BR-52 Chronological Bible Read (December 24-31)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Chronos! Well, this is it. The last note of the year. 

I have a comment, below, about Revelation. But in case you don’t read those, I can sum up the book with a quote from Rev 19:10 and 21:9: “Worship only God!”

 

The last KEY VERSE: “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:6‬)  

Wow. Just ... wow.

I hope you’ve had a good year and that you were blessed by spending some time in God’s word, albeit a bit differently that the usual. Even though we’re finishing, please let me know if you have a question I can address about scripture. I would love to hear from you at any time, and I would love to help.

Many Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

John’s three letters: the first to “my dear children”; the second to “the chosen lady”; the third to “my dear friend.” Jude’s letter (“to all who are called by God the Father”). The book of God’s Revelation to the Apostle John (the fifth Bible piece penned by John the Apostle).

Comments: 

December 24th  —1st John 1:5—  says “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” This connects perfectly to Revelation which declares that in Heaven, because God is present: “there is no night there!”

December 24th  —1st John 4:5&6—  Better than any other verses I’ve read, these make clear the difficulty we face in this life getting others to understand.

 

December 25th  —1st John 5:21—  “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” That sounds like a tall order ... maybe even impossible on our own ... but it is achievable with the help of the Spirit.

December 26th  —Jude 1:24-25—  referred to as the Jude Doxology or the Jude Benediction, this has served as the source of many a hymn ... worth a re-read.

 

December 26th  —Revelation—  This is the last “book,” both in the Bible and in the chronology of the Bible story. The notes of mine that follow are just a scratch on the surface of the meaning(s) of this scripture. If it interests you, I recommend you consult some commentaries: there are many excellent ones out there. The central problem with understanding it is this: despite that fact that no one really knows, for a fact, the full meanings of this book, there are plenty of people who claim to. My advice: proceed with caution when anyone purports to, conclusively, know the meaning of the book.

December 26th  —Revelation 1:4, 11—  Revelation is a book of mysteries. Here is just one of them: who is the revelation for? The book/letter is addressed to the “Seven Churches of Asia” (They are all located in what is modern-day Turkey, on or not too far from a stretch of coastline shared by the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. Patmos, where the author lives in exile, is an island just off this coast.). Since there are no other specific addressees, it could be argued that this revelation given to John by God’s angel was for those churches, only. 

December 26th through 31st  —  Other mysteries of the book of Revelation include: what the symbols mean, when the predicted events will take place (or if they already have, or if some of them already have), whether it is an accurate description of the heavenly realm, who are the people described, how much of this can we take at face value, etc.? While plenty of people have reached conclusions about these things, there remains zero consensus.

A FINAL NOTE ABOUT REVELATION

If you want to pursue Revelation, further, let me know and we can carry on a side discussion. I can recommend some books to read if you want.

Blessings to you all,

Steve

BR-51 Chronological Bible Read (December 17-23)

Almost there, Chronos!

Regarding the future: If you (or someone you know) want to do this in the new year, I will continue to post at www.steveorr.blogspot.com for anyone to access throughout the year. 

KEY VERSE: “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.” (Hebrews‬ ‭6:1‬)

Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

Letter to the Hebrews (author unknown ... but much evidence suggests Paul or someone who had been discipled by Paul). The end of the Timothy letters. The roll call of faith (Hebrews 11). The great cloud of witnesses. The two letters from Peter to the church at large. 

Why we care about Hebrews, a letter written to Jewish believers: Many of the “issues” raised, today, against Christianity are addressed in this letter. Interesting, isn’t it, how a letter that purports to serve one group ends up centuries later being useful to a completely different group of believers? These are questions raised, not only by our friends, acquaintances, and debaters, but also by us. Definitely worth a read.

Something that helps us understand: when the word “holy” appears (as it does often in scripture, and especially in the Peter letters), it likely doesn’t mean what you think it does. In the Bible, it actually means “separate, utter otherness, set apart.” Try reading those passages while holding that in your mind. It’s the idea that God is so utterly different from what we humans tend to be. Add to that, when we are called upon to be holy, we need to try to be so distinct from our environment that we approach this ideal. That may be a tall order which we can never fully achieve, but we are to try.

Comments: 

December 17th  —Hebrews Chapters 1&2—  The author makes the case for Jesus being superior to Angels, that he created everything, and is now in charge of everything.  Why do we care?  Like today, there was a problem with Angel-worship during the first century. Plus there was a lot of confusion, fostered by false teachers, about which beings were of highest authority. Finally, there was a false teaching, still in play today, that God was just the most powerful angel, and that Jesus was just one of many angels (an important one, but not necessarily the most important one).

December 18th  —Hebrews 5:8—  Jesus “learned obedience from the things He suffered.” That’s thought-provoking ... 

 

December 19th  —Hebrews 9:27—  “...each person is destined to die once and after that comes the judgment....” 

December 19th  —Hebrews 10:24—  “let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” That means we spend some time thinking up just exactly how we could motivate ourselves and other believers to take action in love. That’s not passive ...

 

December 20th (and my birthday)  —Hebrews Chapter 11—  The “Roll Call of Faith” opens with a statement that has been much misunderstood ... mostly because they keep re-translating it to try to convey its meaning. NLT says: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ - http://bible.com/116/heb.11.1.nlt).

King James is the best known translation: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ - http://bible.com/114/heb.11.1.nkjv).

I find it most understandable to think of it this way: “Of the things we have hoped for, faith is the confidence we have that God can make them come true; that they already have substance in God’s consideration. Of matters not currently perceivable by us, but which we are supposed to believe anyway, faith actually is the evidence they currently exist.”

December 20th  —Hebrews Chapter 11 is one of those Bible chapters, along with verse 12:1 (“the great cloud of witnesses”), that should be read every week by every christian. It’s that important to our understanding of our place in God’s plan. [The other Bible chapters that should be read each week are: Acts 7, 1st Corinthians 13, Romans 12, Hebrews 11, Romans 13, Isaiah 40]

December 21st  —Hebrews Chapter 13—  There are so many phrases, here, that we have often heard from the pulpit and from the hymnal.

A. Show hospitality to strangers for some have entertained angels unaware (verse 2)

B. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Verse 5)

C. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Verse 8)

D. This world is not my home (verse 14)

December 22nd  —1st Peter 3:15—  I think the verse is a bit stronger if rendered this way: “In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord.” It calls on us to regard Jesus as higher than any authority we encounter in this life, but not requiring us to be confrontational about it. What is important is that we keep reminding ourselves just who it is that we serve.

December 22nd  —1st Peter 4:8—  “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” This is active love, transformational love ... 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?  —>There are some who suggest this is a process by which we not only get our sins covered (forgiven), but also those to whom we ”show deep love.” 

December 23rd  —2nd Peter 1:5-9—  Sometimes referred to as the “Learning to Love,” pyramid, this seems to some to be steps in a process; that accomplishing or achieving mastery of one level (such as faith) is needed before one can fully achieve the next level (“moral excellence”, “virtue”). Others have suggested that we should be attempting all of these activities, continuously, but recognizing that they do build on one another. These actions do seem to provide a pathway to being able to truly love ourselves and others as per the greatest and second greatest commandments. Consider especially the word “develop” in verse nine (9). I’m more in the second camp; working on all of them at once. How can you go wrong with that approach? 

Next week: 

John’s three letters: the first to “my dear children”; the second to “the chosen lady”; the third to “my dear friend.” Jude’s letter to the churches. The book of God’s Revelation to the Apostle John (the fifth Bible piece penned by John).

BR-50 Chronological Bible Read (December 10-16)

Only two weeks to go! 

Key Scripture: “... true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6‬)

Blessings, 

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

The Letter to Philemon (neither a church nor an evangelist ... a person in Colossae, possibly an Elder of the church there). The letter to the church at Philippi. Letter from James to the Jewish believers who are living away from Israel. Letters to two evangelists: Timothy and Titus. 

Comments: 

December 10th  —The letter to Philemon is all about saving his former slave (Onesimus) from the punishment he is actually due. Paul, masterfully, reasons Philemon into a corner, arguing that Philemon should welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. He forces Philemon to view this (probably) runaway slave in a more favorable light. 

December 10th  —Philippians 1:3-6—  These verses were what Pattie spoke to me at our wedding, and they are inscribed inside my wedding band.

 

December 11th  —Philippians 4:22b—  “especially those in Caesar’s household.” God’s people are everywhere: even in government positions (or married to those associated with the government). 

NOTE: The book of James (the brother of Jesus) is SO RICH. It only covers 1.5 days of reading, but it contains a lifetime of guidance. I have only mentioned three of the many, many wisdoms nestled here. In five brief chapters, he comments on and connects with almost every other book of the Bible! Amazing. 

December 12th  —James 1:5-6—  First, God wants us to ask for wisdom. Second, there is a caveat: don’t ask unless you really believe in God.

 

December 12th  —James 1:27—  If you’ve ever wondered what God is looking for in religion, here it is.

December 13th  —James 5:4-6— It boils down to this: it is OK to be rich. But it is not OK to become rich (or stay that way) by cheating, harming, or killing those who are less fortunate. Secondly, don’t depend on your riches to save you if you have behaved in these horrible ways. God knows, and God’s message is, “You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter.” Turkeys don’t even do that! 

(Also Dec 15th, 1st Timothy 6:17-19)

December 13th  —1st Timothy2:1-2—  Here is how to pray for kings and others in authority over us: Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Well, that is unexpected! Some of them are horrible people! And yet ...

December 15th  —Titus 2:7, 14 and 3:14—  We are to do “good deeds” while in this life. What do you suppose those might be?

December 16th  —2nd Timothy 2:21— This scripture is the basis for Max Lucado’s book, On the Anvil. I highly recommend it to you for clear explanation on how to be of productive use to God.

Next week: 

Letter to the Hebrews (author unknown) and the roll call of faith (Hebrews 11). The great cloud of witnesses. The end of the Timothy letters. The two letters from Peter to the church at large. 

BR-49 Chronological Bible Read (December 3-9)

Well, Chronos, that went fast. 

When I sat down to read Sunday’s scriptures, I was startled to suddenly find I had read all the way through Wednesday! What a stirring tale of false accusations, assassins, royal encounters, a two-week typhoon(!), and a shipwreck. 

I like alternating between the history and the letters to the churches ... certainly provides perspective. 

Key scripture, from December 7th: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” 

(‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2‬, 21-32).

Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

Continuing: Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (and his defense). Assassins! Paul brought before successive levels of government and Royalty ... and starts his Journey to Rome. Shipwreck! Malta! Rome! Paul writes to the Ephesians from Rome. The armor of God. Letter from Paul in Rome to the christians at Colosse (Colossians).   

Comments: 

December 3rd  —Acts 23:16 —  “Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son ....”

December 4th  —Acts 24—  Governor Felix (“who was quite familiar with the Way”) and his Jewish wife kept Paul with them for two years! ... Two years of listening to him preach the Gospel to them. We can only speculate about the impact of that, but the possibilities boggle the mind!

 

December 4th  —Acts 25:19—  Here’s some illuminating insight into how people think of the Gospel when not enabled by the Spirit to understand it: “... it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.”

December 5th & 6th  —Acts 27:14 and 27, 28:1-7—  I never knew this: a fourteen-day typhoon (Wowzer!) preceded Paul’s shipwreck on the island of Malta (a place I hope to visit one day; there’s a lot of Christian history associated with it).

 

December 6th  —Acts 28:11ff—  The order matters, here: 

Firstly, the church at Rome comes to meet Paul way out on the highway, well before he actually arrives in Rome. Secondly, Paul arranges for the local Jewish leaders to come to him (in his captivity) so he can explain how he came to be in that state (i.e., he preached the Gospel to them in the context of their Jewish heritage). Thirdly, Paul spent two full years preaching to all who came to visit him ... “And no one tried to stop him.”

December 6th —Ephesians 2:9— “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done ....”

December 8th —Ephesians 5:21 through 6:9— Nothing you read in this passage overrides the very first instruction: “...submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” If you can practice this first one every day, the others —which are examples of how it would work at that time in Ephesus— will present no problem for you.

December 8th —Ephesians 6:10-20— Recall that we encountered this phrase (‘the armor of God) way back in Isaiah; it is an actual thing, not just a convenient illustration for Paul to use in this letter. If you want to read a bit more about this, I wrote a piece: http://steveorr.blogspot.com/2015/08/fighting-in-borrowed-armor-lectionary.html

Here’s a great song that speaks to us armor-wearers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRNFf3ykQvM

December 9th  —Colossians 4:9—  The letters of Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon could easily be renamed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Onesimus. He is the one person, aside from Paul, connecting the three books. He’s an interesting person. Watch for those connections as we move forward. 

Next week: 

The Letter to Philemon (a person; not a church, nor an evangelist). The letter to the church at Philippi. Letter from James to the Jewish believers who are living away from Israel. The letters to Timothy and Titus (evangelists). 

BR-48 Chronological Bible Read (November 26 - December 2)

Only five more weeks, Chronos!

Our key verse sums up the letter to the christians at Rome: “... [the Israelites] were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him ... For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself.” (Romans‬ ‭9:32‬a)

Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

Continuing in the letter to the Christians in Rome. Salvation is for everyone. Second letter to the church at Corinth. We get new bodies! Back on the road, again. Paul gets arrested. 

Comments: 

November 27th —Romans 12:2— Note who does what in this verse: what you are to do, and what God is to do.

November 27th —Romans 12:9-31 is often called “the other love chapter.”  Compare it to 1st Corinthians 13. How is it similar? How is it different? If interested, here is a blog I wrote that addresses these two love chapters: 

https://steveorr.blogspot.com/2020/08/when-dad-was-brickie-steve-orr.html?m=0

November 28th —Romans 15:4b— A couple of the important reasons we should read the Bible. 

November 28th —Romans 16— This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. There is so much to love, here. After putting forth this amazing theological argument for 15 chapters, Paul gets newsy ... just like you would expect in a letter between friends. Paul knows so many people in Rome! He sends his letter to them via Phoebe, a church deacon. Priscilla and Aquila (early missionary couple) are in Rome, and a church meets in their home. He sends greeting to Junia, a woman apostle(?) who was in prison with him! And then, finally, he warns them of supposed church members who use “smooth talk and glowing words to deceive innocent people.”

November 28th, 29th, 30th, and December 1st — Paul writes his second letter to the folks at Corinth. Keep in mind: he has already visited them, twice, and time has elapsed since they received his first letter. This one reflects what he learned from Timothy’s more recent visit to Corinth. Paul is addressing (A) how they have fared in the wake of his first letter, and (B) some new problems that Timothy has brought to his attention.

December 1st —Acts 20:7-12— Remember, Acts is Luke’s account of what happened in the early years of the church. So, Luke is our witness in Troas. Nice to see that, even then, and even when a luminary like Paul was preaching, people still fell asleep in church!

December 2nd —Acts 20:35— What I read in this scripture is that it is OK for us to earn our way in this life and accumulate resources so that we, too, might be blessed by giving to those in need. Does anyone read it differently?

December 2nd —Acts 21:8-9— One of those moments we get from time to time where we get to circle back, so to speak, and encounter someone from earlier in the story. In this case, it’s Philip, one of the original Deacons who is now living and preaching in Caesarea (Note: his four daughters were prophets).

Next week: 

Continuing: Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (and his defense). Assassins! Paul is brought before successive levels of government and Royalty ... and starts his Journey to Rome. Shipwreck! Malta! Rome! Paul writes to the Ephesians from Rome. The armor of God. Letter from Paul in Rome to the christians at Colosse (Colossians).   

BR-47 Chronological Bible Read (November 19-25)

Home stretch, Chronos!

Key scripture: “...while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:1‬b)

Hard to believe we’re homing in on the last few weeks of our reading. Soon, very soon, we will complete our year of reading the Bible chronologically. How has it been for you? Was it good enough to recommend to your friends? Does having these notes in advance improve the experience? 

Write and share your thoughts with me.

Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

Paul addresses the problems in Corinth. One body, many parts. THE Love Chapter?? How we got the tithe. A riot in Ephesus. A letter to the Christ-followers in Rome. More about why faith works where the Law does not. What it’s like to live in the Spirit.

Comments: 

November 19 —1st Corinthians 4:5— What do you think about this instruction from Paul to the christians at Corinth? “Don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns.”

November 19 —1st Corinthians 6:7— What do you think about this one?

November 20 —1st Corinthians 9:5— Pater and James had wives.

November 21 —1st Corinthians 11:11-12— Among followers of Jesus, men and women are interdependent.

November 21 —1st Corinthians 12:31— This is the verse connecting the discussion in Chapter 12 with the answer in Chapter 13. Love is greater than all those matters discussed in Chapter 12. Look back and consider.

November 22 —1st Corinthians 15:54-56— Give a listen to Petra singing about these verses in their song, Grave Robber (skip the ad): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3pQdCPlxP50

November 23 —Acts 19:23-41 (One riot, one ranger Apostle**) —Here is a case of entrepreneurs being negatively impacted by the preaching of the Gospel— What do you think of the way the official handled the matter? What are some other similar, situations you can think of?

** A legend of the Texas Rangers: people were rioting in a west Texas town. The local leaders sent a message requesting the help of the Texas Rangers. But, when the train arrived, only one Ranger stepped out and onto the platform. When questioned about where the other Rangers were, the Ranger supposedly replied, “One riot, one Ranger.”

Next week: 

Continuing in the letter to the Christians in Rome. Salvation is for everyone. Second letter to the church at Corinth. We get new bodies! Back on the road, again. Paul gets arrested. 

BR-46 Chronological Bible Read (November 12-18)

Six weeks and counting, Chronos!

The church continues to grow and spread ... but not without some problems. 

Reminder: These passages are very rich. I can’t possibly anticipate your questions; so send them to me. 

Blessings,

Steve

_________________________

We’re reading The One Year Chronological Bible, New Living Translation (Tyndale). It’s best with your own copy. Or, paste in this link to the daily reading schedule:

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf

 _________________________

This week's highlights: 

Peter escapes from prison. Herod (finally) dies. Barnabas vouches for Saul (Paul) and then has to become his missionary partner. Lots of journeying by Paul and company. A bit of a dust-up between Paul and Peter. Jerusalem Church sets some church-planting rules. Woman founds first church in Philippi (yeah, those Philippians)! Paul teaches the Greeks a thing or two. First husband-wife missionary team. What do you do with a problem like the Corinthians?

Comments: 

November 12, 2017  —Acts 13:1—  Seems the church at Antioch (the first place we were called christians) had a little seminary going: prophets, teachers, and preachers. It included at least one man of color, a childhood friend of Herod(!), Saul (Paul), and Barnabas ... quite a collection of people!

November 12, 2017 —Acts 13:10— the Holy Spirit in Paul is speaking to the demon in the false prophet Elymas (called Bar-Jesus; it means “son of Jesus,” so there may have been an attempt to make others think he was actually the son of Jesus. Note how Paul calls him “son of the devil,” as if to underscore that Elymas Bar-Jesus was no son of Jesus of Nazareth).

November 13, 2017 —Galatians 12:19— James, the brother of Jesus, was an apostle. That means at least two members of His earthly family became followers. Can you name the other?

November 13, 2017 —Galatians 3:13— In writing to the Galatians about salvation, Paul makes it clear (“for our wrongdoings”) that when Jesus went to the cross it was not just for those who were then presently impacted by His ministry (e.g., had heard Jesus preach), but for future generations as well. The Galatians were included in “our” even though none had been physically present with Jesus.

November 14, 2017 —Galatians 4:16— another of my favorite scriptures. Paul asks this question of a people who at one time had welcomed him with open arms: “Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?”

November 14, 2017 —Galatians 5:22-23—  “There is no law against these things!” Its a pretty interesting list!

November 15, 2017 —Acts 16:11-15— The founding member of the Philippian church was Lydia, a business woman. She went on to lead her entire household to Christ. 

November 16, 2017 —Acts 17:16-34— Paul not only “preaches” to the leading philosophers of the day (at Athens, Greece), but leads some to Christ (including at least one woman philosopher).

November 17, 2017 —Acts 18:4-17— Remember all this trouble Paul experiences in Corinth (circa AD 51) when we read his letters to them later this week and next week. Bookmark this part of the Book of Acts; you’re going to want  to look back. 

November 18, 2017 —Acts 19:20— Paul is winding up his time in Ephesus when he writes his first letter to the Corinthians. It has been about two years since he was physically with them in Corinth. Even though the first letter starts this week, I will address all of the Corinthian matters together, next week.

Next week: 

More Corinthian problems addressed by Paul. One body, many parts. The Love Chapter. How we got the tithe. A riot in Ephesus (One Apostle, one riot). A letter to the Christ-followers in Rome. More about why faith works where the Law does not. What it’s like to live in the Spirit.