Bringing Back Established Religion
The banning of prayer and readings from participants’ scriptures in the lead up to the New York commemoration of 9/11 was in reality the triumph and establishment of one religious viewpoint over all others, not the dis-establishment or banning of religion!
Secular humanism is at base a set of religious beliefs or concepts/ propositions. Secular humanism is a dominant religious viewpoint of many in the western world.
The idea of banning religion from the public sphere is one big con! You can ban particular religions or religious viewpoints, but whatever prevails at public ceremonies will be according to certain beliefs or allowed practices – according to some religious viewpoint – here secular humanism.
As an Aussie, I have no grief with not having a line-up of religious dignitaries (who can ever forget Peter Cook as the impressive clergyman in The Princess Bride), but to ban participants of such an emotional, important and central anniversary from prayer or reading any portion of scriptures is inexcusable. Grief is so personal and people should be able to participate as they need to in response to such a tragedy. I also thought it a damming thing that chaplains who rushed to the World Trade Towers on 9-11 2001 were not invited this time. If any clergy were to take part, it should have been someone from amongst these.
New Testament: 1Thessalonians2, 2Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, 2Corinthians, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Hebrews, Titus, 1Timothy, 2Timothy, John, 1John, 2John, 3John, Revelation.
Daily notes written by Stuart A Andrews, Minister of St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Tamworth, NSW - below sermon notes.
Sermon Notes on Ephesians 6:10-24
Ephesians 6:10-24
Isaiah 59:12-21
Be Strong In The Lord
Non-religious ceremony? Mayor of New York - Michael Bloomberg. No prayers or readings from the Bible. The proposed ceremony exhibits the religious ideas and beliefs of secular humanism. OK no clergy, but to ban participants from prayer and quoting the Bible?
Email response to fact that reps of first responders to disaster not invited to ceremony: Due to "lack of room", NYC Police Officers , PA (Port of Authority, NY-NJ) PD Police Officers and FDNY Firefighters are not invited to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at Ground Zero — they weren't invited on that day in 2001 either. They just showed up.
Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said, "It is interesting to contrast the 10th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center's twin towers with the day of the attack. Chaplains and religious leaders were welcomed, and some were martyred, as they sought to minister their faith to the victims of the attack. On that day, political correctness didn't matter. It was overwhelmed by the crushing reality of the tragedy of 9/11, and people turned, as they always do, to solace from the realm of the spiritual."
Offers another way to God’s way – a common stratagem of the devil with humanity.
We have need of constancy, resolution and courage as we live – we all have to face hard times. You will find constancy and courage flow from your walk with God.
You Need His Strength
- for your spiritual struggle against the devil’s schemes
· We face spiritual forces as well as human foes. You must wage a spiritual battle against the wily ways of the devil, against rulers, authorities, dark powers and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. There is a battle for the spirit of our country going on at present. We must fight in that battle with His weapons – trust Him!
· We have need of strength/power and ability beyond our own.
· We have a Captain who fights for us!
· Stand beside your Captain with His armour on.
Fight under your Captain’s banner, no other!Sermon Notes on Ephesians 1:1-14 - September 1st 2011
1st July 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16Paul reminds these people of the disturbing events of his imprisonment and beating at Philippi (another city of Macedonia), and of the validity of his apostleship. Grumblings and murmurings appear to be an ever-present evil amongst God’s people, but one to be resisted and overcome. How?
2nd July 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
When you face trials, ask the Lord to send someone who will strengthen and encourage you in your faith. God did not create us to be independent islands unto ourselves.
3rd July 1 Thessalonians 4
Faith and works go together and should never be separated. Faith without works is dead, and works without faith is fruitless and directionless. What ambition fills your heart? Does it line up with Scripture?
4th July 1 Thessalonians 5
Speculation about end times is wrong. Speculation feeds on pride and leads to fights and arguments as we defend our position. Reread Luke 12:35-48 together with this passage. Who should you encourage and how will you build them up? (Verse 11)
5th July 2 Thessalonians 1
Worthy of His calling! This is a challenging description of the Christian. Who should you pray for regarding this, as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians?
6th July 2 Thessalonians 2
Let us forsake profitless speculation about the end times or the millennium. Christians waste much time over this. Such speculation only titillates our pride or frightens us silly. How does the Apostle’s advice in verse 15 apply today?
7th July 2 Thessalonians 3
Verse 5 is a wonderful motto for yourself, or a good prayer for your loved ones. This is an excellent verse to memorise.
8th July 1 Corinthians 1
Corinth was a cosmopolitan and hedonistic town – just like any modern city. The church suffered from materialism, party spirit, confusion over moral issues, and a legalism over incidentals. First, Paul approaches the twin problems of pride and arrogance. What does he highlight?
9th July 1 Corinthians 2
In this chapter, look for understanding on what godly wisdom is all about. Verses 4&5 are good ones to meditate on.
10th July 1 Corinthians 3
In verse 16, the you is plural! You (plural) are the Temple of the Holy Spirit! We need to remember that we are both individual and corporate! The church is vital to your individual spiritual health! Verses 5-15 have much to think about.
11th July 1 Corinthians 4
Verses 1,9-17 explain the importance of the Apostles for you today! It is God who alone can expose the motives of men’s hearts. (Verse 4) Notice that he says motives. This is why you can see one motive in someone’s actions and they another! God sees our several motives.
12th July 1 Corinthians 5
The leaders of this church were divided over what to do – this young man was living with his stepmother. Paul speaks straight to them. Today, the tendency in evangelical circles is to be just like these elders.
13th July 1 Corinthians 6
In verse 19, the your is again plural – “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” We put the emphasis on you the individual. Paul puts the emphasis on you plural i.e. the body of Christ. Individual sin taints the whole body of which you are a part. Meditate on verse 11.
14th July 1 Corinthians 7
The Apostle now turns to certain matters, which this church wrote to him about. He states firstly what they wrote and then gives his reply. Verse 1 gives their letter and belief. Verses 2+ give Paul’s reply. Notice in verse 8, he uses the term unmarried. This includes those who never married, and those who are divorced. Since widows were commonly held to be a special group, they are named separately.
15th July 1 Corinthians 8
Verse 1 gives what they wrote to Paul about – food sacrificed to idols. In verse 9-13, Paul gives them an important principle that can be applied in many different areas of life and conduct.
16th July 1 Corinthians 9:1-23
Paul, like Moses, constantly had to defend himself from attacks from within the church. This is always an encouragement for those in ministry to persevere as they did, with the Lord and with His people.
17th July 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:14
Run your life to win the crown that never perishes! God grant us Christ and His power, so that our running will not be in vain! Paul runs straight on into warnings from Scripture about taking spiritual things lightly.
18th July 1 Corinthians 10:15-11:1
Paul summarises his thoughts at the end of this section on food sacrificed to idols. What strikes you as applicable to your life today?
19th July 1 Corinthians 11:2-34
We read the second section in this reading at every communion service. The first verses contain the section on head covering in worship. While obscure, they deal with spouses showing respect publicly regarding each other’s role in marriage.
20th July 1 Corinthians 12
The Greek actually says in verse 1 about spiritual things! Gifts are one of the things the Apostle addresses. He talks about gifts, service and works. We emphasise gifts. Paul actually puts gifts in the context of their purpose! Do you see the difference between spiritual gifts and fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22,23)
21st July 1 Corinthians 13
The most excellent way! Love is described in terms of behaviour – patience, kindness, not being rude, not delighting in evil. Two passages in Zechariah fill this out a little more – Zechariah 7:8-10 and 8:16,17. Love can be commanded! It is different from liking or disliking, from how you feel.
22nd July 1 Corinthians 14
Paul uses the word to prophecy to mean speak in an understandable language. If you prophecy in a language no one understands, you edify only yourself (v.5). When I preached in the Chinese Church in Surry Hills, there was a Cantonese translator beside me. Someone else was translating into Mandarin through headphones for people. Revelation 19:10 tells us that to prophecy is to testify about Jesus. This is what every true preacher does every Sunday.
23rd July 1 Corinthians 15:1-34
The death and resurrection of Christ are central to the Gospel. Their truth is the hinge upon which our faith turns.
24th July 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
Resurrection is a necessary first step before we enter heaven. This resurrection hope in Christ takes the sting out of death, out of my death and yours. What a wonderful exhortation there is in verse 58!
25th July 1 Corinthians 16
I like to dwell on verses 13,14. They are so simple yet so challenging.
26th July 2 Corinthians 1
Achaia is Greece. Verses 3-5 call us out of ourselves and remind us of that higher purpose in our lives. God grant us to be useful in His kingdom today.
27th July 2 Corinthians 2
Remember the young man who lived with his stepmother? Well, he repented. Paul deals here with his re-admission into the congregation. Before the elders were too lax, now they have been too harsh. Isn’t this just like us!
28th July 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6
There is much of our Trinitarian understanding of God in this sentence: The Lord is the Spirit. (3:17) The designation the Lord is used for both Jesus and the Father!
29th July 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:16
What precious thoughts are these in verses 7-18. Christians have found comfort and strength from them for 2,000 years. Life often has difficult and hard times. May you be sustained by what is unseen and eternal!
30th July 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:10
God has committed unto you through His apostle the ministry of reconciliation! I first learnt these verses by heart many years ago as a young person. May the joy of being a new creation in Christ strengthen your heart today!
31st July 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16
This warning Do not be yoked together with unbelievers is for our comfort and well-being. This warning is for before you commit! Yoked means to be legally tied to someone in business or in any other relationship, such as marriage. Paul has already dealt with the situation where this is already so – 1 Cor.7:12-14.
1st August 2 Corinthians 8
Generosity is an attribute that we gradually lose, as we possess more of this world’s goods. The Macedonian churches will always be a challenge to us of rich generosity in a time of most severe trial, extreme poverty, but overflowing joy. Joy is the key to generosity!
2nd August 2 Corinthians 9
Giving! While this is an area between each of us and the Lord, we should be challenged by verse 6 and look boldly at what motivates us. Thanksgiving to God for His indescribable gift is the motivation behind all true giving.
3rd August 2 Corinthians 10
The Church treated the Apostles just as Israel treated Moses. We treat them just the same today – how often have you heard Paul denigrated? Our attitude should be: Paul is Jesus’ Apostle to me! Hear him!
4th August 2 Corinthians 11
False apostles are hard to pick. They play to our likes and dislikes, our longings and aspirations. We are easily taken in when we hear what we want to hear. In verse 4, Paul gives three signposts for telling false from true teachers.
5th August 2 Corinthians 12:1-13
This is the only occasion where an Apostle lets you into his private spiritual experiences. This uniqueness should give us pause. The human heart is too easily impressed and led astray by the self-proclaimed spiritual experiences of those who would lead. Such experiences should be treated as we treat the marriage bed – with a jealous privacy, modesty and respect!
6th August 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14
Are Paul’s fears for the Corinthian Church (12:20,21) realised in our church today? Of what value is Paul’s response in 13:5,6,11?
7th August Romans 1:1-16
Paul had never been to this church. They accepted him as Christ’s Apostle. Meditate on what Paul says in verses 5,6. You will find much to think through and about in this book.
8th August Romans 1:17-32
Righteousness is by faith! This is the Gospel key that helped Paul, that helped Luther. It will help you too. Faith leads you to following Christ, to obedience, to deeds that match your profession. Faith without works is dead is Paul’s teaching too!
9th August Romans 2
There is a difference between exercising your judgment and taking God’s prerogative of judgment on someone else. This reading demands that you exercise your judgment (see 2:7, 25-29). The warning is: Don’t sit in our Father’s seat! That is treating Him with dishonour.
10th August Romans 3
These chapters contain many verses worth learning by heart. Find one and learn it. Paul is expounding his teaching that righteousness is by faith with a steady though intense and concentrated logic. He is worth following at a slow pace!
11th August Romans 4:1-22
What lessons does Paul want you and I to learn from Abraham? Abraham’s history in Genesis is both for our example and instruction in the Lord. Abraham’s history is salvation history and thus important to the Christian.
12th August Romans 4:23-5:11
God’s demonstrated love is before us whether we listen or not. It is humbling and salutatory to know that I was God’s enemy in my own heart when He reconciled me to Himself.
13th August Romans 5:12-21
The way of righteousness is not the way to righteousness. We, like the Jews, often confuse the two. It is from this confusion that people come to believe that the Ten Commandments (or parts thereof) are irrelevant for Christians. Paul argues that the Law makes sin more exceedingly sinful, because, now knowing the Law, we sin wilfully rather than unwittingly.
14th August Romans 6:1-14
This passage is often used to teach immersion baptism. Paul is not speaking of the mode of baptism, but of the purpose of baptism – to live the new life, not the old one. People get to immersion teaching by taking the image of burial with Christ and mis-applying it to the mode of baptism. Paul teaches that baptism unites us with His atoning death – a continuing wilful life is not on for a Christian. We are saved unto good works as He defines them! (Ephesians 2:10) To be baptised into means to come under the control of! Hence Israel was baptised into Moses in the Red Sea. (1 Corinthians 10:2) It was the Egyptians who were immersed! A Christian is a slave to Christ, not to sin. This is the meaning of buried with Him in baptism, as Paul goes on to say explicitly.
15th August Romans 6:15-7:6
What does the phrase slaves to righteousness mean? We often understand the word negatively. If I am free, how can I be a slave? The problem is what slavery to sin entails. This degradation discolours our understanding. What are the right colours?
16th August Romans 7:7-25
Paul now deals with the issue of the purpose and place of the Law, and of the Ten Commandments in particular. At the heart of the issue is the Bible’s teaching of original sin. Paul’s finds a spiritual war going on within his heart and mind. The problem is not with the Commandments, but with his very nature. He looks to his own death and resurrection as the final resolution of this war within him.
17th August Romans 8:1-17
In this closely argued passage, Paul ends with a startling name for God – Dada. Abba is one of the first words a Jewish baby would say, just as ours say Dada. I find this a challenge to the distance and indifference of my own heart. I find my deceitful heart telling me that it is safer to keep God at a distance.
18th August Romans 8:18-39
Suffering seen against the backdrop of glory and resurrection can be endured. Romans 8:28-39 is a glorious passage, full of comfort, hope and courage. Nothing will be able to separate you from your Beloved!
19th August Romans 9:1-29
These next few chapters deal with national Israel, with the Jews as a people. Not all Abraham’s descendents are Abraham’s children! The sacred doctrine of election is dealt with here in the context of love and grace – notice Paul’s great sorrow and unceasing anguish. Is God’s heart not torn likewise?
20th August Romans 9:30-10:21
God’s purposes for Israel are the same as for Gentiles – faith comes from hearing the message through the word of Christ. Israel’s obstinacy and disobedience continue. So too does the holding out of the Gospel message to them by the Lord. In the light of these passages how should we treat Israel – as the favoured focus of Old Testament prophecy or as erring brothers and sisters who need to come to the Christ to find entrance into His Kingdom?
21st August Romans 11:1-15
In modern Israel there is a remnant chosen by grace. Verse 12 gives an excellent motivation for evangelism amongst Jews – their fullness (engrafting into Christ through faith in Him as Messiah) will mean greater riches for the Gentile believers.
22nd August Romans 11:16-36
God does not have some plan for Israel the nation apart from Christ. Some Christians believe that modern Israel is the focus of Old Testament prophecy. John declares that the spirit (or focus) of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus – not modern Israel. (Revelation 19:10b) Modern Israel’s hope is to be engrafted into Christ as natural branches!
23rd August Romans 12
Living sacrifices, different gifts, one body, sincere love, overcome evil with good. There are many wonderful thoughts, instructions, warnings, understandings – look for one that speaks to your present circumstances.
24th August Romans 13
Give everyone what you owe him. This is a command that we all fall far short in, yet believe against the evidence that we hit it. Think about those four terms - taxes, revenue, respect, honour. Think about them in regard to people with whom you disagree in positions of authority in the family, church, and society.
25th August Romans 14:1-18
Romans 14:1 is a most challenging admonition. It is so hard to do because we look at people like this as fools, misguided, ignorant. Can you find some good advice on how to behave towards those we disagree with, on peripheral points? How do you tell the difference between peripheral and major points of difference?
26th August Romans 14:19-15:13
Don’t these first verses search your heart? Paul expounds the parable of the Good Samaritan with telling effect – who is my neighbour?
27th August Romans 15:14-33
Meditate on the subject of prayer as found in verses 30-33. Is Paul asking for a once-off prayer, or a continuing struggle in prayer with the Lord until He grants our requests?
28th August Romans 16
Look at these salutations. Many are wonderful and heart-warming – whom I love in the Lord; my dear friend; tested and approved in Christ! Do you talk about others in your congregation like this?
29th August Galatians 1
These people are ethnic French - Gauls living in Turkey. Paul recounts his testimony – in order to unblock the ears of these Christians, so that they will listen to what he is saying. How easy do you find it when someone pulls you up about your beliefs?
30th August Galatians 2
The Apostles stood for the one and the same Gospel. There is a modern teaching that Paul gave one gospel and Peter a different version. This is just baseless speculation that goes against what the Apostles themselves wrote. Was Paul justified in his treatment of Peter?
31st August Galatians 3:1-14
Paul’s teaching is salvation by grace through faith unto good works. The false teaching he fights is salvation by your good works. What purposes does Paul give for the Law of Moses?
1st September Galatians 3:15-29
Christians are Abraham’s seed! The Old Testament teaching is that our eternal inheritance depends on God’s promise, and not on the Law of Moses (the ceremonial, food, and civil case law). The Law had a different purpose. It was given to guide God’s people in the process of sanctification until the Christ should come.
2nd September Galatians 4:1-20
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of the Son! In this passage you see the work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in salvation. Everyone who has experienced misunderstandings in close relationships will appreciate Paul’s words as he seeks to build bridges with this congregation.
3rd September Galatians 4:21-5:9
Freedom! Freedom is not freedom to be like God, to be the one in control. Freedom is freedom from sin through faith in Christ! Free to live with love, justice, courage, goodness, mercy, peace. Free to live without arrogance, manipulative behaviour, substance abuse, immorality, anger and malice.
4th September Galatians 5:10-26
Freedom in Christ is freedom to serve one another in love. Love is fulfilling of the Ten Commandments in a manner that God defines. Read Jesus’ words on the Commandments in the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:17-48.
5th September Galatians 6
It is no mistake that Paul ends his treatise on salvation by faith and not by Law with teaching on works. We are saved unto good works. What works are emphasised by Paul to this congregation?
6th September Ephesians 1:1-14
These verses tell you God’s purpose for you in Christ and at least four things He gives you – verses 7-10. What does it mean for you to be for the praise of His glory?
7th September Ephesians 1:15-2:10
Verses 2:8-10 are a theme song for both the New and Old Testaments. They are excellent verses to memorize. Meditate on verses 1:22,23 and on the thought that we His Church are the fullness of Christ.
8th September Ephesians 2:11-22
The church is a holy temple - public worship is a vital part of our nature and purpose, and no optional extra. Consider the terms used to describe the church – fellow-citizens, members of God’s household, a holy temple, a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit! How do these terms alter our understanding of us as a church?
9th September Ephesians 3
Do you need someone to pray like this about you– May the Lord, out of His glorious riches, strengthen you with power in your inner being? (v16) This is a prayer that the prayed for need to know about. Can you, like Paul, let someone know this is how you pray for them?
10th September Ephesians 4:1-16
This chapter contains much doctrine that is central to what we should be on about as a Christian congregation. Christ’s gifts to the Church are men of His Word – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. What does verse 12 tell you is God’s purpose for your minister and his ministry?
11th September Ephesians 4:17-32
There is now something you must no longer do! There are things you must put off! This is because there are things you must now be doing and things you must now put on! What are they?
12th September Ephesians 5:1-21
Verse 1 is directly related to Genesis 1:26,27. Salvation is not an insurance policy for eternity – it is the beginning of a new life, a different way to conduct relationships. It is living or walking in the LIGHT. The way of sanctification is therefore a matter of choosing wisdom rather than stupidity, with God defining the difference!
13th September Ephesians 5:22-6:9
Family life is an integral facet of congregational life, as is your personal spiritual life. Wives, husbands, children and fathers are all asked to do things they find hard and a struggle. Do you give the other credit for how hard their struggle is?
14th September Philippians 6:10-24
It is good to meditate on relationship between the armour image and the truth each part portrays. Read Isaiah 59:15-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:8,9. Isaiah places this armour on Christ! Have you ever thought of the Christian’s armour as Christ’s armour? Do you realise how privileged you are?
15th September Philippians 1:1-20
Philippi was in the midst of a church fight over who would be top dog. What is Paul’s particular prayer for this congregation in verses 3-6? Notice he assures them of his love and of his sufferings for Christ. Suffering gives Paul the added edge for being heard and listened to.
16th September Philippians 1:21-2:11
Philippians 2:3 has the sense that it is better to allow yourself to be bested, rather than to destroy the church of God through ambition. Paul is not talking about a pretended humility but about seeking the attitude of Christ Himself for yourself.
17th September Philippians 2:12-30
Complaint and argument come naturally to us. These are some of the things we must put off! What do people hear from you: how great your God is, or how terrible your church is or fellow believers are?
18th September Philippians 3:1-4:1
Where do you place your self-esteem – on who you are in Christ or in what you are in the church, in the club, at work, in society? Consider Paul’s great desire for himself in verses 10,11. He wants to live the resurrection quality of life NOW!
19th September Philippians 4:2-23
Finally, Paul deals with Eudoia and Syntyche directly. He doesn’t berate, but pleads. He also asks a third person to help these two prominent women. What does Paul want? What is one point of comfort or strength you find in this passage?
20th September Colossians 1:1-20
There is a great awe of Christ behind verses 15-20. The fruit of salvation for our loved ones flows from His gospel. There are excellent guidelines for prayer here and the great statement of who Christ is.
21st September Colossians 1:21-2:7
This word perfect in verse 1:28 has the sense of mature or come to ripeness or fulness, and not our modern meaning of completely without flaw. Overflowing with thankfulness (2:7) is both a wonderful and a exacting challenge.
22nd September Colossians 2:8-3:4
Colossians 2:9 is a clear statement of the divinity of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism is a picture of being dead to sin (2:13) and not a picture of the mode of baptism! How does the warning against asceticism (2:20-23) apply to you within our culture? Or do we face the opposite temptation?
23rd September Colossians 3:5-4:1
It is a great tragedy and horror that such behaviour is encountered amongst the saints. The Apostle uses the very strong words put to death (3:5)! There are also the deeds of the tongue to be rid of. How do you identify the behaviours mentioned here in their subtle forms?
24th September Colossians 4:2-18
Paul gives an extended list of greetings here. Think about what the rest of the New Testament tells you about each one and consider what this list tells you that you can expect to meet in life.
25th September Philemon
Philemon was a Christian who owned slaves. How does Paul persuade him to free Onesimus? How does someone refresh the hearts of the saints?
26th September Hebrews 1
Life was hard, so hard that a group of Jewish Christians was thinking of abandoning Christ and returning to Judaism. What truths are expressed here about Christ? First Century Jews thought highly of angels.
27th September Hebrews 2
Find something about Jesus in this passage that stands out to you. Meditate on verses 14-18. Are there any temptations you think Jesus won’t understand or wouldn’t receive? Why?
28th September Hebrews 3
Verse 1 is good sound advice for you and me today. The writer gives several good reasons for fixing your thoughts on Jesus. The advice in 3:12&13 always challenges me.
29th September Hebrews 4:1-13
Sometimes we can grow very weary of life and its struggles. The promise of entering God’s rest still stands for you and me. Our responsibility here lies in refusing to harden our hearts towards God and His Word, and in doing things His way.
30th September Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Jesus is able to sympathise with your weaknesses! He is someone who has faced every temptation you have! Confidence in Jesus is the wisest thing we can give Him. It lies behind all prayer in hard and rending situations.
1st October Hebrews 5:11-6:20
Faith and patience together lead us to the inheritance Christ has won for us. Faith does not give up either through despair or through apathy. Your hope in Christ is the anchor for your soul to keep you moored in God’s very presence. He is closer to you than you may think.
2nd October Hebrews 7
Melchizedek was a Canaanite believer. The Canaanites once knew the Lord, but turned from Him. (cf- Romans 1:19-21) Melchizedek’s priesthood represents a higher priesthood than the Aaronic one. Jesus is a High Priest of the order or class of Melchizedek – this sort of priest alone will meet your needs!
3rd October Hebrews 8
A lot of this chapter is a quote from Jeremiah 31. The theme is the new covenant. Jesus spoke about the Lord’s Supper in terms of the new covenant that was available to you and me through Him. Jesus’ place of priestly service is in heaven where God’s true tabernacle is.
4th October Hebrews 9:1-14
Jerusalem Above (original) and Jerusalem Below (copy): Temple Above (original) and Temple Below (copy). With art, the original is prized rather than the copy. We should prize the work of Jesus in the Temple Above – this is the original salvation or religion!
5th October Hebrews 9:15-28
The Law of Moses teaches us about the ministry of Jesus as our Messiah; about what He was to do. It helps us understand why it had to be that way. Reflect on verses 27,28.
6th October Hebrews 10:1-18
Original – copy, reality – shadow, these are useful categories for understanding the good news of Jesus Christ. Why is it wrong to punish ourselves or our bodies for sin? (Think about what such practice says about Christ’s sacrifice.) Rather than punishment, what does the Gospel require us to do?
7th October Hebrews 10:19-39
Faithfulness to Christ leads inexorably to your responsibility to your neighbour. Verses 23-25 should be learnt by heart. Verse 30 is a good motto for any family or church!
8th October Hebrews 11:1-16
Verse 6 is a verse I was encouraged to learn off by heart as a young person. Saving faith is when we trust God and His promises in both Testaments. Such faith is evidenced by our practice of that faith – when we conduct ourselves and our relationships according to God’s ways.
9th October Hebrews 11:17-40
All these heroes of faith are mentioned for you and me to find out about. The stories of their faithfulness will help your faithfulness. Find out about one of them. Look up a name in a concordance to the Bible.
10th October Hebrews 12:1-17
When you face much opposition to your faith, there is someone whose life we should always turn to and consider – Christ’s. (v.2,3) A time of reflection on His life every day will strengthen you emotionally, spiritually and in every other way. This is the fount of living peacefully with others, the fount to a holy life – the good life.
11th October Hebrews 12:18-13:6
Mount Sinai is the mountain that God’s people were not to touch. Mount Zion Above is the mountain that you should touch. It is only with Christ and His Gospel that all peoples will find God, will find their true home. Verses 12:28,29 are worthy of your deep thought.
12th October Hebrews 13:7-25
The only worthwhile religion fits you to eat of that Altar Above. Worthwhile religion will strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, help you to be a peacemaker in your family and church, and a Gospel blessing to church leaders. Take this prayer (v.20,21) as your model in your prayers for family and congregation.
13th October Titus 1:1-2:8
The hope of eternal life! Hope is the sure expectation of a good outcome. This hope is not a pipe dream because it is founded on two facts. They are in verse 2. How can we apply Paul’s words to older and younger men and women today?
14th October Titus 2:9-3:15
Chapter 3 contains much valuable advice for practical Christian living. Genuine practice and not hypocrisy should be our hallmark as Christians.
15th October 1 Timothy 1
Paul writes to strengthen and encourage the young Timothy. What areas did Timothy need to be strengthened and encouraged in? Why has God shown you mercy? (v.16)
16th October 1 Timothy 2
Why would Paul single out these concerns for both men and women – prayer without anger or fighting for men; and modesty with behaviour appropriate to their profession of faith for women?
17th October 1 Timothy 3
What should you pray for your elders? This list is of the characteristics an elder should have. Use this list to pray for your elders and the other list for members of your Committee of Management.
18th October 1 Timothy 4
Paul gives much good advice to young Timothy. What might apply to your life? Bring some of his suggestions up to date – what groups today have taboos on Christian marriage and foods? (Think of groups opposed to Christian marriage and those who are obsessive about particular foods.)
19th October 1 Timothy 5
Find some good pointers on cultivating relationships in today’s reading. Who will you apply them to?
20th October 1 Timothy 6
Material possessions are not wrong in themselves. Our problem comes with our attitudes and desires. What reasons does Paul give for the stupidity of loving money? Look at the guidelines given for those with possessions. How will you practice them?
21st October 2 Timothy 1
Gospel doctrine is the pattern for sound teaching. Teaching must be allied with faith in and love for the Lord. Why? What verse speaks to your heart today?
22nd October 2 Timothy 2
Verse 2 is Paul’s recipe for spiritual reproduction – teach reliable disciples so that they, in turn, can teach a new generation of reliable disciples, who in their turn can repeat the teaching. Pray for each other that we might be such disciples.
23rd October 2 Timothy 3
When society gets bad, take some time to consider the lessons of the Apostle Paul’s life. What is his key to faithfulness and perseverance? Look at verses 16,17.
24th October 2 Timothy 4
The opening verses form the basis of a good prayer to pray for every minister. Do you feel like Paul at times – deserted? Write to someone and encourage him or her. Take Paul’s example.
25th October John 1:1-18
It has been common for 2,000 years for Christians to learn these 18 verses off by heart. They are a great treasure trove of knowledge about Jesus Christ. Meditate on one verse that stands out in your mind today.
26th October John 1:19-51
John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus gave Jesus His first disciples. Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. Who should you bring? First, bring that one to God in prayer today.
27th October John 2:1-22
These two incidents set the scene for the whole of Jesus’ ministry. As Jesus began, so He will finish. Hence the Bible finishes with a wedding feast and a cleansed temple in Revelation.
28th October John 2:23-3:21
Nicodemus is someone who would not commit himself while Jesus was alive. Is there anyone you might write off as a waste of time, because of his or her continued equivocation and refusal to commit to Christ? Don’t! There are some memorable and precious words spoken by Jesus today.
29th October John 3:22-36
John the Baptist honours his cousin Jesus as the bridegroom. What does this tell you about Jesus? Read carefully again verses 35 and 36. If this is true, what then?
30th October John 4:1-30
Jesus says some of His most wonderful words to women. Consider verse 24. This says a lot about who God is and who we are. What does it mean for you in your church to worship in spirit and in truth?
31st October John 4:31-54
Jesus tells us what He is truly about – see verse 34. Can you also aver with the Samaritans this man really is the Saviour of the world? The royal official took Jesus at His word (v.49). Pray for those on our congregation’s periphery that they too might take Jesus at His word!
1st November John 5:1-23
Verse 18: The Pharisees and the Sadducees were in no doubt that Jesus taught that God was His Father in a special way. The doctrine of the Trinity flows from the lips of Jesus Himself. What lesson is there in this healing?
2nd November John 5:24-47
This passage contains one of Jesus’ grand promises – verse 24. Jesus taught resurrection. He also taught that He had the power to give the gift of life to whomever He wants. Ask Him in confidence!
3rd November John 6:1-21
These two incidents flow into one another. Think through what they teach about Jesus. What stands out to you of His character and attitudes?
4th November John 6:22-40
What is the food that endures to eternal life? (v.27) Jesus declares that He too is as meek as Moses – He has come to do God’s will. Jesus concludes his discourse with a reference to the last day.
5th November John 6:41-7:1
Grumbling seems to characterise God’s people in every age. It was a problem in Moses’ day too. What marvellous truths does Jesus disclose about Himself, about faith. Why did people find these hard?
6th November John 7:2-30
Jesus’ challenge (v.24) to the Pharisees is also for you and me – make a right judgment! Don’t go by appearances. We must be careful how we use the Scripture. The Pharisees used Scripture to oppose and ridicule Jesus!
7th November John 7:31-8:11
The Feast of Tabernacles is where most commentators place Jesus’ discourse on Living Water. This was the feast after the harvest was over. It aligns with the Marriage Feast of the Lamb (or the Last Day), as the Crucifixion aligns with Passover.
8th November John 8:12-30
The Pharisees were quite sure that Jesus taught that He was God. This is no mere addition by later generations of Christians as some have tried to make out. This is the whole point of whether Jesus’ testimony about Himself is valid. Who should you pray for to accept the validity of Jesus’ testimony about Himself?
9th November John 8:31-59
What a tremendous claim Jesus makes in verse 42 (and verse 47). Love for Jesus is a very simple test to see if someone is truly godly. Love is SEEN – in patience, fairness, courage, and being long-suffering, as in 1 Corinthians 13!
10th November John 9:1-17
A miracle does not require the recipient to know who is performing the miracle or even to have faith. Jesus just heals this man of a lifetime of blindness – this would include reprogramming the brain to understand the messages the eyes send to the brain! This should fill us with awe!
11th November John 9:18-38
The man born blind saw more clearly than the whole academic weight of the Jewish world in the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. Courage and clarity mark this man. All he needs to become His disciple is to meet Jesus. Is there someone you know who needs to see Jesus with such clarity?
12th November John 9:39-10:18
This most wonderful passage on the Good Shepherd should be read in conjunction with Psalm 23. Jesus is no hireling. What do you find challenging, heartening or comforting in Jesus’ words about Himself?
13th November John 10:19-42
The Jews treated Jesus as if He were an Achan to stone, and not His namesake Joshua. Read Joshua 7. How do you treat Him? Notice that the claim of the divinity of Jesus is no second century addition by the Christian Church. The first century Jews understood that Jesus was claiming to be God!
14th November John 11:1-27
The celebrated weaknesses and strengths of Martha and Mary are reversed in this incident to that of Luke 10:38-42. It is to Martha that Jesus says the wonderful words of John 11:25,26. Resurrection is our future in Christ, not re-incarnation, or nothingness, or angelhood.
15th November John 11:28-44
On first sight verse 40 might seem a paradox - those who did not believe saw the glory of God. Yet this misses the point that Martha and Mary believed that Jesus was the Christ. Those who did not believe saw the resurrection of Lazarus and yet did not see any glory, but a trick – see tomorrow’s reading. You might find things Jesus says hard to believe, but do you believe that He is the Christ the Son of God? That is the important question.
16th November John 11:45-12:19
Unbelief is a hard shell of sin that twists what is good – the desire to honour God, into something wicked and repugnant – the willingness to murder. Deliberate unbelief finds it opposite in Mary and the extravagance of her love. Be challenged by Mary’s extravagance in your love!
17th November John 12:20-50
Jesus entered Earthly Jerusalem on that Sunday proclaimed as Israel’s King and returned from Heavenly Jerusalem on the next Sunday as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Who needs to heed the voice from heaven in your circle? Continue in prayer!
18th November John 13:1-30
See Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ washing their feet and to Jesus’ words in verse 7! Judas calmly lets Jesus wash his feet – without a murmur or a protest! Judas was ‘not clean’, but obviously this did register! Have you ever felt ‘dirty’, felt the need to be clean? Peter did!
19th November John 13:31-14:14
There are so many wonderful words in these passages in John’s Gospel that it is hard to pick just one. Verse 13:34 is worthy of much meditation in the light of what the rest of the Scriptures say about love.
20th November John 14:15-31
To love Christ is to obey Him! (verse 15) Obedience is placed in closest conjunction with the gift of the Counsellor the Holy Spirit. Obedience to the Word of Christ is one sure test of whether someone has the fulness of the Spirit. Without such obedience all the claims and signs are empty shells.
21st November John 15:1-16
Israel is referred to as God’s vine in the Old Testament – eg Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21 and Ezekiel 17. Jesus is the true Israel of God. Israel the nation came from Israel the man. Just so, we come from this man the True Vine. This is a passage rich in teaching! Find something for your soul today!
22nd November John 15:17-16:15
The treatment of the world is cruel. Hate is the world’s reaction to Christ! Christ’s counter to the hate of the world is the gift of the Comforter. He is come to convict the world and to guide believers into all truth.
23rd November John 16:16-33
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the birth of joy into your life and world. Christ gives us confidence in prayer and to prayer, based on His resurrection and on the Father’s love for you and me. How has Jesus overcome the world?
24th November John 17
This is the great high priestly prayer of Jesus. He prays for Himself, for His disciples and for all throughout all ages who believe in Jesus through their message. Find two things that stand out in today’s reading that encourage you and strengthen you faith.
25th November John 18:1-27
John highlights the fact that Jesus was brought to Annas first. Annas could not find one charge to bring against the Christ. This is important! The priest finds no blemish in the sacrifice! This is important testimony to who Jesus is and shows what He has come to do.
26th November John 18:28-19:16
John bypasses the trial before Caiaphas and concentrates on the trial before Pilate. It is good to read this passage on the passion out aloud.
27th November John 19:17-42
Joseph of Arithamea and Nicodemus gave Jesus a costly burial, suitable for royalty. It is their declaration that Jesus is their King, their Messiah. They are drawn to Him in His death and confess their allegiance openly.
28th November John 20
The Resurrection is the great pivot of faith. Everything depends on this being true, on this happening within time and space. John lets you see what stopped him in his tracks when he stooped in and saw, not an empty tomb or a mess of hardened myrrh-gummed linen scraps torn off the body, but the linen strips unglued and folded up by themselves. Resurrection!
29th November John 21
Peter needed a public reinstatement because of his public denial of Christ. Jesus asks His question of Peter three times to answer for Peter’s three denials. Jesus’ question is well worth putting to yourself!
30th November 1 John 1
John begins his letter in a manner similar to the beginning of his Gospel. It is easy to pretend to others and yourself that you don’t sin, that you are a good person. Why is it important to confess our sins to God and not pretend to Him or to ourselves?
1st December 1 John 2:1-17
Notice that obedience to Jesus and to His word or command is inescapable for the Christian. This is how God’s love is made complete in us. When you apply God’s Word to your life, be practical. Ask yourself how, when and who!
2nd December 1 John 2:18-29
Talk over with someone else what it means today to deny that Jesus is the Christ. Can you give examples from our society in Australia today? In John’s day these were people who were inside the perimeter of the Church.
3rd December 1 John 3
We are called to two things – to discontinue in sin and to love our brother Christian. 1 Corinthians 13, Zechariah 7:9,10 and 8:16,17, Leviticus 19:18 and much else of the case law in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy will tell you what loving your brother means in practice.
4th December 1 John 4
What verse in today’s reading do you think would be a good one to memorise. This is another famous chapter on love.
5th December 1 John 5
John summarises everything he has said in the first four chapters in this last chapter. Meditate on verses 11 and 12. What idols do you have to keep yourself from?
6th December 2 John
The chosen lady is a church. John had to be careful when writing to a persecuted church. John reiterates themes from his gospel. What verse touches on some situation in your life?
7th December 3 John
Gaius is presumably Paul’s friend at Corinth whose hospitality is noted – see Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14. I have always found his advice imitate what is good challenging. Find something that challenges you!
8th December Revelation 1
This rich picture of Jesus is drawn from Genesis 3:24, Joshua 5:13-15, Ezekiel 1:7,27, Daniel 7:9,13, 8:17, Ezekiel 43:2, all through Ezekiel! This picture links Him to the whole of the Old Testament story of God’s dealings with mankind, from the Fall to Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land under Joshua, to the promise of the Messiah in Daniel’s revelation and in the prophets.
9th December Revelation 2:1-17
We can find facets of our own congregation’s life in each of the seven churches. Do any of these descriptions apply to your congregation? What is your responsibility to Christ, to your congregation with what you see?
10th December Revelation 2:18-3:6
Each of the seven churches is in what is now modern Turkey. Back then, Turkey was a polyglot mix of almost every nationality under the sun. Idolatry is called sexual immorality in the prophets – the image is that we the church are God’s wife! The idolatry of Thyatira was a mixture of current ideas with traditional Christian belief.
11th December Revelation 3:7-22
The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that did not receive a rebuke from Christ. What can you learn from what Jesus said to these Christians?
12th December Revelation 4
The imagery of this chapter comes from the Exodus, Ezekiel’s visions, Noah, the 12 Patriarchs of Israel and the 12 Apostles. What have you found worthy about God this past week or month?
13th December Revelation 5
The scroll is a will or testament. In ancient Rome, seven seals attested a will. Seven people put their seals on the will signed in their collective presence. It was hoped that at least one of the seven would be alive when the will was opened to attest its contents. In Revelation, There is no one who is able to open God’s testament to men and unlock the inheritance for us – except the Lamb!
14th December Revelation 6
In John’s revelation Jesus opens the six of the seven seals. Jesus is the rider on the white horse. Then follow War, Famine, Death, Witnesses and Judgment (as in Egypt). What God is doing through Jesus within history is signed and sealed!
15th December Revelation 7
John symbolises the whole of the Church (i.e. the true Israel of God) with the number 144,000 – 12 times 12,000. Israel is referred to as the thousands of Israel! (Numbers 10:36 Moses said, "Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel”.) The reference to a seal on their foreheads is reference to their baptism. All of God’s people will be saved. He will not miss out one of His own!
16th December Revelation 8
The seventh seal is silence. God waits for something – the prayers of the saints. Prayer is the signal for the trumpets – as on the Day of Atonement or the Feast of Tabernacles. The trumpets unleash God’s salvation – which is also His judgment, as in Egypt of the Exodus!
17th December Revelation 9
I remember when I read one book that claimed that the locusts mentioned were helicopter gun-ships – viz a viz their guns in the back. This is all science fiction and should be treated as such. The third is mentioned, because this was the share of those who did not inherit! The rule of inheritance in Israel was that the heir got two mouths or bites at the cherry, everyone else divided up the final mouth. Jesus will get two mouths!
18th December Revelation 10
The Angel is described like Christ, while being quite different. The Angel’s face symbolises God’s holiness; the rainbow symbolises God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness; and the cloud, God’s presence, both protecting and judging God’s people.
19th December Revelation 11
The two witnesses are the Law and the Prophets, or Moses and Elijah. They are linked to the two olive trees (Zechariah 4) the Lord’s Anointed (or Christs) the King and the Priest. Remember what Jesus said in John 8:14-18.
20th December Revelation 12
All this imagery comes from the Old Testament. Remember Joseph’s dream? Psalm 2 as quoted refers to Christ. Though Satan tries to destroy the Church, she is saved in God’s providence by fleeing to the wilderness. 1260 days are 40 months, recalling the 40 years in the wilderness.
21st December Revelation 13
The Beast is identified with the secular world powers that are inimical to Christ and His Gospel – hence horns, crowns, leopards, thrones, authority over tribes, peoples, ethnic groups. Verses 8-10 contain the key – the Redeemer’s coming is this world’s death stroke. What is required of us?
22nd December Revelation 14
We believers are espoused to one husband – Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 11:2. This chapter is a wonderful picture of what Jesus has done for you – we are cleansed and preserved by Christ and His Spirit.
23rd December Revelation 15
John sees the Temple Above in Jerusalem Above. This is the Temple where Jesus offered up Himself as a sacrifice for our sins – Hebrews 9:11-14. You and I can serve the Living God, because Christ cleansed us from our sins.
24th December Revelation 16
Judgment leads to the freedom of God’s people. The imagery of this chapter is meant to remind us of the history of the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. Seven is the number for completion or wholeness. God’s salvation of Israel was complete. So too shall be His salvation of the people of Christ! Hallelujah!
25th December Revelation 17
Look at Proverbs chapters 5 to 9 and the warning about stupidity – the way of spiritual adultery. The adulteress is one major source for this chapter. So too is Zechariah 5:5-11. Babylon pictures all the allure of worldly thinking. The constant refrain of Revelation is the call for perseverance and faithfulness on our part.
26th December Revelation 18
The image of Babylon is the same as what Jesus meant by Mammon. Nahum 3, Habakkuk 2 and Zephaniah 3 are all passages with the same message. Where have I placed my love? Is my profession the same as my practice?
27th December Revelation 19:1-10
Heaven will be a wonderful place! Verse 10 is a key verse to understand what the Bible means by prophecy. A lot of modern Christian commentators place the spirit or focus of prophecy of the Old Testament in the Jews. John places it in the testimony of Jesus.
28th December Revelation 19:11-20:6
What impresses you about Jesus in this tremendous passage? Once again Psalm 2 is part of the background. Psalms 1and 2 portray the Law and the Prophets – the 2 witnesses to Christ.
29th December Revelation 20:7-21:8
The Great White Throne – you need never be afraid that God will make mistakes. His throne is WHITE! Meditate on 21:1-8. Find one thing that brings comfort to you?
30th December Revelation 21:9-22:5
Shameful, deceitful and impure are adjectives of hell, not heaven. I have a responsibility to turn away from such today. When Christ returns, the Garden of Eden will become the Garden in the midst of the Holy City!
31st December 2004 Revelation 22:6-21
Jesus is coming! This thought is repeated throughout these closing verses. May those people we pray for all come to say: Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
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