OTandNT Together

April 17 Readings

2009-04-17T01:42:00.001-04:00

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Check out the Link Page for the One Year Bible Readings. Three Years Bible Readings and the Back to the Bible Devotional Blogs

Try the Three Years in the Bible: Year 1 Law and History; Year 2 Poetry and Prophecy and Year 3 New Testament. You can start with any of the three years and finsh the Bible at a slower pace in three years

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format and The Daily Bible in Chronological Order

The Back to the Bible Beginning to End Reading Plan OT and NT Together

Index of OT + NT Together

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format and The Daily Bible in Chronological Order

The Back to the Bible Beginning to End Reading Plan

Index of Historical Readings

Today's reading 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14.1-24

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Samuel 1; 2Samuel 2; Luke 14

2 Samuel 1
In verse 1-15, A messenger who was an Amakelite came to give David the news of Saul's death. David hears of Saul's death. (2Samuel 1.4-12; 1Samuel 31.1-13; 1Chronicles 10.1-12). The Amakleite lied to David because he expected David to reard him. David, instead ordered his death. He had still viewed Saul as the Lord's anointed (verse 14) . He had all the opportunities to kill Saul but he had not, instead he left it in God's hand. In verse 17-26, He mourned over Saul and his good friend Jonathan.

Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 1

2Samuel 2
David, after waiting for many years, waiting on God instead of seizing an oppourtune moment, finally became king over Judah.

There was a civil war between the Houses of David and Saul (2Samuel 2.8-3.5)
In verse 8 Abner made Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul, king in Israel (The other 11 tribes).

Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 2
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 2 more

Links to Commentaries and other References - 2 Samuel

2 Samuel 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Samuel 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Luke 14 with Commentaries, verse by verse
In Luke 14.1-6 Jesus was invited to a Pharisee's house, where he was closely watched. A man with dropsy was there and He asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, then he gave a practical application of a son or ox falls into a well on the Sabbath, surely, they would pull the ox or son out. Then he healed the man with dropsy.

In Luke 14.7-14, we should be humble and to think ourselves more highly than we should, if we do that we would not be humiliated by our friends and relatives. Jesus reflects the heart of God that we should care for the poor, the oprhans and widows and people who cannot pay us back if we ivite them or dinner or help them out. In Luke 14. 16-24, Matthew 22.2-14. He gave the Parable of the Great Banquet which is believed by many to be the Wedding Feast (when He returns). The certain man invited many but they turned him down. He sent His servants to invite the outcast of the society, those who who lame, crippled , and blind. Those who could never repay this man for what He did. Let us face it, NONE of us in our righteousness deserves to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. If Christ had not made a way for us we would never get to participate in the Banquet.

IVP Commentary - Know the Time: Israel Turns Away but Blessing Still Comes

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

July 12 Readings

2007-07-12T08:26:00.000-04:00

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Today's Reading: Psalms 4-6; Acts 17.16-34

This LINK have the following Commentaries: Adam Clarke, James Burton Coffman's Commentaries; John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, Geneva Study Bible; David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible; Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown; Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete and Concise; Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition); Spurgeon's The Treasury of David; Treasury of Scripture Knowledge; and Wesley's Explanatory Notes.

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

July 1 Readings

2007-07-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

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Links to One Year Bibles; Three Years Bible blogs and Chronological Bible blogs

Today's Reading: Job 20-21; Acts 10.24-48

READING LIST FOR OT AND NT TOGETHER

Job 20 Zophar had a second discourse: the misery and ruin which await the wicked.

Job 21 Job's second reply to Zophar: He pleads to speak uninterrupted (v. 1-6), The wicked often prosper in this life (v. 7-16), a sovereign God does as He pleases with the righteous and wicked alike (v. 17-26), Job admitted that his friends did not agree with him.

There is no difference between black and white, Jews and Gentiles in the sight of God. The cross is the equalizer for all men and women.

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

June 27 Readings

2007-06-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

June 4 Readings

2007-06-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

June 3 Readings

2007-06-03T11:58:00.000-04:00

June 2 Readings

2007-06-02T10:34:00.000-04:00

June 1 Readings

2007-05-30T17:30:00.000-04:00

May 31 Readings

2007-05-30T17:13:00.000-04:00

May 30 Readings

2007-05-30T08:48:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading 2Chronicles 9-12

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Chronicles 9; 2Chronicles 10; 2Chronicles 11; 2Chronicles 12

1Kings 12.1-24 2Chronicles 10.1-11.4
After Solomon’s death, the people of Israel met with Rehoboam and complained that Solomon had placed a heavy yoke of labor on them> They asked him lessen the yoke of labor on them, then they would serve him. He refused to listen to the elders but instead listen to his peers, the young men and decided that he was going to give a heavier yoke on the people of Israel. When Rehoboam met with Jeroboam and the people of Israel he told them that he would increase the yoke of labor on them. He did not listen to the people for this decision he made was to fulfill the word the Lord spoke to Jeroboam through Ahijah the prophet. The people rebelled and made Jeroboam king over all Israel except for Benjamin and . Judah which followed Rehoboam.
Jeroboam did not want the people to go to Jerusalem to worship fearing they would give allegiance to Rehoboam, In Bethel, Jeroboam made two golden calves and told Israel that these were their gods.. Like Aaron (Exodus 32.4-5), Jeroboam tried to combine the worship of pagan calf statutes with the worship of God.

1Kings 13
During this dark times, a man of God from Judah came to Bethel and cried out against the altar as Jeroboam was offering sacrifices at the altar. Jeroboam’s hand withered. Jeroboam asked him to interceded to God on his behalf. The man of God did and Jeroboam was healed. Jeroboam offered him a gift and a meal at his house but the man of God refused. A certain old prophet came to the man of God and offered him hospitality but the man of God refused. The old man lied and said an angel told him to give the man of God food and water. The man of God accepted. The word of God came to the old man and he told the man of God that since he disobeyed. God, he would die. On the way home a lion met the man of God and kill him. The old man buried the man of God in his own tomb. Jeroboam did not change his evil ways.

In addition, the man of God prophesied that a son named Josiah will be born to the house of David (verse 2) and he will sacrifice priests on the high places who now make offerings on the altar and human bones will be burnt there. This is significant because King Josiah some 300 years later did sacrifice the priests of the high places on the altar (2Kings 23.15-20).

1Kings 14.
The Lord told Ahijah that Jeroboam’s wife would come to see him and asked him what would happen to Jeroboam’s son. God told Ahiajah to say that the every last male in Israel, slave or free. Disaster will come on the family of Jeroboam, because they did not obey the Lord like David. Ahijah told Jeroboam’s wife that her son would be the only one in the house of Jeroboam who would be buried, because he was the only one in whom God saw some good. When Jeroboam’s wife went home the boy died and was buried.

Under Rehoboam (1Kings 14.21, 25-31; 2Chronicles 12.9-16), Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord, they set up high places, sacred stones and asherah poles. In the fifth year of Jeroboam’s reign Shisak, king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem, plundered the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the royal palace.
Within one generation from worshiping at Solomon’s Temple to now worshiping at high places, the spiritual life of Israel and Judah had spiraled downwards.

2 Chronicles 9, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Chronicles 10, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Chronicles 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Chronicles 12, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 2 Chronicles

Today's Reading John 11.30-57

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 11

John 11.30-54

The shortest verse in the Bible is very relevant: 'Jesus wept.' Jesus knows the heartaches, pains and suffering of men and women when He was on earth, this is why He is the Great High Priest as described in Hebrews 4:15 (New International Version):
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (v. 38=44)

The Jews plot to kill jesus v. 45-57

John 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 22 Readings

2007-05-22T08:08:00.000-04:00

May 21 Readings

2007-05-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading 1Chronicles 13-15; John 7.1-27

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Chronicles 13; 1Chronicles 14; 1Chronicles 15;

1 Chronicles 13
In 2Samuel 6.1-11; 1Chronicles 13.3-14, David and his men went to get the ark of God. They set the ark on a new and brought it from the house of Abinadab. Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart. David and Israel were celebrating before the Lord with songs, and harps lyres, tambouriness sistruths and cymbals. When they reached the threshing floor of Nacan, the oxen had stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark to prevent it from falling on the ground. The Lord’s anger burnt against Uzzah because of the irreverent act and he killed Uzzah. David was angry with God because he killed Uzzah.

Uzzah Smitten

1Chronicles 14
David's House and Family
1Chronicles 14.1-7; 2 Samuel 5.11-16; 1 Chronicles 3.5-8, there is a description of the children born to David.
David defeats the Philstines 1Chronicles 14.8-17; 2 Samuel 5.17-25. When the Philistines heard that David was king over all Israel, they launched an attack against Israel. David inquired of the Lord whether he should attack the Philistines and whether God would hand them over to him. God told him to go and attack. The victory was David. And he defeated them. We remembered Saul and before his tragic death, he inquired of the Lord but there was no answer, that was when he had contacted the witch of Endor and things went bad for Saul and he died.
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5 - Capture of Zion
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5 - Defeat of the Philistines
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5&6 - Bring of the Ark

1 Chronicles 15
1 Chronicles 15.25-16.3; 2 Samuel 6.12-19 David became afraid of the Lord that day. Although Uzzah had good intention to prevent the ark from falling on the ground, there was specific instructions in the handling of the Ark (Exodus 15.15; Numbers 4.5-61.5; 1Chronicles 15.13-15). God had shocked everyone there to remind them that He is a holy God and his commandments must be obeyed. We need to remember that He is a God of love but the one attribute that separate our God from other gods is His Holiness. And excellent book on this subject is the Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul.
In 2Samuel 6.13-19; 1Chronicles 15.25-16.3, David was afraid of God, that he was unwilling to take tha ark back to Jerusalem. It stayed at the house of Obed-Edom. Three months later David and the people went doen to take the ark back to Jerusalem. He had sacrificed a bull and fattened calf immediately. He danced before the Lord
with all his heart.
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 6 - Bring of the Ark
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 6 - Bring of the Ark cont'd

When Michal saw David dancing before the Lord with all his heart, she despised him, God made Michal barren to the day of her death.
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 6 - Condemnation by Michal

1 Chronicles 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Chronicles 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Chronicles 15, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1 Chronicles

Today's Reading John 7.1-29

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 7

John 7 with Commentaries, verse by verse

John 7.1-29
Jesus brothers did not understand much less knew him. They were embarassed by him and mocked him, telling him to go to Judea to perform some miracles for his disciple. It was after the resurrection that they came to a saving knowledge of him and were leaders in the church. Two epistles were written by them. One by James and the other by Jude. Are we embarassed by Jesus. Do we have acquainatnce with Him but we really don't know Him?
Jesus was under opposition by the Jewish leaders and they wanted to kill him. The people admired Jesus but were afraid to speak openly of Him lest they would be excommunicated from the synagogues. The Jewish leaders wondered how Jesus could have taught with such authority and wisdom. They had wanted to kill Him because He healed on the Sabbath. he pointed out to them that they themselves do 'work' in performing circumcision. Sometimes the eight day after a male child is born would fall on the Sabbath and they would have to circumcise the child.
How do you know that Jesus teaching is from God. If we do God's will we will find out that Jesus is from God. They asked if Jesus is the Christ. They were using the Old Testament to see if He was the Messiah. They thought they knew Him but they did not KNOW Him or the Father. He was from Nazareth, this was one of the Prophecies spoken from the Prophets but they did not get it. Do you know of Jesus, the things that He did but do you KNOW Him in a personal relationship? If not click this link on How to Become a Christian

John 7, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 20 Readings

2007-05-20T09:24:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading 1Chronicles 10-12; John 6.45-71

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Chronicles 10; 1Chronicles 11; ; 1Chronicles 12;

1Chronicles 10 speaks about Saul taking his life (1Chronicles 10.1-12; 1Samuel 31.1-3; 2Samuel 1.4-12)
In 1Samuel 31, there was a battle between the Philistines and the Israelites, and things got bad for Saul, he lost three sons, Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. They had aslo wounded Saul critically. Saul told his armor-bearer to kill him but he was afraid. Saul took his own sword and kill himself, so did the armor-bearer. Thus ended the life of Saul, a man with promise and whose life ended in tragedy. The Life and Death of King Saul
The Christian Life is a race, it is not how you start the race, it is the finish line that counts.

In 2 Samuel 1.1-15, A messenger who was an Amakelite came to give David the news of Saul's death. David hears of Saul's death. (2Samuel 1.4-12; 1Samuel 31.1-13; 1Chronicles 10.1-12). The Amakleite lied to David because he expected David to reard him. David, instead ordered his death. He had still viewed Saul as the Lord's anointed (verse 14) . He had all the opportunities to kill Saul but he had not, instead he left it in God's hand. In verse 17-26, He mourned over Saul and his good friend Jonathan.

1 Chronicles 11
2Samuel 5.1-3; 1Chronicles 11.1-3: All the tribes came to Hebron, David made a compact with them and they anointed him king over all of Israel, David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years in all.
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5 more
King David

David captured Jerusalem (2Samuel 5.6-10; 1Chronicles 11.1-9) from the Jebusites and called it the City of David. Notice verse 10 stated that David became more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with Him. In 2Samuel 5.11-16; 1Chronicles 3.5-9; 14.1-7, there is a description of the children born to David.
When the Philistines heard that David was king over all Israel, they launched an attack against Israel. David inquired of the Lord wheteher he should attack the Philistines and whether God would hand them over to him. God told him to go and attack. The victory was David. And he defeated them. We remembered Saul and before his tragic death, he inquired of the Lord but there was no answer, that was when he had contacted the witch of Endor and things went bad for Saul and he died.
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5 - Capture of Zion
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5 - Defeat of the Philistines
Arthur Pink Life of David on 2Samuel 5&6 - Bring of the Ark

1Chronicles 12 There were warriors who joined David. There was an exhaustive list of men: kinsmen of Saul who helped David (v. 1-7) and the men of Gad (v. 8-15). Men from Benjamin and Manasseh also helped David (v. 16-22). There were others who joined David at Hebron. (v. 23-40).

2 Samuel 5, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Chronicles 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Links to Commentaries and other References - 1 Chronicles

Today's Reading John 6.45-71

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 6

John 6 with Commentaries, verse by verse

John 6.45-71
Jesus continued by saying that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws that person to Him (Jesus). We cannot even boast that we came to Jesus because it is the Father who is responsible for that. He continued that they should eat his flesh and drink his blood referring to us participating in the Lord's Supper. The Jews were revolted by what he said. They taught that they were to literally eat His flesh and drink His blood. They though he was talking about cannibalism. Jesus was saying that we should participate in the Lord's Supper but it does not mean that we will saved by the sacrament. Rather throughout the discourse He spoke of salvation which is based on faith (v. 35, 40, 47, 51).

Many deserted Him because they could not accept what he taught. He knew that some would desert Him and even that Judas would betray Him. Let us be careful of our faith because it is so easy to desert Jesus or turn our backs on Him when things get tough. Peter had a very good point when he said, 'to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. Judas was with Jesus for some three and a half years, he heard Jesus' words, saw his miracles, spent time with Him, yet he betrayed him. Let us be on the guard at all times lest we desert Jesus.

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 19 Readings

2007-05-19T07:25:00.000-04:00

May 18 Readings

2007-05-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

May 17 Readings

2007-05-17T18:14:00.000-04:00

May 16 Readings

2007-05-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

May 15 Readings

2007-05-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading 2Kings 22-23; John 4.31-54
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 22; 2Kings 23

2Kings 22
In 2Kings 22.1-20; 2Chronicles 34.1-2, 8-28, Josiah started his reign at eight years old. he turned out to be a good king. The Book of the Law was found by Hilkiah the high priest, Josiah heard about it, tore his robes, and asked Hiljiah to inquire of God for him and Judah about what was written in the book of the Law. Josiah was responsive to god and God honored that and delayed the disaster that would happen to Judah until 586 B.C.

Figure: Josiah hears the Book of the Law

2Kings 23
In 2 Kings 23.1-3; 2Chronicles 34.29-32
Josiah renewed the Davidic Covenant with God.

In 2 Kings 23.4-20; 2Chronicles 34.3-7,33
Josiah removed every detestable idols, desecrated the high places, pulled down the altars. Out of all the kings of Judah, he did a complete reform and tried to bring the people back to the Lord.

In 2 Kings 23.21-23; 2 Chronicles 35.1, 18-19 Josiah ordered the celebration of the Passover as it was written in the book of the Covenant which was neglected.

In 2Kings 23.28-30; 2Chronicles 35.20-36.1 Josiah and his army went to fight Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Neco killed him at Meggido.

After Josiah's death, everything went downhill spiritually in Judah. Jehoahaz became king, 2Kings 23.31-34; 2Chronicles 36.2-4, he did evil in the eyes of the Lord just as his father did. Pharaoh Neco put him in chains at Riblah and imposed a levy of gold and silver on Judah.

Jehoiakim became the next king of Judah, 2 Kings 23.36-24.6; 2Chronicles 36.5-8. He too did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It was then that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Judah amd Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. Jehoiakim then rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord send several nations including Babylon against Jehoiakim. This was because of the sins of Manasseh.

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

2 Kings 22, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 23, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading John 4.31-54

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 4

John 4 with Commentaries, verse by verse
When the disciples came back and saw Jesus with the Samaritan woman, they were surprised. The Samaritan woman went back to the village and said she met a man who knew everything that she did. Could this be the Messiah? Many Samaritans believe Jesus because of what the woman testified that He told her everything he did. They believed in Him not only of the woman’s testimony but because they heard Jesus themselves.

The Samaritans

Jesus had returned to Cana where he had turned water into wine. A royal official heard that Jesus was in town and asked him to come and heal his son who was close to death. Jesus told him to go, his son would live. The man took Jesus at this word and went back home, his servants told him his son was helaed. He asked him what time the miracle occurred. They gave him the time which was the exact time that Jesus had told him that his son would live. The man left Jesus in FAITH. There was question in his mind that his son was healed. Do we have faith in Jesus and take Him at His word?

Deffinbaugh on John 4.43-54

PICTURE OF FAITH

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 14 Readings

2007-05-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading 2Kings 19-21; John 4.1-30
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 19; 2Kings 20; 2Kings 21

In 2 Kings 19
Jerusalem’s deliverance foretold by Isaiah - 2Kings 19. 1-13; Isaiah 37.1-13

Hezekiah’s prayer 2Kings 19.14-19; Isaiah 37.14-20.

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 19; 2Kings 20; 2Kings 21

In 2 Kings 20.1-11; 2Chronicles 32.24-26; Isaiah 38.1-8 Hezekiah was ill at at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord a remarakable prayer: 2Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3"Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. NKJV God sent Isaiah to tell him that he would be healed and lived for fifteen more years. Hezekiah asked for a sign. He asked that the shadow goes back ten steps. He was cured of his illness.

In 2 Kings 20.12-19; Isaiah 39.1-8 Envoys from Babylon came to visit Hezekiah and he showed them what he had in his storehouses and treasures. Isaiah came to Hezekiah after the visit and prophesied that the Babylonians would come and pillage all the treasures and take away his descendants to Babylon. Hezekiah said that the word of the Lord was good because he would not live to see this day happen to him.

2Kings 21
In 1Kings 21.1-10; 2Chronicles 33.1-10, Manasseh, his son became the King of Judah after Hezekiah's death. He was the most evil of the kings of Judah. Idolatry, sorcery and divination came back to Judah. He even sacrificed his own son. Manasseh led the people away from the Lord. Jewish Tradition said Manasseh ordered that Isaiah to be sawed in two.

In 2Kings 21.19-24; 2Chronicles 33.21-25; Amnon became King of Judah and he was an evil king just like his father Manasseh.

2 Kings 19, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 20, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 21, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 19
Guzik on 2Kings 20
Guzik on 2Kings 21

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading John 4

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 4

John 4.1-21
John 4 with Commentaries, verse by verse
John 4.4-42
This is the story of Jesus reaching out to a Samaritan woman. In Jesus’ day, Jews NEVER speak to Samaritans much less associate with them. Jesus went to a village in Samaria where He saw a woman by the well where he had a conversation with her. He asked her for a drink of water, knowing what she would say that Jews do not associate with Samaritans. He introduced her to the idea of living water which whetted her curiosity. He stated that the water that He would give to a person, they would never thirst again. He was talking about eternal life. She had asked for this water.

.

Link to the Hymn Fill My Cup, Lord.
What about us have we experienced this living water in our lives? Is Jesus Christ the One who can satisfy your deepest longings?

He told her to call her husband, she said that she had none. Jesus said She was married five times before and was living with a man. She tried to dodge the issue by saying He was a prophet. And the Samaritans worship on the mountain they were on while the Jews worship in Jerusalem, He told her that ‘God is spirit and his worshippers must worship in truth and spirit.’ She said that the Messiah was coming and He would explain everything to the Samaritans. He said that He was the Messiah.
When the disciples came back and saw Jesus with the Samaritan woman, they were surprised. The Samaritan woman went back to the village and said she met a man who knew everything that she did. Could this be the Messiah? Many Samaritans believe Jesus because of what the woman testified that He told her everything he did. They believed in Him not only of the woman’s testimony but because they heard Jesus themselves.

The Samaritans

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

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May 13 Readings

2007-05-13T11:52:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 17-18; John 3.19-36
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 17; 2Kings 18

2Kings 17
Hoshea was the last king of Israel (2Kings 17.3-7; 2Kings 18-9-12). Shalmaneser king of Assyria capture Samaria in 722 B.C. and deported the Israelites to Assyria. No one knows what happened to the ten tribes after that. Israel was exiled because they worshiped other gods and follow the practices of many nations. (v. 7-21). Samaria was resettled by other peoples who introduced other gods, and the inhabitants continued worshipping these gods. This happened for many generations and that was how the Samaritans came into existence in the times of Jesus from peoples from other nations intermarrying with the remaining peoples from the Northern Kingdom.

Figure 2Kings 17.26

Hezekiah
2Kings 18.2-4; 2Chronicles 29.1-2; 31.2
2Kings 18.5-7; 2Chronicles 31.20-21
2Kings 18.9-12; 2Kings 17.3-7

Hezekiah was a good king. Compare to the other good kings of Judah, he removed the high places and smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made so when the Israelites looked at it they were saved from the poisonous venoms. They were offering incense to the bronze snake.

Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem 2Kings 18.13, 17-37; Isaiah 36.1-22 and 2Kings 18.17-35; 2Chronicles 32.9-19.

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

2 Kings 17, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 18, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Guzik on 2Kings 17
Guzik on 2Kings 18

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading John 3

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 3

John 3.1-21
John 3 with Commentaries, verse by verse
John 3.22-4.3
Jesus was with his disciples where they were baptizing. An argument developed over the matter of ceremonial cleansing between John the Baptist's disciples and a certain Jew. They came to John and reported that Jesus was baptizing.
John gave the analogy of being the bridegroom's friend (in today's culture, the best man) assisting the bridegroom in the wedding. The friend would be joyful when he heard the bridegroom's voice. What John was saying was that he was Jesus' servant helping Him (Jesus, the bridegroom) to announce the Kingdom of God (the bride) John's attitude was one of humility. He must increase, I must decrease. John the Baptist denied been the Messiah.

John spoke about Jesus who is the one from above is above all, and what He saw and heard from divine experience is the truth but no one accepts His testimony. The person who accepts Jesus' testimony has accepted the truth that that Jesus came from heaven and that God was acting in him for the salvation of the world. That person therefore certifies that God is truthful. He then said in verse 36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

What does this passage mean to us today. Either we believe that Jesus is from heaven and we get eternal life from Him or we do not. There is no neutral ground on this matter. Either you believe or you do not.

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

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May 12 Readings

2007-05-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 15-16; John 3.1-18
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 15; 2Kings 16

2Kings 15.1-7; 2Chronicles 26.3-4; 21-23
King Azariah of Judah (also known as King Uzziah) was a good king, he did not remove the high places and the people continued to offer sacrifices and incense there. The Lord afflicted Uzziah with leprsoy because he became proud and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. He reigned during the times of Isaiah.
Zechariah king of Israel, 2King 15.8-12, was an evil king.
Shallum, king of Israel, 2King 15.13-16, was an evil king.
Menahem, king of Israel, 2King 15.17-22, was an evil king.
Pekahiah, king of Israel, 2King 15.23-26, was an evil king.
Pekah, king of Israel, 2King 15.27-32, was an evil king.
Jotham, king of Judah, 2King 15.33-38, was a good king. , he did not remove the high places and the people continued to offer sacrifices and incense there.

2Kings 16
In 2Kings 16.1-20; 2Chronicles 28.1-27; describes the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah. Ahaz reigned during the ministry of Isaiah the Prophet, , he offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. He put his trust in Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria to save Judah from Israel and Aram. He was rebuked by Isaiah in Isaiah 7. Ahaz stripped parts of the the temple and gave them as tribute to the king of Assyria.

Tiglath-Pileser, Pul, King of Assyria

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 15
Guzik on 2Kings 16

2 Kings 15, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 16, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 3

John 3 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This is the great chapter of salvation where Jesus met with Nicodemus and spoke to him about the second birth. When you become a Christian you have two lives and one death. The two lives are your physical ife and your new life in Christ, the eternal life. You only experience the physical death. Non-Christians have one life and two deaths. They have the physical life, experience physical death and the second death, or eternal damnation.

John 3.16-21: 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g] 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h]

In John 3.16, not everyone will be saved. the word to pay particular attention to is whoever believes in hum. Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not by works (Ephesians 2.8-9). Have you been born again from above?

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
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May 11 Readings

2007-05-10T23:14:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 13-14; John 2
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 13; 2Kings 14

2Kings 13
Jehohaz anointed king Of Israel v. 1-8, bad king of Israel.
Jehoash, king of Israel, evil king of Israel. In verse 20, Elsiha died and was buried.

2Kings 14 Amaziah was a good king of Judah. he obeyed and followed the Lord. The high places, however were not removed. 2Kings 1.7; 2Chronicles 25.1-4, 11-12 and 2Kings 14.8-22; 2Chronicles 25.17-26.2

Elisha
Arthur Pink - Gleanings From Elisha

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 13
Guzik on 2Kings 14

2 Kings 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old TestamentToday's Reading John 2

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 2

John 2 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This was Jesus' first miracle where he turned water into wine. What a miracle! This miracle was done to avoid a social embararrassment since the famnily was expected to provide a feast as required by the Jewish soceity. Jesus did not make a big deal about it and yet people had noticed that the wine was much better than that served.

Jesus clears the temple (John 2.14-16; Matthew 21.12-13; Mark 11.15-17; Luke 19.45-46) This was the first of the second cleansing ot the temple. Matthew, Mark and Luke had recordred the second cleansing. Jesus was angry at seen what was done in the temple, the cheating and overprice of the animals for sacrifice. Do we get indignant and agry about what we see done in churches or among Christians or do we just ignore them and do not 'rock the boat'. Well, Jesus spoke His mind! Jesus the prophesied about Himself, 'Destroy tis temple and I will raise it again in three days.' He was talking about his death resurrection and not about the physical temple in Jerusalem which was Herod's Temple.

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

Jesus Saves
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May 10 Readings

2007-05-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 10-12
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 10; 2Kings 11; 2Kings 12

2Kings 10
Ahab's family killed v. 1-17
Ministers of Baal killed v. 18-35

2 Kings 11
Athaliah and Joash
2Kings 11.1-29; 2Chronicles 22.10-23.21

2 King 12
Joash repairs the Temple, 2Kings 1-21; 2Chronicles 24.1-14, 23-27
Joash was a good king of Judah. he obeyed and followed the Lord. The high places, however were not removed.

Elisha
Arthur Pink - Gleanings From Elisha

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 10
Guzik on 2Kings 11
Guzik on 2Kings 12

2 Kings 10, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 12, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading John 1.29-51

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 1

John 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse
John introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. He said he recognized Jesus by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove coming down on Him and remaining with Him.
Jesus first disciples were disciples of John the Baptist who decided to follow Him (John 1.40-42; Matthew 4.18-22; Mark 1.16-20; Luke 5.2-11)
It is interesting that it was Andrew who brought Peter to the Lord. Andrew was loving in the shadow of extroverted Peter. We thank God that we have many Andrews of the world who stay in the background and do the Lord's work faithfully.

John 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

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May 9 Readings

2007-05-08T20:01:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 6-8
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 7; 2Kings 8; 2Kings 9

In 2Kings 7.3-20 The seige was lifted against Israel.

In 2Kings 8 v. 1-6 the Shunammite's land was returned to her.
In v. 7-15, Hazael murders Ben-Hadad

In v. 16-24, Jehoram became king of Judah (2Chronicles 21.5-10,20), was an evil king.
In v. 25-29; 2Chronicles 22.1-6, Ahaziah became king of Judah, an evil king.

2 King 9
Jehu anointed king Of Israel v. 1-13
Jehu kills Ahaziah and Joram v. 21-29; 2Chronicles 22.7-9
Jezebel killed v. 30-37

Elisha
Arthur Pink - Gleanings From Elisha

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 7
Guzik on 2Kings 8
Guzik on 2Kings 9

2 Kings 7, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 8, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 9, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading John 1.1-28

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: John 1

John
John the beloved disciple wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation. John portrayed Jesus as the Son of God. Starting from John 1:1 that Jesus is God to the 'I AM that I am' to 'I ams' of Jesus John urther information on John check the links below: Can you name the 'I ams' of Jesus?

John 1
The stumbling block for the Jews is when you say Jesus is God. There are three litmus tests to test what a person believes to see if he or she is a Christian. The first is Jesus is God, secondly Jesus rose from the dead and finally, you are saved by grace and not by works. Jesus is described as logos, the Word. Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God. Jesus IS God, He has no beginning and no end. John the Baptist came as the witness to the Messiah. how can God become a man that is a mystery which can only be taken by faith.
Jesus' Two Natures
Jesus is God
Jesus is a man
Bible verses that show Jesus is God

Verse 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. NKJV

Philippians 2.5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NKJV

This is an awesome mystery that God becomes man. Let us thank God
Notice the conrast between light and darkness mentioned here and in 1 John 1. verse 12 is a promise for us 'Yet to all who received him to thise who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.'

John the Baptist was emphatic in denying that he was the Christ. He only acknowledged that he was the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' He was just the forerunner. In verse 27 he said 'He is the
one who comes after me, the thongs of shose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' We need to learn to be humble and be a servant like John the Baptist.
Who is John the Baptist?

Featuring Ray Stedman's Adventuring Through the Bible: The Gospel of John

John 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Deffinbaugh Series on John
Ray Stedman on the Gospel of John
IVP Commentary on John
David Guzik's Commentary on John
Precept Austin on John
Links to Commentaries and other References - John

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May 8 Readings

2007-05-08T07:08:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 4-5
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 4; 2Kings 5; 2Kings 6

2Kings 4 v. 1-7 A miracle occured when Elisha used the widow's oil to multiply itself to pay her debts. In v. 8-36 Elisha raised the Shunammite's son to life; Elisha removed the poison from the pot v. 38-41; and the feeding of a hundred (v. 42-44).

2 King 5
Naaman was healed of leprosy, and Elisha's servant got leprosy because he was greedy.

2Kings 6
An axehead floated v.1-7;
In verse 8-22 Elisha trapped Aramaens who were sent to capture him. Verse 16 'Do not be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'

In verse 6. 24-7.2 there was a famine in Samaria which was besieged.

Famine in Samaria, 2kings 6.28

Elisha
Arthur Pink - Gleanings From Elisha

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

2 Kings 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 5, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 6, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 24.36-53

Luke 24 with Commentaries, verse by verse

The two disciples went and told the Eleven that they saw Jesus and how He broke bread with them. Jesus appeared to them and said, 'Peace be with you.' He told them to look at His hands and feet and to touch Him. He then asked if they had anything to eat. He was showing them that He had a resurrected body and was not a ghost. He the said that everything was fulfilled, his death and resurrection. He then told them to preach the repentance and forgiveness of sins (Matthew 28, the Great Commission)

He then ascended into heaven, and they were full with joy and stayed continually at the temple praising God. So it is with our experience when we know the resurrected Lord, we know that He is victorious over death and sin and we have every reason to be joyful about the repentance and forgiveness of sin and having a new resurrected body like Jesus.

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

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May 7 Readings

2007-05-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 2Kings 1-3
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 2Kings 1; 2Kings 2; 2Kings 3

2Kings 1 Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. He sent messengers to consult with Baal-Zebub instaed of the living God. Elijah heard about this and met with Ahaziah's messengers and told them that Ahaziah would die. Ahaziah sent three companies of men on separate times to arrest Elijah, but each time fire from heaven would destroy them. The captain of the third company begged for his life. The angel told him to go with them to see Ahaziah. Elijah told Ahaziah because he went to consult with Baal-Zebub instead of God, he would die.
Let us make absolutely sure that the God we pray to and consult with is not a god or idol but the One and Only living God, the God of Jesus Christ.

2Kings 2 in Verse 1-18, Elijah was taken up to heaven in this chapter. Before he was taken up, his successor, Elisha asked him for a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said that was a difficult thing to grant but if Elisha saw him taken up his wish would be granted. In v.19-22, the water was purified (healed) through a miracle and Elisha was jeered by young men, and he called a curse on them and they were mauled.

2Kings 3 This is an account of Moab rebelling against Israel

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 2Kings 1
Guzik on 2Kings 2
Guzik on 2Kings 3

2 Kings 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
2 Kings 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Luke 24 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Luke 24
On Sunday, Luke 24.1-10; Matthew 28.1-8; Mark 16.1-8; John 20.1-8 the women brought more spices they had prepared to put on Jesus’ body. When they got there the tomb was empty and they saw two angels. They said that He was risen. They remembered his words that he would be crucified and buried and risen on the third day, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women told the eleven apostles but they did not believe them! Peter, however, ran to the tomb and examine the strips of linen and he wondered to himself what happened. Isn’t amazing that Jesus told them repeatedly that he would rise from the dead and when it happened they did not believe him!

Luke 24:13-53
The two disciples unnamed were on the road to Emmaus, when they met Jesus. They walked and talked about the events of the week, yet they did not realize who He was until he broke bread, gave thanks and gave it to them. It said in verse 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" Isn't that the way it is with us that we may have listened to a sermon, read the Bible, have quiet time but the Word did not speak to us until 'our eyes' were opened.

.

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

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May 6 Readings

2007-05-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 1Kings 21-22
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 21; 1Kings 22

1Kings 21: King Ahab had coveted Naboth’s vineyard. He wanted to buy it from naboth but he refused to sell it to him. Jezebel came up with an evil scheme on how to get the vineyard. As part of her evil scheme, two evil men accused Naboth of cursing God and the king. Naboth was consequently stoned and Ahab got the vineyard. Elijah, by the word of God, confromted Ahab, and said because he murdered Ahab and stole his vineyard, the dogs will lick Ahab’s blood in the same way they licked Naboth’s blood. Ahab repented of the sins he committed against Naboth and humbled himself before God. He will not bring disaster on the house of Ahab but on the house of his son. Prayer changes things when done in humility, sincerity and faith.

Figure - Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard

1 Kings 22.1-28; 2Chronicles 18.1-27 Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat met as allies against the king of Aram. Jehoshaphat wanted the counsel of God and asked Ahab if there was a prophet to seek the counsel of the Lord whether they should go to war against Romoth-gilead. Ahab had his prophets and they did not have the Spirit of God within them. Jehoshaphat asked if there was another prophet present. Ahab said that there was athe prophet Micaiah but he never prophesied any good (in Ahab’s favor). Jehoshaphat request Micaiah and he answered opposite to what the lying prophets told Ahab and Jehoshaphat. The truth was the Lord did not give Ramoth-Gilead.in the hands of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. Micaiah was put in prison for speaking the truth. How many of us would stand up for the truth and pay the consequences?
Ahab was killed by a random arrow, at Ramoth-Gilead (1Kings 22.29-36; 2Chronicles 18.28-34) even though he disguised himself. Ahab’s blood was licked up by dogs as the Lord had declared in 1Kings 21.19.

Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah (1Kings 22.41-50; 2Chronicles 31.21.1) during the reign of Ahab. He was a good king although he associated with Ahab. He walked in the ways of Asa, his father and did right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not remove the high places and the people offered sacrifices and burnt offerings there.

Ahaziah was the king of Israel (1Kings 22.51-53). He was the son of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He had Ahab and Jezebel as two perfect evil examples to follow.

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 1Kings 21
Guzik on 1Kings 22

1 Kings 21, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 22, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 23.26-56

Luke 23 with Commentaries, verse by verse

The order for the crucifixion was carried out. Luke 23.33-43; Matthew 27.33-44; Mark 15.22-32; John 19.17-24

This African American spiritual spoke to me.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

I felt that I was there because of my sins He died for me. Were you there at the cross as well?

Arthur Pink:The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross

The most important decision one can make in his or her life is what to do with Jesus Christ. There were two other crosses, one thief rejected Christ. the other realized that he sinned and he deserved what he got. He asked Jesus to remember him when he go into his kingdom. It is never too late to come to Jesus nor you are forgiven whatever sins you commit IF you come to Jesus, repent and turn away from the sin and ask him to be Lord and Savior in your life.

How to Become a Christian

How to Become a Christian

In Luke 23.44-49; Matthew 27.45-56; Mark 15.33-41, Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 a.m. From about noon until 3 p.m. darkness came over the land, The veil of the Holy of Holies was split in two and Jesus committed his spirit to God (v. 46). Because the veil was split we now have access into the Holy of Holies to God through Jesus Christ(Hebrews 10.19-25). The centurion supervising the crucifixion said that Jesus was a righteous man and praised God.

In Luke 23.50-56; Matthew 27.57-61; Mark 15.42-47; John 19.38-42 Jesus was buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb. Usually the remains of a crucified man would be unburied or at best be in a pauper’s field. Joseph had courage to ask for Jesus’ body in this situation. The women were at the cross. Except for John, where were the men? The women used spices such as aloes and myrrh to prepare Jesus’ body for burial on Friday afternoon. They had to rest on the Sabbath (Saturday).

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
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May 5 Readings

2007-05-05T20:56:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 1Kings 19-20; Luke 23.1-25
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 19; 1Kings 20

In 1Kings 19, Elijah had experienced the victory over the prophets of Baal but became afraid for his life when Jezebel told him that she would kill him. Elijah ran for his life. He wanted to die. An angel came to minister to him and gave him food. He traveled to Horeb for forty days and night where he spent the night in a cave, the Lord appeared to Elijah, through a great and powerful wind, earthquake, a fire and then through a gentle whisper. Elijah had the idea that he was the only one serving the Lord! God pointed out to him that he had seven thousand in Israel who did not serve or worship Baal!! God told Elijah to make Jehu king of Israel, Hazael king of Aram and anoint Elisha to succeed Elijah as prophet. Be careful of a mountain top experience, because there is a possibility of a fall!

In 1 Kings 20 v. 1-12 Ben-Hadad invaded Samaria, In verses 13-34 Ahab defeated Ben-Hadad and in verse 35-43 a prophet condemns Ahab.

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

Guzik on 1Kings 19
Guzik on 1Kings 20

1 Kings 19, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 20, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 23.1-25

Luke 23 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Jesus before Pilate
Jesus before the Sanhedrin: Luke 22.67-71; Matthew 26.63-66; Mark 14.61-63; John 18.19-21
Jesus before Pilate Luke 23.2-3; Matthew 27.11-14; Mark 15.2-5; John 18.29-37

Pilate could not find Jesus guilty of any crimes although there were many false accusation against him. When he found out that a Galilean, he sent him to Herod because Jesus would be under Herod’s jurisdiction.

Luke 23.8.-12 this is the only account of Jesus before Herod. Herod probably wanted to see him perform a miracle to entertain him. Jesus ignored Herod. Sometimes it is better not to cast your pearl before swine. We should be wise as serpents but harmless as doves.

Luke 23.13-43
Jesus before Pilate Luke 23.2-3; Matthew 27.11-14; Mark 15.2-5; John 18.29-37

Luke 23.18-25; Matthew 27.15-26; Mark 15.6-15; John 18.39-19.16

Pilate could not find Jesus guilty of any crimes although there were many false accusation against him. Pilate was a politician and he was a coward. He did what was politically expedient for number one (Pilate). He was willing to punish Jesus and then release him. There was a mob outside, and they incited the people to yell crucify him. It was either Jesus or Barabbas. Which one would you have picked facing that situation? Pilate decided to crucify Jesus, he did not want a riot on his hands or lose his political career.

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 4 Readings

2007-05-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

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Solomon's Reign
Today's reading 1Kings 16-18; Luke 22.47-71
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 16; 1Kings 17; 1Kings 18

1Kings 16: Baasha, King of Israel (1Kings 15.33-16.7) became king of Israel and was an evil king following the ways of Jeroboam.. Jehu prophesied that Baasha and his family would be killed.. Baasha’s house would be desolate like Jeroboam, He had a son Elah who succeeded him as king.

Elah, King of Israel (1Kings 16.8-14) was also an evil king. He had also cause Israel to worship idols. Zimri killed the family of Baasha, leaving no male survivors of Baasha’s family.

Zimri, King of Israel (1Kings 16.15-20) was an evil king Zimri had killed Elah, king of Israel and became king. Omri, the commander of the Israelite army overthrew Zimri and became king.

Omri, King of Israel (1Kings 16.21-28) was also an evil king and sinned more than the other kings before him. He had a son, Ahab, who succeeded him as king.

Ahab, becomes King of Israel (1Kings 16.29-34) was the most evil of the Kings of Israel. The Bible said that ‘He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam, but he also married Jezebel and began to serve Baal and worship him.

Kings of Israel and Judah
Information on the Kings of Israel
Information on the Kings of Judah

1Kings 17
In verses (1-6) Elijah went to Ahab and told him that it would not reign nor dew in the next few years. The Lord preserved Elijah during this period of drought at the in the Kerith Ravine with water from the brook and bread and meat brought to him from ravens.
When the brook dried up Elijah was told to go to Zarephath, where he met a widow with barely enough for a meal for her and her family, at his request, gave him some of the cake in faith. There was food that miraculously and constantly appeared to keep the widow, her son and Elijah during this time of need. The widow’s son died and Elijah raise him from the dead. What can we learn from this? Even during this time of evil and famine, God knows how to take care of his own. He supplied all the needs for Elijah, and this widow and her son. Philippians 4.19 ‘And my God will meet your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus’

1Kings 18-20
In 1 Kings 18.1-15
In the third year of the severe famine, God told Elijah to show himself to Ahab. Elijah met Obadiah, and learnt that Obadiah had hidden on hundred prophets in caves and provided with food and water. Before you feel that you are the only one doing the Lord’s work, think again. When time is dark, you are not the only one alone fighting the good fight. He even thought he was the only one of the Lord’s prophet.
Elijah had challenge the prophets of Baal to a test! The god who would bring fire from heaven to completely consume a bull would win the contest. The prophets of Baal tried but their god failed. Elijah made it harder, he placed water to pour on the offering and wood. Well, God used a consuming fire from heaven on the bull! Elijah’s prayer was sincere and to the point. The people had to know that the Lord was GOD!!! The prophets of Baal were killed.
Elijah told his servant to look towards the sea, after seven attempts, he saw a cloud the size of a man’s rising from the sea. From this cloud, rain came and ended the severe drought. Elijah had supernatural power and ran ahead of Ahab in his chariot in the rain from Carmel to Jezreel.

1 Kings 16, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 17, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 18, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Guzik on 1Kings 16
Guzik on 1Kings 17
Guzik on 1Kings 18

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 22.47-71

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

In Luke 22.47-52; Matthew 26.47-56; Mark 14.43-50; John 18.3-11, Jesus was arrested. It is interesting that Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard and the elders in verse 53….But this is your hour-when darkness reigns.

Peter disowns Jesus
Luke 22.55-62; Matthew 26.69-75; Mark 14.66-72; John 18.16, 25-27
The all-confident rash Peter became a coward when a servant girl and two other individual claimed that Peter was with Jesus. Each time, his language became stronger form the other Gospels. Let us not be too hard on Peter, what would you have done in this situation. It is very easy to say that I will follow and will die for Jesus but when the rubber meets the road and the situation is stark and real what would you do. This is why we need to pray that we wuld have the strenght and courage to stand up for Jesus.

The Soldiers mock Jesus
Luke 22.63-65; Matthew 26.67-68; Mark 14.65; John 18.22-23

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

May 3 Readings

2007-05-02T21:05:00.000-04:00

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Today's reading 1Kings 14-15; Luke 22.31-46
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 14; >1Kings 15

1Kings 14
The Lord told Ahijah that Jeroboam’s wife would come to see him and asked him what would happen to Jeroboam’s son. God told Ahiajah to say that the every last male in Israel, slave or free. Disaster will come on the family of Jeroboam, because they did not obey the Lord like David. Ahijah told Jeroboam’s wife that her son would be the only one in the house of Jeroboam who would be buried, because he was the only one in whom God saw some good. When Jeroboam’s wife went home the boy died and was buried.

Under Rehoboam (1Kings 14.21, 25-31; 2Chronicles 12.9-16), Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord, they set up high places, sacred stones and asherah poles. In the fifth year of Jeroboam’s reign Shisak, king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem, plundered the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the royal palace.
Within one generation from worshiping at Solomon’s Temple to now worshiping at high places, the spiritual life of Israel and Judah had spiraled downwards.

1Kings 15
Abijah of Judah was an evil king (1Kings 15.1-2, 6-8; 2Chronicles 13.1-2, 22-14.1). The only good thing in Abijah;s life was that he had Asa as a son/

Asa King of Judah (1Kings 15.9-22; 2Chronicles 14.2-3; 15.16-16.6) and (1Kings 15.23-24; 2Chronicles 16.11-17.1) was a good king.he expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols. He even got rid of the Asherah pole that his grandmother, Maachah made. He was fully committed to the Lord, although he did not remove the high places..

Nadab, (1Kings 15.25-31) King of Israel was an evil king, following in the way of idolatry of his father Jeroboam. Baasha killed Nadab and also ended killing all of Jeroboam’s family.

Baasha, King of Israel (1Kings 15.33-16.7) became king of Israel and was an evil king following the ways of Jeroboam.. Jehu prophesied that Baasha and his family would be killed.. Baasha’s house would be desolate like Jeroboam, He had a son Elah who succeeded him as king.

1 Kings 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 15, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Guzik on 1Kings 14
Guzik on 1Kings 15

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 22.31-46

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Simon Peter had a trial to face, Jesus had allowed Satan to sift hum as wheat. Jesus was understanding even today as our High priest because He knows our frailty. Peter meant it that he was ready to go with Jesus to prison and death. We may feel that way as well but we have the human flesh that we can also fail our Lord. Let us not say that we will be faithful to the Lord in trial and temptations but humble ourselves and pray for strength.

Jesus was letting them know that in the past, people had shown hospitality to them in verse 35, but now thing s would change, there would be opposition, the disciples would have to fend for themselves to pay for their clothing and provisions. Jesus mentioned even getting a sword. Then he pointed out that the prophecy about His death would soon be fulfilled/ The disciples were not listening to Jesus closely. They were focused on getting two swords. Jesus was sarcastic when He said to get two swords.

Luke 22.40-46; Matthew 26.36-46; Mark 14.32-42, Jesus went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, He warned them about praying that they would not fall into temptation twice (v. 40 and 46) . He was obedient to the Father and set the Perfect example for us ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done. We need to learn from Jesus when He was obedient even when it meant that He would go to the cross. Another lesson we learnt here was if the disciples were praying instead of sleeping they would not fall into temptation and fled when the Romans and the Jewish authorities came for Jesus, Peter would not have struck the servant of the high priest with his sword.

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

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May 2 Readings

2007-05-02T09:34:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Solomon's Reign
Today's reading 1Kings 12-14; Luke 22.1-30
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 12; 1Kings 13; 1Kings 14

1Kings 12.1-24 2Chronicles 10.1-11.4
After Solomon’s death, the people of Israel met with Rehoboam and complained that Solomon had placed a heavy yoke of labor on them> They asked him lessen the yoke of labor on them, then they would serve him. He refused to listen to the elders but instead listen to his peers, the young men and decided that he was going to give a heavier yoke on the people of Israel. When Rehoboam met with Jeroboam and the people of Israel he told them that he would increase the yoke of labor on them. He did not listen to the people for this decision he made was to fulfill the word the Lord spoke to Jeroboam through Ahijah the prophet. The people rebelled and made Jeroboam king over all Israel except for Benjamin and . Judah which followed Rehoboam.
Jeroboam did not want the people to go to Jerusalem to worship fearing they would give allegiance to Rehoboam, In Bethel, Jeroboam made two golden calves and told Israel that these were their gods.. Like Aaron (Exodus 32.4-5), Jeroboam tried to combine the worship of pagan calf statutes with the worship of God.

1Kings 13
During this dark times, a man of God from Judah came to Bethel and cried out against the altar as Jeroboam was offering sacrifices at the altar. Jeroboam’s hand withered. Jeroboam asked him to interceded to God on his behalf. The man of God did and Jeroboam was healed. Jeroboam offered him a gift and a meal at his house but the man of God refused. A certain old prophet came to the man of God and offered him hospitality but the man of God refused. The old man lied and said an angel told him to give the man of God food and water. The man of God accepted. The word of God came to the old man and he told the man of God that since he disobeyed. God, he would die. On the way home a lion met the man of God and kill him. The old man buried the man of God in his own tomb. Jeroboam did not change his evil ways.

In addition, the man of God prophesied that a son named Josiah will be born to the house of David (verse 2) and he will sacrifice priests on the high places who now make offerings on the altar and human bones will be burnt there. This is significant because King Josiah some 300 years later did sacrifice the priests of the high places on the altar (2Kings 23.15-20).

Guzik on 1Kings 12
Guzik on 1Kings 13

1 Kings 12, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 22.1-30

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Luke 22.1-2; Matthew 26.2-5; Mark 14.1-2, 10-11, at the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, also called the Passover, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for money (30 pieces of silver) Why would someone do something like this?

Arrangements were made for the last supper (Luke 22.7-13; Matthew 20.17-19; Mark 14.12-16. Jesus gave the disciples instructions in getting an upper room for the last supper. What Jesus told them, He knew it would happen even though they went out in faith to follow His instructions. When the Lord wants us to do a particular task for Him we should go in faith and obedience and joyfully follow his instructions.

Luke 22.14-34
Luke 22.21-23; Matthew 26.21-24; Mark 14.18021; John 13.21-30 Jesus said that the hand of the who is going to betray him is with him. He meant Judas Iscariot.

In verses 13-23, Jesus use the bread and the wine to symbolize His death. Wheat has to be crushed to make bread in the same way His body was broken for us. Wine is made from grapes which are crushed and fermented. In the same way His body was crushed and blood was shed for us.

Can you imagine on that night the disciples were blind and were concerned about who was the greatest. He presented the paradox of greatness to them: To be the greatest you have to be a servant!! This is not the way of the world.

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Luke 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

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May 1 Readings

2007-05-01T07:29:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Solomon's Reign
Today's reading 1Kings 10-11
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Kings 10; 1Kings 11

In 1Kings 10.1-13; 2Chronicles 9.1-12, the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, and gave him gifts and asked him difficult questions and found that God gave him wisdom and blessed Israel. In 1Kings 10.14-29; 2Chronicles 9.13-38, is a description of the many activities that Solomon did and have. Solomon had wisdom, wealth, and women.

In 1Kings 11.1-13, Solomon had many wives, especially foreign women which led to his downfall. Verse 3 states He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.

Because Solomon did not follow the Lord, because his wives led him astray, God raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, Razon son of the Eliada. Finally he raised up Jeroboam who rebelled against Solomon. Ahijah the prophet spoke with Jeroboam, and Abijah took hold of the new cloak, he had and tore it into twelve pieces, He told Jeroboam to take ten pieces, because God was going to take ten tribes from Solomon and give it to Jeroboam. God will give one tribe, Judah to Solomon and the city of Jerusalem, ensuring that the Messiah, Jesus would come from Judah. God had kept the Davidic covenant but Solomon did not keep keep the covenant.

In 1Kings 11.41-43; 2Chronicles 9.29-31, Solomon reigned for forty years over all Israel and then he rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David..

Guzik on 1Kings 10
Guzik on 1Kings 11

1 Kings 10, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Kings 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Today's Reading Luke 21.1-19

Today's Reading Luke 21.20-38

Luke 21 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Sign of the End of the Age
Luke 21.5-36; Matthew 24; Mark 13

Jesus also mentioned the destruction of Jerusalem. This happened in A.D. 70. This is a double prophecy. It happened in A.D. 70, it will happen again in the future.

Signs of the End of the Age
Fall of Jerusalem
Siege of Jerusalem

Jesus told the parable of the fig tree and other trees. By the way the leaves they sprout, we can know that summer is near. In the same way from the signs that we see, the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Be careful that you don’t get preoccupied with the everyday burden of life. . Jesus repeated again that we need to be watchful and pray that we may be able to escape all that os about to happen soon.

Signs of the End of the Age

Deffinbaugh - Series on Luke
IVP Commentary on Luke

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 10 Readings

2007-04-09T21:56:00.000-04:00

April 9 Readings

2007-04-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

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The Reign of Saul
Today's reading
1Samuel 13-14; Luke 10.1-24
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 13; 1Samuel 14

SAUL'S FAMILY 1Samuel 13.1,14, 49-51
THE HOUSE OF SAUL 1Chronicles 9.35-44

SAMUEL REBUKE SAUL 1Sam 13.2-15
Saul had three thousand men while the Philistine had three thousand charioteers and six thousand soldiers. This meant Saul was outnumbered by a ratio of three to one. It was understanable that the morale of Saul's men plumetted when they realized that they were outnumbered. Some hid in cabes and thickets while some deserted the army and went to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was told to waited for 7 days. After 7 days, still no Samuel. Saul decided to d a burnt offering! He took the situation in his own hands. Instead of depending on Samuel, God's man, he decided to depend on himself. When Samuel arrived and saw Saul and asked what he was doing, Saul said when he saw the men scattering and that he did not come and the Philistines were assemb.ling at Micmash, he thought that he ought to sought the Lord's favor by offer the burnt offering. Saul rebuked himn and told him because of his action he would not establish his kindom forever but will give it to another person (which we know that David would have the kingdom) because the Lord has sought a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of the people. What would you have done if you were Saul? Do we have the patience to wait on the Lord to get things done even when things look rather desperate.

LARGE PICTURE - SAMUEL TURNS FROM SAUL

When Samuel had visited Saul Saul only had six hundred men left. The Philistines had a strategy by which they ensure that there was no blacksmiths left in Israel. Israel even had to go to the Philsitines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened! The strategy had work so that only Saul and Jonathan were the only ones who had a sword or spear in his hand.

In 1 Samuel 14.1-13. Jonathan took the initiative to attack the Philistines without his father, Saul, knowing. Jonathan went out in faith and attacked the Philistines. Jonathan saod "Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." His armor-bearer supported Jonathan wholeheartedly and both went in faith and did a surprise attack on the Philistines.

In 1 Samuel 14.14-23, God honored the first attack by Jonathan and his armor-bearer. A panic struck the whole Philistine army. This panic was created by God. The Philistines were killing each other! The Lord rescued Israel that day!

In 1 Samuel 14.24-45, Saul bound the Israelites under an oath, 'Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes before I have avenged myself on my enemies!' None of the Israelies ate anything that day. The troops had entered the woods and there was honey oozing out. No one dared to eat any. Jonathan did not hear his father made the oath and ate some honey. Someone told him about the oath and Jonathan said that cause trouble for Israel, and if they had eaten they would have felt better and have defeated the Philistines even more. Later in verse 39 when Saul had asked God if they should attack the Philsitines. God did not answer him. This indicated that there was a sin in the camp. The rash oath that Saul gave was broken by Jonathan. Saul realized that he had to kill Jonathan but the troops intervened on Jonathan's behalf and his life was spared. When we are under stress, do not make rash promises or oaths to God, it can create bad consequences as we see in 1 Samuel 14. We should follow Jesus' advice on making oaths (Matthew 5.33-37). Jesus said that we are not to swear at all!

1 Samuel 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 10

Luke 10 with Commentaries, verse by verse

In Luke 10.1-12, Jesus sent out another seventy two (Luke 10.4.12; Luke 9.3-5) in groups of two ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go. He spoke about the harvest being plentiful but the laborers are few. The same principle of nott taking a purse or bag or sandal applies, staying at people’s homes to those who are hospitable and to those who are in hospitable, wipe the dust off their feet. Those who reject the message will be punished. The principles that Jesus gave are principles we should use when considering discipleship and evangelism. Are doing evangelism and discipleship in our lives for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Jesus continued his instructions to the seventy two that he sent out. Those who reject the message who regret their decision. He then said to them in verse 16, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." (NKJV). The seventy-two came back with good news of their mission, that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name’ Jesus reminded them that they should rejoice that their name are written in heaven, than the demons submitting ti them, He praised God that He had revealed it to the seventy-two, the little children as He called them not to the wise and learned of the world (1Corinthians 1.25). The he said to them "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; in verse 24 "for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." (NKJV).

IVP Commentary on Luke 10

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 8 Readings

2007-04-07T14:08:00.000-04:00

April 7 Readings

2007-04-07T02:57:00.000-04:00

April 6 Readings

2007-04-06T08:37:00.000-04:00

April 5 Readings

2007-04-05T09:54:00.000-04:00

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Samuel Brings About Transition
Today's reading 1Samuel 1-3
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 1; 1Samuel 2; 1Samuel 3

1Samuel 1
Israel is now moving from a reign of of Theocracy to where God is king to Monarchy where a man is king. Samuel was the last judge of Israel. Hannah was a woman who experience barrenness like some opf the other women in the Bible such as Sarah, Samson's mother and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elkanah, her husband gave her double portions of meat because he loved her and the Lord had closed up her womb (v. 5). Penninah the other wife would taunt her because she could not have any children. One day Hannah went to the Temple, in her tears, she made a vow to God, if God gave her a son, she would give him to serve the Lord and no razor would touch his head. Eli thought that she was drunk but she told Eli about the vow she made. Eli said may God answer your prayer. The Lord remembered her and Samuel was conceived.

1Samuel 2 (v. 1-10)
Hannah sung a prayer of thanksgiving and to God. This song is very similar to the one that Mary sung in the New Testament in Luke 1.46-55. The Church knows Mary's song as the Magnificat. The song of Hannah is known as the Magnificat of the Old Testament.

In verse 12-26, Eli, the high priest, had two sons who were wicked men, and had no respect for God. They sinned by taking the meat before it was offered to the Lord in a burnt offering, and they would send a servant to take a portion of the raw meat even before it was boiled. In God's eyes they treated the Lor's offering with contempt. The sons had also slept with the women who served at the entrance of the meeting. place. Eli had tried to rebuke them but they would not listen to them.

In v. 27-36 a man of God came and prophesied against the House of Eli, for the sons had treated the offerings made to God with contempt, The prophet said that both would die on the same day. God would take away the priesthood from Eli's family and give it to another. The priesthood was given to the family of Zadok.

1Samuel 3
In verse 3.1-18 God calls Samuel. Samuel was given to the Lord to minister in the Temple. Eli's eyes were becoming so weak, and he was lying in his usual place, Samuel was lying down in the Temple of the Lord where the ark was. The Lord called Samuel. Samuel ran to Eli and said 'Here I am.' Eli said that he did not call to go back and lay down. God called again and Samuel ran to Eli and said 'Here I am, you called me.' Eli said that he did not call to go back and lay down. Samuel did not know the Lord yet. A third time, the Lord called Samuel. Samuel came to to Eli and said 'Here I am.' Eli realized that the Lord was calling, so he said to Samuel, when you hear Him calling, say 'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.'
The Lord called again and Samuel said 'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.' The Lord told him that He was about to something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle... God was going to punish the house of Eli because of the contemptible things that Eli's sons have done. The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice and offerings. This is very serious matter to God.
Samuel went back and lay down, he was afraid to tell Eli of the vision he saw. Eli called him and persuaded him to tell him about the vision. So Samuel told him. Eli's reply was 'He is the Lord, let him do what is good in his eyes.' What an answer! Eli although he had his faults, knew God and His holiness.
In verse 3.19-21 Samuel is known as a prophet. The verse in 19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and he let none of his words fall to the ground. God was with Samuel. We should note that even in spiritual darkness, God will find
someone to show forth his light. He replaced an old priest with a young boy!!

1 Samuel 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 8

Today's Readings Luke 8.26-56

Luke 8 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Luke 8.22-25; Matthew 8.23-27; Mark 4.36-41
Jesus wanted to go on the other side of the lake. Because of the geographical location of the Sea of Galilee, storms would oftne form. They got into a boat and started to sail to the other side. Compare Jesus with the apostles when the storm brewed. Jesus was asleep and had faith in God while the disciples were panicking and lacking faith. What can we learn from this? Jesus had compete trust in God that he was even sleeping during the storm. In the storms of life and there are guaranteed to be many, we can weather them when we have the faith to deal with them.

The Healing of Legion (Luke 8.26-37; Mark 5.1-20)
Legion was a demon-possessed man in the area of Gerasenes, in a Gentile area. He had walked around naked and had chains which he broke frequently. He asked Jesus 'What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High.' Actually it was the demons questioning Him. Jesus asked him 'What is your name?' He said Legion because of the many demons living in him. The demons had asked Jesus permission to go into a herds of pigs nearby and they rushed down the steep bank by the lake and drowned. The townspeople were filled with fear and ran and told everyone in the town. They asked Jesus to leave. It seems that they would have been perfectly happy having Legion remained the way he was. Are we like those townspeople? Would we rather that Jesus did not come in and change things? Are we perfectly happy the way we are? Is there a stronghold in our life, an addiction that we cannot let go? Jesus came to cure that addiction or remove that stronghold in your life. He can heal you just like how he healed Legion.
Legion wanted to leave that town. Jesus told that he should stay there and to tell what God had done for him. Sometimes God wants you to be where you are. He wants you to be faithful as a witness to Him. Do you realize that you could reach people other Christians or ministers or missionaries could never reach? Why? Because God wants to use you as His witness.

Luke 8.40=56; Matthew 9.18-26; Mark 5.22-43
Two miracles took place in today's passage. One had to do with the resurrection of Jairus' daughter a little girl, and the other had to do with the healing of the woman with the issue of the blood. On the way to Jairus' house, Jesus and his disciples passed this woman. She was in a very desperate situation. She has been ill for 12 years, and spent most of her money on physicians to healed this issue of blood. She was running out of money but even worse because of her issue of blood and the Law, she was ostracized from society as a whole. She might as well be a leper! She thought to herself if she touched Him she would be healed. The crowd was pressing against Jesus and she touched Him! He turned around and said who touched Me? Now the disciples thought that was a ridiculous question because the crowds were pressing in on Him from every direction. Jesus said that all the power left Him. He turned to the woman and said that her faith healed her.

When Jesus reached Jairus' house he aid that the girl was sleeping and not dead. He should know, He is the Resurrection and the Life. He raised the girl from the dead.

In Luke 9.3-5; Matthew 10.9-15; Mark 6.8-11 Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and to preach the Kingdom of God. He told them not to bring anything for the journey, no staff, bag nor bread, money nor tunic. He want on to say that they should stay at people's houses where hospitality is shown and if hospitality is not shown, they are to shake the dust off their feet. How does this apply to us today? we should have the attitude and the spirit that the disciples have. WE should have the motivation and the zeal to serve the Lord, we should focus on the wealth of God's Kingdom rather than on the things of the world (Colossians 3).

">IVP Commentary on Luke 8

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 4 Readings

2007-04-03T20:44:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Ruth 1-4; Luke 8.1-25

The Story of Ruth
Ruth 1-4
King James Version with links to WebEncyclopedia: Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Ruth 3; Ruth 4

Ruth 1 There was a famine in the land and Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab with their two sons. The sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Elimelech died, and the sons died some ten years later. Naomi lost her family except for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. In verse 6-14, Naomi heard that there was food in Judah, so she decided to go back. She bade farewell to Orpah and Ruth. Ruth expresses a bond with Naomi and her God which is the key verse of the Book. '...your people will be my people and your God, my God.' Ruth could have stayed in Moab with Oprah but she was willing to go in faith and go with Naomi. What about us? Are we willing to step out in faith and identify ourselves with God and His people through good times and bad times? The two women returned to Bethlehem (v. 19-22).Bethlehem

.

In Ruth 2, Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, whose name was Boaz. We have to remember that Ruth was a Moabitess. The Moabites were enemies of Israel. Harvesting barley was done when Ruth and Naomi showed up. Gleaning was allowed under the law (Leviticus 19.9; 23.22). This was where the corners of the field were not be reaped and any sheaves that were accidentally left behind was not gathered. They were left for the poor to pick up for food. Boaz was kind to Ruth and gave her as much grain as she needed. Boaz had heard about the bond Ruth made with Naomi and God. Ruth told Naomi about Boaz.

In Ruth 3, Naomi now has hope, and told Ruth to wash and perfume herself, according to the NIV Bible that is to prepare herself as a bride. When Boaz is lying down, Ruth should go and uncover his feet. In verse 9 to spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a kinsman-redeemer. This is a very important concept to understand the book of Ruth. Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz was related to Mahlon (Ruth's former husband). the closest male relative had the responsibility to marry a widow.

In Ruth 4, Boaz wanted to make sure that if there was another kinsman alive, that he would be treated justly under the Law and fulfil the obligation of kinsman-redeemer. The obligation was to redeem a property from Naomi, and to marry Ruth! He declined the offer and Boaz married Ruth. The genealogy is such that Ruth is the great-grandmother of Daivd and is an ancestress of Jesus Christ.

PAINTING Ruth and Obed by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel

Ruth 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Ruth

Luke 8.4-21 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This is the parable of the sower (Luke 8.4-15; Matthew 13.2-23; Mark 4.1-20). There are many ways to look at this parables. The things in the story that remain constant is the sower and the seed! That is God the Holy Spirit who plant the seed (the word of God). The factor that is not constant is the soil. The soil is the condition of the human heart. The soil vary from being hard to being very receptive. Regardless, the Holy Spirit sows the Word into our hearts. Jesus let in verse 8 "He who has ears to hear, let them hear."
Here is a synoptic version of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke combined together).

Jesus talk about a lamp on a stand (Matthew 5.15). The Christian life is a light, you cannot hide a light in darkness. You cannot help but notice the light in darkness. We had a power black out recently, it was getting dark. It was amazing that even one little candle or the use of a flashlight could help us that nght until the electic power was restored.

Jesus' brothers and mother came to see him. They could not get near to them, He said that His mother are brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.
Let us be careul not to be hung up on veneration of the Virgin Mary but remember that she obeyed God and was blessed for being Jesus.

">IVP Commentary on Luke 8

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 3 Readings

2007-04-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

March 24 Readings

2007-03-24T00:26:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Joshua 16-18; Luke 2.1-24
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: Joshua 16;Joshua 17;Joshua 18;Luke 2

Division of the Promise Land
Joshua 16
The allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh, the house of Joseph are described in both of these chapters. Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled west of Jordan. In Joshua 16, the allotment for Ephraim was given.

Joshua 17
The allotment for the tribe of Manasseh was discussed. Zelophedad daughters had appealed to Moses for land because there were no the family had no sons, Numbers 27 and 31. God was fair and impartial regardless of a son or daughter in the family and he granted their request.
More details on allotment on Joshua 15-19
Division of the Land
Tribal Lands

Joshua 18
There were still seven tribes that had not received any land. At Shiloh, Joshua told the people to send three men from each tribe to make a survey of the land (v. 1-7). Lots were cast for the land for each of the seven tribes. Benjamin was in the middle (v. 11-20), cities of Benjamin were mentioned (v. 21-28). division

Joshua 16, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 17, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 18, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
Arthur Pink-Gleanings in Joshua
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Luke 2.1-35 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Luke portrayed Jesus as the Perfect Man. Since He was a Man, his birth was given in detail. The circumstances of His birth was unusual. I remembered when we were expecting our daughter, we were excited and wanted her to have the best in life. When my daughter was born, I wanted her to come into the world under the best situation. God, being, God does not do things man's way. Instead he apply the law of paradox to Jesus' birth. God chose a poor village girl and a carpenter and they had to travel to register for taxation in Bethlehem. Mary was in her full term of her pregnancy. It was a three days trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a manger.
In v. 8-20 Some shepherds were watching their sheep in fields nearby. Shepherds were among the lowest of the professions at that time. They were an undesirable lot. Yet it was to these people to whom the angel appeared, not royalty or the mighty or wealthy. We often see in Christmas cards 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men....' The cards forget to add 'on whom his favor rests.' The passage is not talking about world peace, military peace rather it is talking about spiritual peace. In Romans 5.1, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, This is the peace that the angels are talking about, and 'on whom his favors rest' means God will give peace ONLY to those He is PLEASED with.

More Links in Luke
Introduction to Luke-Malik
Argument for the Gospel of Luke-Malik
Deffinbaugh on Luke
Lightfoot on Luke
Ritchie on Luke
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Luke by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermons on Luke

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 23 Readings

2007-03-23T01:04:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Joshua 13-15; Luke 1.57-80
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: Joshua 13;Joshua 14;Joshua 15;Luke 1.57-80

Joshua 13
The land was to be partitioned among the remaining 9 1/2 tribes who would live west of the Jordan River. However, there were land which still needed to be conquered (v.1-7). East Canaan was divided among the other half of Manasseh, Reubenites and the Gadires, east of the Jordan. There was no inheritance for the tribe of Levi, the Lord was their inheritance. Just as in our Christian lives, there are areas in our lives which are not under the control of the Holy Spirit, God promised that He Himself would drive them out of our lives. The Christian life is a lifetime process of santification in our lives, it takes discipline and hard work. Arthur Pink has more details about the division

Joshua 14
The land was divided aong the 9 1/2 tribes west of Canaan (1-5). For some unknown reason Caleb madee a request and was granted the land of Hebron (6-15). Caleb was one of the two spies who with Joshua were faithful to God in encouraging the people to go and possess the land. The people had rebelled, the whole generation died out except for Joshua and Caleb entered into Canaan. God remembered and He rewarded Caleb. We should remember that God will reward us for our faith and service but it may take time for God to fulfill His promises. In this case, it took God forty years.

Joshua 15
The land was allotted for Judah, great detail was given. Information on the allotment of Judah is given in this link. Judah received the largest allotment. The details are specified in this chapter. Judah has a special place in God's heart because it was out of Judah that the Messiah, Jesus would come. Gen 49.10 'The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.'
Here is an excellent map of Judah

Joshua 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 15, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
Arthur Pink-Gleanings in Joshua
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Luke 1.57-80 with Commentaries, verse by verse
In this passage, Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. The friends and family rejoiced with Elizabeth and Zechariah. When John was circumcised, they were going to name the baby Zechariah after his father, but Elizabeth said that his name should be John. Zechariah was still speechless and asked for a writing tablet and wrote that the baby 's name should be John. At that moment, he began to speak praising God. He gave this song of praise v. 67-80. This is known as the Benedictus because of the opening word which was translated from the Latin Vulgate 'Praise be ...' The song praise God (v.68-75) and praise God for the child (v. 76-79). Remember Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and was prophetic of what John would do some thirty years later.John would be the forerunner of the Messiah, for he will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him John had godly parents who taught him the Word of God. (v. 80) he grew and become strong in the spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly in Israel. Some thirty years later, John came on the scene preaching the repentance of sin, and the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. (Luke 3)

More Links in Luke
Introduction to Luke-Malik
Argument for the Gospel of Luke-Malik
Deffinbaugh on Luke
Lightfoot on Luke
Ritchie on Luke
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Luke by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermons on Luke

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 22 Readings

2007-03-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Joshua 10-12; Luke 1.39-56
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: Joshua 10;Joshua 11;Joshua 12;Luke 1

Joshua 10
The Canaanites kings form a a confederation against Gibeon. God sent hailstones (v. 6-11) The miracle of the Sun standing still occured (v.12-24) The five kings hid from Joshua (v. 15-21) they were captured and hanged (v. 22-27). The Southern Campaign began (v. 10.28-43). The Southern Campaign

Joshua 11
Northern confederation formed (v. 1-5), defeated (6-9), Hazor was destroyed. The entire land was completed.
the Northern campaign

Joshua 12
List of Kings defeated by Moses (12.1-6); List of King defeated by Joshua (12.7-24)

Joshua 10, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 12, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Luke 1.26-56 with Commentaries, verse by verse
In Luke 1.39-45, Mary visited Elizabeth, and found out that Elizabeth was pregnant with John, and Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Spirit, rejoiced that Mary was going to give birth to Jesus.
In Luke 1.46-56, Mary praises God in a song of praise, and there are many similarities with between Mary's song of praise and the song of praise that Hannah sung in 1Samuel 2.1-10. This hymn is known as the Magnificat which when translated from the Latin Vulgate means 'glorifies'.

More Links in Luke
Introduction to Luke-Malik
Argument for the Gospel of Luke-Malik
Deffinbaugh on Luke
Lightfoot on Luke
Ritchie on Luke
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Luke by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermons on Luke

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 21 Readings

2007-03-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Joshua 7-9; Luke 1.21-38

Joshua 7
Having experienced the victory at Jericho, Joshua sent spies in Ai. Notice Joshua nor the Israelites asked God for counsel! The spies came back and said that they should send a few thousand men. when the men attacked Ai, they were soundly defeated. (v. 2-5) Joshua prayed to the Lord and asked why it happened (v 6-9). The Lord told Joshua of the sin in the camp. Someone had violated the covenant, the devoted things of God was violated, it was stolen. The people were told to consecrate themselves.They would not win the battle until the issue with the devoted things were corrected. God revealed who the person was after identifying the tribe, clan and family. (v. 10-15). Achan came forward and confess his guilt (v. 16-21). He was identified by tribe, clan and family. He was stoned for his sin v. 22-26). What can we learn from this? To do God's work we have to be faithful in big things and SMALL things. All Achan did was stole silver a robe and a gold wedge, this was a miniscule amount from the things they have captured in Jericho! A small sin can affect your Christian life and ministry. The sin needs to be confessed (1John 1.9), restitution and reconcilation needs to be done as well.

Joshua 8
God promised Joshua Ai. Now God was INVOLVED. Joshua plans the ambush (3-9), the God's plan was set (10-17), implemented (v. 18-23) and the inhabitants destroyed (24-29), an altar was built at Mount Ebal to the Lord (v. 30-33). Joshua then read all the words of the law- the blessings and the curse. (v. 34-35)

Joshua 9
The kings west of Jordan formed an alliance against Joshua (v. 1-2) The Gibeoinits tricked Joshua (v. 3-25) The oath that what Joshua made spared the Gibeonites Lives (v. 16-21)

Joshua 7, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 8, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 9, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Luke 1.21-38
In Luke 1.21-25, when Zechariah came out of the temple, he was speechless, and people realized that he saw a vision. when his time of service was completed he returned home. After this, Elizabeth became pregnant. Zechariah knew the scriptures, he remembered the story of Sarah and Abraham, the story of Samson and Eli. All of these woem were barren and childless, yet God intervened and gave them all sons. What can we learn from this? God will use people who are 'weak and insignificant' according to the world's standards to achieve his glory. We must trust and obey him so that He couls use us for His glory.

In Luke 1.26-38, in the town town of Nazareth, Gabriel was sent, this time to a virgin named Mary. Again, Gabriel said, Do not be afraid! , this time to Mary. Notice the announcement he gave her of who Jesus will be 'He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.' We should rejoice that He is king and His kingdom will never end regardless what is happening in our lives today. One of the great mystery of the Christian faith is the incarnation that Jesus is both God and man.

More Links in Luke
Introduction to Luke-Malik
Argument for the Gospel of Luke-Malik
Deffinbaugh on Luke
Lightfoot on Luke
Ritchie on Luke
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Luke by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermons on Luke

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 20 Readings

2007-03-19T18:47:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Joshua 4-6; Luke 1.1-20

Joshua 4
When the Israelites cross the Jordan, God told them to pick a representative from each tribe to collect a stone from the Jordan River, which was, at the moment dried up. They were to place all twelve stones in a memorial. Similarly we are suppose to remember what God has done in our lives.

Joshua 5
The Cananites became aware of the Israelites, they knew how God dried up the Jordan. At Gilgal, (v. 2-9) all of the Israelites men had circumcision before entering Canaan. This was to signify consecration and commitment before entering Canaan. Manna stopped falling from heaven the day after they ate food from the land. Joshua saw a man in front of him with a drawn sword. He asked him wheither he was on the side of the Israelites ot the enemy. The man said neither. He was the commander of the army of the Lord. He told told Joshua to take off his sandals he was on holy ground. We must be aware that in the Christian walk and service, we need commitment and consecration and the Lord will be ahead of us in our endeavors.

The Taking of Jericho and Ai
Joshua 6
Today, we have two situations one had to do with Jericho. God gave specific instructions (v. 1-5) to Joshua to march around the city for six days with the Israelite army. The army were led by the seven priests carrying trumpets of ram's horn in front of the ark. On the seventh day, they were to do everything they had done for six days. They were give a long blast on the trumpet a shout and the walls would collapse. The plan was carried out (v.6-11), they marched around Jericho (12-14). The walls fall, rahab and her family was rescued (v. 20-25). What can we learn from this? If we want victory in our Christian life, we have to do it God's way, not our way. There was no way the Israelites could have captured the city unless God gave it to them. Link to Jericho The Fall of Jericho

Joshua 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 5, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 6, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Luke 1.1-20 with Commentaries, verse by verse

We are now in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus is portrayed by Luke as the Son of Man. Luke was writing the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Greeks have also idealized the Perfect Manhood, and Luke had portrayed as the Perfect Man. Who is Luke?. This passage deals with the introduction verse 1-4, where Luke is writing to Theophilus, which means one who loves God. Luke wanted to geve Theophilus to get an accurate and orderly account of the life of Jesus. Luke also wrote to Theophilus about the events in the book of Acts.
John the Baptist birth (Luke 1.6-17) was foretold by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, the priest. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. Zechariah was serving in the temple, when he saw Gabriel. Gabriel told him 'Do not be afraid... We are under the impression that angels are loveable and huggable from the New Age teachings we have today. But in all the cases regarding appearances of angels, the people had to be commanded not to be afraid. Gabriel told Zechariah that he would have a son and 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.[b] 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous–to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” That is why God picked these parents so that they could influence John from birth through manhood in preparation for this ministry.
In Luke 1.18-20, he did not believe Gabriel, because he said that he was an old man and his wife was old and Elizabeth, his wife was well along in years and she was barren. He had doubted what Gabriel told him Zechariah was made speechless, as a sign, until Gabriel's word came true.

More Links in Luke
Introduction to Luke-Malik
Argument for the Gospel of Luke-Malik
Deffinbaugh on Luke
Lightfoot on Luke
Ritchie on Luke
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Luke by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermons on Luke

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 19 Readings

2007-03-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Today's reading from Joshua 1-3
Joshua 1
God reassures Joshua that as He was with Moses, He would be with Joshua. In verses 6 and 9 God commanded Joshua to be strong and of good courage. Application remember God promises about His presence, he would not leave nor forsake us.

Joshua 2
Joshua sent spies into Jericho. The king found out spies were in Jericho. Rahab hid them. Spies made oath to spare Rahab and her family. She would leave a scarlet cord as a signal for them to spare the lives of household. Application. The scarlet cord was a type of Christ, just as the blood of the lamb painted on the doorposts in Egypt, the occupants would be safe. Similarly when we put our trust in Christ, we would be safe.

Joshua 3
The new generation never saw a river or a sea in their lives. They had to cross the Jordan. They were led by Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant leading the Israelites. As soon as the Levites touched the water, it parted, similar to Moses and the people crossing the Red Sea. By faith they cross the Jordan with God leading them. Similarly we have to have faith in God leading us

Joshua 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Joshua 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Joshua
Introduction to Joshua by Malik
Malik Argument of Joshua
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin on Joshua 1-18
Calvin on Joshua 19-24
Doug Goins on Joshua, scroll down
Spurgeon's Sermons on Joshua
Biblebb.com Website
Studies in the Life of Joshua by J. Hampton Keathley III

Mark 16.1-20 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This chapter speaks about the Resurrection (Mark 16.1-8; Matthew 28,1-8; Luke 24.1-10)We could imagine how shattered the women were, having seeing Jesus died on the cross, and the suffering that He went through. They were the ones who were at the tomb, where were the disciples? When they saw the angel they were alarmed. He told them to tell his disciples and Peter, that He is going ahead of them. Imagine the angel mentioned Peter by name! Jesus must have remembered him! Christianity would have died there if the Romans or the Jewish leaders could produce a body of Jesus. All of the major world religion cannot claimed that their founder rose from the dead, only Christianity can claim that there is an empty tomb. Jesus appeared to several groupos of people at different times (v. 9-14). He then gave them the Great Commission (Matthew 28.16-20 and 16.15-18) to go and preach the Gospel to all creation. He also promised them signs that would accompany those who believe. TWe should rejoice that Christ rose from the dead because we worship a living Savior with a living faith.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 18 Readings

2007-03-17T23:34:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15.24-47

Deuteronomy 32-34
Moses wrote the song and recited the words in Deuteronomy 31.30-47. This is similar to Exodus 15.1-18. The outline of this chapter was taken from Guzik’s commentary: The song included the theme that God is the Rock (v. 4). He recounts how God took care of Jacob and his people but the child, Israel, forsook the father, God (v. 5-6). In verse 7-14 Moses reminded them of God’s goodness, He provide for their needs. In verse 15-18, Israel reacts to God’s mercy with apostasy, they sacrificed to other gods, demons. In verse 19-27 God reacted by withdrawing from Israel. In verse 28-43, God made His case and pleads with Israel to return to Him. In verse 44-47 Moses encouraged the people to obey carefully the words of the law. The word Rock stood out (verses 4, 13, 15, 18, 30, 31, 37). God is the Rock that provide a firm foundation for them to build on. He protects them from the storms of life.
God told Moses that Moses that he would died on Mount Nebo. He would be gathered among the people just as his brother Aaron. He would not enter Canaan broke faith with God at the waters of Meribah Kadesh. Moses would be allowed to see the land from a distance.

Deuteronomy 33 Moses blessed the Tribes of Israel, This is similar to the blessing that Jacob gave to his sons before his death. Since Moses was also the author of Genesis, he probably modeled some of the thoughts from Genesis 49 into this chapter. He reminded the people what the Lord did for them v. 1-5. He then bless the tribes individually for specific comments, please see the commentaries links provided. In verse 7 Moses prayed that the God would protect the tribe of Judah, be his help against his foes. Moses knew that it was through the tribe of Judah that the Messiah would come. In Genesis 49.10. The scepter would not depart from Judah…

Deuteronomy 34 Moses climbed Mount Nebo as God instructed him in chapter 32. The God showed him Canaan. God reminded Moses that he kept his word with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (verse 4). Moses was allowed to see the land but did not cross into it. God buried Moses in Moab, to this day nobody knows where Moses was buried. Joshua succeeded Moses and was prepared to lead them into Canaan.

A tribute was made to Moses (v. 10-12). Moses died at one hundred and twenty years old. D.L. Moody, the American evangelist said that Moses spent Forty years thinking he was somebody. Forty years learning that he was nobody. Forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody. See Hebrew 11.23-29.

Deuteronomy 32 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 33 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 34 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 15.1-47 with Commentaries, verse by verse

They led Him away to be crucified (Mark 15.22-32; Matthew 27.33-44; Luke 23.33-43; John 19.17-24). Jesus was exhausted and weakened by a sleepless night, he faced many trials, floggings, and scourging. He could not carry the beam of the cross which probably weighed fifty pounds. We do not need a movie of Christ to let us know what He went through for us. Link to the crucifixion. It was interesting and ironical when the chief priests said 'He saved others, but he can't saved himself. Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down from the cross, that we may see and believe.' Thank God, Jesus only thought about us and did not come off that cross. If I was in that position, I would get off that cross and teach them a lesson! But thank God, Jesus stayed on the cross for us.

Before Jesus died (Mark 15.33-41; Matthew 27.45-56; Luke 23.44-49), He said, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' Was it because of the pain of the crucifixion? I don't think so. I think because He took on the sins of the world on our behalf. A holy God seeing Jesus, did not recognize Him, because of the sin He had carried with Him on the cross and turned His back on Him. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5.21: 'He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.' (NASB)
It is significant that the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two (verse 38) This meant that the tearing of veil indicated that Christ had entered heaven itself for us so that we too, can have access to God's presence. Now when God sees us, He does not see sin but the righteousness of Christ in us.

The Burial of Jesus (Mark 15.42-47; Matthew 27.57-61; Luke 23.50-56; John 19.38-42) Since it was late in the afternoon, Jesus had to be buried as quickly as possible, before sundown when Sabbath began. Jesus was buried in a rich man's tomb, that belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a secret disciple just like Nicodemus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died (verse 44) since men would be on the cross for two or three days before they had died, and the early death of Jesus was surprising.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 17 Readings

2007-03-16T23:24:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Today's reading from Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15.1-25

Deuteronomy 30
God reminded the Israelites when they experience all the curse and blessings (Deut 28), they are dispersed among the nations, and they decide to return to the Lord and obey Him, then the Lord will restore their fortunes, have compassion on them and gather them from all nations. We see this happening in 516 B.C. when the temple was rebuilt in Jerusalem, and shortly afterward with the return of Ezra and Nehemiah.
We also see the Israelites returned to Palestine in 1948 and recaptured Jerusalem in 1967. Some of the prophecies have yet to be fulfilled when Jesus returns ant he Millenial Kingdom of a thousand years arrive.
In verse 11.20, to summarize, God is offering the people to choose between death and life. In verse 15. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. In the same way, Jesus talks about the narrow way and the broad way. Two paths, one leads to eternal life and the other to eternal destruction -Matt 7.23-24. Can we say like Joshua, As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Deuteronomy 31
Joshua was to sucseed Moses (v. 1-8); The Law was read (v. 9-13) and the Rebellion of Israel was predicted (v. 14-29).

Deuteronomy 30 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 31 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 15.1-25 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Jesus appeared before Pilate (Mark 15.2-15; Matt 27.11-26; Luke 23.2,3,18-25; John 18.29-19.16) It was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner that the people wanted. It was Jesus or Barabbas. The chief priests stirred the crowd to pick Barabbas. here we have the Prince of Priest, or Barabbas, the insurrectionist! Which one would you have chosen? With the mob mentality, the people chose Barabbas.
The soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head, and a purple robe and called Him the king of the Jews, then they mocked Him.
They led Him away to be crucified (Mark 15.22-32; Matthew 27.33-44; Luke 23.33-43; John 19.17-24). Jesus was exhausted and weakened by a sleepless night, he faced many trials, floggings, and scourging. He could not carry the beam of the cross which probably weighed fifty pounds. We do not need a movie of Christ to let us know what He went through for us. Link to the crucifixion.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 16 Readings

2007-03-15T23:45:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14.54-72

In Deuteronomy 28 is a list of blessing and curse. If you obey, you get blessing. (verse 2-14) If you disobey you get the curse. Notice the blessings are the opposite of the curse in verse 15-44 The one curse which caught was in verse 64 Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods-gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. Israel has been scattered over the face of the earth from 722 B.C. when the ten tribes went to Assyria and 586 B.C. when the remaining tribe went to Babylon. Then in A.D. 70 Rome sacked Jerusalem and the Jews have been scattered and persecuted. The greatest persectuion was under Hitler, where 6 million Jews died. They returned to Palestine in 1948 and recpatured Jerusalem in 1967. This is all part of God's timing. How does this apply to us. Very simply you obey God, blessing; you disobey God you get discipline or curses. Gal 6.7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

In Deuteronomy 29, The Covenant is renewed. We need to be constantly reminded about trusting and obeying God. We need to remember what God has done in our lives, we need to remember past experiences in which He was faithful and remember He will be faithful in the future. The people of Israel had the Mosaic Covenant renewed. Our Covenant with God takes us on a higher plain with God. Jesus died for us, that is conditional, but God expects us to go beyond the Ten Commandments and look at our intent even before the act is commited. This is based on the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.

Deuteronomy 28 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 29 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers
Social Concerns in the Covenant, See Table 3
Discussion of the Mosaic Law. It has reference in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Mark 14.53-72 Commentaries, verse by verse

Peter had followed the guards and Jesus into the courtyard of the high priests. Among them were all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law. Many tried to give testimony against Jesus but the evidence was not consistent. They even talked about when Jesus talked about destroying the man-made temple and in three days will build another, which was not man-made. This was inconsistent as well. Then the high priest asked Jesus whether he was going to answer and for him to defend Himself against the false testimony they gave. But he kept silent. Then the high priest asked him if He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One. He said He was and that they would see Him sitting at the right hand of the Mighty God and coming on the clouds of heaven. The high priests could not find anything to charge Jesus with because He was sinless. The high priest charged Him with blasphemy because He considered Himself equal to God in what he had just said. They spit at him, blindfolded Him, struck him with their fists, mocked Him to prophecy who hit Him.
Meanwhile Peter was in the courtyard, and was confronted by one servant girl of the high priest, she said to him that he was with the Nazarene, Jesus. He denied it. She came back to him and said that he was one of them, again he denied it. The third time those standing by the fire said that he was a Galilean by then Peter began to call down curse upon himself. Peter had crumbled under pressure by the servant girl and the bystanders. Before you say to Jesus, Lord I will follow you, Lord and I am willing to die for you. Do this soberly and prayerfully. Be ready to count the cost.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 15 Readings

2007-03-14T07:58:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Today's reading is Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14.27-53

Deuteronomy 25 deals with treating people fairly in a court system. (v.1-3) Treating an animal fairly such as an ox on verse 4. Do not muzzle the ox while it is threading out grain. There is the continuation of the family name if one brother dies, then his widow must marry his brother to keep the family name. We saw this in Mark 12.19 when the Sadducees try to trap him with the seven brothers who were married to the one woman in keeping with this law. v. 13 -16 talks about using similar weights in a bag. They were to show fairness in their balances to ensure accurate and honest weights so there would not be cheating. God wants us to be honest in our dealings with each other and non-Christians.

Deuteronomy 26 deals with firstfruits and tithes. The people were suppose to honor God by giving Him some fo the first fruit to the priest as an offering. They were to declare to the priest the wonderful things that God did in delivering them from Egypt. The people were to rejoice before the Lord for all the good things that He gave them and their household.
The Israelites were to set a tenth of all their produce in the third year, the year of the tithe. This was to be given to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow so that they would have enough to eat. The Lord also commanded them to follow His commandments.
In Deuteronomy 27 (v.1-8), when the Israelites cross the Jordan into Canaan, large stones coated with plaster with the words of the law written on these stones. These stones were taken up to Mount Ebal and an altar built from these stones. Burnt offerings were to be offered, to God. Fellowship offerings were to be sacrificed, eating them in the presence of God. (v. 9-26) Moses told them that they had become God's people and that they should obey the commandments. He also told them when they cross the Jordan, some tribes were to bless the people, other tribes were to pronounce curses. These curses were pronounced on those who did not obey the commandments or laws and regulations.

Social Concerns in the Covenant, See Table 3

Discussion of the Mosaic Law. It has reference in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 24 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 25 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 26 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 27 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 14.27-53 Commentaries, verse by verse

Jesus predicted Peter’s denial (Mark 14.27-31; Matt 26.31-36). He told Peter that he would deny Him three times. Peter was insistent that he would never deny Him and the other disciples agreed with Him that they would never deny Him. Let us be very careful about what we say when we make promises not to deny Christ. We do not know how we would react in a situation like that.

Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14.32-42; matt 26.36-46; Luke 22.40-46). Notice the frequency of the word 'pray' as related with Jesus and the word 'sleep' with the disciples. The disciples were not awake nor alert of what was going on. If the disciples were awake and praying things could have been different and they probably would not have fled. However notice the words 'But the Scriptures must be fulfilled' Isaiah 53.7-12
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression [a] and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes [c] his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge [f] my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Mark 14.43-50; Matthew 26.47-56; Luke 22.47-50; John 18.3-11
Judas showed up and betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He had dipped his bread in the same bowl with Jesus which had meant that he was his friend and he would never hurt Jesus. Some friend he was to deny Jesus with a kiss!! Someone cut off the ear from the servant of the high priest, and we know that the person was Peter (John 18.10). No one was there to defend Jesus. When the authorities came, they fled.

A young man wearing nothing but a linen garment was following Jesus, many scholars interpreted this person as John Mark. When they grabbed for him, he fled naked.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 14 Readings

2007-03-13T21:45:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Today's reading is Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14.1-26

Deuteronomy 22 deals with how one should deal with his neighbor property (v. 1-4), animals (22.6-7), and violations in marriage (v. 13-30). The law was intended not only to punish the criminal but to show social concern for people and the things that they own. This is equated with loving your neigbor as yourself. If you do, you would not steal from your neighbor or commit adultery with his wife. The marriage relationsip is to be kept pure and the marriageb bed undefiled.

Deuteronomy 23
The following persons were excluded from the congregation: Those with mutilated gentials (v. 1), children born from forbidden marriage (v.2), Moabites and Ammonites (v. 3-6) and Edomites (v. 7-8). God is a holy God and he wants the people who worship Him to be without defects. Similarly when we worship God we must worship Him without sin in our lives and can approach Him with clean hearts and clean hands.

God was concerned about uncleaness in the camp the sanitary conditions of the camp and sanitary facilities were built (v. 9-15). Miscellaneos laws were also instituted (v. 15-24) included the good treatment of slave (v. 15), prostitution discouraged (17-18), charging usury to fellow Israelite discouraged (v.19-20), vow taking and keeping and rules of eating food from a neighbor's vineyardm or grainfields

Deuteronomy 24 deals with various laws dealing with marriage (v.1 -5) involving divorce and a newly-wed husband stay at home with his wife for one year before going off to war. There are other laws related to masters and servants (6-18) and the rich and poor (19-22). Again the theme of loving your neigbor as yourself continues.

Social Concerns in the Covenant, See Table 3
Discussion of the Mosaic Law. It has reference in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 23 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 24 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 14.1-21 Commentaries, verse by verse

Mark 14.1-11; Matthew 26.2-16 Jesus anointed at Bethany.
Mark 1,2,10,11-Luke 22.1-6
Luke 14.3-8; John 12.1-8

Jesus was at the house of Simon the leper, when Mary, the sister of Lazarus came with a alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, broke it and poured the perfume on Jesus's head. Some in the house, said that this was a waste of money, and they rebuked Mary harshly. Jesus told them that Mary did a wonderful thing, she poured perume on His body to prepare for His burial. Judas Iscariot went to the high priest to betray Jesus.

The Lord's Supper
Mark 14.12-26; Mat 26.17-30; Luke 22.7-23
Mark 14.22-25; 1Cor 11.23-25
Jesus sent two of the disciples to arrange to get a room for the Feast of the Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb was sacrificed. They went into the city a saw a man carrying a jar of water and arrangements were made in a uper room for the Lord's Supper.
When they came for the Lord's Supper, Jesus said that one of them would betray Him, the one eating with Him. They all begasn to deny that (v. 17-18). He said, further, that the one who dips bread in the bowl with Him will betray Him. It was despicable what Judas did because , according to the customs in the Middle-East, even today, if someone dips bread with you, it means that that person would be you friend and would in NO way harm you. So Judas was also a liar and deserved what he got. Jesus said "But woe to that man who betray the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

The Last Supper had two elements, the bread and the wine. Jesus said to them that they should ‘Take eat, this is my body’. Just as wheat is crushed to make bread and made without yeast, this represents Jesus body which was broken for us on the cross. The second element is the wine. Just as how grapes are crushed to produce the grape juice which are fermented into wine. Jesus’ blood was shed for many. V. 24-25. The new covenant was mentioned in Jeremiah 31.31-34 especially verse 33: Jer 31:33 Jer 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." This covenant was UNCONDITIONAL, meaning there are no restrictions on this covenant promised to Israel. God promised to forgive her sins and establish his relationship with her on a new basis by writing his laws on their hearts. This is a covenant of GRACE. The acrostic GRACE means ‘God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense’. We are not saved by good works but to DO good works.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 13 Readings

2007-03-12T21:10:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan
Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13.1-20

Today's reading is Deuteronomy 19-22; Mark 13.21-37

Deuteronomy 19 spoke about the Cities of Refuge (Deut 19.1-14; Num 35.6-34; Deut 4.41-43; Josh 20.1-9) and about witnesses. One witness was not enough but two or three are needed. Moses warned against perjury. Link to Cities of Refuge

Deuteronomy 20 spoke about the rules of war. God was in front of them granting them victory. God wanted the Israelites to realize that the cities that the Israelites would have as an inheritance must have all its inhabitants killed. This is horrific in human terms but God does not want the Israelites to be contaminated by idolatry, and detestable practices. what about us. All the spiritual strongholds in our lives must be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 21 deals unsolved murders (1-9). The elders from the nearest town were take a heifer that has never worked or worn a yoke, and lead it to a valley that has never plowed or planted which had a flowing stream. They were to break the neck of the heifer. The elders were to declare that they were not involve in the shedding of that blood and asked God to atone for this Israel and not hold the people guilty so they would be purged from spilling innocent blood. What about Jesus' blood which was innocent. Pilate could not find Him guilty. Murder was a serious matter to God. The people would not be held guilty or the land polluted from innocent blood (Deut 19.10-13). Rules were given in marrying a captive woman (v.10-14). These women were not from Canaan (Deut 7.1-4), the Israelite men were allowed to marry but there must not be any abuse to the woman such as selling her or treating her as a slave. The right of first born (v. 15-17) was discussed where if the firstborn belongs to the unloved wife, that son would have the right of the first born, and get a double share. The story of Jacob with his wives would apply in this case. A rebellious son (v. 18-21) was put to death. This was contrary to honoring father and mother.
Deuteronomy 21.22-23.30 discuss various laws which must be kept. Verse 22, it was mentioned if a man is hung on a tree for a capital offense, his body cannot be left overnight, but should be buried on the same day because anyone who is hung on a tree is undere God's curse. The land must not be desecrated. Notice Jesus was hung on a cross, and this situation applies. He was under God's curse. 2Corinthians 5.21 says
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might have the righteousness of God.

Social Concerns in the Covenant, See Table 3
Discussion of the Mosaic Law. It has reference in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 19 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 20 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 21 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 13.21-37 Commentaries, verse by verse

Signs of the End Times (Mark 13.1-37; Matthew 28.1-51; Luke 21.5-36)
Mark 13.14-37
Jesus gave several warnings about His Second Coming. He told them to look for signs v. 5-13 which we discussed yesterday. Jesus warned us when we see the abomination of desolation (Dan 9.25-27), the revealing of the Antichrist, and the desecration of the temple, then we should flee. It would be hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. God will shorten those days.. He warned to be on our guard (v. 23).
How do you know when Jesus is coming back? According to these verse which was quoted in Isaiah 11.13.10 and 34.4. Everyone will see Him The sign is that the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then the Son of man will appear…
Beware of prophets who claimed that they know when Jesus will come back. This has not only happened with cult such as the Jehovah Witnesses but has also happened even among born-again Christians. Who knows when Jesus will return, only GOD THE FATHER KNOWS. Be on you guard be alert! He gave the parable of the man who went away and left his servants in charge of his house. He came back unexpectedly. The servants were to stay awake and keep watch. We have been told by some that we will be raptured away before the Tribulation, some says during the middle of the Tribulation and some says after the tribulation. THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. The issue is when the Lord comes back will you be awake and alert and ready to meet Him. When He comes back He will come back in His own time and not some prophetic timetable that someone devised.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 12 Readings

2007-03-12T06:15:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan
Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13.1-20

Deuteronomy 16
The Passover, The Feast of Weeks, Feast of Tabernacles were discussed. Here ares some links that will elaborate on them. The Passover reminds of Jesus dying for our sins (John 1.29). The Second Feast, The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost was when the Holy Spirit was given and the church was born in Acts 1. The last feast, The Feast of Tabernacles speaks of Jesus second return. These were all held annually. We should ask ourselves the following questions. Am I saved? have I experience the Holy Spirit in my life and am I ready for the Lord to come back?

Deuteronomy 17 deals with worshiping other gods (v. 1-7, law courts (8-13), appointment of a king (v.15-20) God was very strict about worshiping other god because it was detestable to Him and the penalty is death. Who is the god of your life? Is it God or a god such as pleasure, ambition, money, or a car?
We must understand that He is a jealous GOD. God takes the law courts very seriously. The parties involved must accept the verdict of the judge or the priest. There was no room for appeals as it is today where the judicial system has gone corrupt. If there was a contempt of the priest or judge, they would be put to death. God was their King in the time of Moses. God is a just God and He requires His people to act justly.
This is what is called a theocracy but God foreknew the problems Israel would have with human kings so he was trying to prepare them for that some 400 years later. Most of the kings were very evil in the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah. Who should be the king of life be?

Deuteronomy 18 deals with the offerings for priests and Levites (v. 1-8) and detestable practices (v.9-13) and the role of the Prophet (v. 14-21). God provide food for the priests and Levite through the sacrifices. He takes of those who serve Him. As for detestable practices, He warned the Israelites not to learn from the inhabitants in Canaan. Do not learn such practices such as divination, demonism, witchcraft, or practice spells. It is very common today, the is a fascination with the spiritual world. We should have no part in this. Finally there is a prophecy of Christ in verse 15 and 17. We need to test when someone said that they have the Word of God or that he is a Christian. There are many false prophets running around today. Test the internet sites that you visit against the Word of God to see whether it is authentic.

Deuteronomy 16 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 17 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 18 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 13.1-20 Commentaries, verse by verse
Mark 13.1-20
Signs of the End Times
(Mark 13.1-37; Matthew 28.1-51; Luke 21.5-36)

In verse 1-2 Jesus prophesied that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed in A.D. 70. The disciples asked him when would these things be and what would be the sign when all these things would be fulfilled. He warned them about the signs of the antichrists, wars, earthquakes, persecution, the Gospel preached to all nations. Are we in the last days? The answer is yes. All of the above signs mentioned have and is happening now more than ever. The nation of Israel should be used as a barometer of when He is returning. In 1948, The Jews returned back to Palestine. In 1967, the Israelis captured Jerusalem and are living there now, after some 1900 years. The European Union is now here. And 9/11/2001 triggered the invasion of Iraq. Babylon was located in modern Iraq, and many Bible scholars believe that Babylon will have an important role to play in the last days. Regardless of all of these events, Jesus warned to stand firm to the end.

Mark 13.14-37
Jesus gave several warnings about His Second Coming. He told them to look for signs v. 5-13 which we discussed yesterday. Jesus warned us when we see the abomination of desolation (Dan 9.25-27), the revealing of the Antichrist, and the desecration of the temple, then we should flee. It would be hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. God will shorten those days.. He warned to be on our guard (v. 23).

Application
When we know an hurricane is coming, what do we do? We look for signs, that is check for the weather channel prepare accordingly.

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 11 Readings

2007-03-11T23:06:00.000-04:00

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12.28-44

Deuteronomy 13
He warned about people who would deceive them about worshipping other gods. He warned that He was testing the people whether they would follow the Only True God or follow after other gods. He warned about false prophets, even relatives, spouses, friends who would try to turn away from the One True God. The punishment for deceiving someone away from God was death. What about us, today? We need to be on our guard, because there are false prophets and antichrists who would tell us lies about who God and Jesus is. There are many resources on the Internet, but be very careful about your selction of the site. They may call themselves a Christian Website but in actuality, are heretical. A good site to visit is the Watchman.org website. It exposes false prophets and cults. Another good site is full of resources in how to defend your faith is the CARM site.

Deuteronomy 14 deals with two topics clean and unclean food (Leviticus 13.1-23) and Tithes (V. 22-28) The issue of clean and unclean food was brought up because of public health reasons. Link to clean and unclean food Many of these animals were scavengers. The Bible is very particular about pigs. Pork if not properly cooked has many parasites attached to them. God knows what He is talking about. We should be careful what we eat because ur body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.(1Cor 3.16).
The second issue is tithing, the idea of ten per cent came up in this passage. Are we subject to tithing? Are we required to give ten percent of our income? The answer is no! We have to realize that we are stewards of our body, money and time, and God owns it ALL. In that perspective, we are then subject to more than ten percent of our income.2 Cor 9.7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Deuteronomy 15 deals with the Year of the Jubilee, the year of canceling debt and freeing servants. See Jubilee Link. Deuteronomy 15.1-11 and Lev 25.8-38 is the year to cancel debts. Deut 15.12-18; Exo 21.2-6 and Deut 15.12-28 along with Lev 25.38-55 speak about freeing servants. We also have the Year of Jubilee in the sense that our debts were cancelled and we were set free by the death of Jesus on the cross. We must either respond or reject the Gospel message. Paul said that we should own no one anything but love (Rom 12.8).

Deuteronomy 13 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 14 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 15 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 12:28-44 Commentaries, verse by verse

Mark 12.28-34; Matthew 22.34-40
One of the teachers of the law asked him, which was the most important commandment. Jesus replied “Hear ,O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6.4-5) The seond is this ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18). There is no commandments greater than these.‘ do we understand that love should be the motivating factor behind obeying the commandments (Commandments 1-4) is loving God and Commandments (6-10) is loving our neighbor as ourselves. The man realize both loving God and his neighbor was more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus told him that he was far from the kingdom of God. What about us? Do we love God and do we love our neighbors as ourselves?

Mark 12.35-47; Matthew 22.41-46; Luke 20.41-46
Mark 12.38-40; Matthew 23.1-7; Luke 20.45-47
Jesus asked them Why did the teachers of the law say that Christ is the son of David. He quoted from Psalm 110.1 “The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” How could David be his son when he called him Lord. Jesus spoke with authority and he knew His scriptures. We must use Jesus as our model in growing as a man or woman of God.

Mark 12.38-44
Jesus warned the disciples to be be careful of the teachers of the law. In today’s terminology, let us not be like them they want to be important and respected for being religious, and having the most important seats in churches and have seats of honor at banquets. They oppress the poor especially the orphans and widows and are hypocrites praying long prayers.
Jesus observed the people giving in the temple treasury. Many rich people gave a large amounts but there was this poor widow who threw in two small copper coins that was all she could afford.. To Jesus, she gave all she could, all she had to live on. The issue is not how much of your income you give to the Lord but rather your attitude when you give. The woman COULD Not afford what she gave the Lord. The issue is not a ten per cent tithe as mentioned among some Christian circles. Maybe at the moment you are financially strapped and all you can afford is 1 percent, but if you gave sacrificially what you cannot afford. You could be doing well, financially and in God’s eyes 10% may not be enough, He may want 40% at that point. The issue is when you give, you should give sacrificially. Paul said 2Co 9:6 -8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (NKJV)

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 10 Readings

2007-03-10T07:07:00.000-05:00

March 9 Readings

2007-03-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

March 8 Readings

2007-03-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11.1-18

In Deuteronomy 4, obedience was commanded. Obedience is not optional in the Christian life, it is mandatory. God command that the Israelites obeyed His decrees. They should follow them so that they might love and possess the land. Moses reminded them what happen at the Baal of Peor, how God destroyed among them everyone who obeyed the Baal. Observe them carefully… (v.6), Only be careful… (v.8) and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things… These are phrase to look for in the book of Deuteronomy. We have to be careful, not to forget God and his commandment.
In v. 15-31 Moses reminded them again that idolatry is forbidden. How may times do they have to be reminded so that they would not forget about the dangers of idolatry. Moses warned them not to make images of anything on the earth, in the sea or in the heavens. He told them because of their disobedience he could not enter Canaan (v. 21-22). Again the word careful appears in v. 23 Be careful not to forget.. Verse 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Have you ever thought of God as a consuming fire. That is an awesome thought. Fire destroys completely or it purifies. We should reverence God and hold Him in awe. Verse 24 is repeated again in Heb 12.29.
In verse 32-40 Moses stated that the Lord is God, he reminded the people how awesome God is from the day of creation of creation, ask the question. Verse 32b Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of. Has anyone heard of God speaking through a nation through fire. Moses reminded the people how God chose Israel, brought them out of Egypt, drive the nations from before them. They need to be reminded that the Lord is God and they should acknowledge that the Lord is God in heaven and on earth..
He reminded them of the cities of refuge )verse 41=43) then Moses introduced this new generation to the Law.

Deuteronomy 5 shows Moses teaching the new generation of the Ten Commandments. The word covenant is very important in the Bible. Moses reminded them in verse 2 that the Lord formed a covenant with them at Horeb. What is a covenant? Examples of covenants are given in this Covenant link This covenant is presented to them forty years and is the same as the forefathers in Exodus 20. He warned them that they must learn them and follow them. To reiterate the intent behind the Commandments, these were based on LOVE not a bunch of DOs and DONTs! Commandments 1-4 is loving God, commandments 5-10 is loving your neighbor. Again, in verse 32 the word be careful to do what the Lord commanded you, do not turn aside to the right or left.

Deuteronomy is known as the book of Love, this is seen especially in Deuteronomy 6.In verse 4-5: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. He reminded the people to tech their children the commandments (v.7-9). We tend to forget that God is a jealous God and that He is the only one who deserves our praise and worship. They were to remind their children what God had done for them (v.20-25). It is very important for us to spend time quality time with our children, teaching them the Word. Proverbs 22.6 says 'Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it'

Deuteronomy 4 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 5 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 6 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 11:1-25 Commentaries, verse by verse
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt instead of a military stallion because the Kingdom which He was proclaiming was one of peace not for the overthrow of the Roman Empire. The symbolism behing riding on a colt is found in Zec 9.9 (which was also was also quoted in Mat 21.5 amd John 12.15). This was known as the Triumphal Entry and would inaugurate Passion Week. The Jewish leaders would be upset at this because Zec 9.9 portrays the Messiah riding on a colt: 9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king [a] comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
On the following day Jesus cleared the Temple, driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves. He said that His house would be called a house of prayer nut they have made it a den of thieves. The Jewish leaders seeing Jesus clearing the Temple wanted to kill Him.
Before he arrived at the Temple, He was hungry and He saw a fig tree in leaf. He went to see if it had any fruit, but it did not bear any fruit. He said to the fig tree that no one would ever eat the fruit from it again.
This is the beginning of the passion week and there are many prophecies yet to be fulfilled and the challenges that Jesus faced in encounters with the Jewish leaders. Jesus had a righteous anger. he was angry but did not sin. What about us? What can we learn from this passage of scripture?

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper Sermon's on Mark

More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

March 7 Readings

2007-03-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Today's reading from Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10.32-52

Deuteronomy means the second law. The book describes the giving of the law to the new generation of Israelites, as they propeare to enter Canaan. Moses not only gave the Law but he prepare them to look forward to what God has in store for them. He kept on reminding them to love and obey God from the heart. Deuteronomy was the book that Jesus loved. He quoted from Deuteronomy man times, especially loving God Deut 6.4-5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
There words that occur frequently in Deuteronomy according to Wiersbe, land (190 times), possess (57 times), heart (53 times), love (35 times). Look for phrases such as 'be careful', 'remember' 'do not forget'.

In Chapter 1, Moses reminded the people about the events that had happened to them. they were to break camp and leave Horeb, Deut 1.1-8. In Deut 1.9-18, Moses said that he could not handle leading the people by himself. He probably remembered what his father-in-law, Jethro told him, to pick godly men and to delegate his authority so the people were to pick new leaders,
He reminded what happened during their father's generation at Kadesh Barnea where Moses sent in twelve spies into Canaan, when they retun, ten told the people not to go in, they had unbelief, while Joshua and Caleb pled with them but they refused to go intt Canaan and possess the land (Num 14).

In Deuteronomy 2, They wandered in the Desert for some forty years, they could have been in Canaan in a matter of weeks, they wasted their lives, only Joshua and Caleb from the twelve spies were allowed to go into Canaan. He reminded of the goodness of God, how he provided them with with everything they needed (7). He told them not to harass the Moabites, Edomites or Ammonites. They were at the plains of Moab near the Jordan River across from Jericho.
Sihon, King of Hesbon was defeated (24-37): They had asked for rite of passage through Arnon Gorge from Sihon but he refused. They were courteous, offering to stay on the main road, and to pay for food and water. God had assured the Israelites of victory over Sihon. God had hardened Sihon's heart and he refused them rite of passage through his land. God comanded the Israelites to fight Sihon and they defeated him and his army.

What does Deut 1 and 2 say to us, today? Unbelief waste time. It can waste our time and lives as well. It can take God hours do what He has promised us, could take Him years to do because of UNBELIEF. Hebrews 3-4 is a commentary of what unbelief did at Kadesh-Barnea. Is there a Kadesh-Barnea in your life? God provided for the Israelites for forty years, He can provide for our needs (Phil 4.19). God want us to do things His way. He will pick the battles for us to fight in His own way and time. He requires utmost obedience to Him. God gives us a fresh start in our lives even though we fail Him constantly. He did not give up Israel, He punished them, disciplined them and forgave them. He assures us of victory as well.

In Chapter 3, the Israelites went toward Bashan and defeated Og, the king of Bashan. God had promised Moses that he would hand over Bashan, his armiy and land to Israel. They completely destroyed everything there. This should remind us, the Christian life is a battle, where God is our Warrior, and he assures us the victory, IF we have TRUST and OBEY Him. Check out this link, Map of the Twelve Tribes
A discussion centered around the Trans-Jordan tribes of Gad, Reuben and Mannasseh was discussed. We had spent some time with the these tribes in Numbers 32. Moses was told that he could not enter Canaan because of the sin he commited when dealing with Israel at Meribah (Numbers 27.12-22)

Deuteronomy 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 2 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Deuteronomy 3 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Other Links
OT Gateway Links on Deuteronomy
Malik Introduction to Deuteronomy
Malik Argument of Deuteronomy
Israel's Covenant Renewal
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Spurgeon's Sermons on Deuteronomy
Biblebb.com Website
Stedman on Deuteronomy and Numbers

Mark 10.32-52 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Jesus predicted His death again (v. 32-34)on their way to Jerusalem and Jesus said that He would be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law, the will condemn Him and hand over to the Romans where they would scourge Him and kill Him.
James and John came up to Jesus and ask that one sit at his right hand and the other sit on his left. He asked them if they could drink the cup or be baptized the baptism that He was baptized with. They said they could. Jesus said they would drink the cup and be baptized the baptism he was baptized with. He meant that they would go through suffering and death the way he would. But it was God’s decision who would sit at the sides of Jesus. We know that James was martyred by Herod in Acts 2.2 and John the Beloved was exiled on Patmos for his faith. There on Patmos he wrote the book of Revelation. Of course the other apostles were indignant because they were arguing before about who was the greatest. Jesus gave them the paradox, that whoever wants to be great among you must become your servant.
Bartimaeus was begging, he heard Jesus was nearby, so he cried Son of David, have mercy on me! But the crowd told him to be quiet but he shouted even more. Blind Bartimaeus received his sight, because he had faith. What about us are we willing to drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism that Jesus had? Are we willing to take part in his sufferings and death? Do we have faith like blind Bartimaeus?

More Links in Mark
Dan Hill on Mark
Ray Stedman on Mark
Jeff Miller on Mark
Chadwick on Mark
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Sermons on Mark by Ryle, Spurgeon, and Whitefield
John Piper
Sermon's on Mark

More Links on Commentaries for the Old Testament
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes (for both OT and NT) is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.