Here is this week's scheduled reading plan:
Weekend: Titus & Philemon
Monday: Hebrews 1-3
Tuesday: Hebrews 4-6
Wednesday: Hebrews 7-9
Thursday: Hebrews 10-11
Friday: Hebrews 12-13
Since WCC just completed a series on Hebrews this last Spring, I will not go into this book for the purposes of this post.
Rather, I would like to ask you to focus on the weekend reading material- the letters of Paul to Titus and Philemon.
In the letter to Titus, Paul is charging Titus with the task of appointing elders in the church. Pay attention to the qualities of the elders as per Paul. Verses 5-10 basically lay out what a leader in the church (and in the family) ought to look like. Chapter 2 raises the stakes for wives, young men and slaves as well as the men. Pay attention...
In the letter to Philemon, Paul is asking for Philemon to treat his runaway slave Onesimus as an equal as he is returning to his house. Onesimus has accepted the Lord and Paul is pleading for Philemon to look upon him as an equal going forward. To boot, Paul is saying to Philemon "Hey, if this guy owes you anything or has hurt you in any way- take it up with me to settle it. I'll cover the damages." Paul is puttting his money and life where his mouth is... knowing full well that Philemon owes much to Paul for leading him to Christ in the first place...
Here's hoping you are having a great Christmas season and I look forward to touching bases with you again when we start reading all over again!!!
Mike
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Week 49: Philippians to 2 Timothy
The last 2 days of week 48 and all of our current week 49, we will read one of Paul's letters each day:
* Weekend: Philippians
* Monday: Colossians
* Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians
* Wednesday: 2 Thessalonians
* Thursday: 1 Timothy
* Friday: 2 Timothy
Reading an entire bible book in one day is a great opportunity to really understand some of the issues discussed in that book at a deeper level. It gives you a higher-level understanding of the issues that the writer addresses and tried to convey to his readers.
If you've been following our weekly series "Living to die & dying to live" at Woodhaven Community Church, you should know a lot about the book of Philippians by now. If you've missed it, you can always go on-line to listen to sermons on this letter:
http://sc.fhview.com/sc_customplayer/seriesitems/1/119313
The letter to the Colossian church is addressed to mostly non-Jewish believers. The church is commended and thanked for its solid faith. However, Paul does warn against false teachers and he calls the church to not be misguided by them, but remain steady in the faith the way it was taught. Paul emphasizes the message of God's grace, received in Jesus Christ.
Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, the northern part of present-day Greece. Paul likely wrote this letter during his stay in Corinth. This letter is dated around 50 A.D. and is assumed to be the oldest document in the New Testament. Again, Paul thanks this church for its faith and their good reputation. He also calls them to remain faithful in times of persecution. The first and second letter to the Thessalonians contain a lot of valuable information regarding the end-times, the so-called anti-christ, and the corresponding second return of Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, the last verses of each chapter in 1 Thessalonians contain some information about this subject, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 into Chapter 5 contain a revelation that Paul received through the Holy Spirit.
The second chapter in 2 Thessalonians talks all about the person of the anti-christ. The reason Paul is writing this, is because the church believed that Jesus Christ could return any day now, and therefore they had quit working and neglecting their daily responsibilities. This is a good warning for us as well. We need to be ready for Christ's return at any time, however, we can't use that as an excuse to neglect our daily responsibilities.
Finally, the two letters of Paul to Timothy are personal letters from Paul to his beloved 'son in the faith' and partner in ministry, Timothy. These two letters, together with Paul's letter to Titus, are called the 'pastoral' letters, because like a pastor, Paul instructs, exhorts, and encourages, two of his key partners in the ministry. These letters have instructions for how church leaders should conduct themselves, which still are used as guidelines for appointing elders/leaders in today's church.
These instructions and letters have stood the test of time, and will continue to do so until Jesus will come back to take his bride with him. We encourage you to be ready for his return, by staying true to Him, and by faithfully staying in His word that brings life.
In Him,
Dick
* Weekend: Philippians
* Monday: Colossians
* Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians
* Wednesday: 2 Thessalonians
* Thursday: 1 Timothy
* Friday: 2 Timothy
Reading an entire bible book in one day is a great opportunity to really understand some of the issues discussed in that book at a deeper level. It gives you a higher-level understanding of the issues that the writer addresses and tried to convey to his readers.
If you've been following our weekly series "Living to die & dying to live" at Woodhaven Community Church, you should know a lot about the book of Philippians by now. If you've missed it, you can always go on-line to listen to sermons on this letter:
http://sc.fhview.com/sc_customplayer/seriesitems/1/119313
The letter to the Colossian church is addressed to mostly non-Jewish believers. The church is commended and thanked for its solid faith. However, Paul does warn against false teachers and he calls the church to not be misguided by them, but remain steady in the faith the way it was taught. Paul emphasizes the message of God's grace, received in Jesus Christ.
Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, the northern part of present-day Greece. Paul likely wrote this letter during his stay in Corinth. This letter is dated around 50 A.D. and is assumed to be the oldest document in the New Testament. Again, Paul thanks this church for its faith and their good reputation. He also calls them to remain faithful in times of persecution. The first and second letter to the Thessalonians contain a lot of valuable information regarding the end-times, the so-called anti-christ, and the corresponding second return of Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, the last verses of each chapter in 1 Thessalonians contain some information about this subject, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 into Chapter 5 contain a revelation that Paul received through the Holy Spirit.
The second chapter in 2 Thessalonians talks all about the person of the anti-christ. The reason Paul is writing this, is because the church believed that Jesus Christ could return any day now, and therefore they had quit working and neglecting their daily responsibilities. This is a good warning for us as well. We need to be ready for Christ's return at any time, however, we can't use that as an excuse to neglect our daily responsibilities.
Finally, the two letters of Paul to Timothy are personal letters from Paul to his beloved 'son in the faith' and partner in ministry, Timothy. These two letters, together with Paul's letter to Titus, are called the 'pastoral' letters, because like a pastor, Paul instructs, exhorts, and encourages, two of his key partners in the ministry. These letters have instructions for how church leaders should conduct themselves, which still are used as guidelines for appointing elders/leaders in today's church.
These instructions and letters have stood the test of time, and will continue to do so until Jesus will come back to take his bride with him. We encourage you to be ready for his return, by staying true to Him, and by faithfully staying in His word that brings life.
In Him,
Dick
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Week 48: 1 Corinthians 15 - Ephesians 6
This week's reading covers the balance of 1 Corinthians and three of the Apostle Paul's other books: 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians.
The Apostle Paul is associated with 13 Bible books - just under half of the total number of New Testament books (27). In some cases, he dictated his letters to a scribe, who wrote down his words (see Romans 16:22). In other instances, he appears to have shared the authorship with others (see Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1:1). And in some cases, he wrote the books by his own hand (see Galatians 6:11).
What's interesting is that while Luke's work covers 28 percent of the New Testament in just two books (the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts), Paul's 13 books cover only slightly more than that: 31.5 percent. The reason for this is obvious: Luke wrote 2 lengthy books and Paul wrote 13 short books by comparison. But these statistics tell only half the story.
The New Testament consists of 4 basic literary types: (1) Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), (2) historical narrative (Acts), (3) letters (everything from Acts to Revelation), and (4) apocalyptic (Revelation).
Before we started into Romans, our reading of the New Testament brought us into contact with 2 literary types: Gospels and historical narrative. Beginning with Romans we encountered the New Testament's third type of literature: letters. From now until we get to Revelation we will be spending our time in this "third type."
Paul wrote his letters to individuals and groups of people (churches). Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians are addressed to specific churches (and groups of churches, as is the case with Galatians - see Gal. 1:2, "...to the churches in Galatia"). His letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon speak directly to individuals.
Paul's letters are personal, situational, and timely.
In terms of the personal nature of his letters, Paul often addressed people by name. He prayed in his writing for the people to whom he was writing. When you read Paul's letters, you sometimes get the feeling that he is speaking directly to you. You can feel his passion, his concern for your soul, and his desire to see you succeed in your faith. You also feel his anger and frustration when he is writing to those who are messing up in one way or another. Paul asks the people to whom he is writing to pray for him. He is very specific in his prayer requests. He freely shares his struggles as well as what he is learning from them.
Paul also addressed specific issues that individuals and churches were facing at the time...and in that sense his letters were always situational and timely. When we read Paul's letters, therefore, we are essentially listening in on his conversations...like listening to someone talking on their cell phone (though less annoying). :)
As we listen in on these conversations, we sometimes discover that the situations that Paul's readers were facing at the time are strikingly similar to the challenges we are facing in the moment. There are times, in fact, when it feels like these portions of Scripture are alive with meaning...that's because they are!
Enjoy this week's reading!
* Weekend: 1 Corinthians 15-16
* Monday: 2 Corinthians 1-5
* Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 6-9
* Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 10-13
* Thursday: Galatians
* Friday: Ephesians
Faithfully,
Chuck
The Apostle Paul is associated with 13 Bible books - just under half of the total number of New Testament books (27). In some cases, he dictated his letters to a scribe, who wrote down his words (see Romans 16:22). In other instances, he appears to have shared the authorship with others (see Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1:1). And in some cases, he wrote the books by his own hand (see Galatians 6:11).
What's interesting is that while Luke's work covers 28 percent of the New Testament in just two books (the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts), Paul's 13 books cover only slightly more than that: 31.5 percent. The reason for this is obvious: Luke wrote 2 lengthy books and Paul wrote 13 short books by comparison. But these statistics tell only half the story.
The New Testament consists of 4 basic literary types: (1) Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), (2) historical narrative (Acts), (3) letters (everything from Acts to Revelation), and (4) apocalyptic (Revelation).
Before we started into Romans, our reading of the New Testament brought us into contact with 2 literary types: Gospels and historical narrative. Beginning with Romans we encountered the New Testament's third type of literature: letters. From now until we get to Revelation we will be spending our time in this "third type."
Paul wrote his letters to individuals and groups of people (churches). Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians are addressed to specific churches (and groups of churches, as is the case with Galatians - see Gal. 1:2, "...to the churches in Galatia"). His letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon speak directly to individuals.
Paul's letters are personal, situational, and timely.
In terms of the personal nature of his letters, Paul often addressed people by name. He prayed in his writing for the people to whom he was writing. When you read Paul's letters, you sometimes get the feeling that he is speaking directly to you. You can feel his passion, his concern for your soul, and his desire to see you succeed in your faith. You also feel his anger and frustration when he is writing to those who are messing up in one way or another. Paul asks the people to whom he is writing to pray for him. He is very specific in his prayer requests. He freely shares his struggles as well as what he is learning from them.
Paul also addressed specific issues that individuals and churches were facing at the time...and in that sense his letters were always situational and timely. When we read Paul's letters, therefore, we are essentially listening in on his conversations...like listening to someone talking on their cell phone (though less annoying). :)
As we listen in on these conversations, we sometimes discover that the situations that Paul's readers were facing at the time are strikingly similar to the challenges we are facing in the moment. There are times, in fact, when it feels like these portions of Scripture are alive with meaning...that's because they are!
Enjoy this week's reading!
* Weekend: 1 Corinthians 15-16
* Monday: 2 Corinthians 1-5
* Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 6-9
* Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 10-13
* Thursday: Galatians
* Friday: Ephesians
Faithfully,
Chuck
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Week 47: Romans 6 to 1st Corinthians 14
Here is the reading plan for this week:
* Weekend: Romans 6-8
* Monday: Romans 9-11
* Tuesday: Romans 12-16
* Wednesday: 1st Corinthians 1-6
* Thursday: 1st Corinthians 7-10
* Friday: 1st Corinthians 11-14
Last week we read about the activities of the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the land. This week we pick up the reading in Romans, the first of the letters of instruction that serve as the balance of the New Testament.
Romans is a particularly special book- in this, not only does Paul seek to teach, but he also puts himself up for an example of how the everyday Christian struggles in this world. Struggles such as sin, rebellion and pride are tempered by Paul with instructions regarding spiritual transformation, love and submitting to authority.
The next letter to the Corinthian church is a response to what Paul is hearing about this church. There has been infighting in the church and reports that immorality of certain types abound. Restoration of this church is very important- and getting back to the basics is what Paul prescribes for them. The last chapter of the reading this week will sound very familiar as this is the text used at WCC when we celebrate Communion together.
As an aside, this week kicks off what is called "The Holiday Season." Our culture has spent a considerable amount of time and energy to marginalize what really this time of year is about. Please continue to keep reading and taking the time daily to be quiet with God- it can be very easy to lose focus this time of year... have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great week overall!!!
In Him,
Mike
* Weekend: Romans 6-8
* Monday: Romans 9-11
* Tuesday: Romans 12-16
* Wednesday: 1st Corinthians 1-6
* Thursday: 1st Corinthians 7-10
* Friday: 1st Corinthians 11-14
Last week we read about the activities of the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the land. This week we pick up the reading in Romans, the first of the letters of instruction that serve as the balance of the New Testament.
Romans is a particularly special book- in this, not only does Paul seek to teach, but he also puts himself up for an example of how the everyday Christian struggles in this world. Struggles such as sin, rebellion and pride are tempered by Paul with instructions regarding spiritual transformation, love and submitting to authority.
The next letter to the Corinthian church is a response to what Paul is hearing about this church. There has been infighting in the church and reports that immorality of certain types abound. Restoration of this church is very important- and getting back to the basics is what Paul prescribes for them. The last chapter of the reading this week will sound very familiar as this is the text used at WCC when we celebrate Communion together.
As an aside, this week kicks off what is called "The Holiday Season." Our culture has spent a considerable amount of time and energy to marginalize what really this time of year is about. Please continue to keep reading and taking the time daily to be quiet with God- it can be very easy to lose focus this time of year... have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great week overall!!!
In Him,
Mike
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week 46: Acts 19 - Romans 5
This week we'll finish the book of Acts and start the book of Romans:
* Weekend: Acts 19 - 20
* Monday: Acts 21 - 23
* Tuesday: Acts 24 - 26
* Wednesday: Acts 27 - 28
* Thursday: Romans 1 - 3
* Friday: Romans 4 - 5
In chapters 19 to 21, we witness the last part of Paul's 3rd missionary journey. We see how the gospel of Jesus Christ -- also called "The Way" in Acts 19:23 -- causes a riot in the city of Ephesus, because a silversmith by the name of Demetrius feels that his business of making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis is threatened by it -- and it is! We see how the gospel is powerful and spreading in the countries of Turkey and Greece, and churches pop up everywhere.
Later on in chapter 20, we witness the emotional farewell words of Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Paul knows he will not see them again, which leaves everyone saddened. Sometimes, that's how the Lord works. He brings people like Paul into our lives for a period of time, people that instruct and equip us, and mentor us. Look how Paul has mentored the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:31 "Remember that for 3 years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears". Paul's love for them was such that he mentored them night and day for 3 years. Now it's time for them to stand on their own feet and take on the responsibility of mentoring the flock that God entrusted to them.
The final chapters of Acts show us Paul's last missionary journey -- as a prisoner. First he is arrested in Jerusalem by zealous Jews who want to kill him. Next he testifies before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish religious leaders). Then he testifies before several Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and he also testifies before the Jewish King Agrippa and his wife. Paul could have obtained his freedom, but because he had appealed to Caesar because of his Roman citizenship, he now has to go to Rome to testify one more time: before the Roman emperor himself. Paul sacrificed himself in order to proclaim the gospel at the highest stage possible, the court of Caesar.
The book of Acts ends open-ended. We know Paul arrives in Rome safely (after a shipwreck adventure, see Acts 27), but he goes in house-arrest for several years, where he continues to proclaim the gospel. We know from Paul's letters that he did testify before the Caesar, likely several times (see 2 Timothy 4:16-17). And he did get his wish granted of finally meeting the church of Rome (see Romans 15:23). The Bible doesn't tell us how and when he died, but according to Christian tradition he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero around A.D. 64.
Paul fought the good fight, and finished the race that the Lord had set out before him. He mentored many during his lifetime, but billions more through his letters that have been recorded in the Bible. One of his most precious letters is his letter to the Christians in Rome, which lays a clear foundation for the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. More on that letter next week!!
Have a great week of reading. Let Paul's life and suffering inspire you to offer your life as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ, every day.
Dick
* Weekend: Acts 19 - 20
* Monday: Acts 21 - 23
* Tuesday: Acts 24 - 26
* Wednesday: Acts 27 - 28
* Thursday: Romans 1 - 3
* Friday: Romans 4 - 5
In chapters 19 to 21, we witness the last part of Paul's 3rd missionary journey. We see how the gospel of Jesus Christ -- also called "The Way" in Acts 19:23 -- causes a riot in the city of Ephesus, because a silversmith by the name of Demetrius feels that his business of making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis is threatened by it -- and it is! We see how the gospel is powerful and spreading in the countries of Turkey and Greece, and churches pop up everywhere.
Later on in chapter 20, we witness the emotional farewell words of Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Paul knows he will not see them again, which leaves everyone saddened. Sometimes, that's how the Lord works. He brings people like Paul into our lives for a period of time, people that instruct and equip us, and mentor us. Look how Paul has mentored the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:31 "Remember that for 3 years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears". Paul's love for them was such that he mentored them night and day for 3 years. Now it's time for them to stand on their own feet and take on the responsibility of mentoring the flock that God entrusted to them.
The final chapters of Acts show us Paul's last missionary journey -- as a prisoner. First he is arrested in Jerusalem by zealous Jews who want to kill him. Next he testifies before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish religious leaders). Then he testifies before several Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and he also testifies before the Jewish King Agrippa and his wife. Paul could have obtained his freedom, but because he had appealed to Caesar because of his Roman citizenship, he now has to go to Rome to testify one more time: before the Roman emperor himself. Paul sacrificed himself in order to proclaim the gospel at the highest stage possible, the court of Caesar.
The book of Acts ends open-ended. We know Paul arrives in Rome safely (after a shipwreck adventure, see Acts 27), but he goes in house-arrest for several years, where he continues to proclaim the gospel. We know from Paul's letters that he did testify before the Caesar, likely several times (see 2 Timothy 4:16-17). And he did get his wish granted of finally meeting the church of Rome (see Romans 15:23). The Bible doesn't tell us how and when he died, but according to Christian tradition he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero around A.D. 64.
Paul fought the good fight, and finished the race that the Lord had set out before him. He mentored many during his lifetime, but billions more through his letters that have been recorded in the Bible. One of his most precious letters is his letter to the Christians in Rome, which lays a clear foundation for the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. More on that letter next week!!
Have a great week of reading. Let Paul's life and suffering inspire you to offer your life as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ, every day.
Dick
Friday, November 5, 2010
Week 45: Acts 1-18
This week's reading encompasses about two-thirds of the book of Acts. In the original language, the title is "Acts of [the] Apostles." Interestingly, the book focuses mainly on the acts of just three Apostles: Peter, John, and Paul. In fact, more than half the book is dedicated to Paul's conversion and ministry. Another principal player in the drama of Acts is the Holy Spirit. No other New Testament book highlights the work of the Spirit as much as Acts. This has prompted some Bible commentators to suggest that the book should have been named "Acts of the Holy Spirit."
The other Apostles, however, do make several key appearances. They are present and accounted for in the opening of the book, as Jesus gives his final instructions before ascending to heaven. They are together when they choose Judas' replacement (1:12-26). Together they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:1-4). They were an integral part of the conversion of 3,000 people and the beginning of the early church (2:41-47). The Apostles were thrown in jail, freed by an angel of the Lord, and told to stand in the temple courts and preach the good news of Jesus...to the chagrin of the religious leaders who locked them up (5:12-42). They appointed seven key leaders to address a divisive issue, one of whom was Stephen, the church's first martyr (6:1-7:60). And they were present at the famous Jerusalem Council, which decided the fate of every non-Jewish Christ follower from then until now (15:1-35). So in the end, "Acts of the Apostles" is a fitting title.
We've pointed out that Acts is Luke's Volume 2. The Gospel of Luke is Volume 1. This is a book about new beginnings and the struggles associated with them. One important point to notice is that when people do God's will, those who don't won't like it.
Our Bible reading for the week unfolds like this:
* Weekend: Acts 1-2
* Monday: Acts 3-7
* Tuesday: Acts 8-9
* Wednesday: Acts 10-12
* Thursday: Acts 13-14
* Friday: Acts 15-18
As you make your way through this exciting portion of Scripture, prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling you to carry out his will...and ask for God's help to deal gracefully with those who might not like it when you do.
Faithfully,
Chuck
The other Apostles, however, do make several key appearances. They are present and accounted for in the opening of the book, as Jesus gives his final instructions before ascending to heaven. They are together when they choose Judas' replacement (1:12-26). Together they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:1-4). They were an integral part of the conversion of 3,000 people and the beginning of the early church (2:41-47). The Apostles were thrown in jail, freed by an angel of the Lord, and told to stand in the temple courts and preach the good news of Jesus...to the chagrin of the religious leaders who locked them up (5:12-42). They appointed seven key leaders to address a divisive issue, one of whom was Stephen, the church's first martyr (6:1-7:60). And they were present at the famous Jerusalem Council, which decided the fate of every non-Jewish Christ follower from then until now (15:1-35). So in the end, "Acts of the Apostles" is a fitting title.
We've pointed out that Acts is Luke's Volume 2. The Gospel of Luke is Volume 1. This is a book about new beginnings and the struggles associated with them. One important point to notice is that when people do God's will, those who don't won't like it.
Our Bible reading for the week unfolds like this:
* Weekend: Acts 1-2
* Monday: Acts 3-7
* Tuesday: Acts 8-9
* Wednesday: Acts 10-12
* Thursday: Acts 13-14
* Friday: Acts 15-18
As you make your way through this exciting portion of Scripture, prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling you to carry out his will...and ask for God's help to deal gracefully with those who might not like it when you do.
Faithfully,
Chuck
Monday, November 1, 2010
Week 44: John 1 - 21
One gospel per week! This week the book of John:
* Weekend: John 1 - 3
* Monday: John 4 - 6
* Tuesday: John 7 - 9
* Wednesday: John 10 - 12
* Thursday: John 13 - 17
* Friday: John 18 - 21
The gospel according to John is different from the first 3 gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke, also called the synoptic gospels (syn=equal, optic=seen -> these gospels share a similar view and are clearly linked). The gospel of John is written by the apostle John, who can be regarded as one of Jesus' best friends, if not THE best friend. That John was very close to Jesus is clear from this gospel, where John several times talks about himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". The gospel of John also talks a lot about Jesus' love for his disciples and for us, and has a number of intimate passages that are nowhere else found in the Bible. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is such a passage.
The gospel according to John gives us a unique insight in God's love for mankind through His son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The opening verses are some of the most famous verses in the Bible that show this perspective:
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
It is our prayer that you may find light and life in Him by reading through this marvelous and inspiring gospel account.
Have a great week.
* Weekend: John 1 - 3
* Monday: John 4 - 6
* Tuesday: John 7 - 9
* Wednesday: John 10 - 12
* Thursday: John 13 - 17
* Friday: John 18 - 21
The gospel according to John is different from the first 3 gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke, also called the synoptic gospels (syn=equal, optic=seen -> these gospels share a similar view and are clearly linked). The gospel of John is written by the apostle John, who can be regarded as one of Jesus' best friends, if not THE best friend. That John was very close to Jesus is clear from this gospel, where John several times talks about himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". The gospel of John also talks a lot about Jesus' love for his disciples and for us, and has a number of intimate passages that are nowhere else found in the Bible. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is such a passage.
The gospel according to John gives us a unique insight in God's love for mankind through His son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The opening verses are some of the most famous verses in the Bible that show this perspective:
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
It is our prayer that you may find light and life in Him by reading through this marvelous and inspiring gospel account.
Have a great week.
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