Week 8-The Acts of the Apostles 1-17

Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witness....."

Just think about what a great power and responsibility that is for you and for all Christians. Talk about a powerful verse.

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 6) The Gospel According to John 1-21

John 3:16

Most people know this verse. You see the signs at sporting events on signs all the time. A man started that trend by putting his favorite bible verse on a sign and taking it the a football game. Now you see it week in and week out at sporting events when you are watching them on television. Interesting how ONE man's idea had such a far reaching effect.

Just something to think about

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 5) The Gospel According to Luke 14-24

I read the story of the prodigal son in my daily readings this week and then when we went to see Rob Bell on Saturday he talked about the story. He brought up something I haven't really ever thought about the story. The story is left unresolved. It ends with the father and older son talking outside the party. We don't find out if the son goes to the party for his wayward younger son who has come home or if he stays outside pouting, or if something else entirely different happens.

I found that to be a great take on the story. We are left to interpret what happened. Hmmm

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 4) The Gospel According to Luke 1-12

I think the Gospel of Luke is my favorite of the gospels for a few reasons. First, it talks of Jesus as a universal figure. Second, it also kind of has a sequel in the Book of Acts-also written by Luke. Third, it has a theme of God's plan. Just a few thoughts about Luke...more to follow

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 3) The Gospel According to Mark

The gospel of Mark is written quite differently than the the gospel of Matthew. It is very childlike in its telling, it has only about half the number of chapters as Matthew. It is widely regarded as the earliest of the four gospels.

I believe my favorite part of Mark is the "controversy" stories underscoring Jesus teachings and how those teaching ultimately conflicted with the scribes and pharisees. Those 5 conflicting issues were: Faith, Blasphemy, the Son of Man's divine authority, how to deal with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and the Sabbath and keeping it holy.

Ultimately Jesus thought differently about these issues and that was part of the reason he was questioned. I guess it is true-Jesus got it and we are still trying to replicate that today.

I also like verse 10:15. It states that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. This verse to me stresses the importance of raising our children right and get them started with their love for Jesus at an early age. (Thanks mom for MAKING me go to church)

grace& peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 2) Matthew 18-28

The second half of the book of Matthew focuses on many things such as the transfiguration, more parables, teachings, allusions to the resurrection, plots, betrayals, trials, and the crucifixtion, and resurrection. So there is a lot of information in those 12 chapters. If I were picking one verse to focus on out of those 12 chapters it would be the last one: Matthew 28:19-20

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

What a powerful statement....any thoughts?

Reading Through the Bible in 1 Year (Week 1) Matthew: 1-17

This is the first gospel. Matthew quotes old testament scripture 47 times in the gospel. Why might he do this? Matthew is a jew and is speaking to the jews so he might be emphasizing their traditions and focusing on what they know. Matthew is probably trying to get them on board with what the word he is spreading about the messiah.

Something to think about...What do think is the difference between these two: "the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law."

grace & peace
kevin