy.”

Paul is very grateful for the early work of Timothy’s Grandmother and mother, godly Jewish women, who established faith in the young ‘Timmy.’

You can also see Paul’s concern for Timothy, whom he’s leaving in charge of the considerable work in Ephesus.  There are 25 imperatives he gives to the young man in this book.  ALL would be suitable for us too!  Here are some:

  • Fan into flame the (ministry) gift of God, which is in you. 1:6
  • Do not be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord (or Paul). 1:8  (Paul says, “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.”)
  • Share in suffering for the Gospel. 1:8
  • Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me. 1:13
  • Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 1:14

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2 Timothy 2.

Continuing in Paul’s admonitions to Timothy.

  • Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:1
  • Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:3
  • Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, as preached in my gospel. 2:8
  • 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. 2:15
  • Avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead to more ungodliness. That talk will spread like gangrene. 2:16-17
  • Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 2:22.
  • Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. They breed quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with GENTLENESS. 2:22-25

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2 Timothy 3.

Then Paul tells Timothy that in “the last days” (which he and we are in right now!), there will be difficulty because of evil, unbelieving people.

Paul names some: lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the “appearance” of godliness, but denying it’s power. Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

(WOW. does this ever sound like today!!  And, oh, no!, I see some of my own sins in this list!!!)

  • Avoid such people. 3:5

Paul tells Timothy that HE did not learn such. HE followed the teaching, conduct, aim, faith, love, steadfastness and persecutions of Paul.   (Indeed, ALL who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.)

  • Continue in what you have learned and have believed. 3:14

Paul is so grateful that Timothy was acquainted with the scriptures from a child (Thanks to his Mom and Grandma).  It’s why he became “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Then Paul tells of the supreme value of Scripture.  “All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

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2 Timothy 4.

You can hear the earnestness in Paul’s admonition to Timothy here.

  • Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. 
  • Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. 4:2
  • Always be sober-minded.
  • Endure suffering. 
  • Do the work of an evangelist.
  • Fulfill your ministry. 4:5

Paul longs that Timothy be as he is, and to be able to say at the time of his own death…. 

“I am ready to be ‘poured out’ as a drink offering.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord… will award to me on that day.  AND NOT ONLY TO ME, but to all who have loved His appearing.”

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And then we see some final personal words to Timothy.

  • Do your best to come to me soon. (For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me. Crescens and Titus are also working elsewhere.  Only Luke is with me.) 4:9
  • Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 4:11
  • When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas…. also the books, and above all, the parchments. 4:13
  • Beware of Alexander the coppersmith, for he strongly opposed our message. 4:15

Paul affirms to Timothy, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.”

  • Timothy, do your best to come before winter. 4:21

And the LORD be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

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And that’s all Paul wrote that has been recorded for us.  This was written in A.D. 67, shortly before he was executed.

Tradition says that he was beheaded (suitable for a Roman citizen) at the command of Emperor Nero, and that Christians took his body and buried it in a believer’s family tomb along the Ostia Way.

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 357

Dec23

Day 357 – Reading – Hebrews 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Hebrews 11.

This chapter is what is well-known as “The Faith Chapter.”  The author defines what faith IS to a believer, and just what has to be BELIEVED.

  1. Faith is the ASSURANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen. (1:1)
  2. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God, MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS, and that He REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.

The author then names 18 specific people from the Old Testament who had faith in the promises of God and acted upon them … plus many others, not named, known by their actions of faith.

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, the people of Israel when they crossed the Red Sea on dry land and when the walls of Jericho came down, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets of God. 

These all 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 when weak, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 

And by faith WOMEN received back their dead by resurrection. 

Some of these O.T. Faith people were tortured.  Some suffered mocking and flogging, chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, sawn in two, and killed with the sword.  They were destitute, afflicted, and mistreated.

All these were commended for their FAITH, and the world was not worthy of them, but they did not receive what was promised.   They LOOKED FORWARD to the salvation WE HAVE received in the finished work of Jesus the Messiah, on the cross.

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Hebrews 12.

  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (all those men of FAITH 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, who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right had of the throne of God. 
  • And consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  

Then the writer relates some of the suffering that believers endure as “Discipline of the Lord.”   We are not to regard it lightly or grow weary of it, knowing that God disciplines the one He loves.  When God disciplines you, He is treating you as a son.  It’s for our own good, so we can share in His holiness. 

Okay, yes, discipline is painful at the moment when we are “spanked,” sent to our room, or have a privilege removed.  But later, this yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness,” if we learn from it.  So, “buck up,” lift your drooping hands, strengthen your weak knees, and make straight the paths for your feet.  Don’t allow circumstances to get the best of you!  Endure.  Get a second wind.  RUN THE RACE!

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Hebrews 13.

The writer of Hebrews concludes with practical ethics of Christian living. 

  • First and foremost is LOVE for one another. 
  • And showing hospitality, which is a visible form of love.
  • Generosity to those in need (prisoners and mistreated) is another outward way to show love. 
  • Faithfulness to one’s marriage partner is another way of showing love. 
  • Contentment with what you have been given shows that you love God more than money.

Remember to honor, obey, and imitate the faith of your leaders. Don’t be led astray by strange teachings.

Continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of your lips, that acknowledge his Name.

And PRAY FOR US. Do it urgently so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

And his benediction:  “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, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

And a final hope that his readers will “bear with his brief (???) “word of exhortation.” (This letter to the Hebrews).  

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 355 & 356

Dec22

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on MONDAYS

Day 355 – Reading – Hebrews  1 – 6

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10
Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY, Hebrews.

“To The Hebrews (Jews)” is the original and official title to this book, since it is filled with references to Jewish history and religion and doesn’t address any Gentile or pagan practices.  It was probably written while the temple and the priesthood were still intact in Jerusalem. (67-69 A.D.)

And as we’ve all heard, the author is unknown. Some have speculated on Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Priscilla (?!!), Aquila, and Clement.  But the letter’s style fits none of those exclusively. The author says he received Christ’s message from “others” (i. e. the disciples/apostles).  He also quotes from the Greek Old Testament rather than the Hebrew text.  A conundrum.

But. praise God, we know for sure 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 1:20-21) 
  • And, “All scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness…” (I Timothy 3:15-16)

If you are so inclined… read and refresh you memory on the book of Leviticus before reading Hebrews.  It will explain a lot. The Jews (and all people) needed a PERFECT priest and a PERFECT sacrifice, all of which Jesus is.  Other O.T. texts which would be valuable to read with these first six chapters in Hebrews are: 2 Samuel 7, Deuteronomy 32, Psalms 8:4-6, 95:7-11, 110:4. (More later for the following chapters.)

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Hebrews 1.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER ANGELS.  Through the ages, God spoke to the Jews (and others) through the Holy Scriptures.  But NOW, God has spoken to all men through His Son, through whom He CREATED the world, and whom now UPHOLDS the universe by the power of His word.

This JESUS is “the radiance of the GLORY of God,” and “the exact imprint of God’s nature.”  You see Jesus, you see GOD. (John 14:9)   And He now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, His enemies, like a footstool under His feet.

He, Jesus, is much superior to angels.  God called Him, “my Son,” and said, “I will be a Father to Him.”  This is never said of angels!  In fact God told His angels to “worship” Jesus.  Angels are God’s ministers and messengers, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. 

No, God the Father has given to Jesus a throne and a scepter forever, calling Him, “God.”  To which of the angels did God ever say to sit at His right hand?

Hebrews 2

NOTE: The readers of this book fall into 3 categories.

  • 1) Hebrew Christians who are suffering rejection and persecution by fellow Jews. 
  • 2) Jewish unbelievers who are convinced of the basic truths of the gospel, but who have not placed their faith in Jesus as the Savior ad Lord. 
  • 3) Jewish unbelievers who are not convinced of the gospel’s truth, but have had some exposure to it.

The warning in verses 1-4 seems to be to the second and third group, who have heard the gospel, perhaps given mental assent to the truth of it, but have not actually been saved by it.

  • …”we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
  • …how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

The quotation from Psalm 8 refers to mankind. “What is mankind that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything under his feet.”  (Earth was originally under the administration of mankind.)  The incarnation of Jesus Christ proves God’s LOVE and REGARD for mankind. Christ was sent in the form of a man.

And of Jesus, “It was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory …. should make the “founder” of their salvation “perfect” through suffering. 

Since the “saved” share in flesh and blood, HE himself likewise partook of the same things (flesh and blood) that through death He might destroy the one who has power over death – the devil – and deliver those (through fear of death) were in lifelong slavery! 

HE had to be “made like His brothers” in every respect, so He could become a merciful and faithful high priest and make propitiation for the sins of the people.

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Hebrews 3.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER MOSES.  Consider Jesus – the apostle and high priest of our confessing – who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses was also faithful in all God’s house.  But Jesus has been counted worthy of MUCH MORE GLORY THAN MOSES.

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house “as a servant” to testify to the things that were to be spoken later. But Christ is faithful over God’s house “as a son.”  (WE are His house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence.”)

The warnings in verses 7-11 and 12 – 15, also seem to be addressed to the second and third kinds of believers. (Those who have heard, but not committed themselves wholeheartedly to Jesus for salvation.)

  1. Today, if you hear His voice, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS as in the day of rebellion in the testing in the wilderness. (“They shall not enter My rest.”)
  2. Take care, lest there be in any of you and evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God.  DON”T be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!  TODAY, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS as in the rebellion!  (They did not enter God’s “rest” because of … UNBELIEF.)

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Hebrews 4.

Now, for more information about the “rest” he’s been writing about, that was forfeited by unbelief. It’s still available!

  • “Therefore, while the promise of entering His “rest” still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem t have failed to reach it. 
  • For Good News came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by FAITH.  But WE who have BELIEVED enter that rest.”
  • Since therefore it remains for SOME to enter it, and those who formerly received the Good News failed to enter because of disobedience, again He appoints a certain day.  
  • “TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,  DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

Not only in Moses’ day, and Joshua’s day, and in David’s day (Psalm 95:7-11), those who disbelieve will not enter God’s “REST.”  If you hear the Word, respond!  It is the Word of God that must be believed and obeyed.

And perhaps you have memorized this passage, but consider it again in light of God’s “VOICEING it to YOU… TODAY.  (Hebrews 4:12-13)

  • “For the Word of god is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of 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.”

And then for encouragement to the actual believing readers,

  • “SINCE then we have a great high priest, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 
  • For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, 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.”

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Hebrews 5.

THE SUPREMECY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER AARON’S HIGH PRIESTHOOD.  The writer then explains how Jesus, our great high priest, is so different from the priests of old.  They…

  1. acted on behalf of men in relationship to God,
  2. offered gifts and sacrifices for sins,
  3. dealt gently with the ignorant and wayward,
  4. were themselves “beset with weakness,”
  5. had to offer sacrifices for their own sins,
  6. and only served when God called them. 

Jesus, our GREAT high priest,

  1. was appointed by God the Father, who called Him Son,
  2. was made a priest forever – not like Aaron – but like Melchizedek,
  3. became the source of ETERNAL salvation to all who obey Him (in faith).

The writer then chastens his readers for still being children in the things of doctrine.  Instead of being teachers now, they still needed the “milk” of the basic principles spoon-fed to them.  He says they should be eating the “solid food” of maturity.  They should have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil!!”

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Hebrews 5.

And so… (he continues into this chapter), “leave the elementary doctrines of Christ (repentance and faith, etc.), and go on to maturity.

And then, another warning. (These warnings can be a bit frightening, I agree. But again, were probably directed to those second and third groups.)

Here are five advantages possessed by the Jews, but are insufficient for their salvation.

  1. Having been enlightened, 
  2. having tasted the heavenly gift,
  3. having shared in (the convicting power of) the Holy Spirit,
  4. having tasted the goodness of the word of God,
  5. and having the powers of the age to come (like those people in the wilderness).

“For it is impossible, in these cases, after having fallen away, to be restored again to repentance, since they would be crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm, and holding Him up to contempt.”

YIKES!

Then he gives a down-to-earth illustration for what he’s saying. 

“For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. BUT, if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.”

.

Then (thankfully) he turns to his believing readers with encouragement.

“Though we speak in this way, yet in YOUR case, beloved, we feel sure of better things – things that belong to salvation.  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His Name in serving the saints, as you still do.   Have the full assurance of hope until the end to inherit the promises.”

And finally the writer turns to ABRAHAM as an example.

  • God made a promise to Abraham to bless and multiply him.
  • Abraham patiently waited, and obtained the promise.
  • When God wanted to show “the heirs of promise” the UNCHANGABLE CHARACTER OF HIS PURPOSE AND WORD, He swore by himself, and GOD CANNOT LIE!
  • And so, true believers have this sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. And our forever high priest, Jesus, guarantees it.

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###

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MONDAY, Hebrews 7.

JESUS CHRIST AND MELCHIZEDEK.

If you have studied Genesis and Abraham, you will have met Melchizedek. His name means “King of Righteousness,” and he was the king of a city named Salem (peace), which was later renamed Jeru-Salem (Jerusalem). Melchizedek was also called “priest of the most high God.”  For so important a person, he seems to appear and disappear out of nowhere. 

When Abraham and his men pursued the four eastern kings who had captured his nephew Lot, God gave them success. Abe brought back ALL the captured people of the wicked city of Sodom, plus a lot of loot. (This was before their wickedness reached the tipping point and God destroyed them.)

Abraham had determined to keep none of the “tainted” booty for himself, although it was due him, because the king might boast HE made Abraham rich.  (Abraham did allow his men to take their fair share.) As the smarmy king of Sodom strode out to magnanimously offer the loot to Abraham, this mysterious Melchizedek stepped between them and took God’s man aside.

He’d brought bread and wine and “blessed” Abraham.  He also blessed God for helping Abraham defeat the enemy. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth (tithe) of everything. (Communion, blessing, and offering, this was a holy meeting between the man of God and the priest of God.)  And that’s all we know.

And now, in Hebrews 7, we also learn that Melchizedek was “without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, resembling the Son of God as He continues a priest forever.”

So, why do we need to know about Melchizedek now, when talking of Jesus as our forever High Priest?

Think now of the priesthood that came through Levi to Aaron and his descendants.  Levi was a great-grandson of Abraham – still in his “loins” if you will.  Aaron’s priesthood wasn’t established until the people had been freed from Egypt, and God set up the sacrificial system in Leviticus.  Melchizedek – and Jesus, who was born in the tribe of Judah – were separate from the system that would eventually fail. 

All those former priests died. But Jesus, after dying, rose again to life.  He can hold the priesthood permanently!  He “ever lives to make intercession for us!”

  • “It was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
  • He has NO NEED to offer sacrifices daily, first for His own sin, and then for the people, since He did this once for all when he offered Himself.

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Hebrews 8.

Jesus Christ is just such a high priest, one who is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the “true tent” that the Lord set up. (It is “the pattern” for the one Moses set up at Sinai.)  

Jesus’ ministry was “much more excellent” than the old system (He is priest AND atoning sacrifice), and so He can perfectly mediate between God and man.  This NEW covenant is also better, because God’s laws are no longer on stone tablets, but written in the people’s minds and on their hearts.  God will be “merciful toward their sins, and remember them no more!”

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Hebrews 9.

The writer of Hebrews now goes into some detail describing the earthly Tabernacle and its furnishings.  The Holy Place is where the priests ministered, but the “inner sanctum,” where the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God dwelled, could only be accessed ONCE per year, by the HIGH PRIEST, and only if he carried the BLOOD of the sacrificial Lamb.

“The WAY into the holy places was not opened as long as the first section was standing.  

  • In other words, access to God’s presence was NOT OPENED to the people.
  • There was NO WAY TO GOD in the ceremonial system. 
  • ONLY CHRIST could open the way. 
  • God is NOT accessible apart from the death of Jesus Christ.
  • (Remember, when He died, the veil was ripped open from TOP to bottom?)

 

“He entered once for all into the holy place, not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of HIS OWN BLOOD, thus securing an ETERNAL redemption.

How much more will the blood of Christ, offered without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the Living God!

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”

“And just as it is appointed for man to die ONCE and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered ONCE to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, NOT to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
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(Halleluia! Praise God. Thank You, Jesus!)

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Hebrews 10.

The writer emphasizes again that the old sacrificial system COULD NOT make perfect those who would “draw near” to God.  “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin.”  They are but a reminder of the cost of sin every year.

But Jesus came as the perfect, sinless sacrifice.  He came “to do God’s will.”  And by that WILL, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“But when Christ had offered for all time a SINGLE SACRIFICE for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting until his enemies became His footstool. 

“For by a SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

And … “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is no longer any offering for sin.”

Because of what Jesus did (the will of the Father),  we can have confidence to enter the presence of God, through that “new and living way He opened for us… through the curtain, that is, through His flesh..

So….

  • “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 
  • Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL. 
  • And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

AND THEN ANOTHER WARNING….

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire.

“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has 1) spurned the Son of God, and 2) profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has 3) outraged the Spirit of Grace?

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!”

YIKES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 354

Dec20

Day 354 – Reading – 1 Peter 1 -5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Peter.

We haven’t heard from Peter in a while, but he’s in what he calls “Babylon,” which is the “code word” for Rome. Since the City burned under Nero’s watch, the Emperor is dodging blame by saying “the Christians did it.”  More persecution resulted, and a mass fleeing from the Empire’s capital. 

Many went to Asia, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, places where Paul established churches during his first and second missionary journeys.  Peter calls the recipients of his letter “elect exiles.” And they needed strengthening to endure the more intense suffering and persecution that was coming. 

Peter’s wife is probably with him (1 Corinthians 9:5), and also Mark who abandoned Paul earlier but who has since become useful in the ministry to both Peter and Paul.  Tradition says that Peter helped Mark write his Gospel. (Many things in that short, fast account of Jesus DO sound like Peter!)  Silas helped write this letter and will deliver it for Peter, having gone (and suffered in Asia) with Paul.

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1 Peter 1.

In his opening, Peter calls his readers elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, who caused them to be born again by His mercy through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Peter was there. He saw it!)

He tells them to rejoice through their various trials, which are testing the genuineness of their faith, and which will ultimately bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ.  He encourages them to prepare their minds for action, and to set their hope on the grace that will come to them when Jesus is revealed.

He tells them not to be conformed to their former passions, but to be holy in their conduct, as He is holy. They are to remember that they were ransomed with the precious blood of Christ. And they are to love one another earnestly with a pure heart, since they’ve been born of imperishable seed through the Living Word of God.

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1 Peter 2

He encourages them to long for the pure spiritual milk, like infants, that they may grow up into salvation.  He tells them they are like precious stones, being built up as a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chosen and precious cornerstone.  He tells them they are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession whom He called out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

(THIS he’s saying to Gentile believers! WOW.)  

Once they were NOT a people, but now they are God’s people. Once they had NOT received mercy, but now they do receive mercy.   “Just keep your conduct honorable among unbelievers. They may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of salvation!” 

(Doesn’t this sound like Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?” Here’s some more.)

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor or governors. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.” 

They are to be like Christ. He also suffered as their example to follow.  When He suffered, he did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

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1 Peter 3.

Peter, as Paul did, admonishes his readers who are wives and husbands to be God-pleasing in their relationship.

  • Wives, be subject to your own husbands.
  • Don’t let your adorning be only external. 
  • Be adorned with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. 

And for husbands;

  • They are to live with their wives in an understanding way,
  • Show honor to them as weaker vessels.
  • This, so their prayers won’t be hindered.

Then Peter segues into  the topic of suffering.

“If you suffer for righteousness, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” 

“Always be prepared to made a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…. but do it with gentleness and respect.” 

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit.”  

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1 Peter 4.

Peter continues..

  • “Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”   
  • “The END of all things is at hand, therefore be self-controlled and sober minded, for the sake of your prayers.” 
  • “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 
  • “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”   
  • “If your are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 
  • “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 
  • “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

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1 Peter 5,

And then some words to the elders (or shepherds) of the churches, and to the people themselves.

  • “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, NOT under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you, NOT for shameful gain, but eagerly, NOT domineering, but being examples.” 
  • “Be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves – all of you –  with humility toward one another (for God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble).” 
  • “Humble yourselves under the hand of God so that at the proper time, He may exalt you.” 
  • “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 
  • “Be sober-minded and be watchful for your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  RESIST him firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experience by your brethren throughout the world.” 
  • ” And, after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you,”

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And then final greetings and a prayer for peace to all of them who are in Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 351

Dec17

Day 351 – Reading – Philippians  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

Philippians.

This is another letter that Paul wrote while on house arrest in Rome, while awaiting an audience with Caesar. This was written toward the end of those two years, as he tells the Philippians, that the court date is approaching, and that he hopes to visit them when he’s freed.

It is written to the church at Philippi, the first in Europe (Macedonia), during Paul’s second missionary journey.  Remember how he first met with Lydia, the seller of purple, at a prayer meeting on the beach? She invited him to use her house as a base, and it went from there.  Persecution forced him to move to Thessalonica and Berea, and then to Greece.

When Paul cast out a demon from a young fortune-telling girl in Philippi, he got into trouble and was put in prison. That resulted in the prison guard and his whole house (and possibly some other prisoners) becoming believers.  He and Silas were nicely escorted out of this “proudly Roman town” after the officials learned he was a Roman Citizen.

The Philippian church was a “giving” church, generously supporting the needy in Jerusalem, Paul in prison at the beginning of his stay, and now again towards the end of his stay, sending a beloved member to help him in any way. Paul says they gave even beyond their means.

Paul truly loved the Philippian church.  There is not one bit of correction or scolding in this letter.  He thanks them, praises them, teaches and warns them, and tells them of his love. Pursuing Christlikeness was his theme.

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Philippians 1.

Paul says in Greetings, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy — because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Then he encourages them, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“…I hold you in my heart…”

“…I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Then he assures them by telling how his imprisonment has worked “for good.”  “…it served to advance the Gospel.” “…the whole imperial guard and all the rest,” have heard the gospel.”  And “…most of the believers here have become confident in the Lord, and much more bold to speak the Word without fear.”

“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ THIS will turn out for my deliverance.”   Then he adds that it doesn’t really matter to HIM how it goes. To die and see Jesus is gain, but to live is more helpful for them, for their progress and joy in the faith.

He wants THEM to also stand firm in one spirit and with one mind, striving for the faith of the gospel, and NOT FRIGHTENED in anything by your opponents.  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only BELIEVE IN HIM, but also SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE.”

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Philippians 2.

Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Christ: to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but with humility, counting others more significant than themselves, looking not to their own interests, but the interests of others.  “Have this same mind among you, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

Then he tells how Jesus did just that, leaving all the glory of heaven and suffering for them.  (A great passage to memorize, if you will.) (Philippians 2:6-11)

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross. 

THEREFORE God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the NAME (LORD) that is above every name, so that at THE NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father.”

And so he continues, telling them to do all things without grumbling or questioning (like Jesus, who is their example), that you may be blameless and innocent children of God.  In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, shine as lights of the world!

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He tells them he hopes to send Timothy to them soon, so he can get some “first-hand” cheerful news from them.  As soon as he knows the outcome of his trial, he’ll send “his son in the Lord,” and then come to them personally, as soon as he can.

He is also sending back Epaphroditus.  This man brought the last generous gift to Paul, but on the way had become deathly ill.  God brought him back to health, and in case they were unduly worrying about him, they would see him soon and well.

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Philippians 3.

Here, Paul warns them about “evildoers who insist that believers be circumcised.” He tells them, that Jews (like him) put NO CONFIDENCE in circumcision, in the flesh.  He reminds them, of course, of his own background, in case ANYONE should have confidence in the works of the Law.

He was circumcised on the 8th day, as all faithful Jewish parents did for their sons.  He knows his heritage, though he has no confidence in it for salvation. He is a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and as for his zeal… he persecuted the church.  In the righteousness of the law, he considered himself blameless.

BUT, “whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.”  He counted all that prestige as garbage so that he might gain Christ, and be found in Him, having His righteousness by faith.

Oh, he’s not perfect by any means, but “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.”

Brothers, he urges, “…join in imitating me.”  “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.”

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Philippians 4.

Then, on to some practical things.

Two ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, who have been laboring side by side with Paul in the gospel, now have some disagreement.  He asks them to “agree in the LORD.”  And he asks one of the church elders to help them in this.  “Rejoice in the Lord always.” “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” 

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Then Paul gives some excellent exhortation for them and all of us too.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let yur requests be known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus.

And finally…

  • “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
  • if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise… THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS.   
  • And what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things.  And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul tells these beloved Philippian believers that he so appreciates their concern for him.  “But in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me.”

Yet, he tells them it was kind of them to share with him. No such church entered into a partnership with him in giving, except them. They sent a gift once when he was first imprisoned, then again now with Epaphroditus. “They were a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”  He promises them, “My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

He sends final greetings to them all in Christ.  Then, I’m sure with a smile, he adds, “All the saints greet YOU, especially those of Caesar’s household.”   (These are the fruit of his ministry in prison, which they had helped to win by their generous gifts.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 347

Dec13

Day 347 – Reading – Acts  24  – 26
Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 24.

Back to Paul’s story.  So far, he has tried to preach/testify twice in Jerusalem before being taken to Caesarea because of a plot to kill him. In Jerusalem, Paul confessed to being a ROMAN CITIZEN to the tribune in charge.

Now, in Caesarea. Governor Felix called the Jewish leaders to come present their case against Paul. They brought a fancy lawyer, who “kissed up” to the governor before accusing Paul of profaning the Temple, among other offences.

Finally, Paul gets to speak. He clearly shows that he has done nothing to profane the Temple; he was simply trying to fulfill a vow in the correct Jewish manner.  But…. then, like the missionary preacher he was, Paul starts in on his testimony.

  • “I confess to you, that according to “the Way” (Christianity), which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be A RESSURECTION of both the just and the unjust. 
  • So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

Then he explained how, while he was completing his vow in the Temple, doing nothing to excite a riot, they arrested him. And again he repeats the offence by which the Sadducees REALLY want to do away with him.

  • “It is about the RESURRECTION of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.”

Well, Felix knew all about “the Way,” having ruled between Jews and Gentiles for many years.  So he puts off a confrontation, saying,

  • “When Lysias the tribune comes down (to Caesarea), I will decide your case.”

A few days later, his wife, Drusilla (a Jew), came to Caesarea.  For his wife’s entertainment or curiosity, Felix called Paul again to “hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.”  As Paul reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed (convicted?) 

  • “When I get an opportunity, I will summon you!”  

Of course, also, Felix was hoping for some “bribe” money.  For two years, he sent for Paul often and conversed with him.  (Oh, what a stubborn heart!)  

And then the opportunity passed. He had heard the Gospel many times; now it was too late. (Oh, seize your chance to be saved now, when you hear the Gospel!)

Felix was recalled to Rome – probably on his mishandling of the Jew/Gentile situations – and Porcius Festus, a member of Roman nobility, was assigned to Caesarea in his place.

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Acts 25.

A few days after arriving, Festus went up to check out the scene in Jerusalem.  The chief priests and principal men of the jews approached him about Paul.  They asked a favor of this new guy – that he would summon Paul to Jerusalem for trial.  They did this because they STILL plotted to kill Paul. (Mind you, it’s been at least TWO YEARS from the original arrest!)

Festus said he was going back to Caesarea in a few days, and for the Jewish leaders to come with him and bring charges against Paul there.  He did, and they did.

Festus took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.  The Jews brought many, and serious charges against Paul, that they could not prove. 

Paul answered by truthfully saying,

  • “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed any offence.” (This was his ‘not guilty’ plea)

Festus asked Paul if he wished to go up to Jerusalem and be tried there by him. (He did this as a favor to the Jews.)   Then Paul makes a statement that secures his future calling, as God promised.

  • “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews, I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.  If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not seek to escape. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them.
  • “I APPEAL TO CAESAR!”

Well then.  That’s that.

“To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

(End of problem with the Jews.)

Not long after, King Agrippa II and Bernice, his wife, arrived at Caesarea.  And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king. How the Jews came down to accuse Paul.

  • “They had specific points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 
  • Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there. But when Paul appealed for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

This story caught Agrippa’s interest.

  • “I would like to hear the man myself.”
  • “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

And so, Paul is once again called on to present his story. Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice (with much pomp), with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city, all came into the audience hall to hear Paul. 

Festus, almost acting like his attorney, said,

  • “You see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. (Boy, this sounds like Jesus’ trial before Pilate!). 
  • “And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.  But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him.  King Agrippa, after we have examined him, perhaps you can tell me what to write…”

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Acts 26.

After the king gave Paul a nod, he began his defense.  He acknowledged that Agrippa was “familiar with the customs and controversies of the Jews,” and Paul was glad. 

And so, he began with his own story of being a Jew of the Jews, a Pharisee.  And as all the Pharisees believed, Paul states his HOPE in the promise made to their fathers, of the resurrection of the dead.  THAT is what he was being accused for, by the Sadducee chief priests. (They are Sad-you-see, because they believe in no life after death.)

  • “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead??”

Paul continues his story about being a persecutor of the early church and specifically going to Damascus to put Christians to death (much as the chief priests wanted of HIM now). Paul tells of his meeting Jesus on the way, becoming blind, and being given the command to take the gospel to the Gentiles.went

  • “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith.”

He tells how he obeyed the vision and how he has gone to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God.  “AND FOR THIS REASON, THE JEWS SEIZED ME IN THE TEMPLE AND HAVE TRIED TO KILL ME.”

And as Paul continues, Festus shouts out,

  • “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”  (Is he now offering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity?)

Paul counters that he is NOT out of his mind.  The king knows about these things, and to HIM he speaks. None of these things has escaped the king’s notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 

  • “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I KNOW you do!”

Agrippa answered,

  • “Paul, in a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

Paul said,

  • “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only YOU but ALL who hear me this day might become such as I am ….. except for these chains.”

Then the king and all the regalia rose and exited the audience hall.  Later, Agrippa confessed to Festus, 

  • “This man has done nothing deserving death or prison.  He could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.“

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But this was God’s way. Paul would go to Rome via a prison ship. He would witness to them aboard the doomed boat, as well as to an island of pagans, before getting to the Roman capital.  God’s ways and thoughts are far above ours, but they are perfect. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 346

Dec12

Day 344 – Reading – Acts 20 – 23
Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 20.

We left off in Acts with Paul in Ephesus just after that big riot by the silversmiths about their idol Artemis/Diana. (Actually, it was about them losing money on the sales of their icons and statues.)  The riot (and endless chanting) was finally quieted with a threat of Roman intervention. Paul’s friends had kept him from joining the ruckus.  Now they urged him to leave Ephesus.

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Checking on the churches in Macedonia and Greece was his plan anyway, so he gathered the group, encouraged them, and said goodbye.  North to Troas, then across the Aegean Sea to Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, then south through Athens and to Corinth, where he spent three months. But when he heard of a plot to kill him, he left by ship, not to Syria as planned, but back north to Macedonia, where he celebrated Passover and Unleavened Bread.

Eventually he reached Troas, where he stayed a week..

He talked (and taught) the believers there long into the night on the last day. The room was warm and crowded. A young man sat on the window sill to catch a breath of cool air.  But he was drowsy, and…. YEP, HE FELL OUT THE WINDOW!   They were on the THIRD STORY!!!  They rushed down and found him DEAD!

But Paul encouraged them that Eutychus was still alive (after all, Paul had also been left for dead once and had aroused).  The boy got up, and after they all had eaten something, they went back upstairs for more of Paul’s teaching till daybreak.

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Luke maps Paul’s progress as he heads back to Jerusalem, hoping to arrive there by Pentecost. At one stop, the elders of the Ephesian church met him at Miletus.  He gave them final words of encouragement.  Final, because the Holy Spirit was telling him that imprisonment and affliction was awaiting him.  He might not see them again.

  • “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

He exhorted the elders to remain faithful. He warned them of “wolves” trying to come in an hurt the “sheep.”  And he commended them to God and the Word.  Then he knelt down and prayed with them all.  And there was a lot of weeping and hugging and kissing, everyone realizing that they would not see him again.

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Acts 21.

Again, Luke maps Paul’s trip as he heads east to Israel and Jerusalem, stopping at several ports and switching ships sometimes.  At Tyre, Paul stayed with some believers for a week while the unloaded the ship.  Again, these men urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  But Paul was determined, and on the last day, they all knelt on the beach to pray and bid farewell to each other. Then aboard the ship again, finally arriving at Caesarea, the port for Jerusalem.

In Caesarea he stayed with Phillip, the evangelist. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Agabus, another prophet from Judea, also stopped by and all foretold imprisonment and suffering if Paul persisted on his way.  Everyone strongly urged Paul NOT TO GO UP to Jerusalem!  

Paul answered. 

  • “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?  For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Eventually they got ready and went up to Jerusalem, escorted by some of the disciples from Caesarea.  Paul met with James and the other elders in the Jerusalem church, telling him about his travels and how the Gentiles were coming to the Lord Jesus  And they glorified God.

Then the elders warned Paul about some Jews (who have believed) but were zealous of the law.  They did not like what they heard of Paul’s “lax” ministry to the Gentiles.  The elders feared there might be trouble when Paul went into the Temple to finish his vow.  They suggested he take two other men there, Jews, who were fulfilling a vow as Paul, and pay for their expenses.  This would show that he was respectful of the ways of Judaism.

Paul took their advice, purified himself, brought the offerings for all of them and went into the temple.  But the Jews from Asia, seeing Paul in the temple with two other men, assumed he was bringing his Gentile converts INTO THE TEMPLE!!   

“Help! Men of Israel! This is the man who is teaching against the Law!”

A crowd gathered. Paul was seized and dragged out of the temple.  They even attempted to kill him, but word of the riot came to the Roman cohort. Soldiers and centurions rushed to the scene.  Immediately the Tribune arrested Paul. He asked who he was, but got conflicting answers, so he took Paul back to the barracks. Outside the crowd was shouting, “Away with him!”

Paul asked the Tribune if he might speak to the crowd.  The Roman was shocked that Paul could speak Greek, thinking he was that Egyptian rebel rouser.  When Paul told him he was a Jew from Tarsus, he allowed Paul to speak. 

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Acts 22.

He addressed the crowd in Hebrew.  When the crowd heard that, they quieted down.  He explained further that he was trained in the law in Jerusalem under the famous teacher, Gamaliel.  he told them how he’d persecuted Christians, all the way to Damascus.

But then… Paul shared his personal testimony of meeting Jesus and becoming blind. He told about the man who came to heal his eyes. 

“The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth: for you will be a witness for Him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.”

Paul held their attention. He even recounted how he had stood and approved of the stoning of Stephen.  But when Paul quoted Jesus, “Go, for I will send you far away to the GENTILES,” the mob broke out again in shouts of killing him.  The tribune grabbed Paul and pulled him inside for his safety… and for interrogation.

When he had Paul stripped and stretched out to receive the whips, Paul said calmly to the centurion, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a ROMAN CITIZEN and un-condemned?  

Whoa, whoa, whoa!  Nope, Can’t do THAT!  The tribune was told and quizzed Paul.  I was BORN a Roman Citizen, having lived in Tarsus.  They all withdrew from him, fearful for what they had almost done.  The next day, the tribune brought the chief priests and the council and Paul together.  What exactly was he being accused for.

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Acts 23.

Again Paul began to tell his testimony, carefully watching his words before these men.

  • “I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day,”

The high priest commanded that Paul be struck on the mouth, and Paul responded sharply.

  • “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law, you order me struck??”

Someone nearby asked Paul, “Would you revile God’s high priest?

  • “I did not know brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'”

Paul then thought it was best to get to the nitty-gritty.  Looking around, he saw that some of the council members were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, two rival groups, with only the Pharisees believing in the resurrection of the dead.

  • “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial…”

And again all pandemonium broke out, with the two rival factions fighting each other. When it became truly violent, the Tribune stepped in and commanded that soldiers go and bring Paul back into the barracks.

THAT NIGHT, the Lord stood by Paul and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in…..ROME.”

(It would be a few years, but Paul was going to Rome as he had so hoped.”)

Meanwhile, the fired-up Jews concocted a plot to murder Paul. They even pledged not to eat or drink until it was done.  (Sorry guys, you’re going to get pretty hungry!)

But (heh, heh, heh), Paul’s young nephew overheard the boasting and told Paul. A centurion took the boy to tell the tribune.  Immediately he called for 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to take Paul to Caesarea in the middle of the night to Governor Felix.

The tribune sent a letter about what had happened so far, about the plot, and that Paul was a ROMAN CITIZEN.

The soldiers took Paul (also mounted) on a midnight ride to a Roman military post about 40 miles away. The next day, they escorted him down to the coast and presented him to the Governor. Felix agreed to give him a hearing when the Jewish accusers arrived.  Meanwhile he was guarded in Herod’s praetorium, which was Felix’ official residence in Caesarea.

Think of Paul’s confidence in God’s sovereignty.  He had promised Paul a trip to Rome.  NOTHING could happen to the missionary until that time. He would trust. He would rest. He would testify wherever he could until then.

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Actually I feel a little sorry for the guys who pledged to kill Paul.  I wonder what they did about their vow.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 344

Dec10

Day 344 – Reading – Romans 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 11.

Paul continues  his thoughts on his own people, Israel, being saved.

“Has God rejected His People?  By no means!  I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has NOT rejected His people whom He foreknew. At the present time there is a remnant, choses by grace.”

Then Paul says the most amazing thing.  Yes, Israel stumbled, but they have not fallen.  Rather, because of there trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  And if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles … how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Paul says he emphasizes his calling to minister to the Gentiles, in order to make the Jews jealous and perhaps save some of them.  For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world … what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead!

He tells Gentiles not to be arrogant of their place in salvation. They were grafted into the TRUE vine of Israel.  If THEY were, surely Israel can also be re-grafted in.  (Don’t be proud!)

“A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

Right now, Paul says, “they are enemies of God for YOUR sake.  But as regards election,  they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.  For the gifts and the “calling” of God are irrevocable.”

Then Paul bursts into a doxology!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!”

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Romans 12.

And in response to his final words of doxology (To Him be the glory forever!), Paul urges his Roman readers to:

  • Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
  • Don’t be confirmed to this world.
  • Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
  • And by testing, discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And also, “Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. Think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  And he lists the gifts God has given the church for their building up.

  • “Prophecy
  • Service
  • Teaching,
  • Exhortation,
  • Generous Contributing
  • Zealous Leadership
  • Cheerfully performing acts of Mercy

Besides the Holy Spirit-given gifts, Paul lists other marks of TRUE Christianity

  • Let your love be genuine.
  • Hate what is evil
  • Hold fast to what is good.
  • Love one another with brotherly affection.
  • Outdo one another in showing honor.
  • Don’t be slothful, but zealous.
  • Serve the Lord.
  • Rejoice in hope.
  • Be patient in tribulation.
  • Be constant in prayer.
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints.
  • Seek to show hospitality.
  • Bless those who persecute you (bless, and don’t curse!)
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice (and weep with those who weep).
  • Live in harmony with one another.
  • Don’t be haughty, (associate with the lowly).
  • Never be wise in your ow sight.
  • Repay no one evil for evil (do what is honorable).
  • If possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
  • Never avenge yourselves (leave that to God).
  • Do not be overcome by evil, (overcome evil with good).

 

This list is pretty inclusive, but remember, doing these things (or abstaining from some) does NOT buy your salvation!  NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE HAVE DONE, but by God’s grace are we saved.

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Romans 13.

Paul continues his list of good Christian lifestyle, pertaining to authorities.

  • Be subject to the governing authorities. (and he gives reason why to do so is wise).
  • Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, and honor to whom honor is owed.
  • Owe no one anything (except to love each other).  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

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REMEMBER:  Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  The night is far gone and the day is at hand.  Let us walk properly as in the daytime. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.