Chronological Bible Blog

November 20th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Paul's teachings today about food sacrificed to idols in First Corinthians chapter 8 should be considered along with chapter 10 verses 14 through 22.  In particular check out 10:19-21 - "Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?  No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons."  Food sacrificed to idols was a major issue for Christians in Corinth to consider, so they wrote Paul asking about this issue.  Paul in chapter 8 hones in on the point that even though it may mean nothing to eat meat sacrificed to idols - which are nothing - it may mean a lot to some and cause some to stumble.  Then in chapter 10 Paul hones in on the point that sacrifices to idols are really sacrifices to demons.  This all makes me think about are world today.  As Christians, in our freedom in Christ many things are permissible.  But not all things are beneficial - to ourselves or to others that see us participating in some activities.  So, are there any areas of your life where perhaps you are participating in worldly activities that really don't mean anything - they're okay in our freedom - but that perhaps could cause others to stumble in some way?  Or, perhaps those activities could even cause you to stumble if you're not careful?  Will you leave these activities by the wayside?  Related to that activity, would you be willing to say as Paul did in First Corinthians chapter 8 verse 13: "So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble."

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "The Great Divorce - Separating Truth From Love" is at this link.

First Corinthians chapter 9 is an amazing look at Paul's passion for the Gospel!  I think in this chapter Paul makes a very strong case for why we should support our local church.  Verse 10 says - "Just as farm workers who plow fields and thresh the grain expect a share of the harvest, Christian workers should be paid by those they serve."  Our pastors, priests, ministers deserve our support.  Our local church deserves our support through our tithes.  It is interesting in today's readings that Paul first lays out the case for "sharing our harvest" with Christian workers.  But - Paul refuses this payment because he says in verse 12 - "Yet we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than put an obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ."  That is powerful!  Paul is not asking for nor expecting nor demanding payment or anything from those he serves, simply because he does not want to put up any obstacle in the way of the Gospel.  Incredible.  But again, remember this is the apostle Paul we are reading about here - your local church needs your tithe.  How is your tithing to your church going these days?  Are you consistently tithing to your church?  Will you pray about what God would have you tithe to your church and other ministries and nonprofits?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "When a Right May Be Wrong" is at this link.

These are some of my favorite teachings of Paul's today in First Corinthians chapter 9 verses 24 through 27! "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."  The amazing thing about these words is that they are timeless.  Paul wrote these words nearly 2,000 years ago and they still ring so true today.  We still run races today.  We still have athletes.  We still win prizes.  We still have boxers.  I think so often in our world today we hear people in business or other fields use sports analogies.  Well, here is Paul using a sports analogy for faith!  :)  I love it.  Please take a moment to re-read these verses above again.  Meditate for a few moments on the words.  What do they say to you?  Do you believe you are in a race for an eternal prize?  Do you want the eternal prize?  Are you disciplining your very life with purpose in your every step?  How are you running the race today?  Are you running to win?

First Corinthians 10 starts of with a few amazing verses that I haven't really caught before.  Verses 2-4 - "As followers of Moses, they were all baptized in the cloud and the sea. And all of them ate the same miraculous food, and all of them drank the same miraculous water. For they all drank from the miraculous rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ." I love it!  The Israelites were baptized in the cloud and the Red Sea; ate the miraculous manna; and drank the water from the miraculous rock that Moses struck - and this rock that traveled with them was none other than Jesus!  This is a beautiful testimony that Jesus Christ was, is, and forever shall be.

First Corinthians 10 today ends in verses 12 and 13 with some powerful words of warning and encouragement that each of us should always remember - particularly in our darkest hours - "If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."  Do you believe that you should always be careful to not fall into sin?  Particularly if you feel you are "standing strong?"  Do you realize that temptations will come into your life?  But, most importantly, do you realize that God will show you a way out of the temptations, so you will not give into them?  Will you pray fervently to God and Jesus to show you the way out when temptation comes your way?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Lessons from the Present and Past" is at this link and "Lessons we must learn from our 'fathers'" is at this link.

Great great unselfish words from Paul today in First Corinthians 10 verses 31 through 33! "Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so they may be saved."  How powerful is that?  Paul states that he doesn't just do what is best for him - what is most comfortable for him - but he does what is best for others so that they may be saved!  Beautiful.  I am afraid that all too often we get "comfortably numb" in our lives and basically end up looking out for our own needs and desires and wants - even if we love Jesus.  We become a bit lazy in our Christianity.  We need to remember that there is a world out there that is dying.  Literally.  Dying. They need the love, healing, grace, peace, and salvation of Jesus in their lives!  We must accept some level of discomfort in our own lives so that others may be saved.  How about you today?  Are you allowing there to be some discomfort in your life so that others may be saved?  Are you being discomforted by sacrificially giving to your church and to ministries that serve the poor?  Are you being discomforted by volunteering on a very regular basis?  Are you being discomforted by supporting a missionary?  Are you comfortable with being discomforted so that others may be saved?  Will you bend over backwards for others so that they may be saved?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Table Talk" is at this link.  Below is a great image for First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 16 -

Worship God: Today's readings in First Corinthians today reminded me of the Newsboys song song "Shine." Here's a great live high energy version of this song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtBcjJL8ra4

Do you want to shine? Click here and Shine!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the exercise of your freedom on Christ does not become a stumbling block to weaker brothers and sisters. Pray that your life and actions grow brothers and sisters to be more godly in character and lifestyle.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 19th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Corinthians 4:1-7:40
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Allright... so Paul has a little bit of scolding for the church in Corinth in our readings today!  Perhaps we would do well to listen to some of this scolding today too?  Verse 5 is powerful for us to consider: "So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due."  I think far too often we ourselves try to judge others - saying that someone is wholly righteous or that someone is a doomed sinner.  Neither this excessive praise nor condemnation is ours to give.  It is only for God.  God is the judge.  We are not.  So be careful not to jump to conclusions about someone else...

If you blinked, you just might have missed verse 20 today - "For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power."  Great stuff!  I am afraid that sometimes we do indeed reduce the Kingdom of God and living out our faith to just fancy talk.  We sometimes talk a lot, but we do not practice what we preach.  Rather than focusing on our fancy talk, how about if we simply live by God's power?  It's a revolutionary idea!  :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Follow the Leader" is at this link.

Wow... there is a lot going on in Paul's words in First Corinthians chapter 5 today.  The first half of verse 6 stands out: "How terrible that you should boast about your spirituality, and yet you let this sort of thing go on."  This is such a trap I think for many of us - boasting about our spirituality.  It is a very dangerous trap too.  Why do you suppose Paul would say this is a terrible thing to boast about your spirituality?   I think it is because when you boast about your spirituality, you have lost humility and you have in a sense put yourself in the place of God.  You've elevated yourself too high.  And Jesus says we are to be humble.  Here comes a tangent - :) - I was listening to talk radio recently and I heard some guy talking about Kabala - the Jewish mysticism religion that is very popular these days - particularly with some Hollywood celebrities.  Well, I won't say that this guy was boasting about his spirituality... but maybe he was.  :)  The great thing I thought was then a guy studying to be a rabbi called in and basically went off on this guy.  The caller said that this guy was far too confident and boastful in his discussions of who God is and how God works.  And the caller said that he had studied the Torah for all of his life and he still considered himself only a student.  I wish I could remember his exact words - but he said something along the lines that "one will always be a student of the Torah.  Never it's master."  Something like that.  I loved it!  It was so humble and true.  And I think you and I would do well to realize that we will always be students of the Bible - never its master.   And we need to realize how terrible it truly is for us to boast about our spirituality in any way - either publicly or in our own minds.  As this image says below, "Boast only in the cross."  Amen...

 

The second half of verse 6 is powerful for us to consider as well - "Don't you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?"  This is so true.  Sin is an infection that will infect others.  Or, another way to look at this - when we sin we are affecting / infecting others.  Nobody sins in a vacuum.  It affects the whole community.  It affects everyone you know in some way.  Paul goes on later in this chapter to say in verse 12 - "It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways." Paul really has what will appear to our modern ears to be some strong / harsh words for Christians who sin in the ways listed in verse 11 - "What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler."  I think there is truth in his words - but we need to walk a fine line.  There are people who are Christian who do struggle with sin - sin that indeed will infect / affect others.  And I think we are absolutely called to speak the truth in love into those Christians lives to point out their sin and encourage them to repentance.  But... I think there does come a point where we may have to realize that someone simply will not or does not want to repent of their sin.  And then it may be time to prayerfully follow Paul's words about avoiding and removing that type of person from your church.  I don't know - let me know what you think?  How / when do we draw the line of speaking the truth in love to a Christian stuck in sin?  And when do we avoid and/or remove them from our churches?  Is this too harsh?   Are Paul's word's too harsh?  Even if they are harsh, are they true? 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Church Discipline: Taking Sin Seriously" is at this link.

Today in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 we will read: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside their body, but you who sins sexually sins against your own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." These are powerful verses. And verses that seem to fly in the face of much of what we are sold in today's culture. Reflect on these verses. Do you believe that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? Do you believe that you are not your own? Do you realize that you were bought at a price by Jesus on the cross? If you see sexual immorality heading your way, do you flee from it? Will you flee from it? What are the consequences if you do not flee from sexual immorality? Do you believe that sexual immorality is a sin you commit against your very own body? (self-abuse, if you will – though, I strongly believe others around you suffer from this sin against your own body as well. Nobody sins in a vacuum. It affects everyone we interact with. It affects everyone in our community. Think that sin is a selfish act?) Do you realize that when you sin sexually, you are sinning against a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells? Will you flee from sexual immorality? Please - literally - flee from it.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Courting Sin" is at this link and "The Relationship between Spirituality and Sexual Morality" is at this link.

Today we read 1 Corinthians Chapter 7.  This has been a very powerful chapter of the Bible for much of my spiritual journey.  For a period of about 7 years I felt the call to "singleness" through this chapter through much prayer and reflection.  I think the call to singleness for some of us may be just for a season, or it could be for many seasons.  At the same time, just as valuable is the call to marriage and family life for many of us in this chapter as well.  These are some powerful verses.  Some say it is best just to consider these verses in "context" of the Corinthian church two thousand years ago.  However, I do believe there is value in this chapter's verses for our lives as well.  How does First Corinthians chapter 7 speak to you and your life today?

First Corinthians chapter 7 verses 32 through 34 are intriguing words from Paul: "An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. But a married man can't do that so well. He has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided."  I see his logic of these words - and these words have often rung so very true in my own life.  But, I also see the blessing of the family.  Of marriage.  Of being part of a Holy Family.   Obviously each of us came into this world because of the union of a woman and man.  There are a billion reasons of why marriage is important - why the family is important.  It produces people like us!  :)  Unfortunately in our world today I am afraid the concept of the "Holy Family" is not so strong.  Family can turn into a negative word for many people, instead of the holy word it should be.  All this to say - I believe many of us are called to family life - to marriage and to kids.  But I also believe that many of us are called to singleness.  I really do.  And I do believe being called to singleness is truly a blessing - just as being called to marriage is a blessing as well.  Have you spent much time in your life discerning whether God has called you to singleness or to marriage?  I think it's worth reflecting upon periodically - but not to stress out about.  It's better to ultimately remember Paul's words in verses 29 through 33: "The time that remains is very short, so husbands should not let marriage be their major concern. Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God's work. Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away. In everything you do, I want you to be free from the concerns of this life."  Whether you are single or married, do you believe these preceding verses are true for you?  What does it mean to you that "the time that remains is very short"?  How might this affect how you live your life?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Undistracted Devotion" is at this link.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Sex and the Spiritual Christian" is at this link, "The Relationship Between Spirituality and Sexuality" is at this link, and "Spirituality and the Status Quo" is at this link.

Worship God:  Today's readings reminded me of Michael W. Smith's song "Open The Eyes Of My Heart:"

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

Has God opened the eyes of your heart? Click here to have your eyes opened!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with any who claim to be fellow believers but are sexually immoral or greedy, idolaters or slanderers, drunkards or swindlers. With such persons do not even eat." 1 Corinthians 5:11 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray for those in your church who claim to be believers, but who are sexually immoral, greedy, idolaters, slanderers, drunkards or swindlers. Pray for their repentance and restoration to the fellowship. Pray for church discipline, if necessary. Pray you won't ever be lead astray by those living in sin.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 18th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 18:24-19:20; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Acts - Today in our readings in Acts, we are introduced to Apollos!  Apollos loved God, but initially he didn't fully understand that Jesus gave believers the gift of the Holy Spirit. Apollos understood repentance of sins very well - that was the "baptism of John (The Baptist)" that he preached.  Repent from sins and be baptized was Apollos' message, without a strong teaching of the gift of the Holy Spirit after belief in Christ.  Well, Priscilla and Acquila more fully explained the Gospel and then Paul introduced the Holy Spirit to believers who were initially taught by Apollos before he learned the full Gospel.  A good overview of "Who was Apollos?" is at biblequestions.org at this link.  I love that they say at this link, "Apollos was teachable."  Inferring that you and I should be teachable too when it comes to our faith!  Are you teachable?  Or do you know it all?  :)

Wow - strong readings today in Acts 19 verses 13 to 16 about the power of Jesus' name - and how to incorrectly try to "use" his name too - "A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The incantation they used was this: "I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!" Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But when they tried it on a man possessed by an evil spirit, the spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?" And he leaped on them and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and badly injured."  Jesus' name is the name above all other names - but we should never try to "use" Jesus' name as an incantation or spell.  We can call upon Jesus believing that he and his power will be there with us.  But we should not call upon Jesus' name as if His name was "magic" in some way.  It is holy.  It is not magic. When is the last time you called on Jesus' name? How has calling on the holy name of Jesus ever changed a situation in your life?

First Corinthians - Today we begin Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth!

First Corinthians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 55
Content: Paul had established a church in the Greek city of Corinth on his second missionary journey (see Acts 18:1-8), but things had gone very badly after his departure. He felt it necessary to write them concerning the many problems that had arisen. They were challenging his apostleship, abusing the Lord’s Supper, wondering about eating meat sacrificed to idols, going to court against one another, condoning immorality, denying the resurrection, arguing about marriage – to name a few of the problems. Paul felt that he had to deal with the situation, lest everything in Corinth fall to pieces. As Paul more or less systematically goes through these problems, he touches upon many of the fundamental teachings of the faith.
Theme: Paul’s major purpose in writing this letter was to correct some glaring abuses in the church at Corinth, showing the importance of how we live. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; we must also act like Christians. Not to do so is to bring dishonor upon the name of Christ. Paul also stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ for the believer. In Christ we are made pure, holy, and acceptable to God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 24-25)

More commentary on First Corinthians is at these 3 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1199
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1200
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1829

Today in First Corinthians 1 verse 18 we read – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” What does this verse say to you? Does it speak to you in any way? What is the message of the cross? What does the message of the cross mean to you personally? Is it foolishness? Or, is it the power of God? I don’t know what it is about this verse, but it really is so powerful for me. I think that it brings the Gospel message back to the central point in time in history – Jesus on the cross. And what Jesus did on the cross changed everything. Jesus changed history. The power of the cross is such that Jesus continues to change things this very moment. He is changing you. He is changing me. To us who are being saved, is the message of the cross literally the power of God? Do you meditate upon the cross regularly and meditate upon what the message of the cross truly is? Are you sharing the message of the cross with others in your life?

Below are two wonderful images for verses 27 and 30 & 31 courtesty of hearlight.org (link on the menu to the left):

Bible.org's commentary on today's First Corinthians readings titled "True Wisdom" is at this link and "Substandard Saints" is at this link.  Below is a powerful image for First Corinthians 3:3 from today's readings:

This may be a somewhat of a controversial reflection here, but I'd like to put it out for discussion.  Please feel free to let me know your thoughts in the Comments section of the blog below.  Today's readings in First Corinthians made me think about all of our various Christian church denominations that we have in our world today.  In our readings today, some followed Paul.  Some followed Apollos.  Some followed Peter.  And in our churches today, some follow Calvin.  Some follow Wesley.  Some follow Knox.  And so on.  And I guess I just wonder would the church today look any differently today if we simply all followed Jesus?  I don't mean to knock denominations here per se.  I myself go to a church affiliated with a denomination.  I just pray that each of us could look beyond our denominations and look fully toward Jesus.  And that we come to realize that no matter what our denominations, we are brothers and sisters through faith in our Lord Jesus.  We inherit eternal life through God's grace and our faith in Jesus.  We all - no matter our denomination - are "the church" through our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  As Paul teaches us in First Corinthians 3:21-23 - "So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God."

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "A Different Look at Leadership" is at this link and "A Call to Repentance" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's reading about Paul's life in Acts recently reminds me of the Avalon song "Testify to Love:" (this is an AMAZING live version, by the way...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnlHGz0SPQo

Is Jesus your testimony? Click here and Testify to Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that the message of the cross is the power of God in your life through your saving faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for those in your family, your friends, and others you know who feel that the message of the cross is foolishness. Pray that they won't eternally perish.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 17th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18; Acts 18:4-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

First Thessalonians - Today we wrap up Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians! There is a lot of good letter-closing advice in these today's reading's. To make sure this advice gets heard throughout the church in Thessalonica Paul commands in chapter 5 verse 27: "I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters." Think this letter got read to everyone? :)  Below is a great image for verse 25 from today's readings -

Verses 12 & 13 stood out to me in today's readings: "Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work."  This verse ties in perfectly to Clergy Appreciation Month!  Did you know that October is Clergy Appreciation Month? I don't know who started this trend, but I like it!  Hopefully this month you can take 15 minutes to write a letter or send a card of encouragement to your pastor or clergy?  I encourage you to encourage your pastor this month! :) And please try to remember to do this in October of each year.  More details about how you can participate in clergy appreciation month are on this website link: http://parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm

More verses from today's readings that stood out -
Verse 16 - "Always be joyful." How's joy doing in your life these days?
Verse 17- "Keep on praying." And prayer?
Verse 11 - "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." I like this. It reminds me that we have the opportunity to encourage people that we come in contact with each day. Spread some love. How are you doing on being encouraging to others each day?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 5 titled "The Conduct of the Assembly" is at this link.  Below is a powerful image for 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 from today's readings:

Second Thessalonians - Today we begin Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica!

~ Second Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 51
Content: Either Paul’s first letter or a forged letter purporting to be from him had disturbed the Thessalonians concerning the second coming of Jesus. Perhaps adding to the confusion was the continued persecution that they were enduring. Paul writes to assure the believers that Jesus will certainly return to comfort the believers and to punish those who are troubling them. He also tells them that the great Day of Judgment (the Day of the Lord) will not take them by surprise but will be preceded by a series of events. In the light of Jesus’ sure return, Christians are to live above reproach.
Theme: Throughout this short letter the promise of God’s victory over evil is stressed. Believers may suffer now, but God has planned comfort and reward for them. For those who refuse to obey God, however, there will be distress and judgment. Paul also stresses the need for living in such a way that God is honored. Some people at Thessalonica may have stopped working because they believed Christ would return soon. This does not honor God and Paul says concerning it, “He who does not work shall not eat.” (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 28-29) A wonderful commentary on Second Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Struggles and Growth of a Church” is at this link.

Paul's encouragement during times of persecution is powerful in chapter 1 verse 5 today:  "But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering."  If there is persecution in your life today, I hope this verse is encouraging to you. It reminds me of the old adage - "it builds character." I know this is tough to realize in the midst of persecution - that God is working in the midst of it to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom.  Your suffering is for His Kingdom.  You are not suffering alone.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 1 titled "Commendation and Comfort in the Face of Persecution" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Thessalonians 1:12 from today's readings:

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.

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.

Acts - Today's readings in Acts 18 are important in that Paul is beginning his work of building the church in Corinth through his ministry!  We of course are very familiar now with Paul's letters of 1st and 2nd Corinthians - today we get a glimpse of how Paul's relationship with the city of Corinth began.  Verses 9 through 11 let us clearly know that the Lord was very involved in Paul's ministry in Corinth: "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me." So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God." How are you involved in helping to build or support the church today? What are some ways that God has called you to love and serve your local church? How about the global church?

Per Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion today: "Corinth was the political and commercial center of Greece, surpassing Athens in importance.  It had a reputation for great wickedness and immorality.  A temple to Aphrodite - goddess of love and war - had been built on the large hill behind the city."

Worship God: Today's readings in First Thessalonians reminded me of Matthew West's song "My Own Little World." Here's a great live version of this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoWY1Rlx_Aw

Are you in your own little world? Click here for the true World!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." First Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are joyful always. Pray that you pray without ceasing. Pray that you give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances. Pray that you are living in the center of God's will for you through you saving faith and relationship in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

November 16th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11
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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 -

I found 1 Thessalonians 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:

The First Thessalonians verses today are great teachings on living to please God and the hope of the resurrection. A verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 that I actual use fairly frequently is: "the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night." I confess that I don't get too into predicting "end times" scenarios. Pre-trib, post-trib, etc. I know many good friends who are into all of this. I guess I just come back to this verse about the day of the Lord coming unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. I think this also applies to each of our own lives. We don't know how many years we have - hopefully many. But, you just don't know. And I don't really dwell or worry about it. The end of our lives will likely come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.  And if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we do not need to fear the day of the Lord!

In First Thessalonians 4:3-5 today we read this teaching of Paul’s: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust." Are these verses contrary in any way to what you might see in our culture today?  Are these verses contrary to any way that you might live your life?  Do you see the value in this teaching of Paul’s?  Is the lust / sexual immorality that our culture sells full of life or emptiness?  Is this teaching of Paul’s full of life or emptiness?  Are you controlling your own body in a way that is holy and honorable?  What does Paul mean when he says it is God’s will that you should be sanctified?  Do you want God to sanctify you?  Will you participate in the sanctification process with God?  Will you avoid sexual immorality?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 4 titled "The Call to Holiness" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 from today's readings:

Worship God:  Our readings today in First Thessalonians reminded me of the Santus Real song called the "Face of Love" - and I pray that we each look more like Love everyday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg7WRUu4QJg

Do you know the Face of Love?  Click here to look more like Love today!

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 in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!