Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 17:

That must have been a phenomenal thing to see Jesus in his glory. I wonder how they knew it was Moses and Elijah. Name tags? Did they hear Jesus referring to them by name? What language did they speak? What did they talk about? So, many questions none of them of much significance.

I wonder why Peter was never given an answer to his request. He was wanting to build tents for each of them. I notice that he asks, "If you wish" and also refers to him as Lord. So, even though he is making three tents it is not as if he is saying Moses, Elijah, and Jesus are on the same plain. He is still referring to Jesus as Master and he asks him the question not Moses and Elijah.

That would have been very terrifying, but I wonder why they were so shocked. Did they not already see this as something really significant because Jesus is kind of glowing? Oh, that the voice of God would make me tremble as it did these men!

How did John the Bapitst "restore all things"?

After reading the story of the Demon-Possessed Boy I find myself wishing I had never heard charismatic watered down preaching. It seems to close my eyes to the text. I find myself reading things like this with their lens...knowing they are most often wrong, I go the other way and end up being blind to the meaning of the text. Lord, help me see what you are saying here. I bet there is something cultural here that I do not understand. I do not think that Jesus is literally saying that becasue we believe enough we can move stuff like mountains. He is speaking figuratively, but yet does the principle stand? What is to be said of "nothing will be impossible for you". I want to have biblical faith. I do not want to have a stick in the mud anti-supernatural faith, nor do I want to be a chicken-clucking charismatic. Lord, help me to see and live the balance.

I think this temple tax might be something that helps us in debates concerning our freedoms. Did Jesus have to pay tax? Of course not. He is free. Did he pay tax not to give offense? Yes. Should we sometimes not use our freedom so as not to give offense? Yes. Does his paying taxes cause him to deny the gospel and slip into legalism? No. We have much to learn here.

Acts 17:

I wonder why the Jews gave Paul a hearing for three straight Sabbaths. It is also significant that what Paul used was not fancy rhetoric or even rabbinical writings. Paul reasoned with them "from the Scriptures".

"These men who have turned the world upside down"...what a stirring statement. Is it my pride that wants to follow suit or is it a holy ambition? Lord, if the world be turned upside down let it be for the sake of and glory of Jesus Christ. May he be the only boast of the generation that is "turned upside down".

v.9 Did Jason bribe them?

How are the Jews of Berea more noble? 1) Received the word with eagerness 2) examined the Scriptures daily. There is much to be said about this. They received the word. They did so with eagerness. They examined the Scriptures. And they did so on a day to day basis. Their passion for truth is astounding.

Is my spirit provoked in a city full of idols?

v.21 in some way sounds like us in America. We spend all of our times searching for novelty. May the gospel penetrate this culture as well. Lord, help us to "teach strange things" and not be irrelevant by our undiscerning pursuit of relevancy.

It's not as if the Athenians are actually worshipping the living God. They are "worshipping" an unknown God...and Paul sees this as a bridge to preach the gospel.

Paul starts his gospel "presentation" with teaching on Creation. Would they have readily believed this? Probably not. I notice throughout this section that the God that Paul is proclaiming is a massive contrast to the gods that they were so passionately worshipping.

I think the full meaning of verse 27 escapes me.

Paul also bridges with common things in their culture. But notice what he uses is "morally neutral". It's not as if Paul goes to the sex temples or engages in idolatry with them. He uses morally neutral things that can bridge the gap.

Repentance is a command. v30

Is it significant that Paul only speaks of this unknown God and does not refer to Jesus by name but merely describes Him?

Genesis 19:

I lost an angel somewhere. Earlier there were three now two. Where did the third go?

v.5 has always astonished me at the audacity of these men to make such a request. It beautifully shows the depth of our depravity (although I am sure that even these men were restrained from being as wicked as possible).

Lot's solution has always bothered me as well. Rather than having them sleep with his angelic guest he offers his daughters. Yet even this does not appease them. They want the angels.

Before I chide the sons-in-laws for thinking Lot was jesting, I have to confess I see myself in these men. I am so turned away from emotionalism that sometimes I would not listen to such a "prophecy". Again, as I prayed earlier--I need balance and growth in this.

I wonder if men that are so passionate about preserving man's "free will" (that's in quotation marks because it is typically a misunderstanding of true biblical freedom) see these men as being dishonoring and unloving to Lot and his family. I can see myself again here. If the Lord had not "seized me" with his mercy and brought me "outside the city", I would still be in my sin. I am glad that the Lord's mercy is so powerful that it changes me and keeps me from treasuring my sin and causes me to delight in Christ.

I think there is a type in Lot escaping to this city of refuge. I am jogging my memory but I think this is spoken of somewhere else in a more profound way.

What would sulfur and fire rain have been like?

Why a pillar of salt? Is this literal? Does this stem from the destruction? Those are not as significant as the message of this text. We must never look back after the Lord has delivered us. I would not go so far as to make this a type of those that "lose their salvation", yet I do believe we need to heed the warning.

It looks like Lot ended up moving out of Zoar and living in the hills, even though at first he made the request not to.

Esther 1:

v4 Kings of earth even in all their splendor are exhaustible in 180 days. It will take the Lord all of eternity to "show the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness."

I wonder was Queen Vashti only lovely to look at because the king was "merry with wine".

It's pretty neat that the King's consul (even though not acting the most merciful) is thinking through the ramifications of his decision. If he lets her get away with this it will have adverse affects. We as leaders should always think through the outcome of our decisions. Our disobedience has a counter effect on others as well as ourselves.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 16:

I wonder if they had the "red sky at night sailors delight, red sky in the morning sailors take warning" saying back in Jesus' day? I'm not certain that they would have had "sailors" so I doubt it. But nonetheless, I've always found this verse kind of neat because I've heard sayings about a red sky at night and in the morning.

What is the sign of Jonah?

I love these little narrative interjections. "The disciples forgot to bring bread". Certainly it serves as a fitting transition and teachable moment, but it does a wonderful job of showing the disciples humanity and Jesus' patience with them.

The disciples continue to view things extremely literally. We should be cautious of doing the like.

In what way should we warn people as Jesus did to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Who are these groups in our day?

I wonder if Jesus' question, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is", would have sounded weird. Is he referring to himself or the "Son of Man" spoken of in the Scriptures? Is this the same as asking "Who do people say that I am" or is it asking "How do people describe the Son of Man spoken of in Scripture? I prefer the latter. I believe Jesus is saying, "How do people interpret the OT Son of Man". They then respond by the common beliefs in the day. (Jeremiah actually seems strange in this context). Then Jesus says, but who do you say that I am. Again the stress would not be on who do you...but rather who do you say that I am. I could be wrong though. He could be contrasting the "peoples" reception of Jesus with that of the disciples.

Peter replies that Jesus is the Christ the son of the Living God, and apparently knowledge of this only came because God revealed it to Him.

This verse (18-19) has been the subject of much debate. Is the rock Peter or faith? What are meant by the gates of hell? (Since when are gates active, so that the rock must withstand it?) What are the keys? What authority is given? Is it given to Peter? Is it given to His successors? Is it given to all those people of faith? It is not the place here to answer these questions.

It has always seemed strange to me that Jesus is so passionate about the disciples not telling people that he is the Christ. I know that we are not to conceal him now. It's painfully ironic that when Jesus urged people to conceal Him they could not do so. When Jesus commands us to spread His fame to the nations we eagerly desire to obey his first instruction to tell no one. Lord, help us to be faithful in proclaiming you in your fullness.

It is so funny that Peter rebukes Jesus. After he makes this amazing confession, we know that he knew who Jesus was. What boldness to rebuke God. But I wonder, how many times have I done the same? Am I not doing as Peter did whenever I question His wise counsel? Am I not rebuking God when I whine at his sovereign actions? And Peter's problem is ours--thinking of the things of man instead of the things of God.

After Jesus tells of His suffering He urges us to follow Him in this. As I look over this text I am forced to wonder whether or not I have "lost my life" for Jesus' sake. Can I be said to be a doulos?

Why is it that sometimes it sounds like works play a very important role? Why is it that we will be repaid for "what we have done"?

I've never understood how verse 28 is fulfilled? I think it is speaking of either Jesus' death, resurrection, or ascension.

Acts 16:

"A Jewish woman who was a believer"...does this mean believer in Christ? It seems from here and other places in Scripture that Timothy's mom was a follower of Jesus.

Why did Paul circumcise Timothy because of the Jews but not Titus?

We are still seeing churches increase daily. Lord, bring this movement to us!

"Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the work in Asia." Many questions arise from this. How do you know when the Holy Spirit is forbidding you? Why did He forbid them to "speak the Word"? Did he have a specific place for them to go? We should always be waiting for the Spirit's urging to know where to preach the gospel and apparently where not to.

Again Paul begins his ministry at a religious place. Synagogues, places of prayer, etc. seem to be where he preached the gospel first in a city.

The Lord opened her heart...unless He had certainly Lydia would not have believed. Lord, open hearts in our community, and help us hear the cries of them when you bid us to proclaim the gospel.

Why do we see households baptized when one believes?

Divination is probably a reality. It's not as if people are faking (though many probably are). It's just that they are demonized.

I find this story funny about Paul being annoyed. I wonder why it was so annoying. Why did he wait so long to cast it out? Why only after annoyance?

Certainly Paul's experience of affliction here in Philippi will serve a great purpose later in comforting them when they are afflicted.

Even after beatings and imprisonment the joy of the Lord (and perhaps even the desperation of the situation) draws Paul and Silas to sing hymns. Nonetheless these were clothed in Scripture and probably many Psalms. The guards listen and were certainly influenced.

Again we see "believe, and you will be saved "and your household". But the next verse says the word was spoken to them and your household. "He rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God". Let us rejoice in our salvation Lord.

This seems really stubborn of Paul. Is he being stubborn or does he see a greater purpose of God in this. Certainly Paul is not infallible. I think sometimes we read Acts and everything Paul did and assume that everyone of his actions is right.

Genesis 18:

Is this three the Trinity? I am a little confused by this dialogue. How did Abraham know it was the Lord?

A new term for menopause..."the way of women has ceased to be with her". I like reading some of the euphemisms in the Bible.

I wonder what this dialogue between laughing Sarah then embarrassed and fearful Sarah was like. What was God's response in this. Is he a little angry at her unbelief? Understanding and almost laughing Himself?

This chapter for some reason seems really strange to me. God is walking to Sodom to see if its as bad from this angle as it is from heaven.

Now, verse 22 really confuses me. The men leave, Abraham stays before the LORD? Are these men incarnations of God or not (there is a theological word for this, but for the life of me I can not think of it)?

We see the display of God's righteousness in sparing Sodom if one righteous man is found. He is doing this through all of history and the book of Revelation even as he pours out his bowls of wrath and offers more and more time for repentance (all the while knowing that many will never repent, yet still showing mercy and offering grace to display his mighty justice).

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Matthew 15:

Apparently the disciples were not very hygienic. Maybe Jesus never taught them proper hygiene, since they do not wash their hands before they eat.

I love this dialogue between Jesus. "Why do you not obey tradition?" Jesus, "Why do you not obey God?" Ouch.

I wonder how often because of our tradition we "make void" the Word of God.

verse 12. It is easy to sympathize with the disciples here. It would have been difficult to go against the established authorities and leaders. "Hey, Jesus you are offending the Pharisees, shouldn't you be careful?" We must be careful not to give undue offense but when the truth of God is being dishonored we must not care about offending those who hold to tradition over the Word of God. Even if it means church conflict because we change an unbiblical tradition to the disapproval of a "Pharisee".

Apparently there are "plants" that are planted but not so by the Father. Is this similar to the parable of the wheat and tares?

It's quite obvious to us today what Jesus is saying. But I wonder how often we do not understand truly what Jesus is saying. I think of the big "NO's" of Christianity today and few are on this list. We are very harsh on some things (and some which perhaps do not even defile) and others on this list we ignore. How often have people been censured for false witness and slander?
I have never really understood the story of the Canaanite woman. It seems so uncharacteristic of Jesus. It sounds as if Jesus does not have a concept of Gentile inclusion. Is this tongue in cheek? He saying it almost sarcastically to the disciples to teach him that he was not sent only to the lost sheep of Israel? Nonetheless, her persistence "wins Jesus over". What are your thoughts on this passage?

True biblical healing will result in glorifying the God of Israel.

Imagine being so dedicated and passionate about hearing what Jesus has to say that you do not eat for three days.

Acts 15:

Do stories of conversion strike joy in my heart as it did these brothers?

There are Pharisees still in the mix. It seems as if the Jewishness of Christianity in his seminal stages was quite prominent. Acts 15 will prove to be a major turning point. I imagine it must have been a very big debate. You can certainly sympathize with the thought that they must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. This had been their entire life. It is not as if they are meaning to denounce Christ. They are wanting to be faithful to their heritage and all that they have been taught. Christ and His gospel was so revolutionary that it had to come with such difficult questions as these.

verse 7, (If I am reading it correctly) certainly seems that God made a choice to save certain Gentiles. This certainly sounds like the type of election described by Calvinists, but perhaps because I am one I am reading this into the text. Lord, help me to read your word for what it says and not put doctrine into it. Rather I pray that my doctrine find its source in the Holy Scriptures and the glorious God of which they reveal.

"cleansed their hearts by faith". This is very significant. The Jews are wanting a cleansing of the Gentiles. Peter is saying the Spirit of God has already done this.

I wonder why James gives these four instructions. Did Gentiles have a huge problem with these things? In reading some of the ancient literature it appears so. Are we still today to follow this?

Why is James concerned with men "proclaiming Moses"? There is a sense in which we must proclaim the Law, but certainly not at the expense of proclaiming Christ. May we never proclaim only the Law!

"gone out from us"...does this mean that they are heretics and it is synonymous to saying "gone away from us"? Or is this saying they are brothers (albeit confused) that are fruits from us as if he is saying "came from us"?

May it be said of us, "Men who have risked their lives for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ".

I pray that I might write, teach, and preach with such grace that those that hear the Word might, "rejoice because of its encouragement".

Even sharp disagreement can be used by the Lord. I have, however, always been saddened by this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.

Nehemiah 8:

"And the ears of all the people were attentive..." Dear Lord bring that to our church. Bring that to my heart, that I might ever be attentive to your Holy Word and the preaching and proclaiming of it.

I would like to begin having the people in the congregation stand at the reading of the Word. I would love to see congregational reading of the Word instilled again into our church. I would like to begin this at youth group next time we meet. Not for the sake of the practice itself but to revere our hearts to God's precious Word.

I am told that verse 8 is pointing to expository preaching and I believe it so. The Word must be read "clearly", and we as expositors must "give the sense", and our goal must be that "the people understood the reading".

I asked an earlier question about the authority of Nehemiah. Here it says he was a governor. How he got this title I am not certain. But this is why he is able to speak with such authority.

Verse 9-12 Something about this section of Scripture is still floating around in my head. The Word is read the people are weeping. Weeping for sorrow it appears. Why are they sad? Is this sadness not mourning and good? Why are they commanded to celebrate? So, then should we not celebrate instead of mourn when we understand the Word? Are there times when a clear understanding should cause weeping? Are these general principles or specific to the story?

Isn't it ironic that we have to be commanded to celebrate and party? It seems like lost people get celebration a little better than we...and it is we that have the most to celebrate. Yet, perhaps this is our time of mourning and fasting because our bridegroom has not yet came back. Oh, but one day we will out celebrate any drunkard in Times Square on New Years Eve!

Day by day he read from the book of the Law. I wish we still had such assemblies daily. It seems to me that in times of the Great Awakening and in the ministry of many dear saints that they meetings about every day. We struggle now to have an evening service or a few days in a row. Lord, cause us to hunger and pant after You and Your Word.

Genesis 17:

Is this a separate covenant? I think it is. This time Abe has conditions. Walk before God and be blameless. (What exactly does it mean to walk before the Lord)? It does sound very similar to the prior covenant. Is this one different?

It is neat that many times when men have an encounter with God he changes their names. We are indeed a new creations-this is a cool reflection of this glorious truth. It seems as if this covenant is conditional whereas the prior one is less so. I should study these more.

Again as we read such things in verse 14, I see why the early Christians had a problem with doing away with circumcision.

Circumcision would have to take a lot of faith.

Even after Abraham messed up with Hagar, God's grace and promise are still going to come to fruition. This is very comforting for those of us that mess up in many diverse ways. There are certain things in God's plan that cannot and never will be jacked up! That's wonderfully freeing.

It must have been a huge gut-buster to fall on his face laughing. And to think that he is doing this with the Almighty. What a relationship they must have had. But we see that part of this is unbelief, and God certainly is not pleased with this laughter. Abraham is begging for God's blessing to be given to Ishmael. But God's plan is through Isaac. The Child of Promise not the Child of the Flesh.

You get the idea that God is not surprised by the spreading of Ishmael's descendants. Yet, he cannot be pleased with their damnable doctrines. But as a fulfillment of this look at the world's supply of oil....much of the riches come from descendants of Ishmael.

I will probably have our son circumcised (for medical not religious purposes) before the age of 13. Is there significance in the fact that Ishmael is circumcised? Do Muslims get circumcised? Even Abraham's servants are circumcised. Does this mean that the promises and blessings are extended to even them? If so, then we can see God's inclusive nature even here.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

I am trying to catch up on the McCheyne Reading Plan without making this a legalistic burden. Therefore, I will pace myself in getting caught up. Today I will try to catch up on Matthew.

Matthew 8:

You don't touch lepers. You don't spend time with sinners. You can get defiled being around the refuse of the world. That is unless your Jesus. Jesus touched lepers. This story has always inspired me to "touch the lepers" of our world. I bet the touch of Jesus would have been phenomenal to this leper that probably hadn't been touched in years. I am so glad that Christ touches the untouchable.

"I'm not worthy, but your word is powerful." Oh, that we had the faith of the centurion.

I've often wondered why Jesus rebuked the disciples for little faith in the midst of the storm. They knew they were in trouble, they cried out to God to save them. Is not relying on Jesus in times of distress a good thing? It's not like Jesus' was known as a skilled sailor. They aren't necessarily calling on their ship captain to help them. They are asking for a miracle. Perhaps, the problem is that their faith was just like the waves of the sea (James 1:6). Their fear displayed their weakly trusting hearts.

Miracles are fun unless they kill our pigs. God's will is wonderful unless it interferes with our comfort and luxuries. We want to see God move and do miraculous things...unless of course it means personal loss. Show your glory Lord...even if it kills our pigs.

Matthew 9:

I've always found it a little strange that the faith of another healed this man. It would be unwise to develop an entire system of theology on this one point, but I do believe it is significant. It should teach us to fervently pray and "work" (if that's the correct word) for other's salvation.

Are we more like the Pharisees or Jesus? Do we attract tax-collectors and sinners or the religious elite? If Jesus' ministry was to "not call the righteous, but sinners" then what should ours be? I realize the danger in this line of thinking. Much of our 20th and 21st century weak theology, seeker-sensitive, watered-down, barely able to be called gospel, Christianity is attributed to us trying to be more like the world (tax collectors and sinners) than like Jesus. Lord, show me the biblical balance. Help me to be a friend of tax collectors and sinners while not aspiring to be one.

12 years of suffering and this woman still has faith. Not that she had faith for 12 years, but it is surprising that she is not so hardened by her condition that she has given up hope. Lord, grant me this type of steadfast faith.

It's kind of ironic that when Jesus tells men to "see that no one knows about it" they are motivated to spread "his fame through all that district". And now that we are commanded to take the gospel to the nations we are passive about spreading his fame. May I be more faithful in spreading His fame.

I love seeing the heart of Jesus in verse 36. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd". This text speaks to me in two different ways. First of all I pray that the Lord might help me to be faithful and feed his sheep. I pray that I might have the type of compassion of Christ for the sheep that God has entrusted to me. As pastor I pray for the heart of Jesus. But the second thing speaks to me as a common sinner. I see myself in this text as one that is "harassed and helpless". Now certainly I am one that has been redeemed and I do indeed have a great shepherd. So, as I read this text it causes me to rejoice that the Lord has taken me from harassed and helpless to rescued and freed.

Matthew 10:

Verse 11 is phrased in an unusual way. "Find out who is worthy". That is interesting. I'm not sure at this point I can understand its full meaning, but something about it strikes me. What makes one "worthy"? It seems to be the receiving of Christ's disciples.

"Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Oh, the wisdom that this takes.

Verse 23 confuses me. "You will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes". Didn't they do this? Does "Son of Man comes" mean something different than I think? Are all the towns of Israel different than I think? Is "going through" different than I think? I would say this is not a reference to the Second Coming but possibly something else...but that's just a guess. Any help?

It is interesting that Jesus comforts the disciples in the midst of speaking on persecution with the sovereignty of God. It seems that many times when the sovereignty of God is spoken of it is in the context of persecution.

Ironic that the Prince of Peace came not to bring peace but a sword.

I am convicted by verse 38, and honestly sometimes a little scared. Do I take up my cross? Do I follow Him? I want to scream out after reading this verse--I am not worthy of you Lord, I never will be worthy of you Lord. Jesus, make me worthy.

Matthew 11:

Is there significance in Matthew referring to Jesus as "the Christ" in verse 2. You would have thought given the context he would have said Jesus. It's almost as if he is answering the question posed by John the Baptist before he even asks it.

Why does Jesus say "born of women" instead of "born of men"? I am sure it is cultural. Wasn't Jesus born of a woman? I know he is not saying John is greater. John was born of woman; Jesus was born of God.

Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. This reminds me of something C.J. Mahaney said in a sermon I listened to recently: We are just a justified of the most distinguished saints, even the apostle Paul.

Something about verse 20 hit me. I read it like I never had before. Jesus does mighty works and really displays his glory. They do not repent. So Jesus denounces the cities. Wow! When we see the glory of Christ displayed we ought to be quick to repent.

What things were hidden in verse 25? Is it the "mighty works" of verse 20? Has the Lord hidden the significance of these things from the wise and yet revealed them to simpletons? How unsearchable are his ways!?!

Matthew 12:

Something greater than the temple is here! That statement sends chills down my spine...and I've never even seen the temple nor been idolatrous of it.

"And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless". I wonder how often I do not know what that means. How often have I condemned the guiltless because I am more passionate about sacrifice than mercy.

It really frustrates me that the Pharisees are not enjoying Jesus but a rather questioning him and trying to trap him. Does it annoy me so much because I see myself in them? Nonetheless, I want to scream, "Get over yourselves!" What type of heart do these men have? A man gets healed right in front of them, and rather than rejoicing they are ticked off because Jesus did not do it the way they thought it ought to be done. So, rather than enjoying Christ they conspire to kill him. Kill a guy for healing a man! Wow! How darkened is my heart, that my righteousness (apart from Christ) does not exceed that of the Pharisees.

Many have stumbled over this "unforgivable sin". It seems to me in the context that it is having such a wicked heart that it attributes to Satan what the Holy Spirit is doing. I would love to have more understanding on this verse.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What then should the language be like of those that are redeemed? I am not convicted here of "foul" language as much as I am of prideful, self-exalting, others demeaning language. If I am prone to tear down, what does this say of my heart? Lord, help me!

"By your words you will be justified, by your words you will be condemned." What? I thought it was by faith that I would be justified? What do words have to do with it? The words are a reflection of the heart. If my heart is good my words will be good. If my heart is bad my words will be bad. So, if my heart is changed then I will be justified. If my heart is not changed then I will be condemned. Our only hope is a renewed heart.

How was Jesus 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth? Does Jesus go to "hell" as some say? Or is it the grave? Is this a reference to something else?

Something greater than Jonah is here! That's a huge understatement, Jesus! Jonah's preaching brought about the repentance of the Ninevites. Jesus' preaching is not bringing about the repentance of the Pharisees. If they repented at the veiled preaching of Jonah and the Pharisees do not repent at the unblemished truth of Jesus, woe to them. And yet for us today, that here the gospel how much more will be condemned if we do not heed its call!

v43-45 escapes me. This talk is not very Southern Baptist of Jesus. I want to know more about this.

Matthew 13:

The Parable of a Sower has always spoke to me as a minister. I know that even faithful preaching of the Word only has a 25% success rate.

Verse 12 makes me pray that the Lord might give me more, and more, and more, ad infinitum of Himself!

Why do we have "weeds" in our church? The enemy has sown them there. How do we "get rid of the weeds"? It's not by going through your church pulling up all suspected weeds. We should let both grow together. I know this is not saying to not do church discipline but perhaps this will keep us from going on witch hunts trying to pull up weeds.

There is something to be said about Jesus speaking in parables to the crowds. It seems like Jesus made pains to "not be understood" accept by those that had "ears to hear". Then why do we water down the gospel so that "lost people can understand it". Or is he speaking in parables so the people CAN understand? I tend to think its the former.

Do I find the gospel of Christ such a treasure that I give up all for it?

I do not fully understand verse 52.

Matthew 14:

Why would he jump to the conclusion that it's John the Baptist raised from the dead? That's weird.

The king was such a nancy. He had to kill a man just to "keep his oaths and his guests". Sometimes its better to not be true to your word if your word was stupid. Why add murder on top of putting your foot in your mouth. How many times have I added sin on top of sin because of my fear of man?

The disciples solution to the people's needs: take care of yourself. Jesus' solution to the people's needs: you give them something to eat.

I wonder what would have been more weird--Jesus walking on water or inventing a speed boat. It's neat to me how Jesus improvises. It's night. Nobody is around. He decides to walk on water. He knew the disciples would see him. He had to know it would freak them out. I would say that he wanted to make this a teachable moment for Peter and the other disciples.

We should always wait to be sure it is God's command before doing something as foolish as walking on water.

Even with a wavering faith Christ is readily available with his saving hand.

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 7:

One thing I found significant in this narrative is not what IS there but what is not. Perhaps I am missing another place in Scripture, but in this account I see nothing of Noah preaching to people. Usually when I have heard the story told it involves Noah telling people what God is going to do and them laughing. Therefore, it seems more just that God gave them a chance to repent and they did not.

The truth of the matter is that God would be completely just in blotting out the whole earth again. Now certainly we know that He promises to not do that. But if it were not for the promise and His mercy He would certainly be just to blot out everything once again.

Verse 21 is another example that "all" doesn't always mean every single one.

Matthew 7:

Why does my prayer life so often struggle? Do I not believe the beautiful promises in verse 7-11? Lord, help me to trust that you delight in giving good gifts to your children. I pray Lord for a passion to earnestly pray for others and for your glory. As John Piper encouraged us a couple of days ago, help me to pray globally as well.

There is much to be said to our contemporary mass evangelism strategies in v. 13-14. What is the broad gate? We know it is wide and easy. And we know it leads to destruction. And it seems to be where the majority are going through. Are we foolish for telling sinners that salvation is "easy"? Are we leading them through the broad gate? Jesus said that his yoke was "easy" and his burden "light", did he not? What then is this broad gate? The narrow gate we know is hard, but it leads to life, and few find it. Is it possible that the "difficulty" of finding the narrow gate is the same "impossibility" of salvation? Is it possible that finding the narrow gate only comes from a regenerate heart?

Verse 23. It is more significant that Jesus knows me than that I know Jesus.

I want to build my house on the rock.

Ezra 7:

Can verse 10 be said of me? Do I set my heart to study the Law of the LORD? (Certainly that would be more than the Law now, and would include the whole counsel of God). Do I do it? Do I teach it?

Artaxerxes fears the wrath of God. But certainly this is not the trembling at the word that Isaiah 66:2 speaks of. It is not accompanied with repentance. It is trembling at God as if he were but another "god". It seems to me as if he is making sure all of his bases are covered. Nonetheless, the Lord uses him to lavish grace upon the people of Israel.

I wonder, do we still see the mighty God moving the hearts of kings? Do we often thank the man or thank the God that moves the man? What is this steadfast love of which Ezra speaks? Is it none other than the call to preach and teach His Word? Do I see my calling as such?

Acts 7:

I wonder if the Jewish people were bored with this history lesson? Certainly it would have been very little new information. Is Stephen trying to gain common ground?

What a sharp turn in verse 51. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." Ouch! Stephen does not mince any words. A man before the people that hold his life in their hands ought not talk this way. Yet Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.

They accuse Stephen of blasphemy but are doing so themselves by their rejection of Jesus.

It seems that being full of the Holy Spirit means being full of mercy and grace that is accompanied with boldness. What powerful effect this must have had on "a young man named Saul".

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 6:

This chapter is a wonderful synopsis of Scripture. Man is exceedingly messed up and God is exceedingly merciful. He should have (if that's okay to say) blotted man out after he sinned in the Garden. Yet he shows mercy. Fast forward quiet a few years and we get the same story. Man has gotten worse. "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Oh, painfully true is this of my heart and flesh apart from Christ! God does decide to execute justice as everything will die except those he saves.

We are not told how Noah found favor with the Lord, but he did. Thankfully for us, he did.

Where Shem, Ham, and Japheth triplets?

I am extremely thankful for the Lord's mercy in not only saving Noah, but also saving me.

Matthew 6:

I think of McCheyne in verse 1. "Perish my honor." I know that sometimes I do my acts of righteousness in order to be seen by men. Lord, forgive me. I want your reward and not the reward of man.

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors". So....what happens if you refuse to forgive your debtors? May God grant us a forgiving heart. This is a very serious matter. It seems as if our own forgiveness is pending on following this. How can a wicked heart do such? Indeed he cannot. We must have a regenerate heart. The Lord must work it.

How many treasures do I have on earth compared to those in heaven?

Is my only Master the Lord?

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". I have seen the truth of this verse displayed numerous times in my own life. God certainly is good and gives us everything we need.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". Why do I think it an anomaly if I experience tough days?

Ezra 6:

How amazing that even though others meant ill, God used this to speed the building of the temple. The Lord is certainly passionate about His glory, His name, and worship. He controls the hearts of men to do just this. Even when they intend evil, God turns it for His glory and our good.

Again we see them celebrate with joy. I pray that we might have this great joy. God has done far greater things than the rebuilding of his temple. (See Haggai 2:9).

Acts 6:

What should a minister of the gospel be about? "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word". It is so sad that often ministers have to spend so much time doing such work as "waiting on tables" to the neglect of administering the word. I pray that the Lord might bring about in my life a steadfastness in prayer and ministry of the word.

"Full of grace and power." Could that be said of me? Certainly, not my own fleshly power--but the power of the Spirit flowing through my life. I'm not sure it could. Lord, for your name sake, fill me with grace and your power.

We need more men like Stephen!

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 5:

A long genealogy. One thing that kept sticking out to me was this statement: "and he died". The only aberration to this was Enoch who "walked with God". I am not certain how he came to an end, all I can say for sure is that "God took him". Perhaps this is pointing us to the eternal life that God grants those that walk with Him.

Matthew 5:

Entire books have been written on this section (The Sermon on the Mount). I will only mention the things that speak to me today. I think I have always read verse 23-24 the wrong way. I have always thought if I have something against my brother I should be reconciled (which probably also true). But the text says that if I remember that my brother has something against me. I do not think I obey this. Lord, help me to seek reconciliation when I know that people "have something against me".

I like the way the ESV phrases verse 28; "lustful intent". I think the reason put the tear out your eye section next to lust for a reason. If you flirt with lust/adultery it will kill you. I'm thinking also of Owen's statement that sin always aims to the utmost. I must make certain to take sin very seriously. If I see it in the least I should be very quick to "tear it out" through the power of the Holy Spirit. I take Jesus' warning about "throwing your whole body in hell" quite seriously.

I cannot help but think of many of the political battles Christians get themselves in with verse 38-42. I know there are times when I am more concerned about not being taken advantage of than with following and trusting Jesus in these things. Going the extra mile really speaks to me. This was something that I read in high school and really tried doing. Now I think I try to see how little I can get away with doing. Father, forgive my foolish heart. Help me to see the beauty of these verses and give even when it hurts and it is difficult.

"Pray for those who persecute you". God has really been rebuking and disciplining me concerning slander and gossip. Might I take it another step and pray for those people. I also should remember that God shows grace even to His enemies. Might I do the same. Help me to be gracious Lord!

Ezra 5:

The people are following God instead of Artaxeres. Looks like they have learned their lesson of trusting in and/or fearing foreign nations. One other thing that leaped off the page to me was the statement in verse 1. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied in the name of the God of Israel "who was over them". I would pray that it may be said of me as a minister that I speak in the name of the God who is over me. The truth behind this does something to a man. If we fear the Lord we have no need to fear anything else. This is not an "anti-authority" statement but it is saying that because we are under the authority of the Lord we will fear Him and not man!

Acts 5:

As I read the story of Ananias and Sapphira I have to wonder what would happen in our churches if God would start doing this same thing. I would hope that I would not be struck dead. How wonderful it would be if it could be said of our church, "And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard these things". Certainly, not a crippling fear but a fear that trembles at the Word of God.

Looks like "discipline" curbed spurious members. "None of the rest dared join them". Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Since, it was God who did it we have to conclude that it is good. Yet we see in verse 14, "And more than ever believers were added to the Lord". Would it be possible that a holy fear of the Lord would actually add to our number? Oh, that we would be more God-sensitive than seeker-sensitive. May we fear Him!

I am sensing a theme today (along with what I read in Burroughs' Gospel Fear this afternoon). Again in verse 29 "We must obey God rather than men". Lord, cause my fear of your to become healthier and deeper.

Gamaliel teaches us an important lesson. If something is from God it will not be overthrown. If something is of man then eventually it will fail. Leave it alone and it will come to its fitting end (or it will be fruitful as God causes it to be). Perhaps, lest we oppose God we should be more gracious in our questioning of other ministries. I know I have been guilty of being quick to judge other ministries (Saddleback, Willow Creek, etc.). Certainly, if it is outright heresy (Osteen) then we should oppose it. But maybe some things we should let them run their course. Remember, God is sovereign.

Verse 41 and 42 cut my heart. Rejoicing in suffering. Preaching and Teaching Jesus every day. Lord, make these things evident in my life. For your name's sake and for your glory. Embolden my tongue and toughen my skin!

Disclaimer: In posting these thoughts, questions, and ramblings I feel it wise to give a disclaimer. There are many people that are far more knowledgeable and gifted in expositing the Word of God than I. These thoughts are not intended to be in-depth analysis of the text. They are thoughts. They are questions. They are ramblings. It will be a display of what God is teaching me through His Word. In depth study will be done at a different time. It is also good to know the author's goal. 1) To be accountable in reading through Scripture. 2) To share these thoughts with others. Possibly for someone else's edification; possibly for my own. 3) To glorify God through His Word. 4) To spur one another on in taking up Scripture and reading! So without further ado, here are today's readings:

Genesis 4:

This chapter was difficult to read devotionally. It raised far too many questions in my mind. Half way through I had to pray that the Lord might humble my heart and cause it to tremble at His Holy Word.

I know there is some conflict surrounding what Eve said. Is she saying that "she produced God" or is this her "thanking God for continuing grace". No clue. All I know is that God is continuing grace, and if her statement was the first it displays a misunderstanding.

Why did God accept Abel's sacrifice and not Cain's? I do not think it has anything to do with the type of sacrifice they are offering. It is not that Abel's had blood and Cain's did not. The only difference I see is that Abel brought the firstborn and fatty portions (choicest) and Cain merely brought the first thing he could find (or so it appears). Perhaps if we turn to Hebrews 11:4 we can see that it was because Abel offered up his sacrifice "by faith". What then does this communicate about our worship? What application does this have to use?

There is great significance in this communication between God and Cain. His response to God's displeasure is telling of his heart. He is prideful and feels that God is unjust in not accepting his offering. He is dishonoring God's holiness and His sovereign freedom. His anger at God and man is apparent. I wonder, does my heart rise up like this at times?

Whatever we think of Cain's response (was it remorseful or bitter) it begs a question. Do we feel the weight of our iniquity as Cain did? "My punishment is greater than I can bear". Oh, if sinners would grasp this! Let us run to Jesus because of the truth of this statement.

Where did all these people come from? It seems as if there are other people--who else would Cain be afraid of? Where did he find a wife? I suppose it would have been a sister or a niece. I really have no clue.

The most significant thing I took from Genesis 4 is that at the end of it people have begun to call on the name of the Lord.

Matthew 4:

It helps reading Matthew 4 that I just read Genesis 3. I can see the difference between Jesus and Adam and Eve. Jesus responded with God's Word unadulterated. Eve twisted God's Word, Adam put on a skirt; listened to his wife; and ate like she told him to. This teaches that our only hope when Satan assaults is the Word of God. I think if you look at it closely you can see that Eve tried to reason with Satan. Jesus accepted the Word of God fully and proclaimed it to Satan. God's Word has power--simple reason does not!

Apparently Satan knew the value of Jesus. He was willing to give him the whole world. (Since when was it his to give?).

I am continually amazed at how all of these seemingly insignificant events are actually fulfilling Scripture. Even Jesus moving and living in Capernaum. It is awesome the depth God goes to display His wisdom and beauty.

It is interesting that Jesus continues the message of John the Baptist. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (How people can say that "repentance is not part of the biblical gospel" astounds me).

It's pretty cool reflecting on the life-altering responses of these fishermen. It would have taken quit a bit. Contrast that to our easy-believism. Do we really "leave our nets to follow him"?

Jesus was popular. At least for awhile, and maybe not for the right reasons.

Ezra 4:

Oh, how wicked is man when we do not get our way. Certainly the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" did not really intend to help. How wicked, though, did they become after the men of God turned them down. One of the things that hits me is that I have noticed many Christians (myself included) that have done things the way the adversaries do. I know there have been times in my life when I did not get my way and rather than trust God's sovereign hand I tried getting back at them. Lord, forgive me for this foolishness. May this never be the type of underhanded methods that Christians use to "get their way"--even if it be a holy task.

Acts 4:

Verse 4 again confirms the mighty power of the Word. "Many of those who heard the word believed". 5,000 people now from the original 120. There is so much power when God's Spirit attends the preaching of His Word. Lord, I pray that you bring that to New London. Help us to be bold proclaimers of the Word. Our only hope is that you may accompany your Word.

Why would Peter have preached the exclusive nature of Jesus Christ to Jews? We use verse 12 so often in reference to pagans that have many gods. It is true that Christ is the only name under heaven by which men might be saved in reference to false gods. But it seems that what Peter is doing is proclaiming Jesus as God Himself. For there is no one but God that saves. And if it is only in the name of Jesus--then it is a declaration that He is God Himself. (Thoughts?)

Acts 4:19-20 has always been a challenge to me. "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard". Could I honestly say that? My struggle with personal evangelism is a record against that. Lord, I beg that you might give me such a big vision of you that I might be more like Peter and John. I want to be able to say with an honest heart, "I can not help but to speak of Jesus".

After reading the story in Acts 4 for the first time, I remember putting in my first Bible: "Why don't we pray like that"? What I meant at the time was, "Why are our pray meetings not accompanied with wall shaking and us going out in boldness?" Today I still ask that. But now I mean, "Why do we not have such a God-centered, historical, sovereignty of God, passionate, deep-rooted, in the midst of suffering type of prayers?" Why does our theology not shape our prayers like it did in biblical times? Is this the reason why we are not experiencing boldness after our praying?

It would also be pretty great to see the type of love and unity reflected in the summary at the end of Acts 4. In all humility I must say that our church in many ways reflects the love and unity that is spoken of. Praise God for this, and may he drive us deeper!

Genesis 3:

As I was reading Genesis 3 I recognized an inaccurate image that I get in my head as I read this. I imagine the serpent speaking with Eve and Adam in the Garden, and God is off somewhere picking strawberries or something. But the truth of the matter is that the omnipresent God was right there as they ate of the forbidden fruit. Anything more as to what God was thinking, feeling, etc. would be merely conjecture on my part. All I can say is that He was there. I do wonder though, what God thought as He saw His creation do such a ridiculous thing. Certainly it was no surprise. It had to have made God shake His head as He saw man and women do what we have done sense--try to cover our sin by our own efforts.

It would be worthy of a sermon to exposit the dialogue between Eve and the serpent. Notice that she adds a restriction. God never said that you cannot touch the fruit. It would also be another sermon to exposit the dialogue between God and the fallen couple.

I notice quite a few new things about man that were not present in Genesis 1 and 2. Man now runs away from God. He tries to take care of himself (atone for his mistakes by making garments) instead of relying upon his Creator. He now has fear. He now blames others. And we see for the first time in the story pain. These will forever mark man, and even yet today as those banished from the Garden we experience each of these things so long as we are in Adam.

I also notice the amazing grace and love of God. We perhaps see a hint as to what is coming in verse 15..."I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." Even if that it is not exegetically plausible that this is a reference to the Christ we still can see the grace of God in verse 21. We see a foreshadowing of the atonement. God provides their need. He covers their guilt with new clothes...clothes that he makes. And we also see His grace and mercy in kicking man out of the garden. He could not bear man to live forever in such a state so he banished him from the tree of life. Only through redemption will we finally eat of the tree of life.

One question I have on Genesis 3. Verse 20 seems like a strange place to put the naming of Woman. Why is it only after the Fall and curse that her name is now Eve? Mother of all the living seems to be an act of grace. They should have dropped dead on the spot and the human race wiped out. What is the significance of this?

Matthew 3:

I find verse 7 strange. Why were the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism? Why would they want to be identified with this? Are they caught up in the movement? Are they trying to save face with the masses? It is obvious that they are not actually repenting. How frequent was baptism then? I have heard that this would have been much the same as proselyte baptism. It was communicating that the Jewish people needed to be cleansed just as the Gentile and become a true Jew. If this is the case why would the religious elite be baptised?

I am not sure that I actually believe verse 12. Certainly I believe it because it is God's Word. But I do not think it has penetrated the depths of my heart as it should. I am not sure that I feel the beauty of being gathered into Christ' barn. Nor do I feel the awesome weight of those that will be burnt in unquenchable fire. Lord, I know that your glory is the proper motivation for evangelism! But if it please you, stir in my heart a deep passion for your glory and a deep brokenness for my fellow man that is chaff.

Question: How does Jesus' baptism (v15) "fulfill all righteousness"?

I have also never really understood everything that is going on in v.16-17. What exactly is taking place in that moment. I know it is heresy to say that it was at this moment that the divine spirit was imparted to Jesus. But what IS taking place? Is this significant for Jesus to know what is taking place or is this significant for others to know what is taking place? Did people hear this voice?

Ezra 3:

I need to spend some time studying Ezra. My understanding of it is only cursory and I think it hinders me from getting the main thrust of the chapters. What does hit me though is the exuberant worship they are engaged in at the end of this chapter. Shouts of joy and shouts of weeping. Was the weeping happy weeping? Was it sorrowful because they remember the glories of old? Was it joyful because they felt restored? Was it a mixture of both? Regardless their worship was heard from far away. I am not a supporter of great excess in emotions, however, I think some Baptist would have rebuked this worship service in Ezra. I think I might have even felt a little uneasy. Lord, tear out complacency and dull worship from my heart!

Acts 3:

I have always loved the story of The Lame Beggar Healed. I think whenever I picture it in my head the guy looks like Shorty on the Beverly Hillbillies, Festus in Gunsmoke, or Ernest T. Bass from The Andy Griffith Show. It had to have been quite a site to see. You get the idea that entering the temple would have been something normally reserved for quiet. This guy is leaping and praising God. He is definitely unashamed. When I reflect on this I wonder whether or not we as believers should have that same type of inexpressible joy. (I guess you could argue that his joy was expressible). The miracle that has happened in our life is nothing short of a dead man being brought to life. That is far more significant than ankles and legs getting healed. Where are the shouts of joy in our churches when God saves a sinner. (Again, I am not promote excess emotionalism--but I pray that the gospel goes so deep in our hearts that we cannot help but be like this man).

Verse 14 must have stung (or totally ticked off) the hearts of the people. The contrast is striking. Denied the Holy and Righteous One. Killed the Author of Life. Ouch!

Question: In verse 20 when he says "that he may send the Christ appointed to you, Jesus", what is that a reference to? The "sending". Is this the Second Coming? Is this some sort of spiritual sending?

Repent and turn again that your sins may be blotted out. A promise of times of refreshing. A reminder of the promise of the Coming One and that this is indeed He. A reminder of our duty to the Lord and His Servant. These are appropriate calls to repentance, or "gospel invitations" if you will.

Question: In verse 26 he says, "God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness". I know this is saying that Jesus was sent to the Jews first. It also sounds like it was sent to them so that everyone might be turned from wickedness. We know that not all the Jews turned. How then do we interpret this verse? Did God desire everyone to turn but they refused? (Will my Calvinistic brothers take a stab at this one?)

I wanted to remind you that you are welcome to interact with my reading plan. These are my thoughts as I am reading through these texts. As you have noted sometimes they are questions. I am inviting you to help me journey through these. So, please interact. If you are reading through the text as well then feel free to share your thoughts. If you see one of my questions and feel you have an answer then please share that. While these are my personal interactions with the Lord--I also intend them to be corporate as well, what better way to be edified?

Genesis 2:

This chapter teaches us several things about God and man. We see first of all that God makes and declares things holy (his declaration of the Sabbath as holy). The seventh day is not holy in essence, only because the sovereign Lord has made it thus. All throughout this chapter we are reminded of the great love and care with which God provides for his creation (primarily the man). We also learn that while this God is loving he also has certain commands. And he has authority.

Man in contrast to the great God is but dust. As my eyes began scanning over this chapter I accidentally read a verse wrong. I started in the middle of it and saw a very significant statement about who man is. "then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground..." All I saw in that statement was "man of dust". Even though that is not specifically what the Lord is saying it is accurate. Psalm 103:14 says that the Lord remembers that we are but dust. What a significant contrast; man of dust, LORD God. We see that while God is in authority man is under authority. The man's need for companionship and "work" (some refer to as the dirty four-letter word) are actually before the Fall. We also can deduct that man must have been made for pleasure. Why else would God have put in trees that were "pleasant to the sight" and "good for food". What a gracious God to give his creatures such blessings. We also see that thus far man is free from shame.

One question comes from Genesis 2. Feel free to respond to it. Is there a significance in mentioning the tree of life with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Note that the tree of life is not forbidden. Therefore, did man reject the tree of life and embrace the forbidden tree? Is this an example of what happens when we reject Christ? What are your thoughts on this?

Matthew 2:

Man, the gospel accounts should never be drab. But I have to be honest and say that Matthew 2 is one of my least favorite chapters in Scripture. (I am certain that is not right to say--I am to tremble at all of the Word). As I read through this I have to ask--what about this is to cause me to tremble? Should I see myself in Herod? Should I be more like the wise men? Do I see the awesome power of God in fulfilling all that was spoken through the Prophets? Does this establish the trustworthiness of God and thereby cause me to rejoice and tremble? Verse 10 I believe serves as a rebuke to my sometimes (dare I say often) stagnant worship. "When they saw the star, the rejoiced exceedingly with great joy". Does seeing the fulfillment of the promise of a coming Messiah (that has came) cause me to rejoice exceedingly with great joy? It serves as a fitting rebuke--perhaps it's not so drab after all.

Ezra 2:

What am I supposed to take from Ezra 2? They had professional singers back in the day. Donkeys were more common than horses. Heads of families made freewill offerings (I can hear the Arminian now...see look...there it says freewill). They had a pretty fair amount of gold (at least I think). Lots of people came back. They had servants. A group of people could not provide their genealogies and were excluded as unclean. I am certain that is significant but not sure how. I would probably need to be an Old Testament scholar to really get Ezra 2. Can anyone help? It is pretty cool that God brought his people back like he promised; I know that much is true.

Acts 2:

Ezra edifies me little Acts 2 could preach to me for a year. Peter's "first sermon" was quite a bit better than mine. I also note that he was standing with the eleven. This must have looked pretty amazing. You have 12 different guys standing up and speaking in weird languages... although come to find out its not weird, it's native tongues. Would each have been speaking the same message in a different language to his tongues audience? Then Peter (it seems to me) begins speaking to the Jewish people in their native tongue. Verse 22--"as you yourselves know" implies a knowledge and willful rejection. Jesus was crucified according to God's plan. Verse 30, would it have been odd to call David a prophet? Verse 33, seems to be the answer to these men's question. It is really neat how Peter goes the long way around to show the Jesus-centered purpose for what they are seeing. He could have simply said it is the Holy Spirit--but instead he gives a history and points them to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the gift of Jesus. Verse 37--Is this always the result of Holy Spirit anointed preaching? Perhaps so, perhaps not. In this case the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, brings about a "cut of the heart" and a desire to know what they must do. Peter's answer is to repent and be baptized. (Uh oh--that sounds like baptism is necessary for conversion, or at least reception of the Holy Spirit). This promise is for them, their children, and everyone whom God calls to himself (certainly that means the entire world doesn't it? OR is this effectual calling?)
I remember being told once that verse 40 was Peter's "altar call". Every time I read this verse now it makes me laugh. I also find it interesting that Peter is urging them to "Save yourselves form this crooked generation". Certainly, this would be a rejected form of preaching by Hyper-Calvinist. We must call men to repent and "save themselves". 3,000 people received the word and were baptized.

There is a ton of theological questions in this chapter--none of which I hope to delve into at this time. The only thing I want to mention is that when the Holy Spirit preaches the gospel we see things like 3,000 people saved. Granted sometimes gospel preaching does not lead to conversion--but certainly this should be our aim.

Lastly, it would take a long time to exposit 42-47. This section has always convicted me that THIS is what church should be like. Devoted to the word, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, to prayer! What is the result of this type of "fellowship"? Awe, Spirit working, unity. It is also astonishing how often they "met together". Day by day. That sounds strange to our modern "churchianity" ears. What if church is more than a building (am I starting to sound Emergent...)? What if church is fellowship of believers. But note that they "attended the temple together". So maybe there is some precedent for this "meeting place" after all. But maybe it's more than just the "meeting place". Maybe sometimes they have "church" in their homes. "Praising God and having favor with people." Certainly the favor with people would not last for long. More people coming to believe in Christ every day! Wow! Sign me up for this church.

May the Lord do such a work in our church that we might be used by the Lord in such a way. Knowing that I am part of the Church I have to ask myself. Am I devoted to the Word? Am I devoted to fellowship? Am I devoted to prayer? Am I devoted to breaking of bread? (And what does that even refer to, any suggestions?)