Chronological Bible Blog

November 16th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

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!

November 15th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 15:22-17:15
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV Online.org ~

In Acts 15 today we read about Paul not wanting to bring along John Mark on the next missionary journey.  Good news is that Paul and Mark were eventually reunited in missionary efforts.  Some speculate that it was because Barnabas went with Mark at this juncture, Barnabas' patient encouragement helped Mark's eventual effective ministry.  In fact, John Mark is the very same Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark!  How's that for encouragement changing the world?? Is there anyone in your life today who you think could be a great worker for God's kingdom with some encouragement?  Will you be like Barnabas was for John Mark and work with and encourage that person?  Below is an image of Barnabas the encourager:

Today in Acts 16 we read about Paul's 2nd missionary journey, which took place around AD 49-52.  - (map courtesy of ccel.org/bible/phillips/JBPhillips.htm)

Great readings about the conversion of Lydia of Philippi today!  She was a business woman and a Gentile (like Cornelius) who loved God.  And the Lord opened her heart and she believed!  Praise God for his continual ministry of opening people's hearts to the Gospel.  Has your heart been opened like Lydia's was opened?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "When Division Becomes Multiplication" is at this link.

Today in Acts 16 we will read about the earthquake that comes while Paul and Silas are imprisoned!

As a trembling jailer comes to Paul and Silas we will read this in verses 30 through 34 – “"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.” This is a wonderful look at how many of us become and grow as Christians! We first hear the Good News of how Jesus came to this earth fully human and fully God – how he lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins – and how he rose from the dead and will come again. Then, through God’s grace, we believe! We simply believe. From there we learn more about God from others and through studying his Word, the Bible – we can call this discipleship. Then comes a decision to be baptized – to publicly profess our faith in Jesus as our Savior. Then comes living a joyful life of community with others. Now – yes – this is a very abbreviated example of how one becomes and grows as a Christian. :) And our various denominations will probably put the order of how all this happens in various ways. But, can you see similarities in your own faith journey with the jailer’s conversion, baptism, and growth as a Christian? Do you remember first hearing the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? Do you remember the day you first Believed? Do you remember learning more about the Word, the Bible? (hopefully you’ll remember this year’s One Year Bible journey! :) Do you remember being baptized (or maybe you’ll have photos or stories from your younger years)? Do you now joyfully live life in community with other Christians through your local church? If you haven’t yet experienced all of these things, will you pray to God asking him for the experiences He has planned for you? And, when others in your life come to you like the jailer, asking “What must I do to be saved?” are you prepared to give them the joyful answer?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Paul in Philippi: From the Purveyor of Purple to the Purveyor of Pain" is at this link.

Great reading about Paul's travels and preaching in Acts 17 today!

I absolutely love the quote in verse 6 where the Jewish leaders of Thessalonica say: ""Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing our city," they shouted."  Have you ever heard that the Kingdom of God is an "upside down" kingdom?  That the values of the Kingdom of God are upside down compared to worldly values?  Paul and Silas turned the world upside down.  How are you turning the world upside down in your life today?

Worship God: Today's readings reminds me of the song "Thank You" by 33 Miles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq4zkubtX5A

Have you said Thank You to God? Click here and thank Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Acts 16:29-31 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are telling other people in your life to "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." Pray that you life your life in such a Spirit-filled and loving way that people come to you periodically to ask, "What must I do to be saved?"

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 14th Chronological Bible Readings

Galatians 3:24-6:18; Acts 15:1-21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

I love Paul's teachings today in Galatians chapter 4 verses 3 through 7! "And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you."  Do you believe these teachings of Paul's to be true?  Are you a child of God?  Has God sent the Spirit of Jesus into your heart?  Do you today call God your dear Father?  Do you believe that everything God has belongs to you because you are his child?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Contribution of the Mosaic Covenant" is at this link, "The Inferiority of Immaturity" is at this link, and "Paul Gets Personal" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 3:28 from today's readings:

Galatians chapter 5 is a great teaching on our freedom in Christ!  Verse 1 is so very powerful: "So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."  Has Jesus set you free?  Has He set you free from the slavery of sin?  Has He set you free from the slavery of the law?  If you are not yet free, today will you hand over the controls of your life to Jesus and let Him once and for all set you free!

I also love verses 5 & 6 - "But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love."  I like that thought of eagerly waiting to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith.  Are you eagerly waiting for everything promised?  Do you have the hope of glory?  And then the last sentence of what is important is powerful - faith expressing itself in love!  Not faith expressing itself in hate....  Faith expressing itself in love.  Is your faith expressing itself in love?  This reminds me of the old song - "They will know we are Christians by our love.  By our love.  Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."  Amen!

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Goal of the Gospel" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 5:6 from today's readings:

I love Paul's teaching in Galatians 5 verses 22 & 23 today - "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  It is incredible I think for each of us to really meditate on this question - does the Holy Spirit control your life?  I think so often - even after coming to faith in Christ - we still try to hold onto the controls of our life!  I know I do.  And yet, when I finally realize that I should instead "let go, and let God", my life gets 100 times easier.  I don't stress and worry about things any more.  When I let myself be controlled by the Holy Spirit I finally realize that this is where true LIFE is at!  It's not in hanging on so tightly to the steering wheel...   Then, as we truly let the Holy Spirit control our lives, we begin to see amazing fruits being born in us!  Do you see these fruits in your life today?  Love?  Joy?  Peace?  Patience?  Kindness?  Goodness?  Faithfulness?  Gentleness?  Self-control?  How are you doing on letting the Holy Spirit control your life these days?  Who is holding on to your steering wheel - you or the Holy Spirit?  Will you now let go of that steering wheel?  Will you "let go, and let God."  Will you let the fruits of the Spirit fully grow in your life?

Bible.org's terrific commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The War Without And the War Within" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 5:16 from today's readings!

We finish up Paul's letter to the Galatians today.  Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus begins tomorrow!  We read some powerful teachings in Galatians chapter 6 today.  I love verse 1: "Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."  This is such a great teaching.  And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough...  When was the last time you gently and humbly helped someone who is overcome by sin get back on the right track?  I know for me that it has not been recently.  And I know I've missed some opportunities in this regard.  The last sentence in this verse is powerful and reminds me that we need to be particularly careful around sexual sin I think - to make sure we don't fall into the same temptation ourselves.  One important note for all of us is to not discuss with someone of the opposite sex their struggles with sexual sin!  It is foolish to do so I believe.  Men can discuss and counsel men in the area of sexual sin.  And women, women.  But I think it is just way too risky for men to discuss or counsel women in the area of sexual sin - and vice versa.  I think we just open ourselves up potentially to temptation if we do this.  I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking, don't go into a discussion on personal sexual sin struggles with someone of the opposite sex!  While I'm on the topic here of sexual sin, does anyone have any good book recommendations for anyone who struggles in this area?  A good book I've read in this area is Josh Harris' "Sex is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World." 

Bible.org's excellent commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "Bearing Burdens: How One Sinner Relates to the Sin of Another" is at this link and "Sowing and Reaping" is at this link.  Below is an image for Galatians 6:14 in today's readings:

Peter's teaching at The Council at Jerusalem in Acts 15 verse 11 is one of the most important verses that all of us should really meditate upon and know and believe: "We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the special favor of the Lord Jesus." Do you believe Peter here?  Do you believe this to be true?  Does this simple message of this little button below ring true to you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "The Jerusalem Council: The Gospel Defined and Defended" is at this link.

Worship God:  Based on my Galatians 5 verse 6 reflection above, you knew I'd find "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love" on YouTube right?  :)  Here's the song performed by Jars of Clay set to a powerful video with U.S. and worldwide poverty statistics and some related Scripture verses.  Please watch this video and see if God speaks to you in any new ways about loving others who are living in poverty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqa0dJhhmxk

Is God's precious love flowing through you to others?  Click here if you haven't yet received God's saving love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you truly are living as if you know that you and all of your fellow Believers are one in Christ Jesus. Pray that you don't discriminate against anybody in any way, even subtly or subconsciously. Pray that you truly know that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all who are one in Christ Jesus.

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 13th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 14:21-28; Galatians 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 ~

Today we begin Paul's letter to the church in Galatia!  Paul’s letter was sent from either point #1 to point #2 or from #3 to #4 in the image below:

~ Galatians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Unknown
Date: A.D. 48 or 49
Content: Paul had preached to the inhabitants of Galatia on his first missionary journey (Act 13:14-14:23). Shortly after his departure, a group of Jewish believers arrived to insist that the Gentile Christians submit to the laws of Moses in order to be saved. Paul writes to combat this error by showing that Abraham, who lived over four hundred years before the giving of the law, was saved by faith in the gospel – so how could it be argued that the law could either save a man or make a believer in Christ more perfect? Paul couples this with a vigorous defense of himself as an apostle and with a discussion of how a Christian ought to live.
Theme: Paul energetically defends the truth of the gospel, which is that man is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ and nothing else. Any other teaching is a perversion of the truth of God (Galatians 1:7). We are made right in the sight of God by faith (Galatians 2:16) and become the people of God (sons of Abraham) in the same way, by faith (Galatians 3:7). Because we are free in Christ, we must never allow anyone to drag us back to the idea of working for our salvation, but must live out of the gospel. This involves submission to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16) and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 25-26) More great commentary on Galatians is at this link

Wow. I have to share with you that Paul's words in Galatians chapter 1 verse 1 stopped me in my tracks today when reading them: "This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group or by human authority. My call is from Jesus Christ himself and from God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead."  The thing that struck me about this was Paul saying that he was not appointed by any group or by human authority to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.  His call was from Jesus Himself!  And this just made me think about our modern world today, where I am afraid that sometimes we will only maybe do bold things in our life for the Gospel - for the Kingdom of God - if we feel like we have been appointed by some group or by some human authority to do it.  When, in fact the important thing is if we have been called by Jesus to do it!  I hope humbly here I can share with you that there are probably a ton of reasons of why I "shouldn't" be leading an online Bible study like this one.  I don't have a Seminary degree.  I am not an ordained minister or pastor.  Yes, I have been in a Bible study before, and I do a lot of studying each day for this ministry.  But - no group or human authority has appointed me to do this.  I have just done it because I do feel very called to it!  And I share this with you not to pat myself on the back, but to encourage you.  Maybe you've never been to Seminary.  Maybe you're not an ordained minister or pastor.  Maybe you've never done _____,  ____, or ____.  (fill in your blanks)  But, maybe God is calling you to do something bold for his Kingdom, and the question becomes when will you do it?  When will you stop relying on an old excuse of not being appointed by a group or human authority to do it? If God is calling you to something, please, please, do it!  Our time is short.  Your time is now.  The water is fine.  Please, dive in!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians Chapter 1 titled "Giving Up the Gospel" is at this link and "Was Paul a Man-Pleaser?" is at this link.

We have great readings today in Galatians chapter 2 as Paul confronts Peter!  I think this is a powerful lesson for us to learn.  It is okay - in fact good - to confront other Christians when they are out of line.  We should do so in the spirit of love.  Speak the truth in love to our brothers and sisters who step out of line.  But let us not be too meek in this area and let somebody we love slide by because we're too scared to say anything.  Is there anybody in your life today that you are being led by God to speak the truth in love to?  (there is someone in my life I'm being led to do this... and I confess that I have been dragging my feet...)  Let us learn today from the example of Paul confronting Peter!

I have to tell you, for some reason the parenthetical point from Paul in verse 6 today really stood out to me - "(By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)"  This is really a profound thing for each of us to realize!  No one is above you!  No one is below you!  God has no favorites!  I really really love thinking about this.  This means we should respect all, but fear none.  God is the only one we should fear.  You, your pastor, your president, the homeless person on the street corner are no more or no less favored by God comparatively.  God has no favorites!  And - if God has no favorites, what do you think this should mean to us.  Should we have favorites?  Should we give more respect to those who we think are in better social standing than others?  Should we love the pastor more than the homeless person?  Should we love the celebrity over the waiter?  This really is something for us to think about...  Paul said people's reputation as great leaders made NO difference to him.  Should people's reputations in our world today make any difference to us?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "Was Paul a Man-Pleaser?" is at this link and "Peter's Capitulation and Paul's Correction" is at this link.

Paul's message in Galatians chapter 3 verses 6 through 9 is very good news to the 1st century Gentiles and to you and me today too! "In the same way, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith." The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God. What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, "All nations will be blessed through you." And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Do you believe that you can share in the same blessing Abraham received?  How?  Are you a spiritual descendent of Abraham?  Why?  What do Paul's words "faith in Christ" mean to you?  Is this all very good news to you?  Below is a painting from the year 1850 by Hungarian artist Jozsef Molnar of "Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan":

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Cost of Changing Course" is at this link.  Below is a great image - nice take off from the "Intel Inside" graphic! - from Galatians 2:20 in today's readings:

Today in Galatians chapter 3 verses 10 and 11 we read: “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith.””  What is Paul saying here?  Why would those who rely on observing the law be under a curse?  Do you rely on the law?  And, no, I'm not asking about this type of law below... :)

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "What the Law Cannot Do" is at this link.  Below is a powerful image for Galatians 3:13 from today's readings -

Worship God:  Today's readings in Galatians reminded me of Chris Tomlin's great song "Made to Worship!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5FmNqozk6k

Are you made to worship?  Not sure?  Click here and be made to worship!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you have been crucified with Christ. Pray that Christ lives in you. Pray that you are living this life in your body by faith in Jesus, who loves you and gave Himself for you. Pray that your friends, family, and neighbors would come to fully know this Truth.

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 12th Chronological Bible Readings

Acts 12:6-14:20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

There is a lot going on in today's Acts readings as Peter is freed from jail by an angel!

Verses 21 through 23 are a great great reminder to not ever accept anyone calling you a god - nor for you to every think of yourself as a god - "When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It is the voice of a god, not of a man!"  Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died."  We should never accept worship from others.  The glory should always go to God.  As the Psalmist so wisely and worshipfully says in Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, not to us, O LORD, but to your name be the glory."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "The Death of James and the Deliverance of Peter" is at this link.

Wow.  It is fun to read about Paul's first missionary journey!  A very cool thing to note about today's readings is that Paul started his missionary journey not after an extensive planning session / retreat / etc. (all our modern day stuff of what we have to do before embarking on something...)  No!  Paul started his missionary journey after a time of worship & fasting and being filled with the Holy Spirit!  The Spirit moved and thus Paul moved!  It was that simple.  Think we can learn something from this in our lives today?  Are you listening to the Spirit's prompting in your life today?  What is the Spirit prompting you to do?  Will you do it?  Check out Acts 13 verses 2 and 3 that show all it took for Paul to begin his missionary journey: "One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way."

I am a huge fan of Paul's epistles, and greatly enjoyed verses 9 through 11, which are Paul's first words that we've read in Acts since his conversion on the road to Damascus - "Then Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcerer in the eye and said, "You son of the Devil, full of every sort of trickery and villainy, enemy of all that is good, will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? And now the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be stricken awhile with blindness.""  Paul was no joke!  Below is a map of Paul's first missionary journey:

I love the way today's Acts readings finish up in verses 14 & 15 - "Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.  On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!"  Uh-oh!  Think the folks in charge of the service are ready for a word from Paul and Barnabas?  :)  Stay tuned for the word of encouragement from Paul in tomorrow's readings!  Below is an image of Barnabas:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Acts titled "What a Way to Go" is at this link.

Acts 13 is a great sermon from Paul today!  Really... this is about as good as it gets for a solid Gospel presentation.  Go Paul.  I love how he starts off in verse 16: "So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. "People of Israel," he said, "and you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel, listen to me."  You'll note that Paul delivers this message to both Jews and Gentiles - he is preaching the Gospel for the world!  Are you really listening to Paul's message to you in today's readings in Acts?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Acts titled "Putting the Past in Perspective" is at this link.

Great readings today about how Paul and Barnabas' ministry to the Gentiles was growing!  Verse 52 is awesome: "And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

Wow... amazing readings today... the thing that went through my mind while I was reading about Paul today was a very modern Christian song by Jonah33 called "Faith Like That" that goes like this:

"Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want the Faith That can move any mountain
and send them to the sea
I want the Faith that can break every stronghold
That keeps you, keeps you from me..."

Do you see the depth and strength and love of Paul's faith in verses 19 & 20 - "Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe."  Paul is stoned and then gets back up and keeps going forward in his minstry for God!  Next thing you know he is praying and fasting for elders in churches - after nearly getting stoned to death!  I want a faith like that...  Also, it is wonderful to read in today's readings how Paul and Barnabas tear their garments because they are so distressed that people were worshiping them as if they were gods!  Would we react so quickly to stop people from worshiping us today I wonder... ?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Mission Accomplished" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings in Acts about Paul's missionary journey reminds me of the Britt Nicole song "The Lost Get Found:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2prEoATH8

Are you Lost?  Click here to be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But the word of God continued to increase and spread." Acts 12:24 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the Word of God continues to increase and spread in our world today. Pray that you are part of helping the Word of God increase and spread.

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!