Thank you

Thank you to everyone who participated with us in our Reading through the New Testament in 90 Days.  I hope you have been blessed by this time.  I know I have.

In His Service,
Carolyn

Revelation 21-22

A new heaven and new earth!  God’s dwells with His people and wipes away their tears.  Death will be no more.  All things are made new!!  The promises to the faithful are fulfilled.  God’s glory shines for all.  God’s name is on their foreheads.  Jesus is coming soon.  Hallelujah!!

Revelation 19-20

God is the ultimate victor.  Evil is defeated.  There is much celebration because Christ is the victor over evil.  Satan is destroyed forever.  Those who remained faithful were at Christ’s side. 

Revelation 16-18

God’s people are called to be faithful in the midst of adversity.  Babylon was the name used for Rome.  God’s judgment falls on the Roman persecutors because the blood of the saints was found on them.  (Note:  There was no actual battle of Armageddon).

Revelation 13-15

 Graphic images of economic persecution. If you have time, do a study of the meaning of numbers and colors in Revelation. For example 666 stood for Nero and 144,000 represents all of God's people. Persecution for Christians still occurs. Let us keep praying for their relief and safety

Revelation 10-12

These chapters are so full of encouragement. Yes, times can be hard. The people to whom this letter was originally written were under economic and social persecution. Many of them died. But the Lord of the Universe ended this persecution and the persecutors were defeated (Rome). It is still our story. We may face hard times; we may be persecuted by bad health, hard economic times, and disappointments of life. We need to remain faith. Our God will defeat all evil.

Revelation 7-9

All of God’s people are saved.  Those who have suffered now wear white robes.  They will rest beside springs of life-giving water and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. 

I love the concept that the incense around the throne are our prayer.

The people to whom John is writing are suffering tremendously.  Their hope is that God is in control and that there will be a reversal.  Is that not our hope as well?

Revelation 4-6

All creation bows before the throne of God, praising His name.  The power of God is revealed. 

Revelation 1-3

I wonder what John would write to our individual churches?  I hope it would not be the message to Laodicea.

I John, II John, III John, Jude

I John.  “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all?  “The one who claims, ‘I know him,’ while not keeping his commandments, is a liar…..”

II John.  John understands it is all about love.   Loving God, loving one another.

III John.  Nothing makes us happier than to hear that our children are living in the truth.  This can mean our biological children, which is so true, but also all those who we have taught, mentored, care about.

Jude.  Lots of warnings about scoffers and false teachers.  Those who love the Lord build each other up.

I Peter, 2 Peter

In I Peter we are told that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession.  If we believe this, can we live up to this?

II Peter warns us of false teaching that makes immorality seem ok and the normal way to live our lives.  How do we protect ourselves from the influence and attractiveness of sin?

James

God will give us wisdom if we ask. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone would do that today?
God does not tempt us! Why does the perception that God does tempt us continue to persist?
"When sin grows up, it gives birth to death." So easy to ignore that at the start.

So much good advice in James. Faith manifested in action.

Hebrews 10-13

 Faith must surely be a verb because it is such an active concept.  Believing in God's promises even when the possibilities look bleak.  Standing steadfast and living out God's commands of service and sacrifice is not just a concept.  It is how we live.

Hebrews 6-9

 If we ever have to remind ourselves why Jesus had to die to save us from our sins, this is the scripture that helps us.  The shedding of blood of animals under the old covenant was a powerful way of demonstrating forgiveness.  But it had to be done over and over and still did not cleanse the conscience.  Jesus' sacrifice is the one and only sacrifice that will purify us and cleanse us for eternity.

Hebrews 1-5

Hebrews is thought to be a baptism sermon.  It calls us to a mature level of understanding of Christ.  The image of moving to solid food rather than living on milk is convicting for all of us.  Who do we say the Christ is?

Titus, Philemon

Again, there is much advice in these books about appropriate conduct in the early church.   In Titus we hear much about the dangers and destruction of conflict in the church.  I worry about the effect of some our behaviors on new Christians.  Also it damages the love and grace that should abound in the church.  How can we disagree without issues escalating into damaging conflict?

2 Timothy

As a pastor the letters to Timothy have been especially meaningful to me.  The verse in 2 Timothy should be a comfort to all of us--2:13.  “ If we are disloyal, he stays faithful because he can’t be anything else than what he is.”  That’s a powerful, amazing thought.

I Timothy

"...I ask that requests, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be made for all people." Even our enemies? Even those who have different political, cultural, and religious understandings than us? Wow, wouldn't that make a difference in this broken world in which we live?

2 Thessalonians

"May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say" (2:3). What a wonderful blessing we can give one another. We all need encouragement during the stress of our days.

I Thessalonians

"So continue encouraging each other and building each other up....."  Paul is affirming the reality that some people die before they see Jesus' return, but will rise again.  In the midst of trials and temptations, we need to keep encouraging one another.

Philippians and Colossians

 As you read these letters, it is evident that Paul has much love for these two churches. He praises them for their faithfulness, encourages them in the work to be done, and warns them against false teaching. As a pastor I find it amazing the love that envelops me for the churches I have been privileged to serve. As a parent and grandparent, I find the love I have for my family to be overwhelming at times. We want the best, the very best for the ones we love.

Apologies

Sorry, I am positing so late today. Just now getting to my reading, although I usually read first thing in the morning. Have enjoyed two of my grandchildren the last few days, and morning are surely different. Just left them with their mom and am feeling really blessed.

Ephesians

Marvelous, marvelous grace.  How have you experienced grace in your life?

Galatians

Have you heard the saying, 'One step forward and two steps back.'  This seems to be what Paul is dealing with.  He is continually defending his right to apostleship and the understanding of salvation by faith and not works.  Does Paul also speak to us?  Do we really grasp the idea that we are saved by Christ's righteousness and not our own?  What good we do is in response to that grace.

2 Corinthians 12-13

 "Don't you understand that Jesus Christ is in you? (12:5)  How will the people we meet today see Christ in us?

2 Corinthians 10-11

The weapons of God destroy arguments and capture every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  Wow!  Our God is an awesome God!

2 Corinthians 7-9

"God. loves a cheerful giver." " You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way." 

We are so blessed.  What a gift to be able to share those blessings with others.  I see so many people hurting.  May we exercise our hearts to give all we can.

2 Corinthians 4-6.

Paul is calling us to live a life that is holy.  "Because we are the temple of the living God."(6:16b)  How do we live a holy life today?

2 Corinthians 1-3

Paul is writing from the heart in this letter, which is written to people for whom he cares deeply.  In 1:4 he says, "He's the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble."  That is our call -- Loving people to Jesus.

I Corinthians 15-16

Paul's understanding of the resurrection is explained very thoroughly.  Do you ever think about how wondrous it will be at the resurrection?  O Death, where is your sting?

I Corinthians 11-14

Chaos in the early Corinthian church.  Which spiritual gift is the greatest?  What part do women play in the church?  Gluttony and drunkenness at the Lord's table?  When is it ok to speak in tongues?  Trying to dominate the worship services?  Our issues may be different today, but like in the early church, our egos can run off new Christians.  Let us claim Chapter 13 and the love to which Christ called us.

I Corinthians 9-10

All my life I have heard “God will not put more on us than we can bear.”  This is a distortion of I Corinthians 9:13-16..  Read carefully.  It says we will not be TEMPTED beyond what we can bear.  “God will supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it (the temptation).  God is not placing hard times upon us.  God is walking with us as we journey through difficult days.

I Corinthians 7-8

Paul is concerned about the everyday lives of the people, whether to marry (Remember everyone though Christ would return in their life time), changing economic status (slavery was legal), and whether or not to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul says he does not have a command from the Lord, but his main concern is that our focus should be on the Lord. He also admonishes that we should be aware of how our actions affect others in the faith, especially new Christians.

I Corinthians 4-6

Paul comes down hard on sexual immorality.  Certainly this is also an issue in our time as well.  Cultural standards have certainly changed throughout  history.  Do we know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us? (6:19)  What are we modeling for our young fledgling Christians?

New place

Hi, folks, just to let you know there is a new place to view these posts.  It's on Facebook at Saulston UMC New Testament Read.  I've done this because folks have complained it is hard to join the discussion on this site.  I will also continue to post daily on this site as well.  God bless you in your reading!

I Corinthians 1-3

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed.  But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved" (I Corinthians 1:18).  In these chapters Paul reminds us that it is not the famous, or the clever preacher, or the wisdom of the ages that truly converts us.  It is the power of God.

Romans 13-16

 In these last chapters, Paul warns about divisions in the church in his time--Jew vs Gentile, eating meat (especially meat sacrificed to idols), circumcision or not, and loyalty to governments.  What are the divisions of today that damage the church?

Romans 11-12

 "God's riches, wisdom, and knowledge are so deep!  They are as mysterious as his judgments, and they are as hard to track as his paths!" (11:33)  We are in awe of the wonder of our God.  How comforting it is to know that he is in charge-- and not us.  Our response can be to make ourselves a living sacrifice (12:1).  What an opportunity we have!

Romans 9-10

Paul agonizes over his people who do not have faith in Jesus.  Would we also pray for those who have not seen the light of Jesus?  "Because if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and in your heart you have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Romans 6-8

 Paul says he desires to do good, but he can't do it.  "I don't do the good that I want to do, but I do the evil that I don't want to do.  (7:19)  Praise be to God that he has sent a savior.   

Romans 4-5

 Jesus died for us though we were still sinners.  What is our response to such a love as this?

Romans 1-3

 "You condemn yourself when you judge another person because the one who is judging is doing the same things (Romans 2:1)."

 It is so easy to criticize the other person.  How much harder it is to look at ourselves!

Acts 27-28

Paul has amazing adventures in these two chapters--storms at sea, a shipwreck, a poisonous snake bite, and arrest.  All through this, his faith remains strong.  When the hard times come my friends, may the grace of God help us keep the faith.

Acts 25-26

Paul's defense before King Agrippa was quite passionate. Do you think King Agrippa was converted?

Acts 23-24

Paul had to stand trial for his understanding of the faith.  How brave would we be if we were threatened with arrest for our faith?

Acts 21-22

Paul eloquently told his conversion story to the crowd.  What is your conversion story and have you ever shared it in church?  Testimonies are an important part of our faith tradition.

Acts 19-20

There are several references in these two chapters about money--People angry that Christianity will hurt their business, people who were willing to totally change their lives at the expense of their livelihood, and Paul's quoting Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  What relationship do money and your faith have?

Acts 17-18

Even in the early church there were jealousies and mistrust.  It is distressing to think we can be jealous of others' God given abilities and success when there is so much to do in the Kingdom......Cleanse my heart, O God.

Acts 14-16

Paul has begun his exciting journeys for the Lord. Where has the Lord taken you? Why do you think the jailer wanted to be rescued? Because of the witnessing he had heard earlier, because the prisoners did not escape, or a combination of both?

Acts 11-13

 "When he (Barnabus) arrived and saw evidence of God's grace, he was overjoyed and encouraged everyone to remain fully committed to the Lord. Barnabas responded in this way because he was a good man, whom the Holy Spirit had endowed with exceptional faith. A considerable number of people were added to the Lord." Barnabas was known to be a great encourager, a man with exceptional faith. See what happens when we encourage others and exercise our faith? People are added to the Lord. Who do you know that is a Barnabas?

Acts 8-10

 Phillip listened to the Holy Spirit and was able to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch official.  Do we listen when the Holy Spirit nudges us?  What adventure will you and the Lord have today?

Acts 5-7.

Stephen gave an impressive summary of the history of the faith.  What would you highlight in the summary of your faith?

Acts 3-4

"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking God's word with confidence."  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to fill our lives so that God's word can be lived with confidence.

Acts 1-2

How exciting the day of Pentecost and the days following were for the early Christians. We also are invited into the excitement of our faith. Chapter two says the early church devoted themselves to studying, to sharing meals together, to praying, and to sharing what they had. A good model for us.

Update

Dear friends, so sorry that many of you have tried to post but have been unsuccessful.  I am now double-posting on facebook at Saulston UMC New Testament Read.  I would guess you would need to request to be a friend or member of that page in order to post, but it should be a simple process.  We are starting the Book of Acts today.  I hope you are blessed as you continue to read.
In His service,
Carolyn

John 20-21

I love that Jesus prepared breakfast for the Disciples after his resurrection.  Morning is my favorite time with the Lord.  When is your favorite time?

John 18-19

One of the amazing things for me about reading scripture over and over again is that I always seem to notice something I had not noticed before.  This time I noticed that the name of the servant whose ear was cut off by Peter.  Although this may be only an interesting detail, it just shows me how the Word of God is always fresh and new.  Also isn't it fascinating that it was Caiaphas who said it was better for one person to die for the people.   He had no idea how true those words would become.

John 15-17

Jesus said, "In the world you have distress.  But be encouraged!  I have conquered the world."  I need to hear that today and every day, especially after watching the news. 

John 12-14

"Whoever doesn't love me, doesn't keep my words."  That's a sobering realization.  How much do we love the Lord?

John 10-11

Let us remember that when we face the wolves, we can call on the Good Shepherd.

John 8-9

Reading these two chapters together in one sitting helps us understand why Jesus calls us to examine our lives and see who we follow.  Who is the baiggest influence in our lives.  Whom  do we follow?  Whom do we imitate?  And have we thought about why we hold them in such high esteem?

John 6-7

Jesus says he will not send anyone away who comes to Him.  Isn't that amazing grace since we have continually sent Him away when He came to us.

John 4-5

Are you thirsty today?  Our Lord offers us living water.  Come and drink your fill.

John 1 - 3

The gospel of John focuses on who God is and how Jesus is the word of God walking with us.  This image not only satisfies my mind, it rings true in my heart.  Do the first chapters of John speak to anyone else?

Luke 23-24

Pilate let the crowd influence him, even to killing Jesus, whom he knew was innocent.  How much influence does the crowd have in our lives?  It's amazing how irrational frenzy can take hold.  Will we have the courage to maintain our convictions about the Lord?  --Even Peter did not.

Congratuations, everyone.  We have completed the book of Luke!!!

Luke 20-22

Peter denied Jesus three times when people asked if he knew Jesus.  Does what we say and how we act each day show that we know Jesus?  Or do we deny Him?

Luke 18-19

Jesus says we are to pray continuously.  Could it be that our entire life is our prayer (our response) to God?

Luke 15-17

Lost--I can relate to the woman who could not find her lost coin.  Don't remember losing any money, but I have been in a panic a few times over lost keys.  Is that how the Lord feels about us when we are lost?

Luke 12-14

What is God's kingdom like?  (13:18-21)

Luke 10-11

The fields are still ripe for harvest.  Could we be the workers that some folks are praying for?

Luke 8-9

So many things to question ourselves on today.  Who do we say Jesus is?  Are we waiting for a better, more convenient time to more fully follow the Lord?

Luke 6-7

Jesus says we are to pray for those who mistreat us.  How is that working out for you?

Luke 4-5

The three temptations Jesus faced were money, power, and popularity.  Are those the same temptations we face?

Luke 1-3

Both Mary and Zechariah proclaimed their own psalm of praise.  How does your psalm of praise read?

MARK 15 - 16

The angel told the women who had come to the tomb that Jesus was not there, but he was going ahead of them. Remember that wherever you are going today, Jesus is going ahead of you.  You will see him there.  (16.7)

Mark 13-14

Jesus upset the status quo of the day. They crucified him.  Jesus upsets the status quo of our day.  How are we treating him?

Mark 11-12

What did Jesus say were the two most important commandments?  How are we living that out?

Mark 9-10

Jesus helps us understand how important it is to guide our children onto the right paths, and not do anything to cause them to fall into sin.  Keeping children fed, clothed, in good housing, and educated is important and timeconsuming.  Let us not forget the greatest gift we can give them is opportunities to know the Living God.

Mark 7-8

In verse 8 of chapter 7, Jesus says we ignore God's commandment while holding on to rules created by humans.  This certainly is something we need to think about.  We have a lot of laws created by people.  Why do we obey them but ignore the commandments of the Lord of Life?

Mark 5-6

Sometimes we only need to touch the hem of his garment.

Mark 3-4

The Parable of the Seeds or The Parable of the Soils is one we need to review often.  What part of God's word do we let Satan steal away, what part do we discard during the hard times, what part is lost in the thorns, and what part do we receive and embrace and let bear fruit through God's grace?

Mark 1-2

Because of  his friends' faith, Jesus healed the paralytic.  Whom have we brought before Jesus today?

Matthew 26-28

"What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?"  or  "I don't know the man."  Aren't these still the classic betrayals?

Matthew 23-25

Jesus tells us we should all be prepared, for we do not know what tomorrow brings.  What appropriate scriptures for 9/11.   Every moment is indeed precious!

Matthew 21 and 22

We have been invited to the party.  Are we going?

Matthew 19 & 20

Jesus asked the blind man what He could do for him.  What would you like Jesus do for you today?

Matthew 17 & 18

How can we prepare our hearts to forgive and to receive forgiveness?

Matthew 14-16

Peter became frightened in the storm and began to sink, but the Lord saved him.  Are we sometimes overcome by the storms of life?

Matthew 12 & 13

Jesus made the religious people of the day very uncomfortable.  Does he step on our toes and make us feel uncomfortable?

Matthew 10 & 11

These two chapters tell us that we cannot put anything or anyone before our Lord.  Maybe it's time to really look at our understanding of what it means to be a Christian.  Jesus has given his all for us.  Can we do any less for Him?  Re-read 11:28-30.  Are there any heavy loads on your heart that you need to give to Him?

Matthew 8 & 9

Throughout these two chapters, Jesus is healing and showing mercy.  At the end of chapter 9, Jesus says, "The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers.  Therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest."  Could we be the workers?

Matthew 5 - 7

Jesus tells us not to worry about our daily life, but to first desire God's Kingdom and righteousness.  How are you able to put this into practice?

Matthew 3 & 4

Jesus' temptations involve money, popularity, and power.  Are they the same temptations we face today?

Matthew 1 & 2

Matthew begins with Jesus' family tree.  Anyone surprising in there?  How about your family tree?  How has that influenced you?

Welcome!

Welcome to Saulston UMC's blog for those reading through the New Testament in 90 days!