The Bible, some will say, is full of contradictions and some events and stories that just don’t line up. But looking at the text, Phil shows us that this simply isn’t true. The Bible is indeed full of truth and reliable facts, which when studied in it’s historical context actually all does make sense! With that being said, there are pieces of evidence from the gospel accounts and from Old Testament prophesies about Jesus actually being crucified on a Thursday! 

It is a very good thing to cling to the truth and the facts, but even more important than debating which day of the week Jesus died on, is recognizing that Jesus was in fact crucified. Apart from the crucifixion, we’d have no redemption. This is the foundation of the christian faith. And without the death of Christ, there would be no resurrection!

We look forward to Easter but pause to remember His death. Jesus not only had to suffer the physical agony of death on a cross, but He took on the sins of the world. Jesus took on the full wrath due from the sins we’ve committed. On “Black Friday” (Thursday) we remember what Jesus did for us, how our beautiful savior was hung on a cross and said “It is finished” and died, to save us. 

Though there is no “one size fits all” formula to parenting through this technological age, there are some key tips that can be applied to every situation.  

• Be aware of how your child’s demeanor changes with screen time and know the difference between active use vs. passive use. Limit the time your child or teen spends watching videos or scrolling through social media. Instead, encourage active use of their phone or tablet. Researching topics that lead to creativity.  
• Set a foundation in your home that you as their parent are the safe place. You always want to encourage open communication and that you will never shame them if they confess something to you.  
• Let it be common knowledge that their phone is NOT private. Limiting time with their device and knowing that mom and dad have access to anything and everything on their phone when their time is up let’s it be known that no secrets will stay secret.  
• Our kids aren’t the only ones who need a limit with their screen time. Set up a rule in the house that everyone- including mom and dad- have a phone curfew.  
• Overall, look at the big picture with the end goal of having your kids on the right path of wisdom. Be intentional, get involved, don’t let technology raise your kids.

Scripture- Don’t be too picky with the translation you read from, any Bible you have in your house is the perfect start! Study Bibles can also help with extra understanding of the text. Choose a section or book of the Bible you want to dive into. Start by reading just a chapter a day.  

Observation- Take the scripture for what it says historically, learning about the time and audience this chapter was meant for will help you better understand where the author is coming from.  

Application- taking what we know from Gods character and the words written in the text, we can apply the same principles in our lives. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Prayer- Thank God for His word, and the privilege it is to be able to read it every day! 

 Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.

1. Discover the word of God. Ask God to give you the hunger for His word.
2. Digest the word. The enemy is not threatened by a Christian that is not in God's word. Allow the Word of God to seep into your soul. The Bible nourishes us.
3. Delight in His word. He wrote the Bible for you. 
4. Declare. Declare the word of God!

Your challenge:

Read 1 Chapter a day. 

Start in the book of John.

For more information about Abundant Life Independence Campus, visit livingproof.co/independence