December 31, 2010 Finish the Bible!!! (Rev 19-22)

I like that the first word in today's passage (NIV) is "Hallelujah!" which means, Praise God! It feels very appropriate in many ways. I like that the white linen is the good deeds of God's people. When the angel tells John not to worship him but God, I hope that when I am about to make a mistake, an angel will help me understand what I am supposed to do! John tells about the rider on the White Horse (Jesus Christ). Then he tells about the doom of the Beast and the false prophet. Satan is bound for 1000 years and then doomed. The dead are judged. Chapter 21 describes a new heaven and earth or The New Jerusalem. The last chapter of the bible is John's vision of the river of life and conclusion. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Rev 22:12)

Congratulations!!! We've done it. Thanks to God, I have been profoundly touched by the experience of sitting with the Word every day and attempting to share it in my small way. I hope your life has been enriched as mine has. I consider the Bible to be God's Guide to Life. My biggest goal was to demonstrate that getting into God's word isn't as daunting as it seems - especially if you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. I have only been able to do this by the power of God. Countless times I have sat down, read the passage and panicked because I knew I couldn't write this blog. Then I would pray and ask God for help, because this was about Him, not me. The next thing I knew, I was ready to hit the "publish post" button! God answers prayers! I have been asking God what He would like me to do now, but I haven't understood exactly what that is - yet. God bless you in your life and keep you in His loving embrace. Don't forget how important your good deeds are! "May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone." (Revelation 22:21)

December 30, 2010 Revelation 14:9-18:24

Chapter 14 continues with the 3rd angel and the harvest of the earth. I don't know much about horses, but blood up to the bridle for 180 miles sounds intense!

Chapter 15 tells of the 7 angels with the 7 plagues.

Chapter 16 tells of the 7 bowls of God's Wrath. I liked knowing that there was a clear and definite limit to God's anger.

Chapter 17 tells of the Doom of Babylon

In chapter 18 Babylon has fallen and lamented. I don't know much about geography either, so I googled on Babylon and learned that Baghdad is right there, in fact, Saddam had rebuilt many of the structures of ancient Babylon.

Tomorrow finish the Bible!

December 29, 2010 Revelation 9:12-14:8

Chapter 9 continues with the 6th angel sounding his trumpet. What I make up about this is that I don't want to be an idol worshiper!

Chapter 10 is about the Angel and the little scroll or book.

Chapter 11 reminded me of Ezekiel. The 7th trumpet sounded and wondrous things happened.

Chapter 12 described the Woman - Israel, the Red Dragon - Satan, the Male Child - Christ, and the Angel - Michael.

Chapter 13 tells about the Beast from the Sea, and the Beast out of the Earth.

Chapter 14 begins with the Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion, and the first two of three angels.

Tomorrow read Revelation 14:9-18:24

December 28, 2010 Revelation 5-9:11

In chapter 5, John tells us of the book or scroll with seven seals. In chapter 6 John describes each seal: 1st - The False Christ, 2nd - War, 3rd - Famine, 4th - Death, 5th - Martyrs, 6th - Terror. Chapter 7 offers an interlude. A remnant of Israel of 144,000 people sealed, 12,000 from each tribe.

It is in this chapter that I have found my favorite scripture passage: "'One of the elders asked me, 'Who are these people dressed in white ribes, and where do they come from?' 'I dont' know, sir. You do,' I answered. He said to me, 'These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. That is why they stand before God's throne and serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"

In chapter 8 John continues with the 7th seal - the Trumpets. Chapter 9 continues with descriptions from the 5th angel blowing his trumpet and we break after the 11th verse.

Tomorrow read Revelation 9:12-14:8

December 27, 2010 Jude v17-25; Revelation c1-4

Jude shared his final warnings about the "scoffers" who wanted to persuade others not to follow the gospel. Pray and stay strong and live the way God wants you to. Praise God now and always.

Revelation
At the end of this book it says, "I, John, solemnly warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to His punishment the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes anything away from the prophetic words of this book, God will take away from him his share of the fruit of the tree of life and of the Holy City, which are described in this book." (Rev 22:18-19) Once I gave my mother-in-law a bumper sticker that said, "God said it. I believe it. That settles it." I feel responsible for preparing a truthful, thoughtful and considerate description of my experience of reading the bible, including the book of Revelation. My summaries up to this point have both added personal perspectives and skipped over many details. I have prayed a lot for guidance about this, so I am altering my original posts. I hope you don't mind...


In chapter 1, we read that this is the revelation of Jesus Christ. It starts with the message to the seven churches in Asia as unveiled to John while in prison on the island of Patmos. The Holy Spirit took control of him and told him to write down what he saw and send the book to the seven churches listed. So he did. Chapter 2 gives specific instructions to each of the churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Chapter 3 continues with the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. These chapters demonstrate God's omniscience (knowing everything). In chapter 4 the vision gets really awesome! It reminded me of the visions of Ezekiel.

Tomorrow read Revelation 5-9:11

Dec 26, 2010 1John3:13-end;2&3 John;Jude v1-16

Don't be surprised if worldly people hate you. If you don't love each other, you are still under the power of death. We know what love is because Jesus gave His life for us. That's why we must give our lives for each other. You show your love by helping others, not just talking about it. God wants us to have faith in His Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. If we obey God's commandments we will be in Him and He will be in us. The Spirit is proof that we are one with Him.

Anyone who denies that Jesus lived on the earth is a false teacher. The world listens to these false teachers, they don't come from God. We must love each other. Anyone who doesn't love others has never known God. Real love isn't our love for God, it is His love for us. God sent His Son Jesus as a sacrifice to save us, that is real love. God is love.

If we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, we are God's children. If we love God, we love His children. God gave us eternal life that comes to us through His Son. When we do God's will, he hears and answers our prayers.

2John
This letter is addressed to a very special woman and her children. Scholars believe this to be a church and congregation. The purpose of the letter was to tell them to love each other. There are liars in the world saying that Jesus didn't have a human body. Don't believe their lies. Believe what you were taught about Christ and He and His Father will be with you. Pay no attention to the lies other people tell.

3John
This letter was from John to a man named Gaius. John was happy to tell him that people would come by and tell him that Gaius obeyed the truth. John complimented Gaius on the way he conducted himself with other believers, helping them to do mission work. John was aware of a guy named Diotrephes who wasn't being nice. He also mentioned a person named Demetrius who was doing good things for the people. John looked forward to a personal conversation with Gaius.

Jude
Jude identified himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James. His letter was addressed to a wide audience of believers. Jude wanted to write about God's work in our lives, but instead, he was compelled to discuss the false teachers and the lies they were trying to get people to believe. They were telling people that it was ok to be immoral and not to follow the commandments. These people don't know what they are talking about; they are useless, pointless people. Enoch talked about these people when he said they would be punished by God. "These people are always grumbling and blaming others, they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way." (Jude v16)

Tomorrow read Jude v17-25 & Revelation 1-4

December 25, 2010 2Peter 3 & 1John 1-3:12

Merry Christmas! I painted this mural in the hallway in my church in 2008.

Peter intended his second letter to provoke us to examine our lives honestly to find where we can do better in our walk with Christ. In the last days people will want to believe it IS all about them. They will think the Lord isn't coming back because it hasn't happened. What they fail to realize is that God's perspective of time is vastly different from ours. We should honor God by the way we live. God is patient because He wants people to be saved. Some people twist the scriptures to suit themselves. Believers praise Jesus now and forever!

1John
John wrote to counter the false teachings being heard in his day with truth. The Word was real, they heard it, saw it and touched it themselves. They announced this to let people know that the fellowship they had with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ was true. God is light. The blood of Christ purifies us from our sins. If we don't think we have any sin we are fooling ourselves. We need to confess that we aren't perfect, and seek God's forgiveness.

Try not to sin, but if you do, remember that we have Jesus Christ who will plead to the Father on our behalf and take our sin away. Whoever is living in union with God should live just like Jesus Christ did. If you love your fellow man, you walk in the light. If not, then you walk in darkness. Either you love the world or you love the God. If you do God's will, you will live forever. Anyone who says Jesus was not the Christ or Messiah rejects not only Jesus, but God as well. Through the Spirit you will be taught everything God wants you to know. Everyone who does what is right is God's child.

God loves us so much that he calls us His children. The world does not know God. When we sin, we fail to obey God's Law. When we live in union with Christ we seek a different life. Christ came to destroy what the devil had done. The message we heard from the beginning is to love one another.

Tomorrow read 1John3:13-end; 2&3John; Jude 1:1-16

December 24, 2010 1Peter 3:13-end & 2Peter 1-2

I really like Christmas time. In fact, it's my favorite season! At first I wanted to write about the birth of Jesus Christ as we celebrate that event, but today's passage helped me realize the miracle of His life after that event. I was impressed by Peter's comment, "Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15) I need to work on that. I like how Peter says to do good and not worry about people grumbling. Christ was born and died to bring us to God. Peter explained that Jesus preached to the imprisoned spirits after he died - the ones back from Noah's time.

Everyone will answer to God. Sooner or later everybody's bill comes due. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you're good with God. Remember to pray and most importantly, love each other; love wipes away many sins. Everyone has been blessed with one of God's wonderful gifts. Use your gift for helping others. Don't be surprised when you are being tested. (I like to think of this as God smacks - God is smacking me on the back of my head and getting my attention! It gets worse if I don't listen.) Have faith and keep on doing right.

Peter addressed the church leaders. He mentioned thinking of it like tending sheep. Sheep are completely helpless! They don't know where they are going. They are defenseless. They can't make themselves clean. If they get hurt, the shepherd must heal them. I want to be insulted, except that I know this is true for me! Young people obey your elders, everyone should be humble to everyone else. God helps the humble. Stay alert because the devil is waiting for you like a hungry lion looking for a snack. God shows undeserved kindness to everyone (grace.)

2Peter
Peter addressed his letter to everyone who believes in God and Jesus Christ. We can improve our faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. (2Peter 1:5-7) Peter wanted to make sure to remind everyone how to live before he died. Peter was there when Jesus came back to life. He heard God's voice on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured. The Scriptures were guided by the Spirit of God.

God has shown that He doesn't pity the people who don't know Him. And why should He? God has given us poor sheep everything - even His own Son. In church on Sunday my Pastor asked us to imagine what this world would be like if Jesus Christ had never been born... (I really can't get my head around that!)
Merry Christmas and God bless us, every one.

Tomorrow read 2Peter 3; 1John 1-3:12

December 23, 2010 James 4:11-end & 1Peter 1-3:12

James continues with a reminder not to speak cruelly about others. None of us has the right to condemn anyone. Don't brag because then you are not living your life for God, you are living for yourself. Wealthy people should mourn because their riches are as good as garbage. Hoarding money and refusing to pay workers are seen by the Lord. Be patient until the Lord returns. Don't swear by heaven or earth or anything else. Let your "No" mean no, and your "Yes" mean yes. If you are having trouble, pray. If things are good, praise God. Pray for the sick. If anyone has strayed from the truth, you should try to lead them back.

1Peter
This letter was written to the believers scattered throughout the northern part of Asia Minor (Turkey). We have new hope because God raised Jesus Christ from death. You've never seen Jesus, but you still love Him and have faith in Him. Your faith is worth much more than gold. Remain obedient to God, living as He wants you to. God doesn't have favorites; He judges all people by what they do. You know that you were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, not by gold. Sincerely love each other with all your heart and keep loving each other.

Be kind and sincere, leave behind jealousy and insulting language. The Lord is the living stone the builders rejected. Let yourselves be used to build the spiritual temple. Don't surrender to the desires of your body. Do the right thing. Obey all human authorities because God wants you to. As servants of God, you must do His will. Respect people, show special love to believers and honor God. If you are punished for doing something bad, there is no gain in it. If you suffer for doing good things, God will bless you.

Wives, if you are married to a non-believer, live a good life, so your husband will see your good life and be inspired by you. Be beautiful on the inside, not the outside. Be like Sarah who did what Abraham asked her to do. Husbands be thoughtful and honor your wives. All believers should have concern and love for each other. If someone is mean to you, don't repay them by being mean back. Instead, treat everyone with kindness and God will bless you.
"Whoever wants to enjoy life
and wishes to see good times,
must keep from speaking evil
and stop telling lies.
He must turn away from evil and do good;
he must strive for peace with all his heart.
For the Lord watches over the righteous
and listens to their prayers;
but he opposes those who do evil." Psalm 34:12-16

Tomorrow read 1Peter 3:13-end & 2Peter 1-2

December 22, 2010 James 1-4:10

James' letter, addressed to everyone in the world, contains instructions for Christian attitudes and conduct and practical wisdom. Trials may seem bad, but they are really necessary so we can exercise our faith and endure them. When you need help, ask God and He'll give generously, but you gotta believe! God thinks highly of His people who are poor. God humbles rich believers so they won't be scorched. Don't give up when you are being tested because God will bless you richly for it. Don't give up on God and He won't give up on you. Good gifts come from the Father. Be quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry. Obey the messages you get from God. If you can't control your tongue, your religion is worthless.

Don't treat people who look rich better than those who look poor. Remember that God gives the poor special gifts. You'll do well if you obey the most important commandment - love one another as you love yourself. Faith should motivate us to do good deeds. When we see someone who needs food or clothes, we should help them get them, not just hope it will happen. We please God by what we do and by what we believe. Faith is an action word.

If you can control your tongue, then you are mature and can control your whole body. The tongue is an evil power that pollutes the rest of the body. If you are wise and sensible show it by living right and being humble whatever you do. Jealousy and selfishness is earthly and comes from the devil himself. The wisdom of God leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. Peacemakers harvest justice.

Why do you fight and argue with each other? Could it be that you are jealous and full of selfish desires? You want something and will do anything to get it. You should pray for it. If you are praying just for selfish reasons your prayers won't be answered. If you are unfaithful to God, then you love the world and are an enemy of God. Surrender to God! Come near to God and He will come near to you. Clean up your lives, purify your hearts, and be deeply sorry for your sinful life. Be humble in the presence of the Lord and He will honor you.

Tomorrow read James 4:11-5:20 & 1Peter 1-3:12

December 21, 2010 Hebrews 11-13

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. In ancient times, it was the faith of the people that made God love them. By faith:
-We understand the creation of the universe by God's word
-Abel offered a superior offering to Cain's
-Enoch was taken up to heaven and Noah built the ark
-Abraham moved away from home without knowing where he would end up and became a father of descendants as numerous as stars in the sky, even though he was very old
-Abraham offered his only son Isaac as a sacrifice because God asked him to
-Isaac promised blessings for Jacob and Esau
-Jacob blessed his sons before he died
-Joseph spoke of the future of Israel and what to do with his body
-Moses' parents hid his body and disobeyed the king
-Moses rejected his cushy life and chose his authentic life as an Israelite
-Moses established Passover and saved the firstborn of the Israelites with blood
-The Israelites to crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land
-The walls of Jericho came-a-tumblin' down
-Rahab the prostitute saved the Israelite spies
This goes on and on! There are many more stories of faith, of miracles, even the dead being brought back to life in the Scriptures. We've also read of others who died horrible, violent deaths. Others never stopped moving, they were homesick for heaven and never felt at home on earth. All these people died in faith without receiving what God promised. That's because God had a better plan: He did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us!

Let's get rid of everything that keeps us away from God and focus on Jesus. He didn't give up, He didn't focus on the bad stuff, and now He is seated at the right hand of God. He went through more than we will ever go through. Remember that suffering is God's way of perfecting us. (Some of us have to learn the hard way...) We learn not to play with fire when we get burned. Finally, we learn that by following God's Way we can have peace through righteousness.

To please God, love one another. Have empathy for the suffering of others. Honor your marriages. Be satisfied with what you have. If you need help ask God first. Focus on the life and teachings of Christ. The sacrifices in the temple were burned outside the city, just as Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem. The sacrifices that please God are to do good and help one another. Listen to your leaders, they care about your souls. May God grant you everything you need to do His will. (The final words of this letter do sound like Paul.)

Tomorrow read James 1-4:10

December 20, 2010 Hebrews 7-10

Abraham met Melchizedek in Genesis 14:17-20 (Jan 4th), who was a priest of God Most High. There is no record of where Melchezedek came from, but he remains a priest forever. Abraham paid him tithing, and Melchezedek gave bread and wine. A long time after, the Jews paid tithing to the Levites who were priests of Aaron (Moses' brother). When Abraham gave tithing to Melchezedek, that priesthood was superior to the one which would be named after Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, a long while later. Jesus was called a priest after the order of Melchezedek in Psalm 110:4, which made the old Law obsolete. Jesus is perfect and can forgive our sins, not just cover them with the blood of animal sacrifices.

Jesus is our High Priest and He serves in the Most Holy Place, the real tent put up by the Lord, not by man. The manmade temple is a shadow of what's in heaven. The work Jesus does is superior and so is the covenant He made with for us with God. Jeremiah 31:31-34 reveals what God has in mind.

There were many rules for worship and a manmade place for it as well. Moses received detailed instructions for the Tent of Meeting. The priests performed their duties every day. Only the high priest could go behind the curtain into the Holy of Holies once a year. They did their rituals to atone for their sins. Our High Priest is Jesus Christ, and His tent is in heaven itself. When Jesus comes again he will save those who wait for Him.

The Jewish Law is a faint outline of good things to come. Before Jesus was born He talked with God and offered Himself in order to do away with animal sacrifices. Jesus did what God wanted Him to do and our sin is taken away. Jesus opened the way to the Most Holy Place for us by His death. He opened the curtain (the curtain of the temple tore in two from top to bottom the instant He died) of the temple for us. We can come to God through Jesus Christ and be forgiven. We still need to meet together to encourage one another in the Way. Because we have been given this gift of forgiveness, the consequences of turning our back on it are terrifying.

Tomorrow read Hebrews 11-13

December 19, 2010 Hebrews 2:11-6:20

By becomming human, the Lord Jesus Christ took upon Himself the nature of man. He was tested, tempted and tried. He suffered and died. He lived a life similar to ours, yet elevated. It wasn't easy and comfortable as one might expect the life of the Son of God to be, but it was real. It was necessary to prove that Satan does not possess power over death. People don't need to be in bondage to the fear of death because Christ overcame it. And because He suffered in our world, He knows our pain and is able to immediately assist us in all the ways that really matter.

Jesus was faithful to God just as Moses had been, yet Jesus was considered worthy of much greater honor than Moses. Moses was a solid follower of God, and tried to do what God told him to do. The Israelites were another story, over and over they refused to do what God asked of them. They died in the desert and their children inherited the promised land. We are all a big family because of Christ. We all have a share in what He promises as long as we believe.

Don't make the mistake of the Israelites of old and mistrust the message. Believe it and you will find rest. God rested on the seventh day after He finished His work. We know the promise of rest is still good because God told the disobedient Israelites that they would not enter His place of rest. We need to do our best to enter the place of rest. God knows us completely; nothing is hidden from Him.

High priests are appointed by God to help people by offering sacrifices for their sins. These high priests are not sinless, which is why they can sympaathize with the people they serve. Just as God chose Aaron, He also chose Christ to become a High Priest. God could have saved Jesus from death. On earth, Jesus begged God loudly and tearfully to save Him. He worshiped God and God heard Him. Even though Jesus is God's own Son, He had to suffer before He could learn what it really means to obey God. Jesus was perfected by His suffering. Now he can save all who obey Him, because God chose him to be a High Priest just like He chose Melchizedek.

We must move beyond the basics and get into the more advanced teachings. We have learned the truth about turning away from sin, baptism, laying on of hands, life after death, and future judgment. God willing, let's grow up. People who have believed and turned away might as well be nailing Jesus to the cross and insulting God. If God is able to work with you, He will bless you. God rewards patience in Him. He promised Abraham he would be father of many nations. Abraham patiently waited decades and God blessed Abraham with Isaac. God keeps His promises. We run to God for safety and we have hope through Him. This hope is an anchor for our souls. Hope reaches into the most Holy place. Jesus is our High Priest forever.

Tomorrow read Hebrews 7-10

December 18, 2010 Titus; Philemon; Heb 1-2:10

Titus
Paul's letter to Titus (who was in Crete) gave direction about the sort of person worthy to run a church. Paul explained that he left Titus in Crete to organize churches. Titus was to choose elders to run things. Paul had noticed that some new believers rebelled and deceived others and disrupted everything. What they said and did were two different things.

Paul gave Titus a list of instructions to pass on to older people in the churches to mentor younger members. The men were to help men and the women to help women. He advised Titus to be an example to everyone. Paul said, "For God has revealed His grace for the salvation of all mankind." (Titus 2:11)

Paul asked Timothy to remind the people about the way they should conduct their lives. God fills us with His Holy Spirit and we are put right with Him. Paul advised him not to waste time with foolish arguments about the Law. Also, if a person is acting up and dividing the people, give him two warnings and then have nothing more to do with him. Paul gave Titus final instructions about various people in the ministry and where he wanted them to go. People needed to be taught not to live useless lives. Paul sent greetings from and to everyone, and also God's grace.

Philemon
Paul greeted Philemon (Filly-mon) and the members of the church that met in his sister's house. When Paul prayed, he asked God to bless those who came in contact with Philemon that they would see the blessings of Christ in his life and want that too. Paul complimented Philemon and then asked him for a favor: could he please take back his servant Onesimus and be good to him? He had run away from Philemon and found Paul who converted him to Christianity. Onesimus had become a spiritual son to Paul and he cared deeply for him. Paul wanted to keep him, but he knew it wouldn't be right so he asked Philemon to take him back. If there was anything to pay for, Paul would pay it. Paul sent along greetings from those in prison with him to Philemon. In siging off he asked the grace of the Lord be with them all.

Hebrews
This letter was sent to believers who were near abandoning the Christian faith due to great opposition. The author is unknown. The letter is to elaborate the reasons why Christianity is the best choice. It begins with a reminder that God spoke through the prophets until He spoke through His Son. God created the universe through His Son. "He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word." (Heb 1:3) The author cites scripture to back up his claim that Jesus is greater than the angels. "What are angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by Him to help those who are to receive salvation." (Heb 1:14)

The message given to their ancestors by angels has been shown to be true. The angels weren't made to be rulers over everything, man was. Jesus suffered and died for us and God made him perfect through suffering. Jesus leads everyone to salvation.

Tomorrow read Hebrews 2:11-6:20

December 17, 2010 1Timothy 6 & 2Timothy

Paul continued instructions for Timothy. Slaves were to respect their masters whether they were believers or not. If they were believers, the slaves were to serve them even better. Then Paul gave instruction about money. Paul warned Timothy that some people expected to use religion to get rich, which was not okay. Flirting with riches only brings desires which aren't good for us. Paul said, "For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil." (6:10) Paul encouraged Timothy to do his very best in his work. Paul told Timothy to command the rich not to be proud, but to place their hope in God. He told Timothy to be careful to avoid foolish arguments which had been confused with "Knowledge."

2 Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy is mainly personal advice. After the initial greetings, Paul gave thanks to God. Paul longed to see Timothy and be present with him. Paul mentioned Timothy's faith and that of his grandmother and mother as well. Paul said, "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, His Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2Tim 1:7) Because of Jesus Christ, God has given us immortal life. Paul encouraged Timothy to stay strong and hold to the true words that he taught him.

Paul called Timothy "a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus." (2Tim 2:3) Work hard, follow the rules, and obey your commanding officer. Because Paul taught the Good News of Jesus Christ, he was put in prison and suffered. Remind the people not to fight over words. Focus on what God wants you to do. Don't waste your time on profane discussions which drive people away from God. Some had left the way of truth and Paul reminded Timothy that God knows who His people are. In a proper kitchen the dishes are kept clean and ready to be used when they are needed. Paul urged Timothy to keep himself pure and ready for work.

Paul reminded Timothy that in the last days things would get more difficult. People would display all their worst traits and misbehave. They would reject the message and Paul told Timothy to stay away from them. Paul talks about two people named Jannes and Jambres who were opposed to Moses. There aren't two people in the Old Testament with these names. According to Jewish tradition they were the Egyptian court magicians who opposed Moses. The people were opposed to the truth just as the magicians were opposed to Moses. These are people who don't think and have failed in the faith. Everyone will see how stupid they are, just like Jannes and Jambres. Paul complimented Timothy about the way he followed Paul's example. Believers would be persecuted and impostors and evil people would go on deceiving themselves. Paul told him to continue in his good ways.

Paul told Timothy to keep working and preaching. Paul told him that his time was nearly over, and that he had done his very best. All the others who had been with Paul had deserted him except Luke. Updates about the current whereabouts of others from their group were shared. He sent his final greetings and sent God's grace to be with them all.

Tomorrow read Titus; Philemon & Hebrews 1-2:10

December 16, 2010 1Timothy 1-5

Paul was concerned about Timothy as if he were his own son. Paul wrote to Timothy who was if Ephesus working in ministry there. Paul warned Timothy about people teaching false doctrines. Paul wanted Timothy to tell them to stop teaching and to give up their fables and genealogies, because they didn't support having faith in God. Paul wanted love emphasized, rather than the tangents that had distracted the people. He reminded Timothy that the Law was there to make sin obvious. Paul gave thanks to God for allowing him to have the opportunity to serve Him in spite of the way he had persecuted believers in the past. God forgives.

Paul mentored Timothy who was Pastor to the Ephesians. Paul urged Timothy to pray for peace in the land, and for everyone to know Christ. Paul wanted the men who were dedicated to God to pray. He also gave instructions about the appearance and conduct of the women. Paul believed that because Adam had been created first and Eve had been tricked by the snake, that women were second to men. (If Eve hadn't been tricked we wouldn't be here and none of this would have happened...)

Paul instructed Timothy about the type of men which should be allowed to help in church. They must be worthy and upstanding. They shouldn't drink too much wine or be greedy for money. Their wives had to be of good character and not gossip. They were to have only one wife, and be able to manage their family well. Paul hoped to be able to come and visit soon. Paul said, "No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion: He appeared in human form, was shown to be right by the Spirit, and was seen by angels. He was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, and was taken up to heaven." (1Tim 3:16)

Paul talked about some of the false teachings of the day. Paul gave Timothy personal advice about how to take care of himself. Physical exercise had value, but spiritual exercise promises life for the present and the future. We work hard for God. Paul told Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his young age. Paul said, "...be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity." (4:12) He advised him to read the scriptures and use the spiritual gifts he had been given.

Paul gave Timothy instructions on how to be careful with believers. Paul expressed many opinions on the proper care and treatment of widows. Don't listen to random accusations, but do listen to those backed up by two or more witnesses. Paul suggested a public rebuke against those who commit sins so the rest would be afraid. In the presence of God and Jesus Christ, Paul called Timothy to obey these instructions. He suggested Timothy drink a little more wine for his digestive problems. Sins and good deeds are plainly seen or hidden until later.

Tomorrow read 1Timothy 6 & 2Timothy

December 15, 2010 1Thes 2:13-end & 2Thes

Paul gave them another reason to thank God - that He is at work in them so they believe. He told them others were persecuted for these beliefs just as they had been. Paul and his companions had missed the Thessalonians and wanted to see them again. They were the pride and joy of Paul and the others.

They sent Timothy to Thessalonica while they remained in Athens. Timothy returned and brought news about their faith and love and friendly greetings. Paul hoped that God would make it possible for them to go to Thessalonica again.

Paul told them about the way they should live for God, which he was pleased to find them doing. He reminded them to avoid sexual immorality and to treat their wives in an honorable and holy way, and be kind to each other. Paul knew he didn't have to tell them how to live in love, because they had been taught by God how to love one another. Paul encouraged them to live a quiet life, mind their own business and earn their own livings. This earned them respect and they didn't have to depend on anyone for what they needed. Paul told them what they could expect when Christ comes again. Those who died believing in Christ will rise to life first, then the living will be gathered into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

No one knows when the Lord will return. Everybody will be going about their business and poof! the Lord will come. Only God the father knows when that will be. God chose us to have salvation when He comes again, whether we are alive or dead when He comes. Paul asked them to treat their teachers with respect and love for the work they do. Live peacefully with each other. Paul said, "Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus." He asked them to read the letter to all believers and sent blessings and the grace of the Lord.

Second Thessalonians
After Paul greeted them, he told them how grateful they all were for them. They boasted about the way they stayed strong against persecution. He told them God would do what was right and punish those who had treated them badly. This would happen when Jesus appears from heaven with angels and fire. The punishment would be separation from the presence of the Lord. They prayed for them to remain strong.

Since there was a lot of confusion about the second coming, Paul gave them more information about that. Paul told them that that day would not come until the final Rebellion happens and the Wicked One appears. He will oppose every object of worship and claim to be God. This power of wickedness is already at work, but it is held back until it is time to be unleashed. When the Wicked One (some call this the antichrist) appears, Christ will come and kill him by breathing on him. The Lord's glorious return will completely destroy him. Satan will pretend to do miracles and fool people. There will be many people who would rather believe the lie than the truth. Paul told them God had chosen them for salvation. He asked God to strengthen them and help them always do and say what is good.

Paul asked for their prayers for rescue from wicked people. Paul said, "May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God's love and the endurance that is given by Christ." (2Thes 3:5) Paul commanded them in Jesus' name to work hard for everything they needed and not be lazy. Paul reminded them that when he was with them they were told, "Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat." (v10) Finally, Paul sent them peace of the Lord at all times, everywhere.

Tomorrow read 1Timothy 1-5

December 14, 2010 Colos 2-4 & 1Thes 1-2:12

Paul wanted the Colossians to know how much was being done on their behalf by himself and his companions; they were cared for, deeply. Paul told them Christ is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. Paul said, "Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught." (2:7) Paul didn't want them to be fooled by false teachers. Paul explained that Christ made it possible for everyone to be saved. Let no one make rules about what is appropriate for you to eat or drink or of holy days. Especially don't let anyone who claims to be superior to you because of special visions condemn you. When Christ is in control of a person, they are nourished the way God wants them to be. Paul told them that if they believe in Christ refraining from tasting or touching, or severely treating the body has no value.

Set your hearts on the things in heaven. We put to death the things of the body, earthly desires and passions, and get rid of them. Rage, hateful feelings, insults, lying and filthy language must not be part of you. Paul said, "You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for His own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all the qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity." (Colos 3:12-14) Everything you do is done for Jesus.

Paul asked them to pray for him and his companions. He advised them to be wise in the way they behaved toward non-believers. To be friendly and not judgemental, and know how to answer their questions. Finally, Paul told them about the others with him and those who would be coming to visit them. He sent their greetings to give to others too. He asked them not to forget his chains and he bade them God's grace.

First Thessalonians
Paul sent greetings from himself, Silas and Timothy. They were happy to know that they had put their faith into practice, even though it wasn't always easy. They were so pleased with reports from others about the faith of the Thessalonians.

Paul talked about his work in Thessalonica; that even though there was opposition, they shared the Good News. They had tried to please God, not men. They tried to be gentle with them and not make demands that they could have made as apostles of Christ. They encouraged them, comforted them, and urged them to live the kind of life that pleases God.

Tomorrow read 1Thessalonians 2:13-5:28 & 2 Thessalonians

December 13, 2010 Philip 3-4 & Colos 1

Paul urged the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord and be strong against those who tried to convince them that circumcision was necessary. Because of the Holy Spirit there is no spiritual reason for circumcision. Paul related his history as a means of explaining why he of all people should believe what they say. He used to feel so smug because of he followed all the rules, but now he knew that meant nothing. Paul's only goal in living life was to become as close to Christ as possible. All he wanted was to know Christ; and Paul just kept striving for that prize. He urged the Philippians to do the same.

Paul told them how much he loved them, and that they made him happy. He asked Euodia (You-oh-dee-uh) and Sntyche (Sin-tic-ee) not to disagree. He recognized those who were working to spread the gospel. Paul advised them to pray and ask God for what they needed and give thanks to Him. Paul said, "...fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." (Philip 4:8) He urged them to practice what had been preached to them. The Philippians had sent Paul gifts and supplies with Epaphroditus to give to him in prison. Paul thanked them and was very grateful. He bade them farewell and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them all.

Colossians
Paul was not the one who originally preached the message to the people of Colossae, but he knew the man who did, Epaphras. All the same, Paul felt responsible for the people there and cared greatly about them. Paul and his companions kept the people of Colossae in their prayers. Paul said, "We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives." (Col 1:9b) Then they would always know how to live. Paul explained the body of Christ and His works. He encouraged them to remain firmly on the foundation of the gospel. In prison, Paul was forced to deal with hardship, but he didn't mind suffering because of the work he was doing. He felt privileged to share God's secret: that Christ is in us! Paul just kept working however he could to share the message. God gave him strength to keep going.

Tomorrow read Colossians 2-4 & 1Thessalonians 1-2:12

December 12, 2010 Eph 5:15-6:24 & Phil 1-2

Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live wisely. Act on the good opportunities and try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. Don't get drunk, instead be filled with the Spirit. Paul advised them to speak kindly to one another and to always praise God, giving Him thanks for everything. Wives were to submit themselves to their husbands. Husbands were to love their wives as completely as Christ loved the church (He gave up His life for it.)

Children obey your parents. It is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it: "so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land." (Eph 6:3; Deut 5:16) Parents, don't vex your children. Help to welcome them into the body of Christ. The Lord will reward everyone for their good works. Finally, Paul urged the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God in order to strengthen themselves fully against the Devil's evil tricks. Wear truth as a belt around your waist, righteousness as a breastplate, shoes to announce the Good News of peace,(might this be a good reason to buy a new pair of shoes?) Always carry faith as a shield, accept salvation as a helmet, use the word of God from the Spirit as the sword. Pray and ask for God's help, whenever the Spirit leads you. Paul asked for their prayers for him since he was in prison. Paul ended this letter by tellling the Ephesians that he was sending them Tychicus with news and encouragement. Paul bid them God's peace and blessings.

Philippians
Paul gave thanks to God for all God's people in Philippi every time he thought of them. Paul expressed his deep affection for the people and encouraged them to keep growing closer to God and Jesus Christ. Paul was pleased that he was able to do the Lord's work even in prison and tell the guards about Jesus. He knew that his confinement gave others an opportunity to share the message, and he was happy that Christ was being preached however it was done. Whatever Paul did, he wanted to bring honor to Christ. He spoke honestly about being alive or dead and the benefits of both. The important thing was that they lived the Gospel.

Paul said, "Your life in christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another." (Philippians 2:1) Paul urged them to take care of each other. He expressed his throughts with the words of an early Christian hymn. (vv6-11) Paul encouraged the people to continue working because God is always working in us to make us able and willing to obey His purpose. Paul urged them to live in love, peace and harmony so that they would shine like stars among the corruption around them. Paul expressed feeling about Timothy like a father to a son. Timothy would bring them news when Paul knew how things would turn out. Paul told them about Epaphroditus, who had been so sick he almost died. Epaphroditus was unhappy to have caused the Philippians distress, but he was anxious to see them again.

Tomorrow read Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1

December 11, 2010 Ephesians 1:15-5:14

Paul rejoiced and gave thanks to God for news about how well the Ephesians were doing with the Way. He prayed that their minds would be opened to know God and see His light, hope and rich blessings He promises His people. He wanted the people to know how great His power is; the same power that raised Jesus from death. The church is Christ's body, completing Him as He completes all things.

Paul talked about life choices. In the past, the people were spiritually dead because they followed the evil ways of the world. They were controlled by the spirit who controls the people who don't follow God. Those people choose to live according to whatever their minds and bodies tell them to do. This makes God angry. Even so, God's mercy and love for us is so great that even though we were spiritually dead, He brought us back to life with Christ. God's grace has saved us all. He has prepared a life of good deeds for us to do. Paul reminded the Ephesians how it was for them before Christ when they were without God and hopeless. Christ's death on the cross broke the barriers so that all people could be God's people.

God had revealed His secret plan to Paul, the apostles and prophets. This secret is that God made it possible through Christ for everyone to have a part with the Jews in God's blessings. We are all the body of Christ. Paul felt privileged to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. In union with Christ we have the boldness to go into God's presence with confidence. Paul said, "I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love." (3:17-18)

Paul urged the Ephesians to always be humble, gentle, patient, tolerant and peaceful with each other, to preserve the unity of Spirit which binds you to each other. The body of Christ builds itself up through love. Paul warned them not to continue coarse speech and actions, but rather allow the Holy Spirit to change them. Use your words for good not evil! When you sin it makes the Holy Spirit sad. Show kindness to each other; forgive one another as God has forgiven you.

Since you are God's dear children, your lives must be controlled by love. Avoid the bad behavior and naughty words. Give thanks to God. Avoid those who do not live in the light. It is light that inspires, warms, and illuminates the truth. Don't waste your time on worthless things. Wake up sleepyhead, get with the living and the light of Christ will shine on you!

Tomorrow read Ephesians 5:15-6:24 & Phillipians 1-2

December 10, 2010 Gal 4:12-6:18 & Eph 1:1-14

Paul was concerned about the Galatians because they had been so joyful and now they were sad because of the things false teachers wanted them to believe. Paul explained how God's covenant with Abram (Gen 15-17 Jan 5th) and the birth of his two sons related to being a slave and being free.

Paul urged the Galatians to stand firm so they didn't go back to being slaves by going back to the law without faith. Paul said, "For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.""(5:14) He urged them to let the Spirit direct their lives. The Spirit wants the opposite of what human nature wants. If you follow the Spirit you won't need the Law. Human nature shows itself by fighting, jealousy, rage, ambition, separation, drunkeness, orgies and sexual immorality, witchcraft, idolworship - these actions will keep people out of the Kingdom of God. Opposite all that chaos is what the Spirit produces: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. There's no law against any of these.

If someone is caught up in wrongdoing, they should be gently reminded to listen to the Spirit. Everyone should judge for themselves whether they are living according to the Law but not compare themselves with anyone else. Believers need to inspire each other and bring out the best in each other. We can help each other to live better. You get exactly what you give. If you want good, do good, but it takes time. Paul signed off with a final warning about the false teachers and wished them the Lord's grace.

Ephesians
Paul greeted the Ephesians warmly. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to thank God for all the spiritual blessings He had bestowed on them. Before the world was made, God chose us to be His through our acceptance of Christ. Paul said, "Let us praise God for His glorious grace, for the free gift He gave us in His dear Son." (1:6) From the beginning, God planned for us to be His own people in union with Christ. When the time is right, God will bring all creation together under Christ. When you believed in Christ, God gave you His stamp of ownership by giving you the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inside you is a guarantee that God will keep His promise to you.

Tomorrow read Ephesians 1:15-5:14

December 9, 2010 2Corinth 13-Galatians 1-4:11

Paul concluded his second letter to the Corinthians. He told them they needed the evidence of two witnesses to uphold an accusation against someone. Paul told them that everyone will be judged by Christ. He encouraged them to put themselves to the test and judge themselves to find out whether they were living in faith. Paul hoped they would clean up their acts before he got there, so he wouldn't have to be harsh with them. Paul ended with hope that they would be kind to each other and have fellowship through Jesus.

Galatians
Paul greeted the Galatians with a statement that he was called to be an apostle by Jesus Christ and God the Father. He wished them grace and peace. Paul was surprised at the Galatians because they were abandoning the gospel they were taught and accepting another version from false teachers. Those who would preach a different gospel should be condemned to hell. Paul was following orders from God. Paul shared some details of his own personal story and how he became an apostle.

Fourteen years later Paul returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. During this visit circumcision was discussed. Some thought that Titus, who was Greek, should be circumcised, but he was not. The group of believers had been infiltrated by people who tried to convince them they needed to do these things. Paul was given the task of preaching to the Gentiles, while Peter, James, and John worked among the Jews. They shook hands with Paul and Barnabas as a sign that they were partners. Paul rebuked Peter in Antioch because he was being hypocritical about Gentiles. Paul reminded them that everyone is a sinner and put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, not by doing what the Law requires. Paul had died with Jesus on the cross, but he was alive because Jesus lived in him. If the Law had been all we needed to be put right with God, then Christ died for nothing.

Paul asked them if they received the Holy Spirit by following the Law or by believing in Jesus? Does God work miracles for you because you are good and obey the Law or because you believe in Him? Remember Abraham, he simply believed in God and God loved him and blessed him. Jesus Christ died for everybody, not just Jews. God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. 430 years later, the people needed to understand what was wrong living according to God, so He gave them the Law. The Law kept people in line until Christ came and put us right with God through faith. Believing in Christ makes you a descendant of Abraham and allows you to receive what God has promised.

We began as slaves, and when God decided the time was right He sent His Son. Jesus lived under the Law, but He came to redeem those under the Law so they could become God's people. Now that you are God's children, He will give you all He has. Paul expressed his concern for those people who had been convinced that the Law was the way and he was worried about them.

Tomorrow read finish Galatians & Ephesians 1:1-14

December 8, 2010 2Corinthians 8-12

By the grace of God, the churches in Macedonia had been blessed with God's love, so much so, that they had plenty to share generously with others. Paul told the Corinthians to finish what they'd started. Give what you have, God will accept it if you are eager to give. If you give freely when you have plenty, then you can expect to receive if you fall on hard times. Titus was coming to them with enthusiasm for serving God with them. Paul was grateful for Titus and asked them to welcome him.

The Corinthians and others, were helping the believers in Judea. Paul let them know the time for giving was at hand. Each person should decide for himself what he will give, remembering that God is able to give you more than you need. God loves a glad giver. God would make them rich enough to give generously at all times. Their service would create much good among the people and they would feel God's love.

Paul defended his ministry. He had a reputation for being meek in person and harsh in his letters. He admitted that by the power of God, he tore down all the obstacles and lies people tried to put in their way. Paul did not want to be confused with others who claimed to have more power based on their own standards. In fact, he boasted about God just like Jeremiah said to. (Jer.9:24)

Paul described his strong feelings for the people. He didn't want them seduced by false prophets to be led astray. He pointed out his generosity with them and his love for them. Paul warned about false apostles who make themselves look good to fool the people. Even Satan could disguise himself as an angel! Paul knew that they had been fooled by these impostors. He was the real deal and he had the experience to prove it. He listed all the hardships he had endured in the service of God - even being lowered in a basked to escape. (Acts 9:25)

Paul told them of a man he knew. Fourteen years earlier he had been snatched up to the third heaven (whether in a vision or physically, Paul didn't know, only God did) and shown many marvleous things which couldn't be described. To keep Paul from getting conceited, God gave him a condition which he asked to have removed three times. God told him His grace was plenty for him and so Paul delighted in his weakness and discomfort and hardships. When he was weak, then he was strong. Paul told them that he wanted them, not their money as the false apostles did. Paul planned to visit them and hoped they would still know each other well. Paul expressed the things he was afraid of finding when he got to them, and he would weep for their sins in their presence.

Tomorrow read 2Corinthians 13 & Galatians 1-4:11

December 7, 2010 2 Corinthians 3-7

Paul made it clear that the only reason for his success in ministry was because of the power of God through Christ. God carved the Law onto stone, which was amazing. The gospel, which fulfills the Law, by bringing forgiveness of sins and eternal life is so much more amazing! Hope gives boldness - the news is too good to be shy about telling it. Some won't hear it, but those who do are blessed. Through the Spirit we become like Christ.

God had given them this work to do, so he wasn't discouraged when things didn't go the way he thought they would. They focused on truth and lived honestly. If people didn't believe, it was because Satan had kept them from seeing the truth. Jesus is the light of the world. Paul had plenty of hardships because of his work for God, but he knew none of it really mattered; it was temporary. He knew that in the end he would be raised with Jesus to live in the presence of God. It was all worth it because God's grace reached more and more people. Paul said, "...we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever." (4:18)

When the time comes for us to go home, we will shed our earthly body, and put on the one God has prepared for us. We will be transformed and appear before Christ to be judged according to whatever we have done on earth, good or bad. Paul knows that Christ died for him, so he is living for Christ, and so too should we all. When we become joined to Christ, God changes us and makes us new.

God is calling to you, answer Him! Paul and his companions had put up with many hardships emotionally, physically and mentally from those they tried to serve. It wasn't all bad, but it was challenging. Paul begged the Corinthians to open their hearts wide so they could see his love for them. Paul warned the people to stay away from pagan idols and quoted Leviticus, Isaiah and 2Samuel.

Paul expressed his pride in the people in Corinth and asked for their acceptance of him and his companions. They were very encouraged to see Titus. Paul related his pleasure at the report Titus gave about being so welcomed by the people. Paul told them that even if his first letter made them sad, he was glad he wrote it because it helped them change their ways. God uses a sadness to bring a change of heart that leads people to salvation. But sadness that isn't from God leads to death. But the people got stronger and more devoted to God because of Paul's letter. Paul was encouraged by that change and also by the way Titus had told him they welcomed him and listened to him. Paul was happy to be able to depend on them completely.

Tomorrow read 2 Corinthians 8-12

December 6, 2010 1Corinth 15:29-end; 2Crointh 1-2

Paul continued asking about the things people do because they believe. If Christ didn't rise from death, then what purpose would it serve to baptize in the name of dead people. For that matter, why would he put himself in harm's way if there is nothing to believe in? If that's true then we should follow the saying, "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we will die." (15:32; Isaiah 22:13) Then Paul advised them not to be fooled, that bad companions ruin good character. Some people wondered what kind of body they would have. Paul told them to stop being foolish and explained that when a seed is planted, it dies and changes form into something new. God gives each his own body. Things are different according to God's will; there are different kinds of beauty. The physical body will die and the spiritual body will rise. Stand firm and know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.

Paul explained how they should handle the collection they had made for God' people in Judea. Paul planned to go through Macedonia and hoped to spend some time, perhaps the winter with them. Paul was in Ephesus until Pentecost because there was a great opportunity there for ministry. Paul asked that if Timothy came to them that they make him welcome. In finishing this letter, Paul told them to stand firm in the faith and do all work in love. He recommended a man named Achaia and his family to them. Paul signed off with words of love in Christ Jesus.

2Corinthians
This letter begins with Paul's greeting. Paul gave thanks to God for the help He gives which grows as it is shared. Sharing in hardships helps to endure them. Paul had been afraid they wouldn't live long when they were in Asia. But it turned out to be proof of God's saving grace. Paul felt proud that their relationship was based on truth and sincerity by the power of God's grace. He wrote to them what they could understand and hoped they would understand more in time. Paul had planned to visit them on his way to and from Macedonia. Paul knew that he appeared to be like people who say 'yes' when they mean 'no' because he did not visit as he had planned. Paul told them he was not trying to tell them what to believe, but trying to support them in the faith.

Paul wanted the people of Corinth to know that he wasn't trying to make them sad with his first letter, but to make them realize how much he loved them. Paul encouraged them to forgive those who had offended them. Without forgiveness Satan gains the upper hand. In Troas, Paul had been very worried because he couldn't find Titus. From there he went to Macedonia. In union with Christ we are led by God and He uses us to let people know about Christ. Because it is God's message, they speak with sincerity as servants of Christ.

Tomorrow read 2Corinthians 3-7

December 5, 2010 1Corinthians 12:12-15:28

We have been baptized into the body of Christ. Just as different body parts serve different functions and purposes, so we do as well in the body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers, the rest of it suffers too. Not everyone has the same gifts, which benefits the whole body.

The best of all though is love. Chapter 13 is often quoted as a beautiful example or description of love and what it is like. All the best gifts are nothing without love. Paul said, "Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (vv.4-7) Love lasts eternally. Gifts of knowledge or inspiration are temporary and partial; when what is perfect comes it replaces the partial with the whole. Mature things replace or complete immature things. Until we are completed we have faith, hope and love; the greatest is love.

Paul hoped that they could all have the gift of proclaiming God's message in plain language, because speaking in tongues doesn't help if nobody can understand what is being said. Paul encouraged those with the gift of tongues to pray with their minds and their spirits to be understood by those who heard them. Paul spoke in tongues and would rather speak 5 words that could be understood than thousands in tongues. Paul instructed them that their worship meetings should be orderly. Different people were to run different parts of the meeting according to their gifts. If someone sitting in the meeting received a message from God, they should share it so everyone can learn and benefit. Paul said women shouldn't speak in a church meeting, that it is disgraceful. If a woman has a question, she should ask her husbands at home. The focus should be on proclaiming God's message, but speaking in tongues was not forbidden.

The greatest message is that Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose from the grave to life three days later. He appeared to Peter and then to the twelve, and more than 500 of his followers at once, then James and then to all the apostles, and finally to Paul. Paul asked them how some of them could say there was no life after death? If that were true then Christ was not raised and they have nothing to preach about or believe in. They would be lying about God it if weren't true that the dead are raised to life. If there is no resurrection then we are just sad pitiful people. But Christ has been raised to life. Just as death came through one man, Adam, so life has come through one man, Christ. So Christ is resurrected first, then everyone in his turn. Then Christ will deliver the kingdom to God after overpowering every other authority. The final enemy to be abolished is death. Then the Son will subject himself to the Father, who will be everything to everyone and rule completely.

Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 15:29-end; 2Corinthians 1-2

December 4, 2010 1Corinthians 8-12:11

Paul continued to answer their questions. They were seeking guidance about what foods were approved for them to eat. Paul said, "...'all of us have knowledge', as they say. Such knowledge, however, puffs a person up with pride; but love builds up." (8:1) Paul instructed them that food won't bring them closer or take us away from God. Be sensitive around weaker people and don't expose them deliberately to things they cannot withstand.

Paul stated that he had the right to earn a living from his work as an apostle. He said he had the same right as the other apostles to bring his wife along on his preaching tours. But Paul had made a different choice regarding asking for money, as well as having a wife. Paul made himself everyone's slave for the gospel.

Paul reminded the people of their ancestors when they were guided by Moses. Paul admonished the people to take it as a cautionary example of what not to do. Those people disobeyed God again and again and wouldn't do His will. He told them not to test God or complain. Paul encouraged them to stand firm and not get too comfortable. "Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." (10:13) Many people use this scripture as the basis for their comment, 'God never gives us more than we can bear.' Paul told them to stay away from idols. For the Lord's Supper, they share the cup containing the blood of Christ, when they eat the body or bread they are sharing the loaf. This is done just as they are one body as the body of Christ. Whatever you do, do it for God's glory. Don't cause trouble and consider the good of others. Imitate Christ.

Paul said that Christ is supreme over every man, and a husband is supreme over his wife, and God is supreme over Christ. Men were't supposed to cover their heads and women were. Nowadays it depends on the congregation. Paul said that the man reflects the glory of God and the woman reflects the glory of man, since woman was created from man. Also, man wasn't created for woman, but woman was created for man. Paul then points out that just as women depend on men, men can't be born without women. Then Paul said to judge for yourself whether a woman should cover her head or not. Paul discusses hair length. Paul couldn't praise them for their worship meetings because they did more harm than good. They were eating their own food in church (like a picnic) and letting some go hungry. Paul instructed them again in the proper use of the Lord's Supper. First we are to examine ourselves, then partake. Paul advised them to eat meals at home.

No one can say "Jesus is Lord" unless he is guided by the Holy Spirit. One Spirit gives many different kinds of spiritual gifts. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in everyone. There are many different gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing power, working miracles, speaking God's message, discernment, languages, and interpretation. As he wishes, the Spirit gives different gifts to people.

Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 12:12-15:28

December 3, 2010 1Corinthians 4:14-7:40

Paul felt affection for the believers in Corinth as a father for his children. He wanted them to follow his example in Christian living. To help them in this, he sent Timothy to them as a teacher and leader in the principles to follow in union with Jesus Christ. Paul himself hoped to be able to visit them in person and figure out whether they needed discipline or nurturing.

There had been reports of sexual immorality among the Corinthians and that they were proud of it. Paul asked how they could feel this when they should feel sadness. He also told them that the guilty should be expelled from among them. Paul reminded them that it takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise, meaning that they needed to get rid of the evil amongst them and quoted Deuteronomy. (Deut. 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21,24; 24:7)

Paul had also heard that they were taking their disputes with each other to court to be settled, rather than to their own community of believers. Paul was also concerned that they had disputes among them that had to be settled by a third party whoever it was. They didn't seem to understand that wicked people - those who didn't believe - were not the sort of people they should be associating with on a regular basis. Paul reminded them that their bodies were to be used to serve the Lord, not their own desires. Their bodies are part of the body of Christ and they needed to remember how sacred that made them. The Holy Spirit lives in our bodies and that makes them a temple to be used for God's glory.

Paul answered their questions about marriage. Paul thought that the best way to live was a celibate life. He told them that if they married they weren't sinning. A husband should fulfull his duty to his wife and likewise a wife for her husband. Normal marital relations are healthy unless they interfere with a time of prayer. Single people should remain alone. If a couple separates, both should remain single. Paul reminded them what Jesus said about divorce in Mark 10:2-12. Paul suggested that couples where one or the other was an unbeliever should consider the possibility that they will help their spouse to find Christ. Each believer should continue to live according to the gifts the Lord had blessed them with without judgement from other Christians. Regarding unmarried people and widows, Paul gave his opinion that men not marry so they are spared from the everyday troubles of married people. According to bible scholars, this was a very challenging time for believers who were persecuted regularly and having a family could be extremely difficult. Paul wanted them to be free to focus on the Lord's work. If a couple really wanted to get married then they should do so. A widow was free to marry, but Paul thought her life would be easier if she were single.

Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 8-12:11

December 2, 2010 Rom 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13

Paul finished his letter to the Romans by sending his greetings to many of his friends and ministry partners there. He also warned them about people who cause divisions among the people with false teachings. Paul passed on greetings from Timothy and others. He praised God and gave Him glory.

1st Corinthians
Paul made his introduction to the people of Corinth. He was writing to clear up some issues that had arisen about Christian life and faith there. Paul told them he was grateful for them. He told them they could trust God. By the authority of Jesus Christ, Paul asked them to be completely united, with only one thought and purpose. They were confused about who to follow and Paul reminded them that it was Christ himself who died for us. The message shouldn't be complicated. God saves those who believe. God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense (who would have expected the Son of God to be born in a stable or laid in a food trough for animals?) If you want to brag, do what God said in Jeremiah 9:24, and brag about Him.

Paul talked about how he was nervous when he first started preaching. But the Holy Spirit came through his words. The wisdom Paul shared is the wisdom of God, not the world. People who have the Spirit are able to judge what they hear, but not each other, because that is for God to do.

When Paul began teaching them, they weren't spiritually mature, so he had to begin slowly. He felt that they still hadn't left behind their worldly ways. Paul explained that it is God who makes us stronger spiritually, not human teachers. The foundation for our lives is Jesus Christ and some will add other things like gold, silver, precious stones, wood, glass or straw (or glitter). Each of us will be responsible for the quality of our spritual building on that foundation. If it isn't burned up, we receive a reward. If it is burned, we will lose it, but we will survive. Every one of us is God's temple, Holy. Worldly wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. Everything belongs to God, this world, life and death, the present and the future.

Paul asked the people to look on him and his companions as God's servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. Servants and stewards need to be worthy of trust. Paul admitted that his conscience was clear, but that didn't mean he was off the hook. All will be made clear when Christ comes again. Everything we have is a gift from God, what is there to boast about? Paul observed that though he was blessed spiritually, he and those with him had a lowly existence.

Tomorrow read 1Corinthians 4:14-7:40

December 1, 2010 Romans 11:25-15:33

When the Jews rejected Jesus, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles, but Paul warned them not to get conceited about it. God has a plan and those who will be saved will be saved, whether Jew or Gentile. The Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. Paul gave praise to God.

Paul asked the Romans to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, body and soul. By surrendering to Him, they would know His will for them. Just as a human body had millions of different cells, each with a specific purpose, so too each of us together create the body of Christ. God has given many different gifts to different people. Don't compare yours with others, just accept your gift(s) and do your best to use them for God's will. If you don't know what to do ask Him. He'll tell you. Paul advised them to let love guide them in being kind to each other. Work hard and don't be lazy, serve the Lord with a devoted heart. Stay hopeful, and patient and pray always. Share what you have. Ask God to bless those who curse you. Show empathy. Be concerned for everyone. Stay humble. Don't believe you are wise. Do good and live in peace. Don't take revenge, let God do it for you. (Kill them with kindness.) Conquer evil with good.

Government authorities are there because God wants them there. Do good and you have nothing to fear from the authorities. That's why you pay taxes, they are working for God and workers deserve to be paid. Respect them. You are obligated only to love one another. All the commandments can be summed up with this single act. Love is the fulfillment of the whole Law. Step out of the darkness and into the light.

Different people have different levels of faith. Don't judge them because God has accepted them just as they are. If everyone is doing what he or she believes is the Lord's will for them, who are you to judge? Each of us lives for the Lord and each of us will answer for ourselves to Him. Anything that is not based on faith is sin.

Follow the example of Jesus Christ and be one family worshipping God together. Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you. Paul pointed out that Jesus' service to the Jews was to prove that God keeps his promises. Many times in scripture the Gentiles were claimed by God. Paul continued with an explanation of why he had been so bold; he was earnestly interested in proclaiming the Gospel to as many who had not heard as possible. Paul expressed his hope that he would at long last be able to go to Rome to visit with them. After a visit, Paul planned to deliver an offering to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to go to Spain. He asked them to pray for him and he bid them peace.

Tomorrow read Romans 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13

November 30, 2010 Romans 8:26-11:24

We don't really know how we ought to pray, so the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. The Spirit pleads with God on our behalf as long as what we pray for is His will. "Your will be done" (Matt6:10) For those who love God, He is right there with them. God takes care of those who love Him. If the creator of heaven and earth loves us, what else do we need? We know He loves us because He gave us everything - even His Son. Wouldn't He give us everything else too? What or who can separate us from God's love? The love of God is ours through Jesus Christ.

Everything depends on God's mercy. He uses us for His own purposes, not for our own gratification. God decides who He will show mercy or not. God has been very patient with those who angered Him. Many times He held back from showing His anger. What matters is that we believe in God.

Everyone who believes is put right with God. If you say that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from death, you will be saved. People can only be saved if they believe, and they can only believe if they hear the message, and they can only hear the message if it is shared. These messengers bring Good News!

God has not rejected His own people, rather, He gave them everything. Most of them worshipped idols, but a few did not and those He has chosen. God chose this by His grace, not because of what they have done. If God's choice were based on things people do, then God's grace wouldn't be real grace. Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. The blessings will be even greater when the Jews are included. Paul hoped that by helping the Gentiles receive God's blessings, the Jews would be jealous and want that too. If the roots are God's then the branches are His too. Branches break off and new ones are grafted in, but they all have the same roots. Don't get cocky about this, because you still have to believe. If you don't continue to believe you will be broken off too. This is where we see how severe and kind God is. He is severe to the fallen, but kind to the believers. If the Jews believe, they will be put back on the tree, God can do that.

Tomorrow read Romans 11:25-15:33

November 29, 2010 Romans 5:12-8:25

Paul discussed Adam and Jesus. Adam, one man, brought sin and death into the world and death ruled man. The result of what one man, Jesus, did is much greater. God gives his abundant grace freely, because of the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ.

If we have died to sin, how can we go on living in it? Our baptism allows us to share in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Just as Jesus was raised to life, so are we. We are to think of ourselves as dead to sin and living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. Surrender your whole being to God to use for His righteous purposes. Sin must not be your master because you live under God's grace. At one time you surrendered completely to sin, likewise you surrender yourself completely to God. What was the payoff for sin? Death. The payoff for righteous living is eternal life.

Paul used an analogy of marriage to explain sin and death and righteousness and life. "No longer do we serve in the old way of a written law, but in the new way of the Spirit." (7:6) The law explained sin to us. The Law is holy and serves a holy purpose - to get us to see that we need the grace of God. That's good. Even though Paul desired to do good, he himself was not capable of doing it. Sin kept him prisoner. But God through Jesus Christ rescued us all.

If we live in union with Christ Jesus, through the law of the Spirit, we have been set free. "Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants." (8:5) Those who obey their human nature do not please God. God's Spirit joins with our spirits and makes us His children. Paul reckoned that the suffering we experience isn't worth comparing to the amazing glory that is going to be revealed to us. Paul even thought about creation being subject to decay and groaning in pain and one day sharing the gift of eternal life. So we suffer and groan as we wait for God to set our whole being free. Hope is what led us here and it's what keeps us patient while we wait.

Tomorrow read Romans 8:26-11:24

November 28, 2010 Romans 1:16-5:11

Paul's letter to the Romans continues with Paul's statement of confidence in the gospel and in the power of God. It is God who puts us right with Him. "The person who is put right with God through faith shall live." (1:17; Hab 2:4) People know that God has done amazing things, yet they refuse to give him honor and thanks. God doesn't force people to do what He wants, but he punishes them when they don't. When people turn away from God, they become people without kindness and love in their hearts.

Don't judge other people because you aren't perfect either. God will reward every one according to what they have done. If you do good, you get good. Hearing the Law isn't what puts people right with God, but doing what the Law demands. God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of everyone. Paul directed his statement to the Jews who believe that they only have to know about the Law and be circumcized to be right with God. The real Jew has allowed God's Spirit inside him to circumcize his heart. That man receives praise from God, not man.

Jews had an advantage over Gentiles, because God trusted His message to them. God will be faithful whether or not the Jews are. Some people had accused Paul of lying to make God's message more plain. Paul was insulted by this; rightfully so. Paul asked if the Jews were in better off than the Gentiles? No, because everyone is under the power of sin just by living. The Law helps people understand that they have sinned, it doesn't make them right with God. "But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free." (3:24) Sounds pretty simple. We believe in Jesus and our sins are forgiven. We have nothing to boast about, we aren't doing this for ourselves.

God accepted Abraham because he believed in Him. (If you remember, we read about Abraham in January, and he made mistakes just like the rest of us and God loved him anyway.) Before Abraham was circumcized, God forgave his sins. So if that's true, then Gentiles don't need to be circumcized to be right with God. God gave Abraham everything he promised, not because he kept the Law perfectly, but because he believed in God. Abraham never lost faith in God. Jesus died because of our sins, and he was raised to life to put us right with God.

Because we are right with God, we have His peace through Jesus Christ. God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit - God's gift to us. Because of Jesus Christ, we are made God's friends.

Tomorrow read Romans 5:12-8:25

November 27, 2010 Acts 27:9-end; Romans 1:1-15

Soon it became evident that the sailing season was at a close and it was now or never. Paul told them that it wasn't safe for them to sail, but the captain of the ship convinced the officer that it would be fine, so they sailed for Phoenix. As a soft wind began to blow, they thought they had found luck, but soon it turned ugly. They did everything they could think of to save themselves, like throwing cargo overboard, lowering the sail and dragging the anchors. After some time passed, they had lost all hope, and Paul stood and told them they should have listened to him earlier, but that all was not lost. An angel had appeared to Paul the night before and told him that everyone would survive. After 14 days Paul urged them to eat, so he took bread, broke it, gave thanks to God and ate it. The others ate food too. There were 276 men on board. Then they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat overboard. They saw a beach and tried to get the ship there, but it broke apart, so they swam or floated on planks or broken ship pieces. They all made it to shore.

They had landed on Malta. It was cold and rainy, but the natives were warm and friendly. They built a fire. Paul was gathering wood and a snake bit him in the hand and dropped into the fire. The natives were sure that Paul would swell up or drop dead, but that didn't happen, so then they thought he must be a god! The chief of the island invited them to his estate. The chief's father was very sick and Paul healed him. All the other sick people on the island came to be healed too. They wintered there for 3 months. The people brought many gifts and provided for their journey. They set sail and made their way up the coast of Italy and met believers along the way. They made it to Rome and Paul thanked God for the believers who were there to meet him. Paul was allowed to live by himself, guarded by only one soldier. After 3 days, Paul called all the Jews there for a meeting. Paul told them his story. They didn't know anything about it, but they were interested in what he had to say, so they set a date and they all came and listened. They came to the place where Paul was staying and he taught and preached. Paul continued in this way for 2 years.

Romans
In Paul's letter to the Romans, he begins by way of introducing himself and his beliefs to the Roman believers. Paul offered thanks for his fellow believers and their faith in God. He told them he thanked God for them every time he prayed. Paul was happy to finally be in Rome. Paul was eager to preach the Good News to the Romans.

Tomorrow read Romans 1:16-5:11

November 26, 2010 Acts 23:26-27:8

Basically, the letter was pretty simple and gave the facts as they related to the incident, to bring Governor Felix up to speed. The soldiers got Paul safely to Caesarea, along with the letter, and kept him under guard until his accusers arrived. The High Priest, Ananias and some elders and a Lawyer arrived almost a week later. The High Priest stated his case against Paul (which was lies.) Then it was Paul's turn to speak. Paul presented facts in his defense about his whereabouts and made the point that none of their accusations could be verified, because they weren't true. He related the situation regarding his return to Jerusalem and what happened after he completed the ceremony of purification. Finally, he told them he was being tried for believing in life after death, Felix knew about the Way. Paul was held captive, but free to meet with his friends so they could take care of him. A few days later Felix and his wife Drusilla listened to Paul again when he spoke of faith in Christ, self-control, goodness and the coming Day of Judgement. Two years passed and Festus took over Felix's job, and kept Paul under guard to keep the Jews happy.

Festus went to Jerusalem where the leaders asked him to bring Paul there because they had planned to kill him on the way. Festus told them he would hear their accusations against Paul in Caesarea. When they all got there, they made their case and Paul responded by proclaiming his innocence and then he appealed to the Emperor. Later when King Agrippa and Bernice came to visit Festus, he talked to them about Paul's case. Agrippa told Festus he would like to hear Paul speak for himself. So the next day with much pomp, Paul was brought into the court.

Agrippa gave Paul the floor. Paul thanked the king and asked for his patience. Paul gave a brief testimony of his beliefs and faith. He told his own history as a persecutor of Christians and a Pharisee. He talked about his conversion and mission work. Suddenly Festus interrupted Paul and called him crazy! Paul asked Agrippa if he believed in the prophets, he was sure he did. Agrippa asked Paul if he was trying to convert him. Paul answered honestly that he hoped everyone would believe in Jesus! The royals left the room and amongst themselves decided that Paul had done nothing to deserve death. Agrippa said that if Paul had not appealed to the Emperor, he could have been set free.

They set sail for Italy. Along the way, they stopped at Sidon and the officer in charge let Paul go visit his friends there. They continued sailing with difficulty due to the strong winds. Finally, they came to a place called Safe Harbors.

Tomorrow read Acts 27:9-28:31; Romans 1:1-15

November 25, 2010 Acts 21-23:25

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I pray that you have all been blessed with enough to eat and lots of lovingkindness from those you love.

Paul sailed to Cos, Rhodes and Patara. At Phoenicia they changed ships and sailed toward Syria. They went ashore at Tyre, found some believers and stayed with them for a week. They pleaded with Paul by the power of the Spirit not to go to Jeruasalem. When it was time to say goodbye they all came out to the shore and knelt and prayed and sent them on their way. They visited believers in Ptolemais for a day. They continued their journey visiting believers all along the way to Jerusalem. Some were very afraid for Paul's safety and didn't want him to go. But Paul insisted that whatever fate awaited him was God's will and he would endure it. Upon arriving at Jerusalem they were greeted warmly by believers. The next day Paul gave a complete report to James and the church elders about his work. They told Paul about a rumor circulating among the people that Paul was teaching that the people not follow the Law of Moses. They told him to participate in a Jewish purification ritual so that everyone would see that this wasn't true. So he did. This didn't stop the rumors and the people rioted and Paul was arrested by the Roman guard. The commander demanded to know what Paul had done, but he couldn't get a straight answer from the mob and the soldiers had to protect Paul from the mob. Paul spoke to the commander in Greek, the commander quieted the mob and Paul spoke to them in Hebrew.

Paul told the people about his history; how he persecuted the Christians. Then he told them about his conversion and the voice from heaven and how he was blinded. He told them about Ananias and his baptism. He even admitted he witnessed Stephen's murder. The people started shouting to have Paul killed. The commander ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the fort and whip him until they could make sense of the turmoil. Paul asked if it was lawful to whip a Roman citizen without a fair trial. When they realized they had chained a Roman citizen, they became scared. To find out what was going on, the commander took Paul to the Council and chief priests and made Paul stand before them the next day.

Paul spoke to defend himself before a hostile group of Pharisees and Sadducees. The discussion became so heated the commander feared for Paul and he ordered his soldiers to guard Paul from the Jewish leaders. (The Sadducees were aristocrats who didn't believe in life after death or that they needed God in their everyday life, but they were afraid of the people. The Pharisees were local businessmen who believed in life after death, and that God could help in everyday life and they were more closely tied to the people. Though the Sadducees were in the majority, the Pharisees had more sway because they had the people.) "That night the Lord stood by Paul and said, 'Don't be afraid! You have given your witness for me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome.'" (23:11) Some Jews vowed to kill Paul, but Paul's sister heard about it and sent her son, Paul's nephew to the commander to tell him about it. The commander sent Paul to the Governor with an armed escort and a letter...which we'll read about tomorrow.

Tomorrow read Acts 23:26-27:28

November 24, 2010 Acts 19-20

Corinth was in Apollos' capable hands, so Paul went to Ephesus. He talked with some believers who hadn't received the Holy Spirit. So he baptized them and placed his hands on them and they recieved the Holy Spirit. Paul went to the synagogue and preached for three months. After that, he took a group of believers to a lecture hall and they discussed the Way of the Lord for two years. Everyone heard the word of the Lord. God was working through Paul so that even handkerchiefs he had touched could cure people. Some Jews who traveled around healing people tried to do this, but it didn't work. The evil spirit told them he knew Jesus and Paul, but he didn't know them, then he beat them up and they ran from the house naked and bleeding. The people all heard about the power of the name of the Lord Jesus and they were afraid. The name of Jesus was given great honor. Sorcerers burned their expensive magic books. The word of the Lord kept spreading. Paul decided to go to Macedonia and on to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to see Rome. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia and he spent more time in Asia. In Ephesus an idolmaker started a riot because the Way of the Lord would put him out of business. The mob grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus two of Paul's helpers and took them to where they were meeting about the problem in a theater. Nobody wanted Paul to go because they were afraid of what would happen to him. Nobody was listening to anybody else. Eventually the city clerk got them to calm down and he sent everyone home.

After all the excitement was over, Paul called together the believers, encouraged them and said goodbye. He went back to Macedonia and on his way encouraged the believers. He stayed in Achaia 3 months. He discovered the Jews were plotting against him, so he went back through Macedonia. Paul had many disciples with him from the places he had preached. In Troas, Paul was speaking to believers and a young man who was sitting in the window fell asleep and fell out of the window, 3 stories down. When they got to him, he was dead. Paul threw himself on him and hugged him and he came alive. Paul talked with them until sunrise, then he left. They sailed for Jerusalem, and on the way Paul sent word the the Ehpesians to come to meet his boat. So they did. He told them he had done everything he could for them and now it was up to them and God. Near the end of his farewell speech, he said that Jesus said "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." (20:35) These words are not recorded in the gospels, so that must be one of those things that John said about the world not being able to hold the things Jesus did if they were all written down. (John 21:25 Nov16) Then they all knelt and prayed. They were all crying when they hugged and kissed him goodbye. They were sad that they would never see him again. They went with him to the ship.

Tomorrow read Acts 21-23:25

November 23, 2010 Acts 16:11-18:28

They sailed from Troas to Samothrace, then Neapolis. (Verse 11 says 'we' so I assume that Luke is present with Paul, as a witness to his ministry.) From there they went to Philippi. On the Sabbath day they went to the riverside hoping to find Jews gathered for prayer. The Lord opened the mind of one of them named Lydia. She and the people in her house were baptized and she invited Paul and his group to stay in her house. So they did. One day on their way to the place of prayer, they met a slave girl who had an evil spirit in her and she could predict the future. She followed Paul around and shouted that they were servants of God and they would tell people how they could be saved. She kept on at this until Paul got upset and rebuked the evil spirit. The owners of the girl were angry because they had expected her to keep making money for telling fortunes and they took Paul and Silas to the authorities and accused them of being a nuisance. The stripped Paul and Silas, whipped them, chained them and put them in jail. In the night while Paul and Silas were praying and singing, a violent earthquake shook the prison so hard their chains fell off and the doors opened. The jailer woke in a panic thinking the prisoners had escaped and was ready to kill himself when Paul yelled to him not to harm himself because they were all there. The jailer fell on his knees and asked Paul and Silas what he needed to do to be saved. They were happy to share this news with him and all the other prisoners. The jailer washed their wounds and then he and his family were baptized. They went to the jailer's house to stay with him. The next day the release order was delivered by the police and the jailer told Paul and Silas they could leave. But Paul refused because they had been treated so badly, he wanted a personal apology first. So the Roman officials apologized, and asked them to leave. They went to Lydia's and shared the gospel.

They left Philippi and traveled to Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica and spoke in the synagoge. During 3 Sabbaths they taught and explained Scriptures and proved that Jesus is the Messiah. Many believed. As usual, some of the Jews became jealous and started a ruckus. As soon as night came the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. They taught in the synagogue and had much success because the people were eager to learn and understand. Word got back to the people in Thessalonica and some of the rowdy ones traveled to Berea and started the same trouble there as they had earlier. The believers sent Paul away, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. When the men returned from Athens, where they had taken Paul, they gave Silas and Timothy instructions from Paul to join him there ASAP. While in Athens, Paul noticed how full of idols it was. Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection. They brought him to the city council because they wanted to know what he was talking about. So Paul told them about God and resurrection. Some scoffed, but others wanted more and joined him.

Paul was a tent maker by trade. He went to Corinth and stayed with some Jews who made tents too. Paul held discussions in the synagogue. Silas and Timothy arrived and then Paul spent all his time preaching. The Jews rejected what he said, so they went to the Gentiles. Many people heard and were baptized. Not everyone was happy, one night they seized Paul and dragged him before the governor. But the governor wasn't interested and he threw them all out. Paul stayed with the believers in Corinth for a while and then sailed for Syria. The tent makers went too. (Someone shaved their head before sailing it just says 'he', I wondered if this was part of the Nazirite vow as in Numbers 6 -Feb 12) They traveled around some more. A believer named Apollo was enthusiastically preaching about the gospel, but he didn't have all the information about Jesus. So some believers there taught him what he needed to know and they sent him to Achaia and sent him with a letter of introduction to help him get started there. He proved in debates that Jesus is the Messiah.

Tomorrow read Acts 19-20