New Testament in a Year

1 Timothy 3:1-16
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Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy 3 gives some great rules and regulations for leaders in a church. It all makes a lot of sense. I would encourage anyone who has interest in leading in your church – or if you are currently leading in your church – to prayerfully read through these. How are you doing on these? Are there some areas in your life discussed here that need redeeming?   One of my favorite verses in all of these is verse 5 – "For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?"  How very true is that?  How are you doing in managing your own household?

Verse 16 today beautifully demonstrates Jesus’ divinity and his humanity!
"Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ appeared in the flesh
and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and was announced to the nations.
He was believed on in the world
and was taken up into heaven."
Do you believe in everything written above?  When is the last time you meditated upon the fact that Jesus ascended into heaven?  I heard a Pastor recently say that he thinks the Ascension is one of the most overlooked facts of Jesus’ life in the church today.  Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the Father’s right hand!  This is very good news for us indeed!  Below is a painting by the Italian artist Garofalo from the year 1510 titled "The Ascension of Christ":

Worship Video:  Today’s reading reminds me "Jesus Paid It All" by Kristian Stanfill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHwdx5BIvc

Do you believe that Jesus Paid It All for you?  Click here and receive payment on your debt!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you believe wholeheartedly in this mystery of godliness. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, is believed on, and was taken up to glory to sit at God the Father’s right hand!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Timothy 2:1-15
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1 Timothy 2 starts of with yet another reminder to pray for others… I love and need this type of reminder in verses 1 and 2… often! “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.” This is powerful. Pray for all people. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks. Pray for those leading our government. I think these verses are very appropriate during a time of local and national elections coming up. Pray for all of the candidates. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Pray.

The other thing these opening two verses remind me of is to “Pray the News.” I think often times we read about all of the bad news in the world and maybe feel a bit helpless or hopeless in the midst of it all. However, I strongly believe that God has blessed us with the ability to “Pray the News.” Pray for earthquake victims, the people starving and dying in other parts of the world, the person who was in a car crash in your town, etc. etc. Pray for them. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Will you join me in “Praying the News” each day?

I realize that Paul’s instructions for women in today’s readings can be controversial.  This is one of those days that if you have the Tyndale Publishers One Year Bible Companion to please read the 3 questions & answers for today.  All 3 relate to these instructions of Paul’s.  Basically, the instructions for women in today’s readings can either be interpreted as being: 1. historically conditioned – instructions just for the women of the church in Ephesus at that time and place or 2. universal and timeless instructions.  Honestly, different Christian denominations interpret these verses different ways – but probably along one of the two lines above for the most part.  The One Year Bible Companion does a great job of going down these 2 paths. If you want to dive into further study on 1 Timothy 2:15 today: “But women will be saved through childbearing…” please check out an in depth look at this verse on bible.org at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the MercyMe song “All of Creation:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Are you singing with all of creation? Click here and sing!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Timothy 1:1-20
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This week we begin Paul’s first and second letters to Timothy! These are very powerful letters to read because Paul wrote them toward the end of his life. Paul’s second letter to Timothy was likely the last letter he ever wrote. Some call this letter Paul’s “last will and testament.”

~ First Timothy ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64
Content: This letter was written by Paul near the end of his life and he addressed it to his associate Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to correct some problems in the church. By this time problems had arisen concerning doctrine, church practice, church government, and various aspects of Christian living. Paul wrote to instruct Timothy concerning these matters so that the church would function properly. He also wrote to encourage Timothy so that he would not become weary in his Christian life, but would live wholly to the glory of God. There are some specific regulations given for the ordination of church officers as well.
Theme: The importance of right belief and right behavior form the theme of this book. Paul stresses that we must know the truth and defend it against the false doctrines that arise. We must also be very careful to live lives that are consistent with the truth so that Satan will not get an advantage over the people of God. The importance of dedicated and pure-hearted men to lead the church is also stressed. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 29)  Below is an image of Timothy receiving from a messenger one of Paul’s letters to him:

First and Second Timothy and Titus are considered to be “The Pastoral Letters” because they provide instruction about the care of churches.  We have some powerful teachings from Paul today in First Timothy chapter 1.  One very interesting thing to note is that Paul uses the clause “This is a trustworthy saying” in verse 15.  What’s interesting about this is that this clause is found nowhere else in the New Testament except for its use 5 times in the Pastoral Letters to identify an important teaching.  So, here is the important teaching in verse 15: “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”” What do you think about this teaching?  So simple a teaching at first glance, and yet of course so profound in it’s meaning!  I like how Paul starts off this letter to Timothy with a lot of humility.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Timothy chapter 1 titled “Critical Concerns for Pastoral Ministry” is at this link.

Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the great Christian movie called “Facing the Giants.” Have you seen this movie yet?  My wife and I just watched it for the first time a couple of weeks ago on DVD and loved it.  It’s made by the same folks that made the movie “Fireproof.”  Here’s a trailer for it, below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xneiV7Ru6Q

Are you facing the giants in your life?  Click here and face the giants!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
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Second Thessalonians chapter 3 is a nice closing chapter to this 2nd letter of Paul’s! The first few verses remind us of the need to pray. Pray for those doing the Lord’s work! How are you doing in praying for your pastors, your church, other ministries you support?

Paul then goes into an exhortation for proper living. These verses remind me of the importance of work in our lives. We are not called to be blissful aesthetics – but called to work. Paul worked hard during his time of ministry. He was at times a “tentmaker” – making a living during the day and preaching and conducting ministry in the evenings and weekends. How are you doing with work these days? Are you giving your all, your 100% for the hours you are at work?  No matter where you are working – are you working as if you were working for God?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 3 titled “Final Exhortations Regarding Idleness in the Church” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Jeremy Camp’s song “I’ll Take You Back:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMkXRcIDRjs

Have you allowed God to take you back?  Click here and be taken back!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
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Second Thessalonians chapter 2 is a good look at the 2nd coming of Jesus. Verse 7 is interesting – "For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way." Seems that this is alluding to sin and the temptation to sin that pursues people in our world today. The lawlessness is at work – secretly – and will remain secret until it comes out in the open in the form of the anti-christ?  Again, I’m not big into end times stuff.  But, clearly, there will come the day of Jesus’ return.  And the Bible is preparing believers for what to expect and to know that God is bigger than whatever evil comes in those days.   God is bigger!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 2 titled "Challenges to Believers in View of the Day of the Lord" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of Matt Redman’s fantastic worship song titled "Better is One Day."  My hunch is that many of you have worshiped to this song in your churches. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdXmvMTyx0

Have you entered God’s courts? Click here for a better "one day" today!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
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The First Thessalonians readings today are nice!  I found chapter 2 verse 18 to be an interesting verse: "We wanted very much to come, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. " I think this is an important reminder that Satan can indeed prevent good work from taking place in our lives. Through prayer, reading the Word, and obedience we can avoid some attacks. But, they will still come while we are in this world. I would just encourage you to keep in mind that Satan is real.  Don’t dwell on this, but realize it is true. And that by growing your relationship with Jesus & God, I do believe great protection can come over you – but keep in mind that even a person as close to the Lord as Paul was prevented by Satan from doing some things Paul wanted to do.  How is your prayer life today?  Do you pray to God to protect you and keep you from Satan and all his tricks and lies and temptations?  Let us be prayer warriors for not only ourselves, but also for others in our lives!  Do you consider yourself to be a prayer warrior?  Would you like to be a prayer warrior?  What is stopping you from being a prayer warrior?  All it takes is prayer…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Thessalonians chapter 3 titled  "The Concern Expressed" is at this link.  Below is a great Fall image of 1 Thessalonians 3:12 from today’s readings:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the Casting Crowns song "East To West."  Here’s a fantastic live version of this song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUkTenwz_mw

Do you know how far the east is from the west?  Click here to learn about the Silversmith who can forgive the "dross" in your life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your love is increasing and overflowing for Christians and non-Christians in your life. Pray that your love is increasing and overflowing for your family, friends, neighbors, city and world.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
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Today we begin Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica!  What is the best way to spell Thessalonica – with a “k” like this: Thessalonika?  Or with a “c” like this: Thessalonica?  It is indeed a deep mystery.  One we won’t really get to the bottom of in Paul’s two letters to the church in Thessalonica in our readings this week. . . 🙂 But these are 2 great letters of Paul’s nonetheless coming up!  Let’s go!

~ First Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 50 or 51
Content: On Paul’s second missionary journey he visited Thessalonica but was forced to flee because of the intense persecutions that arose there (see Acts 17:1-9). After making his way to Athens and finally to Corinth, Paul heard from Timothy, whom he had sent to inquire about the Thessalonians, that they were standing fast in spite of their suffering. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the young believers in the Lord. He also wrote to confirm their faith in the basic doctrines of the church concerning God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Christian living, but especially concerning Jesus’ second coming. Apparently because some believers had died, the remaining Christians were concerned lest the believing dead miss out on the resurrection. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ rise first.
Theme: Paul comforts the persecuted believers with the assurance that God is with us and has assured us of ultimate victory. The final victory will occur at Jesus’ return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and gather us to himself, ever to be with him. In the light of this we should bear up under persecution, living lives that are godly and above reproach. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 28)  A wonderful commentary on First Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Birth and Growth of a Church” is at this link. 

Today in First Thessalonians 1:5 we read: “For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.”  This is a great reminder that while we are out and about in the world being salt and light, we’re not just out there on our own. The Holy Spirit is doing work concurrently in other people’s hearts. And indeed, the Holy Spirit is doing the true work of salvation, not us. I do like that Paul wrote that “the way we lived” was further proof of the truth. Christians are called to be in the world, but not of it. And I do think people pay attention to how we live. How are we living our lives today? Are we living a life of love? Are we compassionate? Are we caring? Are we serving the poor? Or – are we bought into consumerism? Are we selfish? Are we serving ourselves? Does the way we spend our money and time look different from how the culture says we should be spending our money and time? Are we giving to our church? Are we worshiping God at a church once a week? Are we praying frequently? How are you living your life today? If someone took a look at your life would it be abundantly clear that you are following Jesus?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Thessalonians chapter 2 titled “A Compelling Example for Ministry” is at this link.  Below is a fun image for First Thessalonians 1:3 from today’s readings –

Worship Video:  Our readings today reminded me of Brooke Ligertwood’s song “Honey in the Rock:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpuNsZxmpA

Do you believe there is honey in the rock?  Click here and believe!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 24:33-34 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not lazy in any way, shape, or form. Pray that you know the honor and dignity and power of work. Pray that you work hard, working for the Lord no matter what you do.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!