Devoted to Scripture

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Peter+1-5/

This is day 354 of our journey.

Today we will read the first of two books written by the apostle Peter.  The end of Peter's ministry was spent as one of the leaders of the church in Rome.  While serving there, he learned about the persecution being faced by Christians in other provinces and wrote this letter to encourage them to remain faithful.  His message comes in three-parts.  First, live a holy life (putting behind you worldly things that you did when you were ignorant of the truth) and recognize that you are now a holy nation called to new life.  Next, live this holy life as an example to others and, in so doing, impress those that foolishly persecute Christians without cause.  Finally, he reminds the church that persecution is an expected part of the Christian life. After all, Christ, the Messiah, suffered persecution by a world that opposed his message and the hope that it brings...we, as his followers, will suffer that same persecution as well.  But take heart and remember this; Jesus will return (as he promised) and he will, once and for all, restore his people!

Join me in 1 Peter 1-5 and live for God as you endure hardship waiting for his return!

Key verses:

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  

1 Peter 3:15

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

1 Peter 4:19

So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.  

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/1-Peter/

https://netbible.org/bible/James+1-5/

This is day 353 of our journey.

Today we read the book of James.  James was a half-brother of Jesus and became the leader of the church in Jerusalem.  He filled this letter with teachings to be sent to Jewish believers scattered throughout the Roman empire.  The book of James is full of little bits of wisdom covering all aspects of life and, thus, doesn't have the same feel as many of Paul's letters.  He focuses on daily living and what that should looks like in the life of a Christian.  Topics span from controling one's tongue to caring for the poor.  James clearly emphasizes the need to give evidence of our faith by the way we live and asserts that true Salvation will naturally be accompanied by a changed life. James also encourages his readers to persevere when faced with persecution, knowing that hardships strengthen and perfect us.

Join me in James 1-5, hear the Word and do what it says!

Key verses:

James 1:2-3

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials,  3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  

James 2:17

So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself.  

James 3:2

For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.

James 4:6

But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.”  

James 5:8

You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/James/

https://netbible.org/bible/Hebrews+12-13/

This is day 352 of our journey.

The book of Hebrews ends with words of encouragement that empower the believer to stand strong in difficult circumstances.  There are so many faithful followers who have gone before us that we can look to as examples.  By the grace of Christ, we run (with endurance) the race that has been set before us.  Suffering and persecution will come, but these are the things that God uses to strengthen us.  We can stand confidently knowing that God is our helper and that there is nothing that this world can throw at us that can separate us from our loving, Holy Savior!  

Join me in Hebrews 12-13 and be confident in Christ to bring victory in all circumstances!

Key verses:

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore,  since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,  

Hebrews 13:6

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and  I will not be afraid. What can people do to me?”  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Hebrews+10-11/

This is day 351 of our journey.

In Hebrews 10, the author contrasts the old and new sacrifices.  The old sacrifice was offered year after year and could never fully cover sin. It was, instead, a contant reminder of the sin that separates from God.  The new sacrifice was offered once, and after being offered, Christ ascended to sit at the right hand of God.  His sacrifice paid the debt of sin for all time and, unlike any sacrifice before it, had the power to perfect those that, through Christ, are being made holy.  Hebrews 11 discusses the role of faith - faith is what makes it possible to approach God and receive a reward from him.  We are then reminded of all the ways that the people of the Old Testament lived by faith.  Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses all looked forward to a promise that they never saw in their own lifetime, but they had faith that God would fulfill his word to them.  We too have been given a promise and must have faith that it will be accomplished in us!

Join me in Hebrews 10-11 and walk by faith!

Key verses:

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy.  

Hebrews 11:6

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.  

Hebrews 11:39

And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Hebrews+6-9/

This is day 350 of our journey.

The writer of Hebrews continues to emphasize that Christ is a greater high priest than those prescribed by the law.  He takes time to talk about Melchizedek, a priest before God who once accepted a gift from Abraham before he had become a great nation.  Melchizedek was a greater priest than any Levitical priest because he came before them and bestowed the Lord's blessing upon Abraham.  The Bible gives no details about the origin or the end of Melchizedek; similarly, Christ has no beginning and no end.  Christ will be our high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4).  Not only is Jesus a greater high priest, but the covenant that he administers is a greater covenant.  No longer are the laws written on tablets...instead, God promises to write the covenant on the hearts of His people.

Join me in Hebrews 6-9 and worship our great High Priest!

Key verses:

Hebrews 6:12

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.  

Hebrews 7:28

For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.  

Hebrews 8:10

 “For this is the covenant that I will establish with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will put  my laws in their minds  and I will inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God and they will be my people.  

Hebrews 9:28

so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Hebrews+1-5/

This is day 349 of our journey.

Today we begin the book of Hebrews.  The author of Hebrews is unknown, but the original audience was Christian Jews who were in danger of falling away from the faith.  The book proclaims the superiority and the full revelation of the new covenant as opposed to the insurmountable Law that they had been living under for centuries.  The reader is challenged to respond to the threat of persecution with a renewed committment to this new covenant in Christ.  In this first portion, we see Jesus and his salvation proclaimed as perfect and, in every way, superior to the salvation announced by the angels through the law of Moses.  Jesus is our great high priest and fulfills that role more effectively than any other priest in history because, rather than returning year-after-year to present a new guilt offering, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins...his death (and resurrection) cleansed us from our sins and reconciled us to God once for all.

Join me in Hebrews 1-5 and rejoice in Christ's superiority over the Law!

Key verses:

Hebrews 1:2

in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.  

Hebrews 2:18

For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.  

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. We are of his house, if in fact we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope we take pride in.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.  

Hebrews 5:10

and he was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/Hebrews/

https://netbible.org/bible/Philemon+1/

This is day 348 of our journey.

Today we read Paul's short letter to his friend Philemon who lived in Colossae.  The letter is written with regards to Philemon's slave Onesimus.  Onesimus (whose name means "useful") had run away from Philemon to Rome (quite likely robbing Philemon in the process).  While in Rome, he had become a follower of Christ and had been assisting Paul in many ways.  Paul emphasizes to Philemon the change that the Gospel has brought to Onesimus's life and asserts that he is even more "useful" now as a brother in Christ.  While the law would allow for Philemon to sentence his former slave to death for his crime, Paul speaks on behalf of the man, even offering to pay the price of any debt he might owe.  He sends Onesimus back to Philemon with a request that he be accepted as a brother and fellow believer rather than as a slave.  

Join me in Philemon for the power of the Gospel in the life of an individual.

Key verses:

Philemon 1:6

I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/Philemon/

https://netbible.org/bible/Titus+1-3/

This is day 347 of our journey.

Today we will read the book of Titus.  Paul wrote this letter for many of the same reasons that he wrote the book of Timothy.  Titus was Paul's representative to the church on Crete and Paul tasked him with appointing Godly men of integrity as elders over the church.  Further, he was to combat the false teachings that were beginning to crop up.  Teachings that emphasied observance of Jewish practices and the pursuit of controversial speculations.  But, these teachings were not helping the people live pure lives.  Instead, Paul reminds Titus and the people of Crete that God sent salvation by his Son through the Holy Spirit to help his people live a new life.

Join me in Titus 1-3 and combat false teachings with the truth!

Key verses:

Titus 1:15

All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.  

Titus 2:14

He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good.  

Titus 3:5

he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/Titus/

https://netbible.org/bible/2+Timothy+1-4/

This is day 346 of our journey.

Paul writes this second letter to Timothy from prison in Rome, anticipating his execution.  He urges Timothy to come visit him soon to comfort him in his trials.  But he also continues to teach and encourage him to stand firm in the faith despite persecution.  There are many false teachers who are drawing people away from the faith, but God is faithful!  His Scriptures are all inspired and able to help with teaching and training in righteousness.  Paul closes with praise to God who will bring him safely into heaven!

Join me in 2 Timothy 1-4 and remain faithful to the Gospel at all times.

Key verses:

2 Timothy 1:12

Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.  

2 Timothy 2:15

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.  

2 Timothy 3:16

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/2-Timothy/

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Timothy+4-6/

This is day 345 of our journey.

Today's reading includes the theme verse for this podcast: "give attention to the public reading of Scripture". This is just a part of Paul's charge to Timothy to remain true to the Gospel and to the truths he has learned.  He challenges him to continue to teach these things to all people and be confident of the blessings he has been given.  He then moves on to instructions about the treatment of widows and ultimately the treatment of all people, especially fellow believers.  They should be treated with love and respect and all purity.  In the end, Paul gives the charge for Timothy to keep fighting for the cause of faith and for the growth of the saints.

Join me in 1 Timothy 4-6 and remain true to what you have learned!

Key verses:

1 Timothy 4:13

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  

1 Timothy 5:25

Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.  

1 Timothy 6:12

Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.