This month we’re reading through Luke. Each of the four Gospels offers us unique experiences with Christ as we read about Him from various perspectives. Although some of us have read through the Matthew, Mark, Luke, and/or John countless times, we all benefit tremendously every time we re-read them. For others of us, this may be our very first time… Welcome!

No matter where we are on our spiritual journeys, Jesus is always challenging us to go deeper. We will never fully-master His teachings this side of eternity… However, may we never stop trying to be more like Him, by faith.

This entire month, we’re focusing on the importance of Discipleship Groups (D-Groups). As we read through Luke together, we invite you to read and comment on this blog about any part of Luke you so desire. Also, feel free to talk about D-Groups and/or any aspect of discipleship (following Jesus).

Looking forward to reading your thoughts,

Chris

In our Bible reading plan for the month of July, we are reading through Judges. This is a book about how messed up society becomes when people don’t listen to God. It only gets worse as the generations multiply. As you’re reading it, expect to read some messed up and disturbingly disgusting stories. Think about the parallels in our culture today, especially the way which we are spreading the corruption by the messages we are sending kids.

We’d love to read your comments and/or questions about Judges and/or the Kids’ Olympics effort we are undertaking this month as a strategy to help kids gain freedom in Christ from the chaos that consumes them.

The blog is back! For our daily readers, I apologize for the confusion. Basically, I felt like posting a blog for every chapter of our Bible reading plan was no longer a good idea, because only a few comments were being made on each blog. However, we have been averaging about 20 readers a day. That being said, here’s the new direction: I’ve decided to post one blog for each book of the Bible we read, rather than individual chapters. This month, we’re reading “The Gospel of John.”

So, feel free to share your thoughts, revelations, questions, and other comments on any passage of John, at any time. Looking forward to reading your posts

Chris

Yesterday we started the Gospel of John. Today we’re in chapter 2. If there is anything in chapters 1 and/or 2 that you’d like to comment on, we’d love to read it

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

May our passion for and understanding of the Scriptures increase daily.

Today we pick back up in the second chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy.

Remembering that Paul is in prison because of his unashamed preaching of the truth of Jesus Christ, I am amazed at his attitude toward those who oppose Christ. Check this out again:

22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

What do you think Paul is saying here?

I just noticed that I skipped 1 Timothy 6. So, today, let’s cover it. Focusing on the false teachings Timothy was dealing with, what are some common false teachings among churches today?

Today we begin 2 Timothy, which is Paul’s second letter to this young pastor, Timothy. Paul is writing this letter from Prison, as he is facing the final moments of his life on earth. May we remember this letter is addressing specific issues Timothy is facing. It’s amazing what happens to our reading of Scripture when we start reading it in it’s context. After thinking through the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and the H (How), what are some of the issues you think Paul was addressing?

There are MANY parallels to these situations today. Do you see them?

Today we read chapter 5. Lots of interesting stuff here. I’m especially intrigued by Paul’s directions concerning the distribution of funds to those who are in need. We get a lot of calls for help these days from people who do not yet follow Christ. Prayerfully, we take these situations case by case. Any questions or comments as to how these teachings in 1 Timothy relate to our church setting today?

Today we read more about Paul’s instructions to this young pastor. Timothy is to be sure that he reads the Scriptures aloud and preaches and teaches them. Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly rare phenomenon among preachers today. Often, Scriptures are read, and then followed by a talk that has little to nothing to do with the actual passage(s). Many sermons today are little more than recycled “wisdom” from popular culture. A true sermon is one that is driven by the Word of God, led by the Spirit.

One of the great benefits of preaching and teaching from the Bible is that the hearers are able to check for themselves to be sure what is said is actually true, and not mere opinion. This is why it is so crucial for Ekklesia to always strive for greater and greater Biblical literacy. As we read today, let us meditate on God’s Words and allow Him to show us how to be doers of them. Although this chapter was written to Timothy, there are principles in it that apply to all followers of Jesus.