Daily Bible Readings from St. Paul & Pastor Troester: Recent Episodes
Matt Troester
A battle with Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot is taken captive, until Abram comes and conquers the enemy and sets Lot free.
Abram and his nephew, Lot, part ways so that each of their flocks could be fed and tension between the two and their herdsman might be aleviated. Abram let's Lot choose and God continues to bless Abram.
When mankind wanted to make a name for themselves and refused to fill the earth, they started to build a tower, but God intervened and spread them out and so fullfilled His promise to give them hope.
A genealogy in the time of Noah, which shows us the hope that God gives through the human family which is finaled realized in the birth of God's only Son, Jesus, into the human family to give us hope.
God establishes His Covenant with Noah and all creation, and uses the rainbow to remind Him and us.
God remembes Noah and his family, and God remembers us, as Noah remained faithful to God and did what God said to do, so that now the Promise of a Savior continues for them and for us.
God floods the entire world and all living things are drowned, except Noah, his family and all the animals that God brought on the ark with him.
In the time of Noah, God was sorry about creating the world, yet gave us hope by bringing Noah through the flood.
The generations of mankind, and proclamation of God persevering, despite our rebellion and bringing us a Savior, Jesus Christ, through this line.
When the devil tempts Adam and Eve, they rebel against God and disobey Him, but God gives us hope in a Savior.
God's wrath against His enemies and the enemies of the believers who have faith in Him.
Now we see how diabolic satan is, trying to get the world to worship him rather than the true God.
The battle between God and Satan, won by Jesus Christ when He died on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.
There will be war against the church/the Bride of Christ, but we are to continue to be witnesses of the resurrection of Christ and of ourselves.
In the second scene showing us what to expect in the time between Jesus' Ascension and His second coming, we are reminded of Satan, a fallen angel, who is behind the evil that is in our world, along with the promise that God still is over him for our sake.
Jesus opens the seal on the seventh scroll as more of the sad history of the effect of sin on the whole world is revealed.
A description of heaven and where we end up after death, with new life and being in God's presence forever.
Through the image of the four horseman, God shows us the evil that is to come, and His protection of His Church.
The 2nd scene in the revelation given to John, which gives us a glimpse into Heaven, where Jesus reigns and we reign with Him and worship Him eternally.
The second chapter of the letters to the seven churches, assuring them that God sees their works, but that their hope is in Jesus Christ and in listening to the Holy Spirit.
The first of two chapters of the letters to the church, the ones who are receiving this instruction by revelation of God through the Apostle John, to encourage all believers to be deligent in faith and works and trust God.
God reveals to us the times since the time of Jesus' ascension into heaven until His coming back at the end of the world.
God's move to save the people of Nineveh, though it is "evil in the sight of Jonah," is the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.
God allows Jonah a redo, and this time he goes and the people of Nineveh repent so that God exercises His mercy and they are spared.
God promises punishment for those who are wicked and reject Him, but promises restoration to those who repent and put their faith in Him.
There is a judgment Day when God calls us to account for our actions. But don't let there be a "famine" of hearing the Word of God, and turning to Him for salvation.
God shows Amos what will happen if people continue to stray from God and Amos pleads for the people.
God's warning to us when we make our security based upon our luxuries and wealth and forgetting about Him.
God's judgment on Israel and yet His call for them to return to Him and He will ransom them.
God loves us like a parent loves a child, and so He hurts for us when we stray away from Him, and He wants us to come back to Him.
God has blessed us with many things, but we have not been faithful to Him, and yet even so, God still calls us back in His Great Love.
There is no joy for those who reject God and His Savior, Jesus Christ. Don't ignore God's spokemen, the prophets & preachers. Listen.
God calling out like a trumpet through the prophet Hosea to turn from our ways, to Him, who along has won forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
The Word of God pleads for us to remain faithful to the Truth of Jesus Christ and warns us about those who would lead us astray.
In praise of the witness of Christian brothers and sisters who welcome others and show the love of Christ.
By faith in Jesus Christ and believing that He is the Son of God, we overcome through His victory over sin, death and the devil.
We should tests the spirits of all that we hear and listen to the Holy Spirit who convinces that God sent His only Son, Jesus, into the flesh to save us.
Instruction for us as little children on the forgiveness won by Jesus, who took our punishment, and then the was we walk in God's truth in our lives.
The Apostle John, one many eye witnesses of Jesus Christ on this earth, shares the message of forgiveness through Jesus.
Peter an apostle and servant of Jesus Christ writes to encourage followers of Christ to remain faithful.
We suffer, but as Christ suffered for our sake and our forgiveness, He took it all for us.
A teacher, the tongue and Wisdom from Above. May wise words come out of our mouths each day that we teach.
A letter from James, the brother of Jesus, on works of a faith which is grounded in the free gift of forgiveness and salvation through grace.
Paul's letter to a fellow Christian named Philemon urging him to forgive and restore a new Christian Onesimus in the love and mercy of God.
Paul instructs Titus to teach sound teachings which is both the grace of God which saves us, and the Christian life that follows and is motivated by God's Grace.
Paul's letter to one he calls his child in the faith whom he trained and worked with as a pastor, overseer, elder with God's people.
Some of Paul's final words to Timothy and also to us, about our lives being a offering to God, preaching the truth about Christ and being thankfulf or all the people has placed in our lives.
Instruction about being faithful in service to God, like a soldier, athelete and farmer, because there are many potential pitfalls along the Christian way.
Paul's farewell letter to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, the faith first given him by his mother and grandmother, and to carry on the work of the public ministry.
More teaching about the roles God designed for usin life, which we should do with respect, honor and diligence.
Our roles as family and the responsibilities and warnings about caring out those roles.
Being aware of and watching out for false teachings, and being grounded in the Word of God inspiried by the Holy Spirit.
Our God of order, orders things and instituted roles and responsibilities for those in those roles, such and Pastor and Elders.
The Apostle Paul writes to his spiritual son in the faith to continue to hold to the true teachings of God about Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is at the right hand of God, has defeated all our enemies and reigns eternally.
In our worship we give thanks to God and praise Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
Crying out to God day and night, to the One, and only One, who can give us Hope in the midst of the despair of this life.
Despite our unfaithfulness, asking God to be gracious to us as He has been in the past and be faithful in forgiving us.
God calling those who have been rescued by God to now go and Rescue the Weak and the Needy.
The history of sin and rebellion of the human race, and the history of God's gracious acts in punishment and the grace of forgiveness and life in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
God reigns and no one can stand before Him, but only by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
God has not forgotten us, He has been here before the beginning, He remembers our foes and His covenant to save us.
Turn to God in faith and confidence and look beyond the circumstances to the cross of Jesus and see God's love for you.
Jesus teaches us about faithfulness to Him along, and warning about giving that faithfulness to anything else.
We are servants, who need the good spiritual milk of God's Word, not thinking to highlyh of ourselves, while having everything in Christ alone.
All authority comes from God and is to be His servant to protect, the enforce the laws for the good of those they serve.
Jesus ministry on earth began with the message to repent, turn back to God, and follow.
The victory of death and the enemy (satan and his evil angels) is won by God and is salvation for all people who put their trust in Him.
James gets to the heart of our conflicts with others and with God, which is that we are by nature self-centered and selfish.
The last of Isaiah's accounts of the Suffering Servant, telling us about Jesus and how He would come to serve and win new life for us.
The battle between God and the devil, fought for us and won by Jesus on the cross, and the life of the church, God's people, everyday until we reach heaven.
We get a glimpse of the reality of heaven, even now, in the middle of the effects of sins in ourselves and in our world, yet we have hope for this future.
The details of Jesus before the Roman Governor, Pilate, and Jesus crucified, died and buried.
The details of the original Passover, which forshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and gives us His Body & Blood, in, with and under the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper.
The events of Holy Week, the last week of Jesus' life, before He rises from the dead on Easter.
God chose to have His only Son take the punishment for sins that we have committed and make it available to us by faith.
Jesus has won the battle over sin, death and the devil, and while we still struggle with sin in this life, our faith is in Jesus and His death and ressurection, and we are saved.
The Peter who denied Jesus three times, who was forgiven by Jesus and reinstated to lead the early church, tells us how to battle with our own denial of Jesus, and to do it with great hope. Jesus is calling you to return.
Accounts of God fighting for His people and giving them victory over their enemy, and even when they grumble against God and are dying, God provides a way to rescue and save them.
Jesus becomes like us and takes on our greatest trouble, sin, death and the devil, and wins the victory for our forgiveness and life.
Not only the birth of Jesus Christ, but also His circumcision into the covenant, His purification, presentation in the temple and His visit to the temple as a 12 year old boy.
God's Law points us to our sin, and how we have fallen short, but the Gospel is that by faith in Jesus Christ, God delights in us.
Jesus is there for those who believe Him and believe that He can heal them, but He is against those who are trying to trick Him and who do not believe.
God delivers His People from slavery in Egypt and spares them from death because of the blood of the lamb on their doorpost.
Here is life together as The Church, focussed squarely on God alone, and God being in the midst of what we do.
Jesus conquered for us a victory over sin, death and the devil, and while we battle yet today, our victory is certain.
We are justified before God by faith, which shows it our works which follow that faith.
How are faith and the works that follow, keep us from showing partiality against anyone, and how to be generous with the gifts that God has given us.
God creates faith in us through His Word, so that we believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus was silent and content to do His Father's will and be The Perfect sacrifice for all our sins.
We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. We are all sinners and we are lead away by our passions to do what we want, and those who don't turn back to Him, God lets have what we want.
The king of Assyria mocks and threatens the king of Judah, Hezekiah, who pleads to God and God speaking through Isaiah, the prophet, assures Hezekiah that He will deliver them.
King Hezekiah reforms completely the worship of the true God, amidst mocking by the enemy king.
The deportation of Israel by the Assyrian king, as God had warned if they continued to renounce Him and follow false gods.
Now even the King of Judah, Ahaz, falls to worship false gods, even to the point of building an altar to that false god in the Temple.
Though the kings and the people are not faithful, God keeps His promises and protects them.
We see that we do give thanks unto the Lord, "for He is good (alone) and His Mercy endures forever." God endures though we are sinners and go our own way.
The anger of God towards our sin and the gracious, listening, seeing our oppression and sending a savior, favor on our behalf.
We learn of the importance of training our children in the ways of God, and the life of those who follow Him and who don't follow Him.
The daughter of king Ahab and queen Jezebel kills the royal family, and only one child is saved who becomes king.
Jehu takes the lives of all the family of Ahab for leading the children of Israel to worshiping Baal, but yet he does not stop worshiping other gods.
God fulfills His Word of condemnation of king Ahab and queen Jezebel, and His Word of deliverance for the people of Israel.
The great things that God did through the prophet, Elisha, and the continued whiched ways of the kings of Israel and Judah.
Two unlikely heroes: Elisha the prophet who is running for his life from the king of Syria, who wants him dead (but, God is protecting him and speaking through him), and the four men who have leprosy, who report to the king of Israel, that God has chased away the armies of the king of Syria, and the plunder is there for them eat.
The prophet Elisha is God's spokesman and through him, God did miracles and gave him wisdom to warn the king.
The great military commander, Naaman, is healed by the lowly, faithful prohet, Elisha through the power of God.
The mantle of Elijah has fallen on Elisha, and Elisha goes out and God is doing His work through Elisha.
King Ahab dies in battles, as God had warned, and the false prophets continue to lie about God's will. Only one prophet speaks the truth.
King Ahab and with the help of his wife, Jezebel, takes the vineyard of Naboth with deception and lies, and Elijah confronts the king.
God is good to king Ahab, who neither seeks God nor follows God, and yet in his stubborness ultimately king Ahab will be defeated.
Elijah runs from Queen Jezebel when she threatens to kill him, and God provides for Elijah, assuring him that he is not alone.
God raises up the prophet, Elijah, in the worst days of the kings and by His Word brings life and resurrection.
The times of the kings who were vicked and did evil in God's sight, but God's faithfulness in sending out His Word.
The unfaithfulness and rebellion of the kings, Jeroboam and Rehobam, and the call of God to repentance.
Jeroboam ignores the word of God from the man of God, and the slide away from God continues.
The Kingdom torn away from King Solomon because of his disobedience, and God's faithfulness to His Promise.
God appears a second time to King Solomon, with the promise of great blessing, and the warning to stay faithful to God.
King Solomon has the Ark of the Covenant brought to the Temple, blesses the Lord, prays and blesses the people, and they all respond with sacrifices.
The beginning of the kingship of Solomon, a time of peace on earth and great blessings from God.
God grants Solomon his request for wisdom and adds riches and honor to what He gives Solomon.
The death of David, his charge to his son, Solomon and the beginning of Solomon's reign as king.
The end of David's life and the turmoil that begins Solomon's reign following David's death.
David song for the deliverance that God gave him over his enemies, and especially for the ultimate victory over death that God had promised all of us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joab kills Abner to get revenge on his brothers death and the turmoil continues even after Saul's death.
David attacks the enemies of Israel and brings back the spoils to share it with those he leads.
The Philistine leaders insist that David does not go into battle with them against Israel.
Samuel dies and God continues to take care of David and protects him from yet another person who would try to harm him.
David is protected from Saul, while Saul continues his evil ways, even to taking the life of many of the priests.
Jonathan & David renew their friendship and Jonathan again protects David from his father, Saul.
King Saul tries to get David killed, but God saves David and blesses him the kings son, Jonathan, and daughter, Michal.
King Saul is a called to battle to defend and save his people, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, God wins the victory through Saul.
The people want a king, and by it they reject God & Samuel. So God let's them have what they want, while warning them of the consequences.
Samuel leads the people to repenting and returning to God and their enemies are defeaded, land is restored and they have Peace.
By the faithfulness of God, the Ark of the Covenant comes back to the Children of Israel.
No false god, no matter whom, (who are only god's made by man and not real gods) can stand up to the True God, but all will fall to Him.
The call of God for Samuel to be a prophet who speaks for God, and even though Eli and his sons are not faithful, God faithful gets His Word out to us.
The results of both Eli and his Son's unfaithfulness and, in contrast, the faithfulness of Samuel and his family.
Samuel is born by the miracle of God, and is named for God hearing the plea of his mother, to be the servant of God for the good of us all.
The faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises, and of Boaz as a relative of Naomi, and the faithfulness of Ruth to her mother in law.
Ruth is faithful to her Mother in Law, Naomi, as she works to support her in the field of a relative to Naomi, Boaz, who in turn is faithful as a relative, a redeemer, to care for Naomi & for Ruth.
God's faithfulness, especially in the times of great trials, and the call to have faith in Him.
The final chapter in the book of the Judges, and we read about how sin leads to more sin, until we repent and return to God.
A sad civil war among the Children of Israel as the emplode on each other because of their sin.
The people of Dan covet more land, seek guidance by a false priest and then conquer a weak people, taking their land and set up false idols.
We read about the time of Judges when everyone doing what was right in their own eyes, which lead them away from the true God.
Conflict, revenge, strife and no peace when Samson goes against God's ways, and yet God is faithful.
The first marriage of Samson and the fall out because Samson does not honor his parents, nor God, and goes to those who don't worship the true God.
A rash vow by a leader of the Children of Israel, who are at war with an enemy and they go to Jephthah to fight for them and get the victory, but at a price.
A peaceful time for the Children of Israel when they do not go after other gods, but a quick end to that peace when they forsake God and follow others.
The account of the life & reign of Abimelech, the son of Gideon through his foreign servant girl, with all the blood shed, and revenge and treachery, but God prevailed and Abimelech paid the price with his life.
We read how Gideon seeks revenge when he is slighted by his fellow children of Israel, how there is bloodshed and fighting and ultimately God's people go after other gods.
God calls Gideon and his army to trust in Him for the victory. Read the unusual battle, with the unusual army and unusual weapons.
Read about Gideon, a man of great valor, who is made strong with God's strength and who acts in faith with God's help.
The song of praise to God, sung by Deborah and Barak, who bless God for giving them the ability to succeed by trusting in Him for victory.
God raises up the Prophetess, Deborah, and Jael, who are faithful to Him and trust Him for victory.
The sad story of human history where faithfulness to God brings blessings, but doing things our way leads to us getting what we want and then to destruction. And, yet God is faithful when we come back to Him.
Judges starts after the death of Joshua, the leader who brought the people into the land Promised by God, and conquered Jericho, where now they are to take the land God gave them.
The closing instruction, warnings and blessings of God through Paul to the Christians in the church which Paul planted in Corinth.
Paul defending his message and ministry among the people, that he is teaching the truth about Jesus Christ and offering this free of charge.
God gives us the gift of giving, motivated by His giving first to us the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life, which comes out in the Christian life.
Christians learn that godly sorrow over sin leads to repentance which leads us back to God and to forgiveness.
We are in ministry as Ambassodors for Christ to show others how Jesus has redeemed us and given us life.
Believers in the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins are heirs of heaven, who lived now to love God and all others.
While there is much in this life that cause us to "lose heart", as we focus not on what we see, but on the unseen power and gifts we have in Jesus Christ.
The old covenant which God made through the 10 Commandments was something we could not keep and it only convicted us of our sin. The new Covenant which comes through Jesus Christ gives us forgiveness of sins and is most glorious because through faith in Jesus' work we are saved.
Coming to the church in Corinth with a sincere heart, and for their good, Paul tells them to hold each other accountable for their sin and deal with it with repentance and forgiveness.
The introduction and opening message of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, with encouragement in suffering, promise of comfort and verification of the truth of the message in Christ.
The final greeting and conclusion to the letter to the churchin Corinth, filled with greetings and plans that Paul has for continued mission work.
The definition of Christian love, reflecting the love of God that we have received, to others.
Instruction about using the gifts that God has given us for the good of the whole Church, and for the great blessing to everyone.
Instructions on using the gifts of speaking in tongues/other languages and the roles of men and women with the Church.
Directions for the Christian faith & life as we worship only the true God, love Him will all our heart and love others as ourselves.
In Christ we are set free from judgment for our sin and set free from sin, death and the devil, but we have a new Master now, Jesus Christ, and now we have the joy of being a servant to everyone.
Opening our eyes to Christian marriage and faithfulness, along with being faithful in all walks of life.
More direction on the Christian life, empower by the Gospel of forgiveness and grace in Christ Jesus.
Instructions in living a Christ-filled, Christ's love motivated, and eternity bound person in Christ, on the topic of lawsuits among them and sexual immorality.
The danger of sexual sins which erode God's gifts of marriage and family, and how Christians should respond in love and care for fellow Christians who fall into this sin.
As a faithful servant, steward of God's mysteries, Pastor for those in Corinth, Paul corrects and admonishes them to Christ.
As we mature in faith in Christ Jesus, we understand the folly of our wisdom and the power of God's Wisdom in saving us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and our Christian calling as God's People.
We proclaim Christ crucified which we understand only by faith through the work of the Holy Spirit who makes us to understand God, which we cannot do by our wisdom.
With all our wisdom and power, we don't see God, but God sent His only Son, to do for us what we could not do, which is make a way for us to come back to Him through Jesus.
Paul wraps up this letter to the church in Rome with greeting many brothers and sisters in Christ, telling them to watch out for those who cause division, and giving all glory to God!
Some are weak and some are strong in the church of God, but all are humble and all are servants in the likeness of Christ.
Welcoming those who are 'weak in faith' by being that welcome ourselves, and not doing anything that may cause them to stumble or fall away from Jesus Christ.
Authority is a gift from God and established by God for our good, therefore we honor all authority, although at times we might resist those in authority when we are told to do something that is contrary to God, we suffer the consequences for God's sake.
Motivated by the mercy of God for us, our lives are transformed by God to wants the things that He wants for us and to live for Him.
The depth of the riches and wisdom of God in working out our salvation and relentlessly calling us to Himself.
The hardness of the human heart, rejecting the life that God has offered to us and welcomes us with open arms to come to Him.
God is the potter and we are His creation, and in His love for us He made a way for us to be forgiven and saved through His one and only Son.
The heart of our Christian teaching is that God in love sent us His only Son, Jesus, who died in our place and by faith we have the benefits of forgiveness and life and life eternal.
The law of God is a good gift showing us how to live in love with God and with others, but the problem for us is that we can't keep it. The good news is that Jesus kept the law for us, and by faith we have forgiveness and His power to battle our sinful ways and do good to others.
The free gift of forgiveness which was bought for us by Jesus life, death and resurrection is not something that we would abuse and sin more since we are forgiven. We are set free from sin and death to be slave to our new Lord, Jesus Christ, and live to His glory.
The great teaching of the Bible--we have hope because God in His love sent His Son, Jesus, to die and rise for us and win forgiveness of all our sins, for which we are most greatful and live to His glory.
The letter of Paul to the Christians in Rome, as Paul greets them, tells of his desire to visit them and the heart of the Good News we have in Jesus, and the bad news of our sin, which makes the message of Jesus so good for us.
Paul & Luke go on a prisoner ship to Rome, where God brings them through a storm, safely there.
Paul witnesses to the Governer about faith in Jesus Christ and salvation through His resurrection.
God brings Paul to witness to the upper rulers of Rome, even Ceasar himself, about faith inJesus Christ.
Paul speaks of his one true hope, that is our resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ and Him alone.
The Holy Spirit gives Paul the boldness and the words to say as he is questioned about faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul tells how God converted him on the road to Damacus and about his ministry to the Gentiles.
Amidst opposition and rumors, the church continues to grow and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ spreads to more and more people.
Encouragement from God's Word to the people of the churches where Paul has been, and the journey to continue to reach more people with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Paul and the others continue to preach and teach the truth about Jesus Christ, that He is risen and that only by faith in Him can we be saved. Even amidst persecution the Word of God continues to increase and prevail mightily (Acts 19:20).
The end of Paul's second missionary journey and the beginning of his third, preaching, reasoning and teaching about salvation through Jesus Christ, and many others joining with him in this ministry.
Paul & Silas go out and make a second visit to churches that Paul had established earlier and guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul travels to new towns, runs into opposition, is thrown in prison, but delivered to keep on traveling and preaching Jesus Christ.
There are disagreements among the believers, but they appeal to Scripture and the Holy Spirit and it is resolved and the Church moves forward in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Despite opposition and persecution, Paul and the others continue to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church is growing with people from many areas, and it's growing, through opposition, by the power of the Holy Spirit working through people.
There continues to be perecution of the Christians and some are martyred, but the Church grows and the Christians are faithful to God.
God reveals to Peter that Jesus is the Savior of all people, for all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The early Christian proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and peole repent, are amazed, believe and are baptized.
Stephen is the new target of persecution. He is tried, convicted and stoned to death, but sees Jesus and the right hand of God and he falls asleep in Jesus!
The Church being the church and taking care of service to one another, and in the world as Stephen witnesses to Christ as Savior for all people.
The power of God in community, the Church, and the bold witness we ought to be giving, even in times of persecution, proclaiming the victory in Christ.
The Disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaim Jesus, and more believe, despite the same opposition that Jesus had.
The church being the church, teaching and telling that Jesus is our Savior and telling people to repent and turn to Him to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
The beginning and work of the Church after the ascension of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is alive, appearing to the Disciples and many others, and now ascending into having, having sent His followers out to tell about His Resurrection. Blessed Easter!
The passion account of Jesus Christ, betrayed, mocked, tried, convicted and proclaiming that He is the Son of God, ready to go to the cross on our behalf.
Jesus teaching about His 2nd coming, our witness to others, and the signs that point us towards it every day.
Jesus again teaches about the Christian walk with Him in life, and again explains what He must go through to win eternal life for us.
Jesus teaches about temptation, forgiveness and the natural response of those who have received the grace, which is faith, works and thanks.
In response to those who question Jesus eating with "tax collectors & sinners", Jesus tells three parables about lost things.
The cost of following Jesus, with a warning about following anyone or anything else, and the great blessing of follow Jesus.
Jesus teaches by word and example about what He came to do for us, and what we do as His Disciples.
Jesus welcoming followers, stilling storms, calling us to have faith, rebuking and casting out demons and raising the dead, on his way to the cross for the ultimate defeat and victory.
Jesus shows power over the effects of sin in the world by healing and raising from the dead, and also the varied reactions to His Ministry and His call to repent and believe in Him.
A Psalm of repentance, going to God, admitting sins and trusting in the mercy, steadfast love and righteousness of God alone.
The Psalm writer pleads to God to now hid His face from him and the assurance that God is the same and endures forever.
Another one of the Penitential Psalms, written by David, confessing his sin to God and asking for forgiveness and restoration to a godly life.
The second of seven penitential psalms of David, confessing his sins and turning to God for salvation.
Jesus is the Righeous Branch who will reign as King of kings and be our Great High Priest to intercede before God on our behalf and will reign forever.
God declares for us forgiveness for all who will come to Him in faith and His covenant that lasts forever.
People refuse to repent and God proclaims judgment, while always being ready to bring us back in if we repent.
Like an unfaithful spouse, we have cheated on God with other gods, yet He calls us to return to Him and promised to forgive and restore.
The Word of the Lord for when we forsake Him, make gods for ourselves and the judgment that follows.
God calls His servant, Jeremiah, before he was even born and set him aside to speak for Him as a prophet should.
Lamenting that when we stray from God and His ways we bring destruction on ourselves and God will punish in order to stop us and bring us back.
Jeremiah the prophet of God, laments the condition of those who rebel against God and worship other things.
An appeal to beware of false teachers and teachings and to stay strong and content for the faith in Jesus Christ.
The Apostle John writes to fellow believers as a dear Pastor to his church, who are the Bride of Christ and Children of God.
The Apostle John concludes his letter as a dear father in the faith to his children in the faith.
John, the Apostle of Jesus and writer of the Gospel and Revelation, speak as a teacher to those he calls his dear children to keep them in the truth about Jesus.
All the people of Israel's family come into the Promised Land, helping each other and holding each other accountable to God.
The allotment of pasture land, given by all the other tribes of Israel, to the Levites.
The allotment of the land by God through the leadership of Joshua, calling for faith in God and obedience by the people.
The allotment of land for the people of Judah, given by God to them as a gift and the call to obey and trust God.
The Promised Land is apportuned by God's direction and received in faith and trust in God.
A list of all the kings and land that God has given in victory to the Children of Israel as He promised He would be with them.
Joshua and the army of Israel take more of the Promised Land, because God gives them the victory.
God's gives Joshua and the armies of Israel victory over their enemies and He saves them.
The Children of Israel & Joshua, their leader, are deceived and they don't consult God first, but make a covenant with them which will prove to be a hardship.
Because the children of Israel are now faithful to God, they defeat the army of Ai and take the land.
Achan sins against God by disobeying God's command to not take any of the plunder from the victory over Jericho, but bring it all to the temple. Achan loses his life to pay for his disobedience.
God prepares Joshua and the Children of Israel to go into the Promised Land by reestablishing His covenant with them through circumcision, the Passover and His physical presence with them.
After crossing over the Jordan river, God tells Joshua to set up memorials so that they remember His promises, which He kept, to teach the children, and to be a witness to everyone of God power and love.
God's People prepare and cross the Jordan river into Jericho as God parts the sea for them.
Rahab, the prostitute, protects the spies that Joshua sends in to Jericho to prepare the way to conquer and take the city.
After Moses dies, God appoints Joshua to take over and lead the people into the Promised Land.
Shining light on the Gospel of Jesus Christ which sets us free from the penalty we deserve because of our sin, and the light of God's Word to lead our lives.
Shining some light on how the Christian lives who is free and uses that freedom to serve others.
The epiphany which shines the light on what happens to us, along with Christ, in our Baptism, to give us life eternal.
Paul explains that what he teaches is a mystery made known to us by the Holy Spirit's revelation.
The Birth of Jesus Christ to Mary & Joseph, in Bethlehem, who later is circumcised, presented in the temple, and later returns at 12 years old to "Wow!" the teachers.
Directions for father & mother, children, employer & employee, and finally instruction on putting on the full armor of God.
We are saved by grace, not by what we do, which is a free gift of God that inspires us to good works.
The Parables of the three "losts", the sheep, the coin and the son, and our Compassionate Heavenly Father.
An Oracle Concerning the people living in Jerusalem and a warning about trusting any one or anything else besides God.
Isaiah's vision of the Lord and his commission ing by God to go to the people with a message of law and gospel.
The Song of Moses to remind God's People to put their faith in Him and follow His ways.
Joshua is commissioned to succeed Moses, who reads the Book of Law and tells them to continue to read it to the people.
The Altar in the new land, with the call to write down and remember all that God commanded them for great blessing and not a curse.
The application of the 5th Commandment on life, the 6th Commandment on married and the 4th Commandment on family.
The re-giving of the 10 Commandments, which the people broke when the worshiped the golden calf, but God re-gave because He forgave them.
God is passionate about those who follow Him, and will punish those who fight against us.
The last chapter of the book of Exodus which records to building and then the anointing of the tabernacle and Aaron and the his sons.
God instructs the building of the ark of the covenant, the altar, the lampstand and the incense altar.
The people give so generously that Moses has to tell them to stop because they have enough to furnish the tabernacle.
Directions on who God has given the skills to do the work in the Tabernacle, and about the Sabbath (rest) that God gives for our good.
The details of the garments of the priest to anoint, ordain and consecrate them for their work to mediate for the people and God.
The details and the maintenance for making the altar, the utensil and the lamp in the tabernacle.
God gives instructions on how they will remind themselves that He is with them, by building the Ark of the Covenant.
God guides the children of Israel with laws for their protection and for the good of all.
God gives rules for living that reflect a value for all human life in the midst of sinners.
Moses, Miriam and all the people sing praise to God for a great victory over their enemy!
God gives instruction for the Passover lamb and unleavened bread, along with God's promise the lead them to the Promised Land.
God instructs Moses and the people about the Passover and the details about celebrating it.
The final plague threatened against Pharaoh if he will continue to harden his heart to God.
Moses & Aaron go to Pharaoh with the request to let the children of Israel go, Pharaoh refuses, and increases their work load.
God sends a reluctant Moses with signs and His Name and words, to go to Pharoah and insist that he let God's people go.
God appears to Moses in the burning bush and tells Moses of His plan to save the Children of Israel.
Moses is born, spared and raised as Pharoah's Daughter's son, as God remembers His covenant.
Jacob blesses and tells of the future of his 12 sons, including Judah, whose family will one day give birth to Jesus.
Joseph's Brothers go back to Egypt for food during the famine and Joseph's tests their faithfulness.
After two years, God brings Joseph from prison to the Pharoah where he interprets the king's dream and saves many from famine.
God shows the meaning of two dreams to Jospeh, who gives glory to God, and waits patiently on his Lord.
Joseph is placed in charge of all of Potiphar's house, only to be brought down by the accusation of Potiphar's wife, but then to rise again in favor with the master of the prison because God is with him.
The sexual sins of Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, after he and his brothers sell their brother Joseph, and the grace of God, Who continues His promise for a Savior.
Abraham makes sure that Isaac has a wife who believes in the true God, that the line of the Messiah might continue.
Abraham's faith in God's promises, even at Sarah's death, as he buries her in the Promised Land, and believes that God would give him and his family after him everything that God had promised.
God tests Abraham and tells him to sacrifice his son. 1 Corinthians 11:17 tells us that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle and He will provide a way out. 1 Peter 1:6-7 tells us that we will be allowed to go through various trials to test our faith and that the end results will be glorious - heaven.
God is good to His promise and Isaac, the son of laughter is born and brings great joy to Abraham and Sarah.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but God graciously saving Lot and his daughters as He promised Abraham.
God comes to Abraham to reassure him and Sarah of the promise of a children and descendants who would be a blessing to all mankind, and Abraham intercedes for the life of his nephew, Lot.
God again confirms His Covenant with Abram & Sarai and calls them to walk with Him and obey Him.
Abram & Sarai try to have an heir through Sarai's servant girl, Hagar, but God intervenes.
Abram rescues Lot from his enemies, then makes a gift to Melchizedek, the king of righteousness, who is the king of Salem ('peace') and a type of Christ being both king and priest.
Abram continues to follow God's lead and step out in faith, being family to his nephew, Lot, and making sure he is cared for, with God's blessing.
God calls to Abram & Sarai and promises to make his family and blessing to all people, and they are called to trust and follow Him.
God confuses the languages of the people who rebel against His command to "fill the earth," and rather go make a name for themselves.
God's covenant with Noah and mankind that He will not destroy with flood waters and Noah's pledge to trust and obey God.
Some of the most beautiful words we can hear is, "but God remembered...", because when God remembers He does something, too. Here God remembers Noah and his family and causes the flood waters to dry up and gets Noah "back on dry ground."
The details of the worldwide, total deluge of everything on earth, and the death of everyone and every creature, except for Noah and his family who are kept safe by God in the ark.
The history of all creation, and especially of mankind's beginings by God, Who despite our rebellious and waywards ways, is faithful to His promises to save us.
Where the slippery slope of sin and rebellion against God leads us to where Cain takes his brother Abel's life, but where God continues to reach out to those He created and calls them back to Himself.
The history of the cause for the turmoil and death we experience, caused by our rebellion against God.
After explaining what God did on Day 7 and established a day of rest for us all, Genesis 2 gives us an expanded version of Day 6 and the creation of mankind, male and female and establishes marriage and family.
Genesis tells us about the existence of God and how He created everything, including the order we see yet today.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Matthew, an Apostle of Jesus, tells us some of the finals details of Jesus life, including Jesus' commissioning of His followers to make Disciples as they go, baptize and teach.
The details about the death and the burial of Jesus Christ, especially those of inadvertently (by mistake) just reaffirm for us Who Jesus is, and how all their efforts only reinforce what we believe about Jesus, our Savior, our Redeemer, the Son of God!
Here are three parables where Jesus lays the truths about being prepared to die so that we go to heaven with earthly stories the readers would relate with. We call them parables, and they speak truth to us and point us to following Jesus.
There is nothing or no one here that will last, only Jesus' words and promises and God Himself. Rejoice, you know Jesus and He is your Savior and His Word endures forever (and so will you, in Him!)
Jesus speaks "woe" to those who are not practicing what they are preaching, and in love for them He confronts them and longs to have them come back to Him.
Jesus teaches of the urgency of the invitation to come to Him, and Him alone, to be saved.
Responding to the questions of others, Jesus shows us again God's good, complete and blessed ways, and how we fall short, be God provides a Savior for us.
The outcome and blessing of those who have benefited from the saving work of God's Suffering Servant.
The fourth of the Servant Songs of Isaiah concerning Jesus Christ, God's Servant on our behalf.
God calls us to see light, to wake up to the work He is going to do, which is done by God's Son, Jesus Christ, The Servant of the Lord, Who suffers and dies, but rises from the dead to win the victory over our enemy of Death.
We may think that God has spoken enough words of comfort through Isaiah, but God knows how "slow of heart to believe" we are, and so God pleads for faith in His power to redeem us.
Isaiah writes about our sin and then the reason that the Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ, came to suffer and die and rise again.
We see God eternal, all knowing and all powerful, and yet the Good Shepherd who saves us.
Infinitely merciful and patient, God does not tire to repeat Himself. Again and again God promises to deliver His fallen creatures and goes to great lengths to persuade doubting and fainting souls to believe the proclamation of their liberation.
This the first of four Servant Songs in Isaiah, referring to THE Servant, Jesus Christ.
In the courtroom of life there is one Judge-God, and yet in His Grace, God has provided the perfect Defense in His only Son, Jesus Christ, who takes our punishment and we are declared "not guilty" by faith.
The comfort that only God can give, to be announced by Isaiah, and John the Baptizer (about Jesus) and now by God's people (the Church). We wait in certain and sure hope for that complete and eternal comfort of God, and live now in joyful service for God and others.
The king of Assyria threatens Israel and King Hezekiah, so Hezekiah prays to the LORD, Who promises to save them and send the king of Assyria away--and God does it!! "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Psalm 50:14-15
Isaiah 11
God is going to cut down the nations against Him and against the people of Israel, to save them and protect them. In chapter 10 God promised to save a remnant of the people who have not rejected Him, like a shoot the grows out of a stump.
v. 1 - Jesus is that shoot, born from the line of Jesse, the father of King David. He was cut down on the cross, but rose from the dead, alive and growing.
v. 2 - 5 Jesus reigns with the Holy Spirit, but not like any king we've every known, but wise, perfect and making us right with Him by forgiving our sins.
v. 6 - 9 Jesus will bring peace like we've never seen, like it was in the garden of Eden before sin, ultimately in heaven, it will be paradise restored.
v. 13 - The war between the north and the south kingdoms of the children of Israel will be over.
v. 14 - 16 The nations who had conquered the children of Israel, will be conquered by the Lord, and He will bring them back home to the promised land.
God reigns over all and nothing happens with His knowing or His plan. The Children of Israel have been unfaithful to God and despite many warnings through the Prophets, now God will punish them with the nation of Assyria. Yet God controls how far Assyria may go, and when Assyria goes too far, God brings them down. God is His grace, saves a Remnant of His People, through whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, will come. Ever faithful to His Promise to send a Savior through the family of David, God's patience and abiding love always trumps His destruction, for God punishes only to turn us around so that He might have mercy on us.
v. 1 - The "Woe" of God to Israel to expose their sin and call them to repentance.
v. 5 - 11 God's tool, the nation of Assyria, to punish Israel
v. 12 - 19 God warns Assyria that they have taken this too far (God controls the punishment) and God will show that He is more powerful that the Assyrian's and they too must answer to God.
v. 20 - 34 There will come a Day, God's Day, to give the faithful in Israel hope that God has not abandoned them. One Day, God will abandon His Only Son, Jesus, on the cross, for our sake, so that we will be forgiven and never be abandoned.
v. 20 - Israel should lean on noone, except God!
v. 24 - God's "Do not fear" regarding their enemies, because God is more powerful!
Again, this is a lesson first recorded in Advent, before Christmas. Chapter 8 ends with the call to fear God and wait for the Lord. Now Chapter 9 Isaiah tells us about what God has planned for the future, fulfilled in what Jesus did. Jesus is the child who is born who will reign forever.
The video is one that we used back before Christmas this past year and is a good reminder of Isaiah's message from God. In December we focused on the chapters of Isaiah where God foretold His plan to send Jesus, the Messiah, so that we might have hope.I pray that it is a blessing to you and me as we read through more of Isaiah, the prophet of God.
Isaiah sent to King Ahaz with a message of hope from God, but unfortunately Ahaz refuses to have faith in God for deliverance. God still fulfills the promise for deliverance by sending Jesus.
There are blessings when we follow God, but destruction and death when we follow our ways.
In the courtroom of the universe, God, the prosecuting attorney brings His case against the children of Israel before the jury of heaven and earth. Yet God offers mercy, though they are guilty, and that mercy would be in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
On the way to the cross, Jesus is confronted by those who don't believe Him, and He teaches all who will listen to Him.
For the Monday in Holy Week, we read about Jesus entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and His day on Monday, clearing the temple and calling us to faith in Him.
Jesus heads to Jerusalem, meeting opposition from many, but determined to accomplish His mission to save us.
Jesus tells of His upcoming death and resurrection another time and His Disciples struggle with what it means to be His follwers.
Jesus teaches in parables so that one needed to believe in Him in order to understand them and that we are saved by the grace of God, through faith.
Jesus heals some, addresses the great crowd following Him, calls His 12 Disciples, responds to those who reject Him and addresses His own family.
Jesus heals some, calls some to follow Him, and challenges those who are rejecting Him.
Jesus heals and raises from the dead, as He conquers demons and all the effects of sin.
A letter of the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of God, which changes our lives into ones of love and forgiveness through Christ.
Paul writes to this young Pastor to encourage him to stay faithful to God's Word and be aware of wrong teachings and teachers.
Warnings against false teachers and hope in the calling of God and the blessing of holding strong in faith in Jesus Christ.
Greetings, support and recognition of opposition as John pastors this church in Christ.
Words of encouragement and reminder that Jesus is coming back and this world will end, but we have hope in Him.
The charge to Pastor and People to bear each other up under burdens and witness Christ to the world.
The deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who offer an "unauthorized" sacrifice to God.
The sacrifices to remind us that our sin is againist God and against others and restitution should be made also.
Jesus came for this, to be betrayed, denyed, and yet go willingly to die on our behalf.
Isaiah prophesies about Jesus, the Branch coming from the stump of Jesse, David's father, who would be greater than David, the Greatest King who will reign forever in a Kingdom of Grace and Faith.
The promise of One who is our wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasating Father, Prince of Peace.
God continues to promise to be with us, through the words and life of His Prophet, Isaiah.
The prophecy of the virgin who will conceive and give birth to a son, whom will be called Immanuel (God with us).
The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to hear of his Wisdom and we read of Solomon's wealth.
King David praises God and asks for a blessing, while encouraging the people to give graciously as they have been blessed.
David charges his son, Solomon the build the temple, but most important, to be faithful to God.
Warning about the times and the "itchy" ears of people, with encouragement to preach the Word.
Encouragement comes from being together with other Christians, and in Timothy's case, fellow pastors, as Christ calls us together.
Final words of instruction, warning and encouragement from a seasoned pastor, Paul, to a young pastor, Timothy.
The roles of Pastor and Elder as laid out by God through inspiration of the Holy Spirit written by Paul.
Paul writes to his son "in the faith" teaching to keep speaking the Truth of God to those he serves.
A second time the Aposlte Paul writes to answer questions from the Christians in Thessalonica.
By faith we know what is coming down the line in this life as Jesus is coming back one day and we will be with Him forever.
Encouragement to stay strong in faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit working through God's Word/The Bible.
Loving like a mother and a father, nurturing, correcting, disciplining and directing with the Word of God
Defending faith in Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior of all against every other teaching.
To shore up what is being taught and believed among Christian, Paul writes to those in Colossae and by inspiration, also to us.
The opening of one of the letters written by Paul from prison, captive, but not captive to teach about Jesus Christ.
Knowing the spiritual realm and battles of this life, here is the Armor of God to equip is to win.
We imitate God, not what we see everyday! Walk with God and His Kingdom is your's. Peace.
The "mystery" of the Good News we have in Jesus Christ, especially the immeasurability of God's wisdom and love.
A rich and personal instruction from Paul, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, to write about God works on our behalf as Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
The Bible teaching that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by anything that we can do ourselves.
By the grace of God we are saved from what we deserve because we are all sinners and the free gift is our by faith.
Paul writes to these churches that he planted and warns them about those who preach a different gospel, which is anyhing that changes The Gospel about Jesus Christ.
Paul is writing to a real church, with real people who need to repent and need forgiveness.
Another letter from Paul to the Christians in Corinth with more encouragement and truth.
Paul closes this letter with greetings, encouragements, direction and his desire to visit them.
This is what God means by love--it is action and something will strive to do all our lives, but wil never reach the level of love that God has for us.
Instruction of the Gifts that are giving to everyone by the Holy Spirit and on how they ought to be used.
Down to earth instruction on marriage and church, and being who we were made to be in Christ.
In our lives as Christians we follow Christ in everything, and in His examples, we consider others before ourselves.
Paul applies the principle of "Love your neighbor as yourself" to himself in his ministry, as one who is perfectly free in Christ and servant of all.
Inspired by the example of Jesus, we care about others ahead of ourselves, for their good, in the directive of "do unto others as you would have them do to you."
Pastor Paul responds to questions by the Christian Church in Corinth about marriage, sex and life.
This is how Christians treat one another as sisters and brothers in Christ, following the example and calling of Jesus.
Paul, the Pastor and Teacher, a servant of God and steward of God's mysteries to the church in which God has placed him.
Paul gets to the heart of the matter that this group of Christians were dealing with divisions because they were not focussing on Jesus.
God, who is our authority, establishes authority in our life, for our good, and entrusts that authority to others to protect us.
This is the Christian life, but it is only powered by the Grace of God, not by our ability, it too, is a gift of God!
God's plan for all people is to save all by the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Though some will reject that gift, it does not changes God's mind or plan--all can be saved through Christ.
The message of the Bible is not man's wisdom, but God's Wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
This is a letter to a group of Christian whom Paul helped to gather as a church in the city of Corinth. Paul is no longer there in person, but writes to them to teach, admonish and guide them in Christian faith and living.
Let God be the Creator and we His creation, blessed, loved, forgiven by Him, and trusting His will in everything!
Jesus came to be condemned in our place, so that now, by faith, worked in us by the Holy Spirit, we have peace with God in everything and forever.
We thank God that He shows us the seriousness of sin, and provides a way to life through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
We are slaves to sin if we think we can sin because Jesus has won us forgiveness. We are set free to a new life of battling sin in us everyday, with the joy of knowing that we are forgiven.
The Christian life is one of sacrifice and caring for others above ourselves, following the example of Jesus Christ.
One of the Bible's great "Therefores" as we have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul proves from the Psalms that no one is righteous, but that the Laws convicts us all to be sinners, but that by faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved.
The Apostle Paul convicts himself and all of us as being sinners and unable to save ourselves, to lead us to repent and seek the Savior.
The teacher, Paul, instructs the church, Christians, in Rome on the teachings of our Christian faith.
God values family above everything, just as He created it and preserves. We end our study of Numbers reminded that God gave these commands because He loves us.
The people apportion the land they inherited from God in a way that honors God and each other.
Moses recounts the history of their travels that he led them through until coming to the Promised Land, reflecting God's faithful to lead them.
As God's Word is His Word, true, faithful and trustworthy, so our word should always be our word.
The offerings show that all gifts come from God and the greatest offering is the one that Jesus made for us.
God has Moses number the people as they are all important to Him and He knows them by name.
God's angry response as His people stray from Him because He loves for us to be near Him that He might bless us.
The history of grumbling and quarreling and the impact that it has on our world, yet God's grace and patience in continuing to deal with us.
God provides a way for people to be purified from sin and the effect of sin, which is death.
God establishes a chain of accountability for rebellion and sin, which He ultimately puts on Jesus, who dies for our forgiveness.
The people already against God and He responds quickly to bring them back to trusting Him and faithfully following Him.
God recreates order for His people with the yearly Passover and with His leading them day by day.
God organizes worship and devotion to regularly remind them of His relationship with them.
The imperfections in creation and the creatures remind us of the impact of sin, and convicts us all. God came to make us like Him, through the forgiveness we have through Jesus Christ.
In this chapter God sets a guard around His relationship with them through their worship life, and reminds them that He will redeem them.
The people go on their way, with God's presence (the tabernacle) in the middle of them, and with them on all four sides.
Today we finish reading the Gospel of John, hearing that what John writes is inspired by God, an eyewitness account, and written so we might know how to be saved!
**Please note that this was recorded earlier--contrary to what it says, our next study will be in the book of Numbers. God's blessings as you read His Word.
Daily Bible Reading - John 20
(Blessed, continued and eternal celebration of the new life that we have by faith in our Risen Lord Jesus. Just a reminder, this video was recorded earlier and used here again. This week after we've celebrated Easter, we read John's account of Easter Day and one week later)
It's the week after Easter, and as we read today, we are reminded of the suffering that Jesus went through for us, which makes our Easter joy great, in thanks for the faithfulness of God and how His Love endures forever.
Join us on the Holy Saturday, in anticipation of Easter, as we read through the Gospel of John for this time of Lent and Easter.
(Note: This is from a previous recording, but for today, Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022) Join us as we read through Gospel according to John for this Lent and Easter time.
Join us as we read through the Gospel of John for Lent and Easter, and especially during this Holy Week as we consider the gravity of the life of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Join with your sisters and brothers in Christ as we read through the Gospel of John this Holy Week.
Join us as we read the account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through Lent and Easter.
Join us as we read through John for Lent & Easter. (Note that this commentary was recorded for an earlier read through the Bible time).
Daily Bible Reading - John 6 - Join us as we read through the Gospel of John for Lent and Easter.
The recording was made previously and used again here as we read through John for lent & Easter.
The recording was made previously and used again here as we read through John for lent & Easter.
The recording was made previously and used again here as we read through John for lent & Easter.
The recording was made previously and used again here as we read through John for lent & Easter.
This video was recorded earlier, and used again here. Join us as we read through the Gospel of John during Lent & Easter. God's richest blessings!
Read that with God there is always a day of hope, when God wins the victory and we win along with Him.
God will silence every idol and those who lead others to follow them, as He is the only true God.
Looking on "the One who was pierced" for our sake, because of the grace and mercy of God, our Father.
Read about God's strange work of ultimately abandoning those who reject Him, through the prophet Zechariah, who reminds us that the Lord does remember His promises and wants us to return to Him.
Read about the passion of God to save us from our ultimate enemies of sin, death and the devil.
Words of Hope from God through the prophet stating that one day a King would come, humble and gentle, and He would make us right with God. That King is Jesus Christ.
God is faithful and passionate about His love for us. He brings us good news and we are called to be faithful.
Having given the people the vision of God's grace to come, God now calls the people to repent and come back to Him in faith and good works.
Read how God is coming with power to defeat the evil and to call people to repent and come back to Him.
Hear God's cry through the prophet Zechariah to turn away from worshiping anything else but God.
Zechariah is a prophet of God who reminds us that our Lord remembers, and God calls us to remember Him, confess our sins, and He will forgive.
The Word of God comes to the prophet Zechariah, whose names means "God remembers," to remind the people of the destruction that had happened in the past when people rejected God, and to remind them that God is jealous for His creation.
Speaking through the prophet Haggai, God tells the people to rebuild His House as they rebuild their own and reinforces the cycle of worship in their life.
God warns us, His Bride, to remain faithful, so that we might be restored to Him and comforts us with the joy of His eternal reign, and our's in heaven.
God threatens punishment for those who reject and go against Him to call them to repent, while He encourages those who are faithful to remain so for God's Day is coming!
God's Word spoken through the prophet Zephaniah to people who ignore God and worship other god's, but God is going to punish them and call them back.
Habakkuk, the "embracer", consoles and encourages us with the fear of the Lord, who is mighty to save and most powerful, and encourages us to wait upon the Lord in everything.
The faithful prophet watches and waits for God to answer their complaint, and reminds us to come as those who are right with God by faith, not by their works. Listen to God's "woes" and repent. Be still before God and be at peace.
God's prophet, Habakkuk, whose name meanings "embracer," hugs the people to comfort them with God oracle, or burden, which He put on Habakkuk's heart, to console them.
The last chaper of the last book of the Old Testament, and God promises that there will be a Day when time comes, and judgment will be made against those who do evil, and those who, by faith, do good.
God promises to send a Messenger, who is John the Baptizer, who will go before God's Servant, Jesus, who will save people from their sins.
God warns especially the worship leaders against leading the people away from God and promises to punish them.
God speaks through "my messenger" (Malachi) and gives him a "burden" (oracle) to speak warning those who are doing their own thing and not what God wants, reminding them how God loves them.
God warns Assyria as He comforts His people that He will conquer their enemies and restore His people, if they will but turn from their ways and come back to God.
Read the message God gave to the prophet Nahum to speak to God's People. A message of hope for those who turn back to God, and great warning and consequences for those who are enemies.
Micah closes with the bleak condition in the souls of men of His time, but knowing that God reigns and the times are in His hands.
Read how Micah comes back to the present, deplorable state of the world, where we stand guilty as charged in God's court, and God reminds us that He has saved us, and calls us back to not rejecting that salvation, but repenting and returning to God.
Read how God promises to bring Peace by means of His own Son, Jesus, being born of a woman and born in the town of Bethlehem.
God speaks a word of Hope that He reigns and invites everyone to come to Him and He will teach them the way of life.
God speaks out through His prophet MIcah, the practices which He hates because they hurt others, and warns them to stop and come back to Him.
Read about how God warns and pleads with His people who have strayed away from Him, and tells them what will happen if they don't turn back.
Read about God's graciousness and patience, towards both the people of Nineveh and towards stubborn, rebellious, callous Jonah.
In the yo yo account of Jonah's life, as in our lives with our own ups and downs, the grace of God shines through.
God can be reached even from the belly of a fish, and God hears the prayers of repentant sinners, even those who run from Him at times. God is true to His Word, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me."
Read about Jonah, this prophet of God who is reluctant and runs, but just as the "wicked" people are not too far from the grace of God, so Jonah is not too far, but a servant whom God puts through a storm and yet rescues with a great fish, to carry out God's will that "none should perish."
Read this last chapter of the book of Acts in the Bible, which closes open ended as the 'actions' of God's Church continues through our days, and we proclaim the same Jesus Christ to our world.
Paul trusts God's word of promise, that all on board their ship to Rome, would make it safely, though their boat would not. Even when all gave up hope, Paul and his companions, including Luke, faithfully believed, and God came through (as always!).
Read how God is working through the Apostle Paul to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to many people.
The opposition is heating up to the message of Jesus Christ through the Apostle Paul, yet God continues to assure Paul (and us) that He is with us always, and keep preaching the message!
Read about Paul's life journey, and how God brought him to where He would use him for the good of all people.
Read about the love between Paul and those he ministers to, like Pastor and People in a church who love God and love each other. Motivated by that love, we serve and are willing to even die for Christ.
Read how the Apostle Paul continues to press on, despite the resistance, and how Pastors are commissioned to care for their flocks, and all are encouraged.
Read about the church on the move, empowered by the Holy Spirit, meeting opposition but moving forward in the power of that Spirit.
Read how the 2nd Missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, comes to an end, and how the 3rd journey begins.
Read how the message about Jesus Christ is believed by some, but still opposed by others. Yet, Paul moves on and continues proclaim, reason, explain and prove that Jesus died and rose from the dead. The Berean Christians are a good example to us, to check everything we hear with God's Word.
Read about the work of the church being busy with the things of God for the saving of many souls. God is directing the mission, as He always is then and now, and many come to believe.
Read how there are not disagreements with people who are outside the church and opposing us, but there are also disagreements within the church, which calls us to state the problem, listen and talk about what it is, look to God's Word and God's work, pray and ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and make a decision, which we share with everyone. By God's grace, the work continues.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to remain diligent and faithful, despite the hardships we face because we believe in Jesus as our Savior, and lives that out, who, despite being stoned to death, yet lived, continued to preach.
Read about the beginning of the missionary journeys of Paul, how God sent him and others out, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and how the church grew, proclaiming the message about salvation in Jesus Christ.
Read about how no authority is above God, and no force can stop the growing of His Church, not even the death of Her Leaders and Missionaries. God reigns, so be encouraged to boldly speak of the Hope that we have in Jesus.
Read about the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, through the lives and voices of the Disciples, preaching about Jesus Christ and the impact it has on those who hear and believe.
Read about the growth of the church, despite, and through, persecution, by the power of God the Holy Spirit, as these young 'Christians' tell their world about Jesus Christ and His power to save us.
Read about God's work through the Holy Spirit, who works faith in people, but partners with us to witness Jesus Christ to them.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, with a lightening bolt, God gets Saul's attention and his heart, as Saul is converted, bapized and sent out, not without some turmoil among the Christians, but God works peace in their hearts and the work of the church goes on.
Read about the persecution of Christian, and yet how God used it to spread the message as the people were faithful in proclaiming Jesus Christ.
Read about the faithful and strong witness of the early Christians, and of Stephen, who confessed what he knew by faith, and though he was martyred, but even in his death was a witness to the life we have in Jesus Christ.
Read about how Christian work and act among each other and in the world. This is serious business, life and death, and demands our total devtion, and yet the reward is peace with God.
Read about the Holy Spirit speaking through John & Peter, Disciples of Jesus, who witnessed His resurrection and speak about Him only, despite opposition.
Read the conclusion to King Solomon's writing, under the power of the Holy Spirit, inspired by God, to give us Wisdom.
Welcome as we start a new study on a new book of the Bible, this time in the New Testament, now in the Book of the Acts. This is the account of the "actions" of the Disciples of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ to the world.
Read as Solomon is inspired to write what he has learned about true wisdom, which comes only from God, while folly comes from us.
As Solomon takes a long look at his life and what brings turmoil and what brings joy, he finds his only hope is in God.
Read the words of King Solomon and the wisdom he shares about how not to find peace in this world, and the frustration you will find in this world's wisdom and knowledge.
Read how the tabernacle/tent of meeting is completed, following all the direction of God for how it is made, what belongs in it and it's purpose in reminding people of God's presence with them.
Read how the tabernacle is finished by the Craftsman that God provided, and the materials that God provided, and the willing heart that God provided, to provide for the people a visual of God grace, that He also provides for us all. Blessed Christmas, another of God's provisions for all the grace that we need!
Read about how the people responded to God saving them and the many blessings they had received from God by giving and giving until Moses finally had to tell them to stop!
Read about the willingness of the people to give and work, as the Holy Spirit has gifted them and inspired them to not be selfish, but the be selfless, like their Heavenly Father.
Read how God leads the people to the Promised Land, even though they had not kept their part of the covenant, God provides for forgiveness and direction and grace.
Read how the grace of God is tested as the people grow impatient and quickly turn to gods of their own making, yet through the mercy of God, and the intervention of Moses, God turns in His grace, and though He punishes severely, spares their lives, looking to the atonement that Christ would win for all who have faith in Him.
Read how God sets aside what happens in the temple for a holy purpose, emphasizing that God would reconnect with people, and be reconciled with us, but at the price of a life, and ultimately through the life of His only Son, Jesus.
Read about how worship has depth, meaning and order as it reminds us of who God is, and who we are in Him.
God is about order and beauty as He gives Moses the dimensions, layout and the fabrics and colors of the temple. It's the best of the best which shows the excellence of God and our relationship with Him.
God speaks to Moses about the worship of His people, centered around God's promises to be with them and bless them, and they promise their faithfulness and trust in God.
Read how God gives His people guidelines on living a blessed life, curbing our sinful desires, loving as we have been loved, with the promise that God is leading all the way.
After giving us the 10 Commandments and spelling out how we should act morally towards God and toward one another, now we read God's rules for living in the culture of the world, and God's puts boundaries on the actions, and demands accoutablility, and limits practices which are acceptable in the world.
Read how God establishes His Covenant relationship with His people, having heard them and delivered them, now affiming that love for them by giving them guidelines by which to live at peace with Him and with others. We call those guidelines, the 10 Commandments. Read about how much God loves you.
Reading about the mediator work that Moses does for the people, which foreshadow how Jesus is our Mediator between us and God.
Read how God cares for His people, both for their physical needs and for their protection, despite the grumbling of the people, and in the power of his might, as God fights and defeats their enemy, and as Moses lifts up his hands to the Lord on behalf of the people.
Read about the faithfulness of God, and the grumbling of His people, who quickly forget what God has done, and yet find mercy and blessing when they turn back to Him.
Read about how God prepares the people to move forward from their slavery in Egypt, by giving them yearly festivals to remember what He had done for them, and He also leads them to the Promised Land.
It's a new day for the Children of Israel, as God delivers them from slavery, just as on that first Easter morning, on the first day of the week, Jesus rose from the dead to give us new life.
Read about the patience of God, both in being faithful to His people as they wait for Him to bring them out of Egypt, and with Pharoah as God warns him over and over and over again, but finally judging him for ignoring the grace of God.
Read about God warning and giving Pharaoh, chance after chance to come to God, and Pharaoh, in his stubborness, refusing to hear and obey.
Read about the awesome power of God, who created all things and is in control over all the evil effects of sin, and all evil powers, including Pharaoh, yet loves Pharaoh, and through Moses, calls Pharoah to repent.
Read about how God responds to our cries to Him, with more than just words, but action, and there is no power that is greater than His--We have Hope!
Read about God providing for Moses & Aaron, the words and the means to do what He calls them to do, and God's works in His time and way to deliver the Children of Israel.
Read how God sees, hears and remembers Moses (and us!) and responds by sending what we need, in this case, what the people needed was deliverance from Pharoah, and in our case, deliverance from death and separation from Him. God brings us life through Jesus Christ.
Read about how God thwarts the plans of the Pharoah as God's people call out to Him and God hears, remembers, see and knows us.
Read about the continuing history of God's people, living in this world, and the hand of God guiding and blessing them, even amidst their trials.
Read about the witness of the burial of both Jacob (Israel) and of Joseph, both of which show great reverence and respect for the body God gave us, and also a witness to the resurrection of both men, through the grace of God in Jesus, and faith in Him. Joseph leaves us a good example of what it means that revenge is God's not ours, as he deals with his brothers and their sin against him through forgiveness.
Read about the blessing/prophecy that Jacob gives his sons, which includes the consequences of their sins, but also the grace of God in their lives, which will be fulfilled in Jesus, when He comes "in the fulness of time" (Galatians 4:4), and ultimately when the whole family of God, from every "tribe and nation" (Revelation 7) will be gathered together around one throne, the throne Christ.
Jacob blesses his family, but in God's way, as Jacob has learned in his life that God works in His Ways, not ours, but always for what is best for us.
God continues to fulfill what Joseph dreamed so many years earlier, and brings Joseph to a position where he can be a blessing to others under him, as Joseph serves in the likeness of Christ.
Joseph is reunited with all his family, including his father, Jacob. Read about how God brings this whole family together, blesses them and helps them to be a blessing to many.
Read the story of a family being reunited, through much turmoil and sin, yet God, in His grace, reunits what was torn apart, as He does for us through Christ Jesus, our Savior.
Read how Joseph confirms that his brothers are honest and true and faithful to the family. Soon they will be reunited!
Jacob and his family live with the effects of the sin in this world and the effects of their sin, and God being faithful, giving them grace to be reconciled and brought back together.
All the God had revealed to Joseph, has come true, as God's brings this family back together and we learn that we can wait upon the Lord.
Read about God working in Joseph's life and Joseph waiting upon God and giving God all the glory when God reveals Pharoah's dream, which works to save the lives of many. We learn to wait upon God and trust Him.
Read about the ups and downs of Joseph's life, and how God is with him (and us!) through everything.
Read how God is with Joseph and blesses him, even though Joseph goes through many trials, some caused by his very faithfulness to God and God's gift of marriage, and yet in the end, Joseph is blessed.
Genesis takes a diversion from the life of Joseph, to tell us about what is happening in the rest of the family, in particular with Judah, Joseph's brother who got his brothers to sell Joseph, rather than kill him. Jesus comes from a line of sinners, for sinners. Judah and his son's sins are wicked in God's sight, but yet God is merciful and knows that our only hope is in Him.
Read about the Generations that God is working through in the line of the Messiah, and about the earthly family dynamics and disfunctions of sinful people (like us!) in need of a Savior.
Read the names of all those whom God knows by name, historical figures which grounds the Bible in history, not a fairy tale, but actual people precious to God, as you yourselves are, too!
Read about God's faithfulness to Jacob and to us in extending the family of Abraham until the time when Jesus would be born, in the line and family of Abraham.
Read about the Grace of God in Jacob's (Israel's) life as he is reunited with his brother Esau, and the actions of Jacob's Son's who, like their father, have learned how to deceive for their advantage. Yet God is merciful!
Read about God working through the imperfect life and family of Jacob--God even wrestled with Jacob, changing his name to Israel ("wrestles with God"), showing that He is a God who strives with us and for us.
Read about the Family of Jacob and the birth of his children and the struggles they had. God keeps His Promises, and despite the disobedience of Jacob, the line of the Messiah continues to move forward.
Read about the journey of Jacob, the son of Isaac & Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham & Sarah, in the line of Jesus Christ.
This is the last chapter of the book of Psalms, which reminds us of the eternal truths of God, and the life of faith and trust in Him
We are reading through the Bible together in the book of Psalms. We are reading one chapter a day. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or observations, please share them. God's Peace as you read. Pastor T.