Daily Bible Reading

Sunday October 5th

Administrator — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:00:32 +0000

Acts 2:41-3:11
Background: Peter preached a powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost [see previous days’ readings]. The resultàthe church grew tremendously.
Things to think about: Look at how the people of this first local church treated one another. What was important to them? Do you see these characteristics in your own church? Pick one trait, and consider how you can grow it in the life of your church. Look at how Peter and John treated a crippled man. What was important to them? Think for a moment what this scene would have looked like without the powerful work of the God’s Spirit. How well do we rely on the power of God’s Spirit today?

2^nd Reading: Psalm 96:2
Sing a favorite song of praise to God today. Even if you “don’t sing”, say the words.

Saturday October 4th

Administrator — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:47:57 +0000

Acts 2:13-40
Background: [See October 3^rd.] We pick up immediately following the strange and powerful coming of God’s Spirit on his people. This is one of our longer passages, but I hope you will take the time to read it carefully and thoughtfully.Things to think about: Some of the crowd thought the disciples must have been drunk [not that it would have explained speaking coherently in many languages]. Peter responded, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning.” I personally find this to be one of the more humorous scenes in the Bible.
In this passage, Peter [remember the September 30^th reading?] showed the crowds that they were indeed responsible for killing God’s chosen one. Their response is powerful, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
The answer is to repent and be baptized. The first is an inward change of attitude…from wanting to kill Jesus to wanting him to be Lord. The second is an outward and public sign of that change.
We look from a distance at the reaction of that crowd. But let’s bring it a little closer. How are you also responsible for Jesus’ death on the cross? How have you had a change of heart? How have you shown this decision publicly? Think of these things the next time you attend a baptism celebration.
2^nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8
Many of us wrestle with the idea of testifying about our Lord. Ask God to make it a regular and normal part of your life. Remember the power of God’s Spirit at work within the Christian.

Friday, October 3rd

Administrator — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:47:02 +0000

Acts 2:1-12
Background: [See also October 2^nd.] Pentecost is the celebration of the Jewish holy feast that takes place fifty days following the Passover. It served as a reminder of how God provides for his people. Many Jews living outside of Jerusalem would return to the city for this celebration.
Things to think about: Today you are reading about the birthday of the church. Prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were waiting. Jesus told his followers to wait for this day. What happened on this day? What was the immediate impact on Jesus’ followers? On the crowds? Considering the Spirit’s power, what do you think we should expect from God’s Spirit today?
2^nd Reading: Joel 2:29
This verse is a preview of tomorrow’s reading. Note that these words were written as much as eight hundred years before the events of that Pentecost.

Thursday, October 2nd

Administrator — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:46:31 +0000

Acts 1:1-11
Background: Today’s reading starts the Bible book of Acts. We will stay in this book until November 11^th! The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke and was written by the same man. In Acts, Luke tells the story of the life of the early church after Jesus’ resurrection. As you read the book it will become clear that the primary ‘actor’ of Acts is the Holy Spirit.
Things to think about: The women and men who followed Jesus through his ministry went through a lot. Just about a month prior, they had gone through the emotional low of the crucifixion and the high of the resurrection. Now they were wondering: “Is this it? Are we at the end of the struggle?” Listen to their question: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” It does not seem that they were expecting the response they received. Jesus told them to wait. Wait for what? And how would this make a difference?
2^nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:12
In many of our North American churches, the poorest understood person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit. What do you learn about Him from these verses? Ask God to grow your understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit as you read through the book of Acts.

Wednesday, October 1st

Administrator — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:45:56 +0000

Matthew 28:16-20
Background: This passage contains some of the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he left earth to be with his heavenly Father. Verses 18-20 have been given the name, “The Great Commission,” as a way of identifying these words as primary instructions for followers of Jesus.
Things to think about: When looking at the original language, there is only one action verb in the Great Commission: “Make disciples.” How we make disciples is further described by “going”, “baptizing” and “teaching.” In what ways does your church perform the Great Commission? What role do you play in carrying out the Great Commission? What role does Jesus play [vs. 20] How does Jesus’ role impact your and your church’s role?
2^nd reading: John 15:27
If you were asked to testify [tell about] about Jesus, what would you say?

Tuesday, September 30th

Administrator — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:45:22 +0000

John 21:15-25
Background: This early morning scene describes a moving reunion between Jesus and his disciples some days following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Simon Peter had returned to his earlier career—fishing. Just prior to this passage, Peter ran from his boat to the shore after recognizing Jesus [see vs. 1-14].

Things to think about: Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times? It may help to skim-read John 18:15-18,25-27. Peter went on to be the primary influencer of the early church. He could not have done so if he remained a fisherman. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of loving him? Do you think this time with Jesus helped Peter to regain his ability to do ministry? All Christians at times fail Jesus. If you are feeling a failure, asking for forgiveness, believe you’ve received and return to loving Jesus. Then you can do the ministry God has called you to.
2^nd reading: Deuteronomy 10:12
What can you do/read/think/say today that will help you remember that love for God is supposed to be first in your life?

Monday September, 29th

Administrator — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:44:44 +0000

John 20:19-31
Background: Continuing in the events of the day of Jesus’ resurrection…and into the next week. Things to think about: Why did Thomas not believe? Why did he change his mind? Are you mentioned in this passage? How about verse 29?
2^nd Reading: Numbers 14:11
How does God feel about those who believe in Him? In His Son? How about those who will not believe? You must have friends or loved ones who do not believe. Pray for them—regularly. Ask God to show you what you can do to impact their belief.

Sunday September, 28th

Administrator — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:44:09 +0000

Luke 24:13-35
Background: This passage records continuing events from the day of Jesus’ resurrection (Easter!)Things to think about: Jesus’ disciples were discouraged and fearful. Everything they had poured themselves into for three years seemed to have completely unraveled when Jesus died. Consider the change of emotion these travelers experienced as they walked toward Emmaus that day. How do you capture a similar joy in realizing that the Lord you trust has been raised from the dead? How can this give you confidence to obey him in this life?
Why are the Hebrew Scriptures [Old Testament] so important to the Christian faith? How well do you know these Scriptures?

2^nd Reading: Isaiah 53:7-9
These words were clearly written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, and they show that Jesus’ death was always part of God’s plan.

Saturdy September, 27th

Administrator — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:00:34 +0000

Matthew 28:1-17
Background: Some people speak of ‘thousands of contradictions’ found in the Bible. If you compare the reading for today with yesterday, you will notice what first appear to be contradictions in the story. In reality, the passages merely show different details of the events. When two different writers record details of an event, it is common for them to emphasize different aspects. It may depend on whether one was an eye witness, who they ‘interviewed,’ and what details each writer felt to be more important to the book they were writing.
Most of the differing details in these passages can be brought together in a complementary manner. Matthew talks of two women and one angel. John talks of two angels and one woman. These are not contradictory. There may have been two women and two angels (or even three!). Neither writer said there were not other angels or women present. They simply wrote about what was most important to them.
The Bible was written by men with differing personality, writing ability, and background. It is also a Book fully inspired by God’s Spirit. In a way, the Bible has two kinds of authors…men writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Many so-called contradictions in the Bible can be solved by looking at how two or more passages can be pieced together in a complementary manner while keeping each passage true to what it says. When a contradiction still remains after careful examination [which doesn’t happen often] our best bet is to keep looking and continue to trust God in those things we can’t explain. Things to think about: Why would the chief priests have wanted to spread this false rumor? Why do you think many came to believe in spite of this rumor? Why is it important for Christians today to pursue the truth about Jesus life, death, and resurrection? What will you do to learn more about this universe-changing event? Pick up a book that helps Christians learn more about the facts behind the resurrection.
2^nd Reading: 2 Peter 2:1
Do people spread false information about Jesus today? How can you guard you and your family against false messages?

Friday, September 26th

Administrator — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:42:46 +0000

John 20:1-18
Background: In Jesus’ day, dead bodies were prepared for burial by wrapping them tightly with cloth infused with spices. A separate cloth ‘napkin’ would cover the face. This is the work that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus performed on Friday. If Jesus’ body were forcibly removed from the tomb, these cloth wrappings would have likely been missing along with the body, or at least would have been undone and scattered in the cave. The fact that the linens were “lying there” shows that something miraculous happened to Jesus body.
Things to think about: Were the disciples [men or women] expecting to find Jesus alive? Who did Mary see, what did she learn, and how did that change her understanding of Jesus? Our faith is based on the historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead. If Jesus did not rise then what we believe is foolishness and empty hope. What evidence helps you to believe Jesus rose from the dead? If you are wrestling with doubts, ask God to reveal this truth more fully to you.
2^nd Reading: John 11:25-26
What does Jesus say about the benefits of believing in him?