Hebrews 11-13 Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter of the Bible. Here we find the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, the recognition that it is impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6), and a great list of heroes of the faith (dubbed the “Hall of Faith” by some), who illustrate what it …
Author Archives: John S.
December 26 / Hebrews 7-10
Hebrews 7-10 Jesus is better! Jesus is superior to anything or anyone else you might find in all of creation. Ordained by an oath from God Himself to a priesthood that is far superior to the Levitical priesthood, Christ offers Himself once for all, accomplishing what no one else could ever do. His own blood …
December 25 / Hebrews 1-6
Hebrews 1-6 Today we begin a very rapid run through an exceptionally rich stretch of Scripture, which brings together the Old and New Testaments like nothing else. The Book of Hebrews is deep, filled with ideas that are not altogether easy to grasp. It would be a mistake, though, to think that because it is …
December 24 / Jude; II Peter
Jude 1:1-25; II Peter 1-3 Both Jude and II Peter issue strong warnings against false teachers. My guess is that many of us are somewhat uncomfortable with the rather condemnatory language Jude and Peter use toward those who lead believers astray — these “rants” against the apostate. Yet such language is perfectly appropriate — necessary …
December 23 / I Peter
I Peter 1-5 This first letter of Peter is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I highly recommend spending a good deal of time here, reading this book slowly and repeatedly, meditating on what the Lord has to say to us through Peter, finding hope, contemplating what God has done for us in …
December 22 / Titus; II Timothy
Titus 1-3;II Timothy 1-4 Today we come to the end of Paul’s Epistles with two personal letters, one to Titus, and a second, final, letter to Timothy. Since the letter to Titus seems in many ways like a condensed version of I Timothy, I’m inclined to look more closely at II Timothy today in our …
December 21 / I Timothy
I Timothy 1-6 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. I Timothy 4:7-8 “Godliness” runs throughout this letter from …
December 20 / Ephesians 4:17-6:24
Ephesians 4:17-6:24 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 We do ourselves — and everyone else — a tremendous disservice when we forget who the real …
December 19 / Ephesians 1:1-4:16
Ephesians 1:1-4:16 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for …
December 18 / Philemon; Colossians
Philemon 1:1-25;Colossians 1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. …