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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 109

Apr19
Day 109.  Reading 1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalms 18.
 

Read today’s scripture.

Did anything in these chapters bother you, cause you to question, or give you closure?

1 Samuel 28.

Remember how we ended yesterday? The Philistine King Achish said, “David shall always be my servant.” Well God has other plans for David, and here’s how He brings them about.

David had been going out and fighting Israel’s enemies while letting Achish think he was fighting against Israel. So when the big push against Israel came, the king signed up David as his bodyguard and his 600 men as part of the Philistine army.

(Pause here while we see what is happening in Israel’s King Saul’s camp.) 

Saul gathered all of Israel at Gilboa (his hometown) to fight the Philistines. But when he SAW their army, he was afraid. His heart trembled greatly. (No David to fight for him this time. In fact, if he’d looked, he might have seen David in the hoard. Don’t worry, God’s going to take care of that.)

Saul tries to “inquire of the LORD,” but the LORD does not answer him, either by a dream, or by the Urim, or by prophets. (Remember Samuel died.) Who else was there?  Who could tell him GOD’s will?  Oh! A witch! A necromancer who could bring up the dead!  NOT!!!

(Read what God says about witches, necromancers, mediums, charmers, sorcerers, fortune tellers, diviners, or omen interpreters in Deut. 18:10-11, Lev. 19:31 and 20:27, Exodus 22:18)  “Don’t go to them! Remove them from Israel! Kill them all!”)

It’s pretty clear that this is a huge no-no, but Saul is at his disobedient end. He has nowhere to turn except repentance to God, and he does not choose that option.  “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium that I may inquire of her.”

It’s interesting, his servants know right where one is, in En-dor. (Even this witch knows that Saul had “cut off the mediums and necromancers from the land.”  Obviously, he’d missed one.)

Saul disguises himself, goes to her, and tells her to bring up the spirit of someone he tells her.  She’s no dummy and is reluctant, but Saul swears “by the LORD” not to punish her.  Oh boy!!!  

“Bring up Samuel.”  And the witch is terrified when Samuel actually appears.  She’s used to her demons impersonating people.  She screams and accuses Saul. But the hapless king reassures her.

SAMUEL: Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?

SAUL: I am in great distress for the Philistines are warring against me and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or dreams. TELL ME WHAT I SHALL DO!

SAMUEL:  Why do you ask ME since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?  The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to David…BECAUSE YOU DID NOT OBEY HIM and carry out his wrath against Amalek.  The LORD will give Israel to the Philistines tomorrow. You and your sons will “soon be with ME.” 

Not what Saul wanted to hear! He collapses.

1 Samuel 29.

Meanwhile, in the Philistines’ camp, the commanders object to “those Hebrews” being among them. 

King Achish said “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel who has been with me these years since he deserted. I have found no fault in him.”

But the commanders insisted the king send them back from the battle “lest he become an adversary to us. Is this not David of whom they sing and dance, “David has struck his ten thousands (of us!)”

(This is how God was protecting David from having to fight his own people.)

Achish relented, apologized to David, and sent him back, so as not to displease his commanders.  “Arise before dawn and depart as soon as you have light.”

So David did.  (Thank You, LORD!)

1 Samuel 30.

When David and his men returned to their home in Ziklag, they discovered the town burned and all their goods and families taken away. (No one had be killed – see the hand of the LORD!)  But his men were so distraught that they spoke of stoning David!!!

David “strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”  Then he asked Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech (remember, he was the only one to escape when Saul had Doeg kill all the priests for helping David),  “Bring the ephod and inquire of the LORD. Shall I pursue this band?  Shall I overtake them?”

The LORD answered, Yes. So they set out, David and the 600.  At Besor, 200 of the men were left behind “with the baggage” because they were too exhausted to go on.   And (wow!) they found an Egyptian man in the open country, dying of hunger and thirst.  It seems he was a slave to one of the Amalekites, who’d left him behind to die.  When David promised not to desert him, he said he would lead them to the Amalekite camp.

He did. They were spread out in the valley, eating and drinking and dancing.

David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except a few who got on camels and rode off.  All the loot (and people) they had taken from David was there, including his two wives, Abigail and Ahinoam. 

So the 400 and David took it all back, plus loot from the Amalekites.  David told the 400 to share the loot with the 200 who’d stayed behind, but they were reluctant to at first. David insisted, saying that all who fought AND all who protected the baggage would share alike. (It actually became a statute for Israel from that day on.)

When they got back to Ziklag (I assumed they rebuilt it), David sent presents of the spoil to the elders of Judah for all the places he and his men had looted while in the service of the Philistines (more than 13).  WOW.

1 Samuel 31.

Meanwhile, north of Ziklag, the Philistines fought Israel. The men of Israel fell slain on Mount Gilboa. They overtook Saul and his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishu, and killed them. They pressed hard against Saul and he was seriously wounded by Philistine archers. 

Saul pled with his armor-bearer to kill him, so the Philistines would not “mistreat him.”  But the man refused to kill the king. Saul committed suicide. Then the armor-bearer did likewise. 

“Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day.” just as God had said through Samuel.  (God never let any of Samuel’s words fall to the ground, even after his death!)

When the men on the other side of the valley saw their leader dead, they abandoned their cities and ran away. The Philistines came and lived in them.

The next day the Philistines found the body of Saul, cut off his head, and put it and his armor in the house of their idols, then hung his body on the wall. 

(Can you imagine if David had been there??? Praise God, He had removed him from SEEING Saul and Jonathan dead and mistreated.)

Later the people of Jabesh-Gilead, whom Saul had helped at the beginning of his reign, came by night, took the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall, and burned them. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

And so ignominiously ends the rule of Israel’s first king, and his line.

Why? Because he had twice disobeyed God’s specific word through Samuel, and then continuously refused to repent.  (We will see David grievously sin against God too, but he repents. He suffers the consequences, but always turns back to his God.)

  • O LORD, let Saul’s life be a warning to us, and to me. When I sin, even grievously, cause me to remember to turn to you, confess, repent, then walk in obedience.

Psalm 18.

  • David:  “I love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
  • I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 
  • In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God, I cried for help. From His temple, He heard my voice, and my cry to him reached His ears.
  • He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.
  • For it is You who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by You, I can run against a troop, and by my God, I can leap over a wall.
  • This God, His way is perfect, the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
  • The LORD lives, and blessed by my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.
  • For this I will praise you O LORD, among the nations, and sing to Your Name. Great salvation He brings to His king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 1

Jan1

Day 1. Beginning with the five books of Moses, the Torah, in Genesis 1 – 3. 

I’m reading through God’s Word again this year, but I’ll write/blog about it differently. Instead of an overview of the text, I want it to be more personal. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and write “in the comments” what was meaningful to YOU. We can encourage each other in Him.

Genesis 1.

I keep thinking about how the Book of Revelation ended, with God living among His redeemed people on a new, pure earth without sin or sorrow.  It began that way in Genesis 1. I’m so glad it ends that way in Revelation 21 because this journey I’m starting to read today will involve some pretty ugly, sinful things.

  • O God of creation, create in me a new heart and restore a right spirit within me. (Psalm 31:10) 

Genesis 2.

After creating a perfect place for mankind to live, God created Adam and then Eve. They were made in His triune image with three parts, body, living soul, and spirit. Adam was made from elements of God’s good earth and received God’s breath/spirit of life.  Eve also, but with a rib taken from Adam’s side.  That left an empty space in him that only she could fill.  

“This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” he said of Eve.

The garden God put them into was beautiful and perfect, with fruit-bearing trees and a river of water flowing out of it.  Revelation says that the new Jerusalem will also have the River of Life flowing from it and the Tree of Life growing along its banks, bearing a different fruit each month.

But there was one tree in Eden that is not in the new heaven and earth because “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9). The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was in the garden to test Adam and Eve, to see if they would “love the Lord their God with all their hearts, souls, and minds.” 

Genesis 3.

I don’t know how long Adam and Eve lived in Eden before the serpent tempted Eve. It must have been a while because they were used to walking with God in the cool of the day.

But it appeared, accused God of lying, of not loving them, and of withholding some good thing from them. Eve believed him and disobeyed God. And then Adam did too.

  • Oh, how often I believe the lies the “world” spins for me.  “Money makes you happy. Be proud of what you accomplish. Have fun and do whatever you like because God is love, and He won’t mind. Reading the Bible is a waste of time. 

O God, sometimes I believe those lies. I sin. Forgive me as you promised, for Jesus’ sake. (1 John 1:9)

God does not lie. When Adam and Eve disobeyed, death began its ugly takeover of their lives. Accusations, shame, fear, quarrels, hardship, and expulsion from the garden.

BUT!!!  God said that He would send “The Seed of the Woman,” who would crush the seed of the serpent (Satan). He would be injured in the process but would ultimately prevail. 

Jesus, God with us, our Savior, came in the flesh to die in our place and end sin and death. Then, as Revelation promised, He will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And that serpent will spend forever and ever in the lake of fire.

  • O God Almighty, You made us, loved us, saved us, and promised we will be with You forever. Hallelujah! I love You!

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

Dec30

 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 will post them separately.

Day 364, Part B – Revelation 12 – 18 (Woman & dragon, Satan cast down, the Beast, 3 visions, 7 plagues, 7 bowls of wrath, 666, Babylon falls, Yay!)

This section of Revelation is filled with symbols and allegories. The people in the churches of John’s day would probably have understood their meanings more than we do. The sequence of events is not necessarily linear but often overlapping & repeating.

Revelation 12.

This chapter pictures Satan attempting to destroy the infant of a woman with a crown of 12 stars. But the child is taken to heaven and his throne before the Dragon can kill him. The woman (Israel?) is protected by God in the wilderness.

There is a great war in heaven. Michael and the angels fight against the dragon and his angels (demons). Michael’s army wins and throws the great dragon (that ancient serpent, the devil, Satan) down to earth with his angels.  Satan, “the accuser of the brethren” (remember Job?), is thrown down and mad. 

“WOE to the earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath because he knows his time is short.“

Revelation 13.

Then, an ugly, multiheaded, powerful “beast” emerges from the sea. (He looks a little like the beast in Daniel’s vision of end times.)  To this beast (Antichrist), the dragon gives his power, throne, and great authority.  The people of the earth worship the dragon and worship the beast. The beast speaks great blasphemies against God, His name, and His Temple.   The beast was “allowed” to make war on the saints and conquer them. All on the earth worshiped it, EXCEPT those whose names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Then a second beast emerges from the sea, looking like a lamb, but speaking like the dragon. This beast can do miracles and deceive the people of Earth into worshiping the Beast. It has them make a statue of the Beast and he enables it to speak too.  It makes all who live on Earth to get the MARK on their forehead or hand, or they cannot buy or sell anything. 

The mark? 666 is “the number of a man.” In John’s time, this was clearly NERO.

  • And so, now there is an unholy trinity: the Dragon/false prophet, the Beast/Antichrist, and the miracle-working second Beast. 
  • NOTE: Even the required Mark of the Beast is a foul imitation of God’s command in Deuteronomy 6:4-8 to Love the LORD, the ONE TRUE GOD, with all their hearts, soul, and strength. They were to teach His Words to their children and…” bind them as a sign on your HAND, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes (FOREHEAD).” (Their actions and thoughts.)

Revelation 14.

The victory is at hand!!

The Lamb of God stands on Mount Zion and with Him, the 144K evangelists, with HIS name on their foreheads. John heard thunderous singing, like a gazillion harps singing a new song.  An angel comes from the temple and flies overhead, proclaiming the Eternal Gospel. “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgement has come.”

A second angel proclaims the good news, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality!”

A third angel proclaims, “If anyone worships the Beast & its image and receives the mark, he also will drink the WINE of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger.” And they will be tormented hell with the sulfur and smoke of the torment forever and ever with no rest, day or night.

Here, John inserts, “a call for ENDURANCE of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

Then John sees Jesus with a sharp sickle. He swings the sickle across the earth, and the earth is reaped.

Another angel with a sharp sickle goes to the “VINE of the earth” because its grapes are ripe.  So this angle swings his sickle and reaps the grapes and throws them into the winepress of the Wrath of God.  “And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood from it flowed from the winepress as high as a horse’s bridle for 184 miles.”

  • This reminds me of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.”
  • Also, if you reread Mark 14:34-36 (and passages in Matthew & Luke), you will see that JESUS drank that cup of Almighty God’s WRATH for us, when he died on the cross, PUNISHED FOR OUR SINS. This scene in Heaven portrays God’s wrath on those WHO REFUSED THIS SO GREAT SALVATION.

Revelation 15.

Next, John saw a great and amazing sign in heaven, “Seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is FINISHED.”

First, there was a vast “sea” of what looked like fiery glass. By it were those who overcame the Beast and with harps, they sang the song of Moses and the Lamb. “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations…”

Then, out of the Sanctuary came the seven angels with seven plagues in seven golden bowls, FULL OF THE WRATH OF GOD, who lives forever and ever.

Revelation 16.

John heard, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God!”

  • First bowl: harmful and painful sores on those who bore the Mark of the Beast.
  • Second bowl: blood into the seas, killing every living creature in them.
  • Third bowl: blood into the rivers and springs of water.
  • Fourth bowl: on the sun so it scorched people with fire. (The people did not repent and give God glory but cursed the name of God.)
  • Fifth bowl: darkness on the Beast and his kingdom. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven, but they did not repent.
  • Sixth bowl: into the river Euphrates, so it dried up and prepared the way for the great kings and hoards from the East.  The dragon, beast, and second beast opened their mouths, and demonic spirits like frogs came out, going abroad to assemble all the kings of the world to assemble for battle at the place, ARMAGEDDON.
  • Seventh bowl: into the air, and a loud voice came out of the Temple, from the Throne, saying, “IT IS DONE!”  There came lightning, thundering, and a great earthquake so destructive that the great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell.  Every island fled away, and no mountains could be found.  Great hailstones, weighing 100 pounds, fell on the people.  AND THEY CURSED GOD!

Revelation 17.

Then, the seventh angel took John to view “The Great Prostitute” and her judgment. She was seated “on many waters,” picturing her rule over the peoples of many nations.  Written on her forehead was a name of mystery: “BABYLON” (code name: Rome).  She also sat on seven hills (again, Rome). She was drunk with the blood of the saints martyred for Jesus. The angel also explains the heads/horns of the Beast as kings who make war on the LAMB. 

The Lamb of God defeats them all, for He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Revelation 18.

Then, with the calls of angels, the announcement of Babylon’s fall is made known. 

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.”

All the kings of the earth weep and wail for her fall.

“Alas, alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour, your judgment has come.”

And all the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, for no one buys their cargo.

All the shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors on the sea stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning.

“Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth, For in a single hour, she has been laid waste.”

And a mighty angel took up a huge millstone and threw it into the sea saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence and will be found no more.”

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(WHEW, that was hard!)

Tomorrow, rejoicing in Heaven!

 

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 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, 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.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 354

Dec20

   Day 354—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 354 -1 Peter 1 – 5 (salvation, example to others, the Lord’s return)

Peter wrote his first letter “by the hand of Silas” (a Roman citizen and fellow servant of Paul) while living in Rome, possibly just after Emperor Nero burned the city and blamed it on Christians.

Paul also sent Silas to deliver the letter to the churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He used “Babylon” as a “code name” for Rome to keep Christians living there from even more persecution. 

1 Peter 1.

Peter writes the gospel in his salutation to these churches. “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for US, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation (which is) ready to be revealed in the last time. In THIS, we are to rejoice…”

He then reminds them that the trials they are experiencing “test” the genuineness of their faith, so rejoice in them!

Some exhortations follow: “Set your hope fully on the GRACE that brought you to salvation. Don’t be conformed to your former passions, but be HOLY, as He who called you is holy, knowing you were ransomed from the past futile ways.  Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

1 Peter 2.

Peter encourages these believers to “put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  Instead, like newborn babies, LONG FOR the pure spiritual milk, “that you may grow by it.” 

He reminds them that their Lord Jesus is a chosen and precious stone, rejected by some but loved by them.  They, too, are “spiritual stones” being built up as a spiritual dwelling place of God.  They are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” (This is spoken about the Gentiles!!)

(Even in that horrible time of Emperor Nero’s wrath), they are to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether the emperor as supreme, or to governors sent to punish evil.”    “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”  For if they do GOOD and suffer for it and endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (This is just what Christ did, as an example, to follow in His steps. No matter the suffering, HE entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.)  However, they were to make sure that they weren’t suffering for doing evil.

1 Peter 3.

Like in Paul’s letters, Peter writes about the practical order in the church.

WIVES are to be subject to their own husbands, so if they are unbelievers, they will have their wife’s witness.  These women are not to be “outwardly” adorned but beautiful in their hearts.

HUSBANDS are to be understanding towards their wives and honor them, like you would care for a fine, porcelain tea cup since they, too, are heirs of the grace of life.

ALL CHURCH MEMBERS are to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, not repaying evil for evil but blessings.

“Even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. In your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, and always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the HOPE in you.”

1 Peter 4.

“Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”  So that in everything you do, speak, and think, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

But “don’t be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…as though something strange was happening to you. But REJOICE, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, and when His glory is revealed, you will be glad.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you!”  Entrust your souls to a faithful Creator!

1 Peter 5.

Paul then exhorts the church elders to shepherd the flock of God and be an example to them. They will receive a crown of glory when the “Chief Shepherd” appears.  

As far as the congregation, they are to be subject to the elders with humility. In fact, they all are to “humble themselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time HE may exalt them because He cares for them.

Paul warns the churches about “their adversary, the devil.” He “prowls around like a roaring, hungry lion, seeking someone to devour. RESIST HIM, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by their brotherhood throughout the world.”

“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.”

To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

In closing, Paul says, “She who is in Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings.” (i.e. the church in Rome)  Then he mentions Mark and refers to him as “my son,” much like Paul refers to Timothy. 

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

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(NOTE: It’s believed that Mark wrote his gospel while with Peter and after hearing all the apostle’s memories of Jesus while on earth.)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 351

Dec17

   Day 351—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 351 – Philippians 1 – 4 (Greetings & prayer, exhortations, two fellow workers, warnings, two women, encouragement)

Paul writes this letter while still in prison in Rome. It’s towards the end of his two years. He says his case will soon be tried before Caesar, and he hopes to be released.

The Philippian church first began in Lydia’s home. Philippi is where Paul and Silas were imprisoned for releasing a fortunetelling girl from demons. They were singing when an earthquake set them free. The Jailer and his household believed in Christ.

Philippians 1.

Paul and Timothy greet the church, thank God for them, and encourage them by praying for them. He tells them that his time in prison in Rome has “served to advance the Gospel so that Christ has become known throughout the whole imperial guard.” He thanks them for their prayers and offerings.

In all things – life or death – Paul’s only desire is that Christ be honored in his body. “For me to LIVE is Christ, and to DIE is gain.”  “My desire is to DEPART and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to REMAIN in the flesh is more necessary on your account…for your progress and joy in the faith.”

He tells them that persecution is to be expected.  “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, engaged in the same conflict you see me in.”

Philippians 2.

He encourages them by setting up Jesus as their example of suffering. “Have this mind in you, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.

And he, like they, will be rewarded. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on Him the NAME 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.”

Paul then tells the church that he hopes to send them his beloved Timothy, who has been genuinely concerned for their welfare. (He hopes to come to them himself soon.)  Paul is also sending back Epaphroditus, a fellow worker and soldier.  This man had brought an offering to Paul from them but had gotten ill and nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and now he was well.

Philippians 3.

Paul exhorts the church members to always REJOICE IN THE LORD.  They are to look out for evil doers and those of the circumcision who put confidence in the flesh.

Paul then tells them that HE – if anyone – has reason to boast in the flesh, having been a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews concerning the  law, a Pharisee, a persecutor of the church, under the law, blameless!  BUT.. “I count it as LOSS for the sake of Christ…because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as trash so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which comes through faith in Christ. 

“One thing I do is forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Then Paul challenges them to JOIN IN IMITATING HIM in this goal.

Philippians 4.

Paul’s last words are exhortation, encouragement, and prayer for them.  He writes to Syntyche and Euodia to not fight and come to an agreement. 

He tells them to rejoice in the LORD continually, not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything so God’s peace will guard their hearts and minds. 

“Finally, brothers, 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 on these things, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Paul thanks them again for their generous offerings; they are a fragrance, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. He’s learned the secret of being content in every circumstance. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 

He ends by sending greetings. “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household!”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 349-350 (Part 2)

Dec16

   Days 349 & 350—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE:  Sunday & Monday studies are posted together on MONDAYS. This is Part Two.

Day 350 – Ephesians 1 – 6 (Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, greetings & blessings & prayer to them, Salvation by grace & faith alone, the gospel to Gentiles, special prayer, gifts to the church, armor of God)

Ephesians 1.

Paul greets these believers and reminds them of their blessings in Christ Jesus. God chose them before the foundation of the world, predestined them for adoption as sons through Jesus, redeemed them through Christ’s blood, forgave their sins, and gave them an inheritance.  Then Paul writes a glorious, extended prayer in thanks for them and for their spiritual growth.

Ephesians 2.

Paul explains how salvation comes by GRACE through FAITH.  They were spiritually DEAD in sin, living in all the wicked passions of their flesh, by nature children of wrath.

“But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God, not a result of works, so no one may boast.”

Ephesians 3.

Paul then tells of the “mystery” that was revealed to him by God, that he should also minister to the Gentiles (like them), making them fellow heirs (with the Jews), members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

His fervent prayer for them is “that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, and that you, being rooted and grounded in love may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.”

(Wow… and we can be in that prayer too! Read it again!)

Ephesians 4.

Paul urges the Ephesians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

He reminds them how God gave each of the churches gifted leaders, such as the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to-and-fro by every wind of false doctrine. 

They are to “put off” their old selves and be renewed to “put on” the new self, created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.   Then, he lists more of the ways Christ shows Himself in their actions, words, and thoughts. 

Ephesians 5.

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And WALK in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

“WALK as children of the light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true. And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

“Look carefully then how you WALK, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 6.

‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.   Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and have done all to stand. 

  • Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth
  • and having put on the breastplate of righteousness
  • and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
  • In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
  • and take the helmet of salvation,
  • and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
  • Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

(I wonder if Paul looked over at the Roman soldier guarding him in prison to come up with the armor of GOD necessary for believers?)

Next, he sends greetings, telling the church that Tychicus will tell them everything happening to Paul and encourage their hearts (and bring news of them back to him.)

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”