CHRONOLOGIC BIBLE

Read the OYB in 2013? Or Chronological again?
Hi everyone,
Congratulations on finishing up your Chronological Bible readings in 2012 at the end of December!! I hope this habit of reading the Bible for 15 minutes a day is something that you will continue in 2013? I invite you to consider reading the One Year Bible with me in 2013 at www.oneyearbibleblog.com/!

Or, if you are up for reading the Chronological Bible with me again, please do! IMPORTANT NOTE: You will continue to receive this monthly email in 2013 and beyond until you decide to "Unsubscribe" from it - which you can do by reading the directions at the bottom of this email. If you want to read the Chronological Bible again in 2013, you're all set to receive the monthly emails. If not, you may want to unsubscribe. With 2013 just around the corner, I invite you to encourage your family, friends and church congregation to participate in the One Year or Chronological Bible journey in 2013. Please feel free to forward this email along to others to invite them to participate.

For those of you that would like church bulletin wording to encourage folks to participate with us in 2013, please see below. You can also use this text below for an email to friends & family too. Also feel free to use this text and to link from your church website over to www.chronologicalbibleblog.com if you'd like.

You are invited to read the entire Bible in 2013!
Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover? 2013 can be the year that you make this spiritual goal happen! Our church encourages you to embark on the Chronological Bible journey starting on January 1st, 2013. The Chronological Bible allows you to read through the entire Bible in 2013 by reading just 15 minutes a day in a straight forward chronological timeline format. It is a wonderfully easy daily habit that you can undertake in 2013! To sign up, please go to this website: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com . Sign up for free monthly emails of commentary, encouragement and questions for reflection as you read through the entire Bible in 2013. We hope you will take the Chronological Bible journey in 2013!

One Year Bible in 2013 - As an alternative to the Chronological Bible in 2013, you can also join the One Year Bible journey in 2013 at http://www.OneYearBibleBlog.com !

But, we're not done with the Chronological Bible in 2012 quite yet! We have some amazing books coming up, including Revelation! Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :

www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes12_1to12_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes12_1to12_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

James
Author: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one's inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness.(Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)

FIRST TIMOTHY
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64
Content: This letter was written by Paul near the end of his life and he addressed it to his associate Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to correct some problems in the church. By this time problems had arisen concerning doctrine, church practice, church government, and various aspects of Christian living. Paul wrote to instruct Timothy concerning these matters so that the church would function properly. He also wrote to encourage Timothy so that he would not become weary in his Christian life, but would live wholly to the glory of God. There are some specific regulations given for the ordination of church officers as well.
Theme: The importance of right belief and right behavior form the theme of this book. Paul stresses that we must know the truth and defend it against the false doctrines that arise. We must also be very careful to live lives that are consistent with the truth so that Satan will not get an advantage over the people of God. The importance of dedicated and pure-hearted men to lead the church is also stressed. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 29) A wonderful commentary on First Timothy by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "Critical Concerns for Pastoral Ministry" is at this link: www.bible.org/article/critical-concerns-pastoral-ministry-1-timothy-13-7
Second Timothy
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Probably Rome
Date: A.D. 66 or 67
Content: This letter was probably the last letter that Paul ever wrote, and he addressed it to his former associate Timothy. It is a personal letter that expresses Paul's deepest feelings and the assurance that though his earthly life might end, God had eternal life waiting for him in heaven. Paul also reflects upon the faithfulness of God (who led him through his entire life) and upon the coming desperate days when men would depart from the truth, refusing to acknowledge God as Lord. He exhorts Timothy to stand firm in the face of the coming persecutions.
Theme: The sovereign control of God over all things is the basic theme of this book. Although distress has come and will continue to increase, God is in control and those who trust him will have nothing to fear. Paul also adds his own testimony of faith, describing how he fought for the truth and will be rewarded by God in the end. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 29-30)

A wonderful commentary on Second Timothy by Dwight Edwards titled "Call to Completion" is at this link: www.bible.org/article/2-timothy-call-completion

Titus
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64 or 65
Content: Paul addressed this letter to an earlier associate of his whom he had left on the island of Crete to help strengthen the churches there. Titus' task was to ordain elders and to instruct the believers in the basic doctrines of the faith. It was necessary for Paul to go into some detail regarding the qualifications for the office of elder, and to give instructions for others in the church as well. During the course of these instructions, Paul touches upon the problems that face the servant of God and how these problems may be met.
Theme: The need for proper Christian living in the midst of the evil of the world is stressed by Paul in this letter. Around us we see the hostility and corruption of the world, but we must show by our lives what the grace of God can do. Such a life will have an impact, whereas mere words will do little or nothing. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 30)

A wonderful commentary by J. Hampton Keathley, III on Paul's letter to Titus is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/introduction-letter-titus

Hebrews
Author: Uncertain
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 60-69
Content: This important letter was written to Jewish Christians who were perhaps thinking of returning to their old ways in Judaism. It was designed to show that now because Christ has come, there remains nothing in Judaism for the believer. The time of fulfillment has arrived and it would be futile to return to the old life which was inherently inferior to the new life found in the Gospel. This is justified by showing that in every way Christ is better – he is superior to angels, to Moses, and to the Old Testament priest. He mediates a better covenant and offers a better sacrifice. The life of faith that the Christian lives is also better than the old life, proof of this coming from the lives of Old Testament saints who showed the way by their lives of faith.
Theme: The overall superiority of Christ and the Christian life is the central theme of this book. Other religious systems have value, no doubt, but they cannot compare with the work that God has done in Christ. Not even Judaism, which has the Old Testament, can compare, great as it was. Christ is the very essence of God, who did God's work on earth by dying for our sins. What God requires of us now is trust in him. If we have faith then we have entered into the promises of God – fullness of life now and eternal life to come. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 31) A great overview of the book of Hebrews by Daniel Wallace is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/hebrews-introduction-argument-and-outline



First Peter
Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date: A.D. 63 or 64
Content: The apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life to comfort and encourage the Jewish Christians who were living in Asia Minor. He points out that suffering is part of the Christian life and that God has an imperishable reward reserved for those who trust him. In case any were thinking of returning to Judaism to escape from persecution, Peter points out that the church is now the chosen nation and the priesthood of God. Hence any thoughts of returning to Judaism were futile. Peter then presents the example of Christ who suffered and admonished the believers to be prepared for the same experience.
Theme: The theme of First Peter is triumph through suffering. Early Christianslived difficult lives, often paying for their faith with their lives, but this letter shows us that it is worth it, no matter what the price. God knows all that is occurring and in his eternal plan will work everything out for the best. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 32) A great overview of the book of First Peter and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews & James to get to his commentary on First Peter)

Second Peter
Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date: A.D. 67
Content: This letter was written by Peter shortly before his death and deals with the problems that the church would face after his departure. He encourages the believers to continue in their spiritual growth, realizing the truth of the Christian gospel. It does not consist of fable but fact. He warns them of false teachers who would destroy the truth by exalting their own ideas over those of the church. Finally, he points out that Christ will return some day to destroy the old order of this world; as a result, we ought not to become too attached to it.
Theme: Second Peter is a call to steadfastness in the midst of numerous pressures to drift from the truth. The world is seeking to undo the work of God, but we must resist all such pressure by living godly lives, believing the truth, enduring persecution, trusting God, and looking for Christ's return. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 33) A great overview of Second Peter and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (Scroll down just below his commentary on First Peter to get to his commentary on Second Peter.)

First John
Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This very personal letter was written by the apostle John in his old age to believers who were very dear to him. He addresses them as his little children and gives them practical instructions for Christian living. He begins by stressing Jesus' incarnation and builds his commands upon the truth that those who know Jesus know the Father as well. Those who do not know Jesus do not know the Father, nor do they know the love of the Father. Christians, however, have experienced the love of God in their lives, for God is love, and have no need to fear either in this life or in the life to come.
Theme: John stresses the basic truths of the Christian faith in this letter in order to comfort and encourage his children in the faith. The themes of love, forgiveness, fellowship, victory over sin, assurance, purity, and eternal life are woven together in a marvelous document that shines with the light of God in the darkness of the world. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 33) A great overview of First John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/1-john-introduction-argument-and-outline

Second John
Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This short letter was written either to a Christian woman whom John knew or to a church personified as a woman. In any case, it was written to encourage true Christian love and to warn against the deceivers who were coming into the world. John charges the believers not to participate in their evil, but to stand for the truth no matter what that cost.
Theme: The need for Christians to be alert and diligent when it comes to false doctrine is the theme of this letter. We must be aware that false doctrine exists and we must be ready to deal with it, if confronted. All the while, however, we must live out the love of God in our lives. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 34) A great overview of Second John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/2-john-introduction-argument-and-outline

Third John
Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This short letter is a personal note from John the apostle to his friend Gauis, encouraging him to support the traveling evangelists who are preaching the truth. He warns Gauis against such men as Diotrephes who refuse to help in spreading the gospel and commends others, such as Demetrius, for helping.
Theme: Christians are to support one another in the work of Christ. Not to do so is the work of Satan, who seeks to destroy the believers. John stresses that all believers are bound together as Christians and should work for the common good of all. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 34) A great overview of Third John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/3-john-introduction-argument-and-outline

Jude
Author: Jude, a brother of Jesus
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: It is not known to whom this letter was addressed, but the problem that Jude confronts is very clear. Jude is urging the believers to stand firm against some false teachers and the false doctrine that they bring. In a lengthy passage Jude gives examples of judgment in the past that God visited upon sin, as well as a devastating description of the evil lives of those false teachers. Jude closes with an exhortation to the Christians to stand fast in the power of God who will keep us from falling.
Theme: The danger of false doctrine and the need for constant vigilance by the church is the theme of this book. Jude admonishes us to examine what people say and the kind of lives that they live so that we may approve what is pleasing in the sight of God. We may call upon God to help in this with full assurance that he will hear and answer our prayer. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 34-35) A great overview of Jude by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/jude-introduction-argument-and-outline

Revelation
Author: John the apostle

Place: Patmos
Date: A.D. 90-95
Content: There are two major sections in this complex book, the first being letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation chapters 1 through 3) and the second being a series of visions dealing with the life and persecutions of the people of God, the overthrow of evil, the return of Jesus, the last judgment, the millennial state, and heaven (Revelation chapters 4 through 22). The major portion of the visions deals with a series of devastations poured out on the earth (the seals, trumpets, and bowls), in which the wrath of the Lamb (Jesus) is displayed. Mingled in with these visions are visions of the martyred people of God in heaven and the persecuted saints upon earth. The visions surge forward to a final confrontation between the Prostitute of Babylon and the triumphant Word of God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), come to destroy evil and prepare a feast for the believers. There follows scenes of judgment and glory, with a closing prayer: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
Theme: This glorious book shows the once humiliated Jesus, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world, taking control of history at the time of the end and bringing eternal good to pass by destroying evil and establishing righteousness forever and ever. It is the Christian's certain hope that someday all will be well and God shall be all in all. Tears shall be wiped away and death, sorrow, crying, and pain shall be gone forever. This comforting message is for all believers of all time. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 35)

There are basically 4 lines of thinking on how to interpret the book of Revelation, which I think are helpful to consider when diving into this book. I am editing these comments below from bible.org from this link - please see this link for more details on these 4 points below and the book of Revelation overall - these comments below were edited on bible.org from M. C. Tenney,Interpreting Revelation:

"(1) The preterist approach believes that "Revelation is simply a sketch of the conditions of the empire in the first century."

(2) The historicist view (or continuous-historicist view) "contends that Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the entire course of the history of the church from the close of the first century to the end of time."

(3) The futurist approach usually argues that "all of the visions from Revelation 4:1 to the end of the book are yet to be fulfilled in the period immediately preceding and following the second advent of Christ."

(4) In the idealist approach, "the Revelation represents the eternal conflict of good and evil which persists in every age, although here it may have particular application to the period of the church.""

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings
December 1
2 Corinthians 11-13:13; Acts 20:7-12
December 2
Acts 20:13-21:36
December 3
Acts 21:37-23:35
December 4
Acts 24:1-26:32

December 5
Acts 27:1-44

December 6
Acts 28:1-31; Ephesians 1:1-2:22

December 7
Ephesians 3:1-5:14

December 8
Ephesians 5:15-6:24; Colossians 1:1-23

December 9
Colossians 1:24-4:18

December 10
Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1-2:11

December 11
Philippians 2:12-4:23

December 12
James 1:1-3:18

December 13
James 4-5:20; 1 Timothy 1-2:15

December 14
1 Timothy 3:1-6:10

December 15
1 Timothy 6:11-21; Titus 1:1-3:15; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

December 16
2 Timothy 2:1-4:18

December 17
2 Timothy 4:19-22; Hebrews 1:1-4:13

December 18
Hebrews 4:14-7:28

December 19
Hebrews 8:1-10:39

December 20
Hebrews 11:1-12:29

December 21
Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

December 22
1 Peter 2:4-5:11

December 23
1 Peter 5:12-14; 2 Peter 1:1-3:18

December 24
1 John 1:1-4:6

December 25
1 John 4:7-5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-15

December 26
Jude 1:1-25; Revelation 1:1-2:29

December 27
Revelation 3:1-6:17

December 28
Revelation 7:1-10:11

December 29
Revelation 11:1-14:20

December 30
Revelation 15:1-18:24

December 31
Revelation 19:1-22:21

January 1 ?? Please keeping reading with us next year!
Genesis 1:1-3:24

Chronological Bible Blog
Every day in 2013, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/orwww.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

November

"Tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them." -Acts 2:3
Hi everyone,
I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! We transition out of the four Gospels early this month and begin Acts and then read several amazing letters of Paul's. Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes11_1to11_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes11_1to11_30.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

"The Conversion (of Saul) on the Way to Damascus" Caravaggio, c. 1600

"The Conversion (of Saul) on the Way to Damascus" Caravaggio, c. 1600
Acts
Author: Luke
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul's trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul's release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 23) More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links: http://bible.org/seriespage/preface-acts and http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-acts

Galatians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Unknown
Date: A.D. 48 or 49
Content: Paul had preached to the inhabitants of Galatia on his first missionary journey (Act 13:14-14:23). Shortly after his departure, a group of Jewish believers arrived to insist that the Gentile Christians submit to the laws of Moses in order to be saved. Paul writes to combat this error by showing that Abraham, who lived over four hundred years before the giving of the law, was saved by faith in the gospel - so how could it be argued that the law could either save a man or make a believer in Christ more perfect? Paul couples this with a vigorous defense of himself as an apostle and with a discussion of how a Christian ought to live.
Theme: Paul energetically defends the truth of the gospel, which is that man is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ and nothing else. Any other teaching is a perversion of the truth of God (Galatians 1:7). We are made right in the sight of God by faith (Galatians 2:16) and become the people of God (sons of Abraham) in the same way, by faith (Galatians 3:7). Because we are free in Christ, we must never allow anyone to drag us back to the idea of working for our salvation, but must live out of the gospel. This involves submission to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16) and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 25-26) More great commentary on Galatians is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/galatians-introduction-argument-and-outline
Love overflowing!

First Thessalonians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 50 or 51
Content: On Paul's second missionary journey he visited Thessalonica but was forced to flee because of the intense persecutions that arose there (see Acts 17:1-9). After making his way to Athens and finally to Corinth, Paul heard from Timothy, whom he had sent to inquire about the Thessalonians, that they were standing fast in spite of their suffering. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the young believers in the Lord. He also wrote to confirm their faith in the basic doctrines of the church concerning God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Christian living, but especially concerning Jesus' second coming. Apparently because some believers had died, the remaining Christians were concerned lest the believing dead miss out on the resurrection. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ rise first.
Theme: Paul comforts the persecuted believers with the assurance that God is with us and has assured us of ultimate victory. The final victory will occur at Jesus' return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and gather us to himself, ever to be with him. In the light of this we should bear up under persecution, living lives that are godly and above reproach. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 28) A wonderful commentary on First Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "The Birth and Growth of a Church" is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/birth-and-growth-church
"Jesus!" 2 Thessalonians 1:12

Second Thessalonians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 51
Content: Either Paul's first letter or a forged letter purporting to be from him had disturbed the Thessalonians concerning the second coming of Jesus. Perhaps adding to the confusion was the continued persecution that they were enduring. Paul writes to assure the believers that Jesus will certainly return to comfort the believers and to punish those who are troubling them. He also tells them that the great Day of Judgment (the Day of the Lord) will not take them by surprise but will be preceded by a series of events. In the light of Jesus' sure return, Christians are to live above reproach.
Theme: Throughout this short letter the promise of God's victory over evil is stressed. Believers may suffer now, but God has planned comfort and reward for them. For those who refuse to obey God, however, there will be distress and judgment. Paul also stresses the need for living in such a way that God is honored. Some people at Thessalonica may have stopped working because they believed Christ would return soon. This does not honor God and Paul says concerning it, "He who does not work shall not eat." (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 28-29) A wonderful commentary on Second Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "The Struggles and Growth of a Church" is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/struggles-and-growth-church

First Corinthians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 55
Content: Paul had established a church in the Greek city of Corinth on his second missionary journey (seeActs 18:1-8), but things had gone very badly after his departure. He felt it necessary to write them concerning the many problems that had arisen. They were challenging his apostleship, abusing the Lord's Supper, wondering about eating meat sacrificed to idols, going to court against one another, condoning immorality, denying the resurrection, arguing about marriage - to name a few of the problems. Paul felt that he had to deal with the situation, lest everything in Corinth fall to pieces. As Paul more or less systematically goes through these problems, he touches upon many of the fundamental teachings of the faith.
Theme: Paul's major purpose in writing this letter was to correct some glaring abuses in the church at Corinth, showing the importance of how we live. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; we must also act like Christians. Not to do so is to bring dishonor upon the name of Christ. Paul also stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ for the believer. In Christ we are made pure, holy, and acceptable to God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 24-25) More commentary on First Corinthians is at this link:
http://bible.org/article/i-corinthians-introduction-and-outline

Second Corinthians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul's earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God's work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/2-corinthians-introduction-argument-and-outline

Romans
Author: Paul
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 57/58
Content: Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey and was planning to go to Rome, but had never been there before. This letter was written to introduce himself to the church and to summarize his theological teachings. For the latter reason, it is the most systematically organized letter of Paul. He begins by showing the universal sin of man. Neither Gentile nor Jew has any legitimate claim upon God because sin has invalidated any appeal. But God in his mercy stepped in, while we were still sinners, and opened the way back to himself (Romans 5:8). From this may come a victorious Christian life. Paul then deals with the place of the Jews in God's plan (Romans 9-11), concluding with a series of ethical exhortations.
Theme: The righteousness of God, his righteous dealings with the world, and the righteous plan of salvation are the focus of this book. God is seen to be the great and holy God of the universe who cannot relax his laws because they are based upon his nature. But consistent with those laws, he devised a plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike that sent his Son down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:9) and be given the power of God over sin in his life. From God and his love nothing can separate the believer. (Romans 8:38-39) (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 24)
More commentary on Romans is at these 3 links:
http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-book-romans
http://bible.org/seriespage/romans-introduction-argument-and-outline
http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-romans
Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org says : "If you can reason your way through Romans, you will have the Gospel under your belt. . . . As you begin this study, I would challenge you to review the Book of Romans often in your mind, seeking to trace its argument from the very first chapter to wherever your study has brought you. It is my hope that you will then seek to apply what you have learned in your own life, and to share the message of the Gospel it contains with those who are lost and without hope, apart from the faith this Epistle describes and defines. May God bless you in your study of this portion of His Word." Amen.
Romans 5:3-5

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings
November 1
John 18:1-2; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-24

November 2
Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:66-72; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:25-27; Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:3-10

November 3
Mark 15:2-5; Matthew 27:11-14; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-40; Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 19:1-16; Mark 15:16-20; Matthew 27:27-31

November 4
Mark 15:21-24; Matthew 27:32-34; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:17; Mark 15:25-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27; Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37

November 5
Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-7; Luke 24:1-12; Mark 16:9-13; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:8-15

November 6
Luke 24:13-43; Mark 16:12-13; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14; John 20:24-21:25; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:44-49

November 7
Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-2:47

November 8
Acts 3:1-5:42

November 9
Acts 6:1-8:1

November 10
Acts 8:1-9:43

November 11
Acts 10:1-12:5

November 12
Acts 12:6-14:20

November 13
Acts 14:21-28; Galatians 1:1-3:23

November 14
Galatians 3:24-6:18; Acts 15:1-21

November 15
Acts 15:22-17:15

November 16
Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11

November 17
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18; Acts 18:4-23

November 18
Acts 18:24-19:20; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23

November 19
1 Corinthians 4:1-7:40

November 20
1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

November 21
1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13

November 22
1 Corinthians 14:1-15:58

November 23
1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Acts 19:21-20:6; Romans 1:1-32

November 24
Romans 2:1-4:25

November 25
Romans 5:1-8:17

November 26
Romans 8:18-10:21

November 27
Romans 11:1-14:23

November 28
Romans 15:1-16:27; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

November 29
2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13

November 30
2 Corinthians 6:14-10:18
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8)

Chronological Bible Blog
Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!
God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

[ChronologicalBible] New Testament! Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
October 2012

Jesus baptized by John!
Hi everyone,

I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! We just began the New Testament in late September, so I'll share an overview of the four Gospels we're now reading below. Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :

www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes10_1to10_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes10_1to10_31.doc

Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html
"The Inspiration of St. Matthew"
by the Baroque Italian artist Caravaggio, 1602



Matthew
Author: Matthew
Place: Perhaps Antioch
Date: A.D. 60-70
Content: Matthew was a tax collector, called by Jesus to follow him early in his public ministry; hence, he was an eyewitness of most of the events he describes. He begins with a detailed account of Jesus' birth of the virgin Mary, his baptism, and temptation in the wilderness. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, entrance into which meant eternal life. One entered by repentance and faith. Matthew blocks the teaching of Jesus together into five discourses in which may be seen the ethics, the proclamation, the parables, the fellowship, and the consummation of the kingdom. Jesus' death and resurrection end the Gospel with the command to go into all the world with the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ.
Theme: Matthew's main purpose in writing his Gospel is to show that Jesus fulfills the promise of God in the Old Testament. For this reason Jesus is introduced as a "descendant of King David and of Abraham," and Matthew makes use of numerous Old Testament prophecies and quotations to explain Jesus' life. Jesus came to be the Savior of the Jews, the Gentiles, and ultimately the world. The ethics required by members of God's kingdom are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) where the world's values are rejected and the Kingdom of God and his righteousness become supreme. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 21)

Matthew is one of the three "Synoptic Gospels" - along with Mark and Luke. These 3 gospels are similar in language and material and thus are synoptic - or "seeing together." 91% of Mark's gospel is contained in Matthew and 53% of Mark is found in Luke, so it is speculated that both Matthew and Luke may have used Mark as a major source of their gospels. A wonderful commentary on the book of Matthew by Daniel Wallace is at this link:
http://bible.org/seriespage/matthew-introduction-argument-and-outline
The Gospel of Mark
Author: Mark
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60-65
Content: John Mark was a companion of the apostle Paul. He finally settled in Rome where he wrote down the remembrances of the apostle Peter. Thus Mark's Gospel reflects the words of an eyewitness of the events he describes. Mark's purpose was to put together an expanded Gospel message. Hence it centers upon the acts of Jesus rather than his words and devotes a disproportionately large amount of material to the last week of Jesus' life. Mark's Gospel begins with Jesus' public ministry and preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Several explicit predictions of his coming death are made (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34, 45) and then Jesus goes to the cross to die for the sins of the world.
Theme: Mark depicts Jesus as the Servant of God who came to do God's will. The miracles, healings, victory over demons, and personal power show the world that Jesus was no ordinary servant, but was truly the Son of God (Mark 15:39). Jesus' resurrection authenticated all that he did, and now we await his return in glory from heaven. Mark also wrote to encourage the Roman Christians in a time of persecution. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pages 21-22) Excellent commentary on the Gospel of Mark is at this link.
http://bible.org/seriespage/mark-introduction-argument-and-outline
"The Magnifcat" ~ Luke 1:46-55


The Gospel of Luke
Author: Luke
Place: Perhaps Caesarea
Date: A.D. 60-65
Content: Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. He wrote his Gospel for a cultured Greek named Theophilus in order to show the true humanity of Jesus and his place in history. For this reason Luke was careful to examine all the evidence very carefully and give precise dates for the events that took place. He begins with an account of Jesus' virgin birth, giving many details not found elsewhere. Jesus' Galilean ministry is described, followed by a lengthy account of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the disciples are left rejoicing, waiting for the promised power of God from heaven to fill them.
Theme: Whereas Matthew shows Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Mark shows Jesus as the servant of God, Luke depicts Jesus as the perfect God-man whose genealogy may be traced back to Adam. Jesus is the greatest man in history and is placed within the flow of world events by Luke. He is the greatest man because of what he taught, what he did, why he died - and because he rose again from the dead. For this reason we ought to accept him as our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 22) More commentary on the Gospel of Luke is at this link:
http://bible.org/seriespage/luke-introduction-outline-and-argument


The Gospel of John
Author: John
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-96
Content: The Gospel of John was written many years after Jesus' death and resurrection by the apostle John so that those who read it might believe in Christ and thus have life through his name. John begins with a prologue unique to this Gospel where Jesus' preexistent life with the Father is depicted to show that Jesus was not simply a great man, but God. Miracles of Jesus as well as many of Jesus' teachings not found elsewhere are then described. A long section in John chapters 14 through 17 describes Jesus' teaching to his apostles before his death. After Jesus' death and resurrection, special place is given to Jesus' appearance to his apostles.
Theme: The Gospel of John more than any other Gospel stresses the deity of Christ and provides us with an interpretation of his life. He is explained in figurative terms as light, truth, love, good shepherd, the door, the resurrection and the life, living water, true bread, and more. The beautiful material found in John chapters 14 through 17 shows the deep love of Jesus for the believer and the peace that comes from faith in Christ. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 22-23) Great commentary on John by Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org is at this link:
http://bible.org/seriespage/john-man-and-his-gospel
"The Temptation of Christ"
by Spanish artist Juan De Flandes, 1504

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings


October 1
John 5:1-47; Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5; Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:15-21

October 2
Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4

October 3
Matthew 6:5-7:6; Luke 6:37-42; Matthew 7:7-20; Luke 6:43-45; Matthew 7:21-29; Luke 6:46-49

October 4
Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-17; Matthew 11:1-19; Luke 7:18-35; Matthew 11:20-30; Luke 7:36-50

October 5
Luke 8:1-3; Mark 3:20-30; Matthew 12:22-45; Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21; Mark 4:1-9; Matthew 13:1-9; Luke 8:4-8; Mark 4:10-20

October 6
Matthew 13:10-23; Luke 8:9-18; Mark 4:21-29; Matthew 13:24-30; Mark 4:30-34; Matthew 13:31-52; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25

October 7
Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39; Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56

October 8
Matthew 9:27-34; Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 13:53-58; Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:7-13; Matthew 10:1-42; Luke 9:1-6

October 9
Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15; Mark 6:45-52; Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-21; Mark 6:53-56; Matthew 14:34-36

October 10
John 6:22-71; Mark 7:1-23; Matthew 15:1-20

October 11
Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:31-37; Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 8:1-10; Matthew 15:32-16:4; Mark 8:11-21; Matthew 16:5-12

October 12
Mark 8:22-30; Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-20; Mark 8:31-9:1; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:21-27; Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36

October 13
Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-43; Mark 9:30-32; Matthew 17:22-23; Luke 9:43-45; Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-48; Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:42-50; Matthew 18:7-35

October 14
John 7:1-9; Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62; John 7:10-8:20

October 15
John 8:21-59; Luke 10-11:13

October 16
Luke 11:14-12:34

October 17
Luke 12:35-13:21; John 9:1-41

October 18
John 10:1-42; Luke 13:22-14:24

October 19
Luke 14:25-17:10; John 11:1-37

October 20
John 11:38-57; Luke 17:11-18:8

October 21
Luke 18:9-14; Mark 10:1-12; Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30

October 22
Matthew 20:1-16; Mark 10:32-34; Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-34; Mark 10:35-45; Matthew 20:20-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-19:27

October 23
Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19; Luke 19:41-44; John 12:20-36

October 24
John 12:37-50; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48; Mark 11:20-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8

October 25
Matthew 21:28-32; Mark 12:1-12; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 12:18-27; Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40

October 26
Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:35-37; Matthew 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44; Mark 12:38-40; Matthew 23:1-12; Luke 20:45-47; Matthew 23:13-39; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

October 27
Mark 13:1-23; Matthew 24:1-25; Luke 21:5-24; Mark 13:24-31; Matthew 24:26-35; Luke 21:25-33

October 28
Mark 13:32-37; Matthew 24:36-51; Luke 21:34-38; Matthew 25:1-46

October 29
Mark 14:1-2; Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2; Mark 14:10-11; Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6; Mark 14:12-16; Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13; John 13:1-17; Mark 14:17-26; Matthew 26:20-30; Luke 22:14-30; John 13:18-30

October 30
John 13:31-38; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 14-15:17

October 31
John 15:18-17:26

Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

September 2012

Hi everyone,
I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! We finish our readings in the Old Testament on September 23rd and begin our readings in the New Testament on September 24th! Big month of readings coming up!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :

www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes9_1to9_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes9_1to9_30.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Zechariah
Author: Zechariah
Date: Beginning in 520 B.C.
Content: Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai and was sent by God to the restored community to encourage the people to serve God without fear. The book begins with a series of eight visions that depict in highly graphic language the power of God, the control of God over the affairs of men, the importance of spiritual strength, the judgment of God on sin, and the promise of things to come. These visions are followed by a series of undated messages that contain general exhortations and judgment to come. The most important part of this material are the prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus.
Theme: The provision of God, who is the Lord of all, for all the needs of his people is the central point of the book. God gives his people protection, prosperity, strength and grace. Their greatest need, the need to know God better, will be met by the sending of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 20)

A wonderful commentary on the book of Zechariah by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link: http://bible.org/node/978 Here is a quote from this link: "Zechariah was written to comfort and encourage the returned remnant to repent of their evil ways, to return to the Lord and to rebuild the temple. The people who had just returned from exile felt like their efforts were insignificant and the future was uncertain. They weren't even an independent nation - just a client state of a mighty empire. Zechariah's message focuses on the future and proclaims that God would send the Messiah to establish His Kingdom through the destruction of the Gentile empires and the salvation of His people Israel."

Queen Esther!
The Book of Esther
Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: The book of Esther deals with a momentous event that took place after the Persians had destroyed Babylon and while many Jews were still living in the land of their captivity. The story concerns a Jewess named Ester who had become the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus. An evil advisor to the king, named Haman, sought the destruction of the Jews in order to gain control of their wealth, but Esther tactfully intervened and saved her people from this fate. Haman was executed, and after some civil strife things quieted down once more. The remarkable deliverance of the Jews was celebrated by a feast named Purim and it remains to this day.
Theme: The providence and power of God are the central points of this book. God was protecting his people even in their captivity and was working al things together for their good. God's power is seen in the overthrow of Israel's enemies. It is important to note that God used human beings to accomplish his purpose here, rather than doing it directly himself. We must be ready at all times to do God's will when he so directs. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 24-25) More commentary on the book of Esther is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/esther-8211-irony-and-providence

Nehemiah
Author: Nehemiah
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: The book of Nehemiah continues the story begun by Ezra and deals with life in the restored community. The major point of Ezra is the rededication of the Temple. The major point of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the city walls of Jerusalem. The book begins by explaining the need Jerusalem had for protection that walls would give. This is followed by a discussion of how the walls were build in spite of numerous problems both in the community and outside of it. A national day of repentance was called for and the project was completed.
Theme: The main theme of this book is the sad fact that people are slow to learn the lessons God wants to teach them. The Israelites had been carried into captivity because of their sin, but now the very same problems rose again. The people were neglecting worship, prayer, and Bible study, not to mention the fact that they were treating each other unjustly. But God in his patience continued to send his messengers to them to offer salvation and pardon. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 8-9) More commentary on Nehemiah is at this link:
www.bible.org/article/introduction-books-ezra-nehemiah

Rembrandt from the year 1660 of Esther revealing the evil plans of Haman to King Xerxes at the banquet in chapter 7

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

September 1
Ezekiel 32:17-33:20; Jeremiah 52:28-30; Psalm 137:1-9; 1 Chronicles 4:24-5:17

September 2
1 Chronicles 5:18-26; 1 Chronicles 6:3; 1 Chronicles 6:49; 1 Chronicles 6:4-15; 1 Chronicles 7-8:28


September 3
1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1; Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 40:1-37


September 4
Ezekiel 40:38-43:27


September 5
Ezekiel 44:1-46:24


September 6
Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; Ezekiel 29:17-30:19; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34


September 7
Daniel 7:1-8:27; Daniel 5:1-31


September 8
Daniel 6:1-28; Daniel 9:1-27; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-11; 1 Chronicles 3:17-19


September 9
Ezra 2:1-4:5; 1 Chronicles 3:19-24


September 10
Daniel 10:1-12:13; Ezra 4:24-5:1; Haggai 1:1-15


September 11
Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 1:1-6; Haggai 2:10-19; Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:20-23; Zechariah 1:7-5:11


September 12
Zechariah 6:1-15; Ezra 5:3-6:14; Zechariah 7-8:23


September 13
Zechariah 9:1-14:21


September 14
Ezra 6:14-22; Ezra 4:6; Esther 1:1-4:17


September 15
Esther 5:1-10:3


September 16
Ezra 4:7-23; Ezra 7:1-8:36


September 17
Ezra 9:1-10:44; Nehemiah 1-2:20


September 18
Nehemiah 3:1-7:3


September 19
Nehemiah 7:4-8:12


September 20
Nehemiah 8:13-10:39


September 21
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Chronicles 9:1-34


September 22
Nehemiah 12:27-13:6; Nehemiah 5:14-19; Nehemiah 13:7-31; Malachi 1:1-2:9


September 23
Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1:1-3:21


September 24
Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 1:5-38


September 25
Luke 1:39-80; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-40


September 26
Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:2-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22


September 27
Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-15; John 1:19-2:25


September 28
John 3:1-4:45; Luke 3:19-20


September 29
Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 3:23; John 4:46-54; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; Mark 1:29-34; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44; Matthew 4:23-25


September 30
Luke 5:1-11; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16; Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:13-17; Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32; Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39


Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
-

August 2012
The Cherubim - Ezekiel chapters 1, 10 and 11

Hi everyone,

I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! I know that a few of you reading this are behind on our readings. If you fall too far behind in our readings, please don't get discouraged! Just skip ahead to today's readings and start keeping pace with us once again. I don't want you to stop reading the Bible just because you feel like you're so far behind. It's kind of like if you fell behind in eating a meal. You wouldn't stop eating meals would you? Of course not. We need food. And likewise, we critically need the spiritual food the Bible offers us. So, please, don't just read these emails and not read the Bible. . . Skip ahead to today's readings and jump back on board with us!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :

www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes8_1to8_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes8_1to8_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Author: Daniel
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Daniel was carried off into captivity in Babylon as a young boy where, although he was a captive, he received an education and ultimately rose to a high position in Babylonian, and later, Persian government. Because of his trust in God he was subjected to barbarous persecution, at one point being thrown to the lions. Three of his compatriots were thrown into a furnace, but they too survived by the power of God. The book deals with many historical events of Daniel's day, but it also contains prophecies concerning the future. Daniel saw the great world empires that were to come, but saw more than just that. He also saw the power of God and the Messiah, Jesus, who was to come and undo the evil of this world, ultimately to establish a kingdom of righteousness that would never fade away.
Theme: Daniel's major theme is the sovereignty of God. God rules over the affairs of men, directing the course of history toward his own ends, working in and through the acts of men. The kingdoms of men rise and fall but God remains forever. God's will remains forever as well, and it is God's determination to bring salvation to men by the Messiah whom he will send. Ultimately evil will be overcome and good will triumph because God has willed it so. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 14-15) A wonderful commentary on the book of Daniel by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "Daring to Believe Daniel" is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/daring-believe-daniel

Author: Ezekiel
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Ezekiel, who grew up as a priest, was carried off to Babylon with the Jewish exiles deported in 597 B.C., and there he became a prophet of God. His message was one of coming judgment for those remaining in Jerusalem, but his preaching was not well received by the Jews who were with him in captivity. When his dire predictions came true in 586 B.C. with the destruction of Jerusalem, the people listened then on with great earnestness. His message changed at this point from being one of unbending judgment to one of comfort and hope for the future. The worst had come; it was now time to make plans for beginning again. Ezekiel saw himself as a shepherd and watchman over Israel. As a shepherd, he was to protect the people, but as a watchman, he was to warn of danger ahead.
Theme: The message of Ezekiel is based upon the unchangeable holiness of God. This is both a promise and a warning. It is a warning because God has promised to remain faithful to his people and this will not change. The book of Ezekiel shows God's unbreakable promise fulfilled in both respects: the city fell according to promise because of Judah's sin, and the city would be restored according to promise because of God's faithfulness. The lives of God's people determined how God would treat them. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 14) A wonderful commentary on the book of Ezekiel by Bob Deffinbaugh is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/book-ezekiel-part-1

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - Daniel Chapter 3

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

August 1
2 Kings 23:1-20; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33; 2 Kings 23:21-28; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Nahum 1:1-3:19


August 2
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Zephaniah 1-2:7


August 3
Zephaniah 2:8-3:20; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30; Jeremiah 47-48:47


August 4
2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2 Kings 23:31-37; 2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:1-23; Jeremiah 26:1-24; 2 Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 25:1-14


August 5
Jeremiah 25:15-38; Jeremiah 36:1-32; Jeremiah 45-46:28


August 6
Jeremiah 19-20:18; Daniel 1:1-21


August 7
Daniel 2-3:30; Jeremiah 7-8:3


August 8
Jeremiah 8:4-11:23


August 9
Jeremiah 12:1-15:21


August 10
Jeremiah 16-18:23; Jeremiah 35:1-19


August 11
Jeremiah 49:1-33; 2 Kings 24:5-7; 2 Chronicles 36:6-8; 2 Kings 24:8-9; 2 Chronicles 36:9; Jeremiah 22:24-23:32


August 12
Jeremiah 23:33-24:10; Jeremiah 29-31:14


August 13
Jeremiah 31:15-40; Jeremiah 49:34-51:14


August 14
Jeremiah 51:15-58; 2 Chronicles 36:10; 2 Kings 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 3:10-16; 2 Chronicles 36:11-14; Jeremiah 52:1-3; 2 Kings 24:18-20; Jeremiah 37:1-10


August 15
Jeremiah 37:11-38:28; Ezekiel 1:1-3:15


August 16
Ezekiel 3:16-4:17; Jeremiah 27-28:17; Jeremiah 51:59-64


August 17
Ezekiel 5:1-9:11


August 18
Ezekiel 10:1-13:23


August 19
Ezekiel 14:1-16:63


August 20
Ezekiel 17:1-19:14


August 21
Ezekiel 20:1-22:16


August 22
Ezekiel 22:17-23:49; 2 Kings 24:20-25:2; Jeremiah 52:3-5; Jeremiah 39:1; Ezekiel 24:1-14


August 23
Ezekiel 24:15-25:17; Jeremiah 34:1-22; Jeremiah 21:1-14; Ezekiel 29:1-16; Ezekiel 30:20-31:18


August 24
Jeremiah 32:1-33:26; Ezekiel 26:1-14


August 25
Ezekiel 26:15-28:26; 2 Kings 25:3-7; Jeremiah 52:6-11; Jeremiah 39:2-10


August 26
Jeremiah 39:11-18; Jeremiah 40:1-6; 2 Kings 25:8-21; Jeremiah 52:12-27; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Lamentations 1:1-22


August 27
Lamentations 2:1-4:22


August 28
Lamentations 5:1-22; Obadiah 1:1-21; 2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 40:7-41:18


August 29
Jeremiah 42:1-44:30; Ezekiel 33:21-33


August 30
Ezekiel 34:1-36:38


August 31
Ezekiel 37:1-39:29; Ezekiel 32:1-16
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - Daniel Chapter 2

Chronological Bible Blog


Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!
God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com
p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

July 2011


Hi everyone,

We are now into our final 6 months of our Chronological Bible readings! I encourage you today to pray that God would renew your passion for reading the Bible over this upcoming six months! If you've dropped off reading with us, will you please skip ahead to today's readings and begin reading again with us?

July is a big month of readings as we wrap up Proverbs, read many of the Psalms, and transition from the prophet Isaiah to Jeremiah! Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes7_1to7_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes7_1to7_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Author: Principally David; also many others
Date: Tenth century B.C. and later
Content: This favorite book of today was also a favorite in antiquity. In it may be seen the many different ways in which believers over several centuries related to God. Every human mood and feeling may be brought to God for him to bless. There are sorrow and joy, anger and calm, doubt and faith, repentance and praise. There are recollections of the past, the struggles of present existence, and visions of a glorious future. In numerous places, God's Messiah, Jesus Christ, is portrayed in his suffering and in his glory. The book of Psalms was used in much the same way as a hymnbook is used today, for public and private worship.
Theme: The book of Psalms teaches principally that God has a personal concern for his people and that he wants us to come to him just as we are. We need not solve our problems before we go to him; we go to him for the solutions. Wherever we are, however we feel, whatever we have done - if we offer ourselves to God, he is willing to help and give us the strength to live again. God's power and control of all things is also seen. Because God is in control of everything, he can help us when we turn to him for deliverance. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 10)

Martin Luther said this about the book of Psalms: "The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints. Each person, whatever his circumstances may be, finds in the psalms words which are appropriate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words."

A wonderful commentary on the book of Psalms by Bob Deffinbaugh with bible.org is at this link - http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=504 A quote from Bob at this link includes: "We cannot read very far in the Psalms without drawing the conclusion that the psalmist seems to have been reading our mail. How is it that after centuries have passed we find a man who lived in a different time and culture expressing our innermost feelings, fears, and hopes? The answer, of course, is that we are reading the Scriptures, divinely inspired, infallible and inerrant, so as to be a word from God to us."


Rembrandt's "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630)

Jeremiah
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Jeremiah's life covered the last forty years of Judah's existence. The burden of his message was for God's people to accept the judgment of God so that a new beginning could be made. He lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people by the enemy, the slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple of God. He warned the people concerning these events, pleading with them to turn from their sins, but to no avail. He received only scorn and persecution. Jeremiah's life is described in some detail, thus making him the best known of the Old Testament prophets.
Theme: In the crisis days during which Jeremiah lived, he had but one message for the people: Repent and turn to God. All false hopes must be abandoned and God must be given his rightful place in the nation. Nothing can save the people - neither their wealth, their armies, their diplomats, nor even their religion - only God can save. The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a memorial for all time that when a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Jeremiah also has a message of hope. Although Judah had abandoned God, God had not abandoned them and would once again show himself mightily on their behalf. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 13) A great commentary on the book of Jeremiah by Donald Curtis is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/jeremiah-coming-destruction

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

July 1
2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21

July 2
Proverbs 25:1-29:27

July 3
Proverbs 30:1-31:31

July 4
Psalm 42; Psalm 43; Psalm 44; Psalm 45; Psalm 46

July 5
Psalm 47; Psalm 48; Psalm 49; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Psalm 87

July 6
Psalm 1-2; Psalm 10; Psalm 33; Psalm 71; Psalm 91

July 7
Psalm 92; Psalm 93; Psalm 94; Psalm 95; Psalm 96; Psalm 97

July 8
Psalm 98; Psalm 99; Psalm 100; Psalm 102; Psalm 104

July 9
Psalm 105; Psalm 106

July 10
Psalm 107; Psalm 111; Psalm 112; Psalm 113; Psalm 114

July 11
Psalm 115; Psalm 116; Psalm 117; Psalm 118

July 12
Psalm 119

July 13
Psalm 120; Psalm 121; Psalm 123; Psalm 125; Psalm 126

July 14
Psalm 128; Psalm 129; Psalm 130; Psalm 132; Psalm 134; Psalm 135

July 15
Psalm 136; Psalm 146; Psalm 147; Psalm 148; Psalm 149; Psalm 150

July 16
Isaiah 18:1-23:18

July 17
Isaiah 24-27:13; Isaiah 29:1-24

July 18
Isaiah 30:1-33:24

July 19
Isaiah 34-35:10; Micah 2-5:15

July 20
Micah 6-7:20; 2 Chronicles 32:1-8; 2 Kings 18:13-18; Isaiah 36:1-3; 2 Kings 18:19-37; Isaiah 36:4-22

July 21
2 Kings 19:1-19; Isaiah 37:1-20; 2 Chronicles 32:9-19; 2 Kings 19:20-37; Isaiah 37:21-38; 2 Chronicles 32:20-23

July 22
2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-8; 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; Isaiah 38:9-22; 2 Kings 20:12-19; Isaiah 39:1-8

July 23
Isaiah 40:1-44:5

July 24
Isaiah 44:6-48:11

July 25
Isaiah 48:12-52:12

July 26
Isaiah 52:13-57:21

July 27
Isaiah 58:1-63:14

July 28
Isaiah 63:15-66:24; 2 Kings 20:20-21; 2 Chronicles 32:32-33

July 29
2 Kings 21:1-9; 2 Chronicles 33:1-9; 2 Kings 21:10-17; 2 Chronicles 33:10-19; 2 Kings 21:18; 2 Chronicles 33:20; 2 Kings 21:19-26; 2 Chronicles 33:21-25; 2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-7; Jeremiah 1-2:22

July 30
Jeremiah 2:23-5:19

July 31
Jeremiah 5:20-6:30; 2 Kings 22:3-20; 2 Chronicles 34:8-28

Chronological Bible Blog


Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

June 2012

Hi everyone,
June is a big month of readings as we read the books of Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, and begin the book of the prophet Isaiah. Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes6_1to6_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes6_1to6_30.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html


Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs)

Author: Solomon

Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This book, about the love of Solomon and a Shulamite woman, consists of a series of lyrics or songs, hence the designation in the text: the Song of Songs. It is a simple but moving piece, describing the longing of two lovers for one another, of the struggles that need to be overcome, of the tender feelings that love awakens, and of the joy that the lovers find in being together. The young women of Jerusalem, who appear with Solomon and his beloved, add to the dramatic effect of the story by adding observations of their own.
Theme: The most obvious meaning of this narrative is that human love, which was ordained by God, is good and holy when enjoyed in obedience to the commands of God. Many interpreters have found a symbolic meaning in the book, however, and point to the love of God for Israel or the love of Christ for his church. Seen in this way it underscores the teaching of the New Testament that God is love (see First John 4:8). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 10-11) Great commentary on the Song of Solomon is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/song-songs

King Solomon writing the book of Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Author: Probably Solomon, the son of David
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: This difficult book displays the dark philosophy of one who sought to find peace apart from God, but in the end realized that only futility is to be found there. The only possible solution to life's puzzle concludes this book: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Leading up to that positive statement is a series of pictures, each one portraying the futility of life without God. Wealth, wisdom, popularity, and pleasure are all put down as so much vanity. Only when a man turns from this world to God will he find true happiness.
Theme: There is a negative lesson to be learned from this book. It is a series of things not to do. It shows the emptiness of trying to live for oneself and to please oneself alone without considering the needs of others or considering God our Maker. There is a positive side, however. If one can see how not to live, perhaps then he will see what he ought to do and be spared the heartaches of living a wasted life. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 10) Fantastic commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes titled "On the Wings of Eternity" is at this link http://bible.org/seriespage/wings-eternity and commentary titled "The Theology of Ecclesiastes" is at this link. http://bible.org/article/theology-ecclesiastes

Jonah

Author: Jonah

Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: Jonah was a prophet who was born in Israel (see 2 Kings 14:25) and called by God to preach repentance to Assyria (the capital city was Nineveh) - the nation that was shortly going to destroy Israel in 722 B.C. On receiving the call, Jonah's nationalistic spirit would not allow him to offer salvation to the pagans, so he attempted to flee from God by ship. He was thrown overboard, swallowed by a great fish, disgorged on the shore, and finally obeyed God's command by going to Nineveh to preach. His success there angered him, however, and God taught him an object lesson by means of a plant. Jonah's experience in the fish is used in the New Testament (see Matthew 12:38-41) as an example of Jesus' burial and resurrection.
Theme: The basic theme of Jonah is found in 4:11, where God declares his love for all men, whether Israelites or not. Jonah was unable to love the Assyrians properly, but God desired nothing for them but their good and their salvation, and he sent a prophet to offer repentance unto life. The book also shows the power of God and his control over the forces of nature. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 17)

A wonderful commentary on the book of Jonah by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link - http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=972 Here is a quote from this link: "Jonah is different than the other prophets because it is not full of prophecies by the prophet, it is instead, about the life of the prophet. Little attention is given to what he actually said."

Hosea

Author: Hosea
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: The book of Hosea consists of two unequal parts, the first containing Hosea's life (chapters 1-3) and the second containing Hosea's messages (chapters 4-14). Hosea was a prophet to the northern Kingdom of Israel prior to its fall in 722 B.C., and his ministry spanned some forty years. He was a contemporary of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah. Hosea's unhappy marriage life depicted symbolically the state of affairs in his nation. Just as his wife left home for a life of prostitution, so Israel had left God to seek after false gods. But as Hosea continued to love his wife and finally brought her home again, so God continued to love Israel and promised to restore her someday.
Theme: Two things stand in marked contrast in the book of Hosea: the love of God and the waywardness of Israel . God is depicted as faithful, caring, forgiving, kind, and loving. God's unfailing love is the theme of the book. Israel is seen as faithless, straying, sinful, rebellious, and wanton. She is characterized by ignorance of what God requires and total lack of desire to please God. However, just as Hosea's love triumphed in the end, so will God's love work a miracle of transformation in Israel . (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 15) A wonderful commentary on the book of Hosea by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link - www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=967


Isaiah

Author: Isaiah
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: Isaiah's long ministry lasted almost sixty years and covered the reigns of four kings, the last one being Hezekiah, the reformer. Isaiah was sent primarily to Judah, although his message concerns the northern kingdom of Israel as well. He lived through the awful days of the civil war between Israel and Judah in 734-732 B.C. and saw the destruction of Israel by Assyria in 722 B.C. the grim lesson taught by Israel's fall was not lost on Isaiah, and he used it to encourage Hezekiah to trust in the Lord. The Lord delivered Judah from the mighty Assyrian army by sending a plague to destroy the camp. Isaiah also looked beyond his own time to the coming exile of Judah and the deliverance that God would provide.
Theme: Isaiah was one of Jesus' favorite books and he quoted it frequently, because the central theme is salvation. God is seen as the Savior of his people, who redeemed them from Egypt, who will redeem them from their coming captivity, and who will send his beloved Servant to bear the sins of us all (Isaiah 53:6). God freely offers to pardon all who will turn to him in repentance and faith. The future kingdom of God on earth is also described in exquisite detail as a time when men will lay down their swords and, in peace, sing praises to God their King. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 11) More great commentary on the book of Isaiah is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/isaiah-overview-part-1


Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

June 1
Proverbs 17-19:29

June 2
Proverbs 20-22:16

June 3
Proverbs 22:17-24:34

June 4
Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14

June 5
1 Kings 11:1-43; 2 Chronicles 9:29-31; Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

June 6
Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12

June 7
Ecclesiastes 7:1-11:6

June 8
Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14; 1 Kings 12:1-20; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 1 Kings 12:21-24; 2 Chronicles 11:1-4; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

June 9
1 Kings 13-14:18; 1 Kings 14:21-24; 2 Chronicles 12:13-14; 2 Chronicles 11:18-23; 2 Chronicles 12:1-12; 1 Kings 14:25-28; 2 Chronicles 12:13-16; 1 Kings 14:29-15:5; 2 Chronicles 13:1-22; 1 Kings 15:6-8; 2 Chronicles 14:1-8; 1 Kings 15:9-15; 1 Kings 14:19-20; 1 Kings 15:25-34; 2 Chronicles 14:9-15

June 10
1 Kings 15:16-22; 2 Chronicles 16:1-10; 1 Kings 16:1-34; 1 Kings 15:23-24; 2 Chronicles 16:11-17:19; 1 Kings 17:1-7

June 11
1 Kings 17:8-20:22

June 12
1 Kings 20:23-22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8

June 13
1 Kings 22:10-28; 2 Chronicles 18:9-27; 1 Kings 22:29-35; 2 Chronicles 18:28-34; 1 Kings 22:36-40; 1 Kings 22:51-53; 2 Chronicles 19-20:30

June 14
2 Kings 1:1-18; 2 Kings 3:1-27; 1 Kings 22:41-49; 2 Chronicles 20:31-37; 1 Kings 22:50; 2 Chronicles 21:1-4; 2 Kings 8:16-22; 2 Chronicles 21:5-7

June 15
2 Kings 2:1-25; 2 Kings 4:1-44

June 16
2 Kings 5:1-8:15

June 17
2 Chronicles 21:8-20; 2 Kings 8:23-29; 2 Chronicles 22:1-7; 2 Kings 9-10:17; 2 Chronicles 22:8-9; 2 Kings 10:18-31

June 18
2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11; 2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15; 2 Kings 11:17-21; 2 Chronicles 23:16-21; 2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-22; 2 Kings 10:32-36

June 19
2 Kings 13:1-11; 2 Kings 12:17-21; 2 Chronicles 24:23-27; 2 Kings 13:14-25

June 20
2 Kings 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 25:1-24; 2 Kings 13:12-13; 2 Kings 14:15-16; 2 Kings 14:23-27; 2 Chronicles 25:25-28; 2 Kings 14:17-22; 2 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Chronicles 26:1-21; Jonah 1-4:11

June 21
Amos 1:1-6:14

June 22
Amos 7-9:15; 2 Kings 14:28-29; 2 Kings 15:8-29; 2 Kings 15:6-7; 2 Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 6:1-13

June 23
2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chronicles 27:1-9; Micah 1:1-16; 2 Kings 16:1-9; 2 Chronicles 28:1-15; Isaiah 7:1-25

June 24
Isaiah 8:1-11:16

June 25
Isaiah 12:1-6; Isaiah 17:1-14; 2 Chronicles 28:16-21; 2 Kings 16:10-18; 2 Chronicles 28:22-25; 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29:1-2; 2 Kings 15:30-31; 2 Kings 17:1-4; Hosea 1-2:13

June 26
Hosea 2:14-8:14

June 27
Hosea 9:1-14:9

June 28
Isaiah 28:1-29; 2 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 18:9-12; 2 Kings 17:6-41; Isaiah 1:1-20

June 29
Isaiah 1:21-5:30

June 30
2 Kings 16:19-20; 2 Chronicles 28:26-27; Isaiah 13-16:14

Chronological Bible Blog


Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com
p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
-

May 1, 2012

Hi everyone,
I hope you are enjoying reading the Psalms in this chronological timeline, as they were written! Proverbs are coming up later this month too!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes5_1to5_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes5_1to5_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past month's Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Psalms
Author: Principally David; also many others
Date: Tenth century B.C. and later
Content: This favorite book of today was also a favorite in antiquity. In it may be seen the many different ways in which believers over several centuries related to God. Every human mood and feeling may be brought to God for him to bless. There are sorrow and joy, anger and calm, doubt and faith, repentance and praise. There are recollections of the past, the struggles of present existence, and visions of a glorious future. In numerous places, God's Messiah, Jesus Christ, is portrayed in his suffering and in his glory. The book of Psalms was used in much the same way as a hymnbook is used today, for public and private worship.
Theme: The book of Psalms teaches principally that God has a personal concern for his people and that he wants us to come to him just as we are. We need not solve our problems before we go to him; we go to him for the solutions. Wherever we are, however we feel, whatever we have done - if we offer ourselves to God, he is willing to help and give us the strength to live again. God's power and control of all things is also seen. Because God is in control of everything, he can help us when we turn to him for deliverance. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 10)

You'll note that in the One Year Bible we actually read through the Psalms twice during the course of the year. I think this is good because the Psalms have taken some time to really sink in for me personally. Once they sink in, they are phenomenal. I have a great friend who has shared with me that she "Prays the Psalms" every morning. I pray that during the course of this year you will have the experience of Praying the Psalms as you go through the One Year Bible.

Martin Luther said this about the book of Psalms: "The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints. Each person, whatever his circumstances may be, finds in the psalms words which are appropriate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words."

A wonderful commentary on the book of Psalms by Bob Deffinbaugh with bible.org is at this link: http://bible.org/seriespage/significance-psalms A quote from Bob at this link includes: "We cannot read very far in the Psalms without drawing the conclusion that the psalmist seems to have been reading our mail. How is it that after centuries have passed we find a man who lived in a different time and culture expressing our innermost feelings, fears, and hopes? The answer, of course, is that we are reading the Scriptures, divinely inspired, infallible and inerrant, so as to be a word from God to us."

Proverbs

Author: Principally Solomon; also many others
Date: Tenth century B.C. and later
Content: The book of Proverbs contains practical instructions for successful living, given by God to supplement the teaching of the prophets, which was to call men to repentance, and the work of the priests, which was to direct the worship of the people. The book of Proverbs teaches that there is a divine wisdom given to man by God, but there is also a divinely given human wisdom, or common sense, and both must play a part in daily life. Practical sayings from many centuries are collected together in this book; it deals with such diverse matters as the discipline of children, social justice, foolish talk, and money. It ends significantly with a description of a truly good wife.
Theme: The theme of Proverbs is stated in 1:7 - The first step to wisdom is to trust and revere the Lord. This is to say that only when a man trusts in God will he be truly wise. Human wisdom is fine and necessary but no matter how skilled we might be, without humility in the presence of God and a willingness to learn from him, we will inevitably go astray. The book also teaches the sanctity of human life. Everything that pertains to successful living is a concern to God and he has made provision for it. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 10-11)

Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M., with http://www.bible.org (please bookmark & visit this website often this year!), has a wonderful Introduction to Proverbs found on this link: http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-proverbs I'll quote from Bob's article's 8 points on how we can benefit from a study of the Proverbs - but you'll need to go to the link above for further details on each of these following points:

1. Proverbs is a book that is concerned with the development of godly character.
2. Proverbs does away with the distinction between the sacred and the secular.
3. Proverbs offers to teach us to be wise.
4. Proverbs teaches us that what is good is also what is right.
5. Proverbs helps us to look at life realistically.
6. Proverbs is as concerned with the process of right thinking as with the product of it.
7. The method of teaching employed in Proverbs is most like the instructional method of Jesus.
8. Proverbs is a key book for obtaining divine guidance.


Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

May 1
2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18

May 2
2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 21:7-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

May 3
1 Chronicles 23:1-25:31

May 4
1 Chronicles 26:1-28:21

May 5
1 Chronicles 29:1-22; 1 Kings 1:1-53

May 6
1 Kings 2:1-9; 2 Samuel 23:1-7; 1 Kings 2:10-12; 1 Chronicles 29:26-30; Psalm 4-6; Psalm 8-9; Psalm 11

May 7
Psalm 12-17; Psalm 19-21

May 8
Psalm 22-26

Monday, May 9
Psalm 27-32

Tuesday, May 10
Psalm 35-38

May 11
Psalm 39-41; Psalm 53; Psalm 55; Psalm 58

May 12
Psalm 61-62; Psalm 64-67

May 13
Psalm 68-70; Psalm 86; Psalm 101

May 14
Psalm 103; Psalm 108-110; Psalm 122; Psalm 124

May 15
Psalm 131; Psalm 133; Psalm 138-141; Psalm 143

May 16
Psalm 144-145; Psalm 88-89

May 17
Psalm 50; Psalm 73-74

May 18
Psalm 75-78

May 19
Psalm 79-82

May 20
Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2:13-3:4; 2 Chronicles 1:2-6; 1 Kings 3:5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

May 21
1 Kings 3:16-28; 1 Kings 5:1-18; 2 Chronicles 2:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-13; 2 Chronicles 3:1-14; 1 Kings 6:14-38

May 22
1 Kings 7:1-51; 2 Chronicles 3:15-4:22

May 23
1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chronicles 5:1-14; 1 Kings 8:12-21; 2 Chronicles 6:1-11; 1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42

May 24
1 Kings 8:54-66; 2 Chronicles 7:1-10; 1 Kings 9:1-9; 2 Chronicles 7:11-22; 1 Kings 9:10-14

May 25
2 Chronicles 8:1-18; 1 Kings 9:15-10:13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12; 1 Kings 10:14-29; 2 Chronicles 9:13-28; 2 Chronicles 1:14-17

May 26
1 Kings 4:1-34; Psalm 72; Psalm 127

May 27
Proverbs 1:1-4:27

May 28
Proverbs 5:1-7:27

May 29
Proverbs 8:1-10:32

May 30
Proverbs 11:1-13:25

May 31
Proverbs 14:1-16:33


Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
-

April 2, 2012

Quarter of the Journey! :-)
Hi everyone,

It is April! We are now 25%, or one quarter, of the way through our Chronological Bible journey! Congratulations!!

I am sensing that we're losing some of our participants as the weeks are progressing this year. Let me again encourage those of you that have fallen behind in our readings to please just skip ahead to today's readings, and start keeping pace with us each day going forward. You can make up those skipped readings next year. I believe it's better for you to get back on pace with us with today's readings rather than worry about playing "catch-up." That worry may prevent you from reading the Bible on a daily basis. So, please, jump back in to today's readings, and finish off the next 75% of our readings going strong! Let's go!


Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes4_1to4_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes4_1to4_30.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past month's Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html



The Book of Judges
Author: Unknown
Date: Eleventh century B.C.
Content: The book of Judges covers a period of several hundred years following the conquest of Canaan, during which time the people were ruled by individual leaders called judges or saviors. Their task was primarily military, being to expel the enemy from the land. Throughout this period of Israel's history there is a tragic cycle to be observed - that of rebellion against God, followed by the judgment of God, usually in the form of foreign invasion. The children of Israel then cry to God for help and a "judge" is sent to save them. This cycle is repeated numerous times throughout the book. Tragically, the people never seem to learn that rebellion against God is a sure road to disaster.
Theme: The grim lesson of Judges is that "the wages of sin is death" (see Romans 6:23). Sin takes many forms, from the sophisticated sins of kings to the barbaric events that close the book, but the net results is always the same: when everyone does his own thing, chaos and destruction are the inevitable outcome. Through it all, however, God in his faithfulness saves the people when they truly repent and turn to him. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 4) More commentary on Judges is at these 2 links: Really interesting commentary at this first link titled, "The Role of Women in the Book of Judges": http://bible.org/article/role-women-book-judges Link #2: http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-judges



Ruth
Author: Unknown
Date: During the time of the Judges
Content: The book of Ruth portrays another side to the chaotic time of the judges. In it there is a welcome relief from the bloodshed and mayhem that seemed to engulf the land because of Israel's sin. It is the story of Ruth, who decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after tragedy struck that unfortunate woman. God returned good to Ruth in the form of a husband (Boaz) and a child, and also to Naomi in the form of grandchildren. From this family, eventually, came David the king.
Theme: The central point of this book is that even in times of crisis and despair, life may be lived according to the precepts of God and that God abundantly blesses those who do so live. The fundamental values of love, faith, trust, and goodness are greater than the hatred and violence of men, and continue from generation to generation as a light to guide those who look for the true meaning of life. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 4-5) More commentary on Ruth is at this link:
http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-ruth


"Your Servant Is Listening . . . "

First Samuel

Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: The books of First and Second Samuel comprise one book in the Hebrew Bible because they form one continuous history covering the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. They were separated into two books for convenience for reading. First Samuel deals with the Philistine wars and Saul's ultimate failure to deal with the enemy. The book opens with Israel's being oppressed by the Philistines (a war-like neighboring nation) and the emergence of the two early leaders, Samuel and Saul. Samuel was the religious leader and Saul ultimately became the king. Saul's early victories are described, followed by his moral decline and tragic end. Balancing the decline of Saul is the rise of the youthful David who will assume leadership after the death of Saul.
Theme: The basic idea that pervades this book is that God does not make his people immune to the changes of human life, but give them grace to see things through to a satisfactory conclusion. The rise and fall of kings, times of peace and war – throughout it all God stays the same and controls human events in such a way that those who trust him will find comfort and the courage to endure. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 5) More commentary on First Samuel is at these 2 links:
http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-first-samuel
http://bible.org/article/argument-book-first-samuel

"One might conclude from reading the Book of Judges that the problem was the absence of a king in Israel: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). In First Samuel, Israel will get her king. Saul, Israel's first king, will be the kind of king the people want, and prove to be the king Israel deserves. David, Israel's second king, will replace Saul. He is God's kind of king, a man after God's heart. First Samuel tells the story of fascinating people like Hannah and Samuel, like Saul and David. There is never a dull moment in this masterfully well written history. The book closes with the death of Saul, and thus the end of David's flight from the hand of Saul, who seeks to kill him as an enemy." Bob Deffinbaugh from: http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-1-samuel


"David danced before the LORD!" - 2 Samuel 6:14

Second Samuel

Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David's reign as king. It begins with David's being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David's troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David's later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed - so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded - so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 5-6) More commentary on Second Samuel is at these 2 links: http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel and http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-second-samuel




Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

April 1
Judges 3:31-6:40

April 2
Judges 7:1-9:21

April 3
Judges 9:22-11:28

April 4
Judges 11:29-15:20

April 5
Judges 16:1-18:31

April 6
Judges 19:1-21:25

April 7
Ruth 1:1-4:12

April 8
Ruth 4:13-22; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 1 Chronicles 4:1-23; 1 Samuel 1:1-8

April 9
1 Samuel 1:9-4:11

April 10
1 Samuel 4:12-8:22

April 11
1 Samuel 9-12:25

April 12
1 Chronicles 9:35-39; 1 Samuel 13:1-5; 1 Samuel 13:19-23; 1 Samuel 13:6-18; 1 Samuel 14:1-52

April 13
1 Samuel 15:1-17:31

April 14
1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-24

April 15
1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; Psalm 34

April 16
1 Samuel 22:1-2; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Chronicles 12:8-18; 1 Samuel 22:3-23; Psalm 52; 1 Samuel 23:1-12

April 17
1 Samuel 23:13-29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24-25:44

April 18
1 Samuel 26-27:7; 1 Chronicles 12:1-7; 1 Samuel 27:8-29:11; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalm 56

April 19
1 Samuel 30:1-31; 1 Chronicles 12:20-22; 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Chronicles 10:1-14; 1 Chronicles 9:40-44; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 1:1-27

April 20
2 Samuel 2-3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4; 2 Samuel 23:8-17; 1 Chronicles 11:10-19; 2 Samuel 23:18-39; 1 Chronicles 11:20-47

April 21
2 Samuel 3:6-4:3; 2 Samuel 4:5-12

April 22
2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 2 Samuel 5:13; 2 Samuel 5:4-5; 2 Samuel 5:11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-5; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:6-14

April 23
2 Samuel 6:12; 1 Chronicles 15:1-28; 2 Samuel 6:12-16; 1 Chronicles 15:29; 2 Samuel 6:17-19; 1 Chronicles 16:1-43; 2 Samuel 6:19-23

April 24
2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13; Psalm 60

April 25
2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30; 1 Chronicles 6:50-53; 1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 2 Samuel 9-10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

April 26
1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9

April 27
2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13-14:33

April 28
2 Samuel 15-17:14

April 29
2 Samuel 17:15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18-19:30

April 30
2 Samuel 19:31-20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21:1-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8





Chronological Bible Blog


Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

The Aaronic Blessing, Numbers 6:24-26
Hi everyone,


We are in our 3rd month of our Chronological Bible readings! We have transitioned from the book of Leviticus to the book of Numbers. As I have mentioned in previous emails, Leviticus is the book where many folks seem to lose momentum on their Bible readings. Congratulations for staying the course through the book of Leviticus!

Numbers is an amazing book. I encourage you to reflect on words "Obedience" and "Disobedience" as we read through the book of Numbers. We'll read much about both of these words in this book. And - I think as we read about both Moses' and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience - in Moses', the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes3_1to3_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes3_1to3_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past month's Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

The Israelites camp, from Numbers chapter 2



The Book of Numbers
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites' preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan - this time ready to obey God's commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link. http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-numbers



Deuteronomy
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book consists of a series of addresses given by Moses in the plains of Moab prior to their entering into Canaan, as well as some specialized regulations and the appointment of Moses' successor, Joshua. In Moses' addresses he summarized the events that led up to that day, exhorted the people to faith and obedience, called the Israelites to rededicate themselves to the task God had given them, and then led them in worship and song. After the appointment of Joshua, Moses left the people and, after viewing the Holy Land from afar one last time, he died. With Moses' death the old order passed away and the destiny of Israel moved into the hands of the next generation.
Theme: The faithfulness and power of God to save are stressed throughout the book. A look at Israel's past shows that God led his people through their darkest days and gave them hope for the future. What God did in the past he could do again. The need for faith and obedience on the part of God's people is also stressed. God's richest blessings are given only to those who will use them for his glory. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 3) More commentary on Deuteronomy is at this link. http://bible.org/article/introduction-deuteronomy



The Book of Joshua
Author: Probably Joshua
Date: Either fourteenth century or twelfth century B.C.
Content: After the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation passed into the hands of Joshua and he was their commander-in-chief throughout the entire time of conquest when Israel was taking over the land. While still in the plains of Moab, Joshua mobilized his forces and prepared them for battle. There were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south, and all described, though not fully. After the initial victories, the land was divided among the various tribes of Israel. Joshua then exhorted the people and died in peace.
Theme: The book of Joshua shows that God is true to his promise. He had promised his people a land and they were now entering in to possess it. However, it was not automatic; God required of them that they actively engage in warfare in order to gain what he had given them. God's judgment upon the sin of the Canaanites in the form of Israel's armies is also a prominent feature. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 3-4) More commentary on Joshua is at this link:
http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-joshua



Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

March 1
Numbers 6:1-27; Numbers 10:1-36

March 2
Numbers 11:1-13:33

March 3
Numbers 14:1-15:41

March 4
Numbers 16:1-18:32

March 5
Numbers 19:1-21:35

March 6
Numbers 22:1-24:25

March 7
Numbers 25:1-26:65

March 8
Numbers 27:1-29:40

March 9
Numbers 30:1-31:54

March 10
Numbers 32:1-33:56

March 11
Numbers 34:1-36:13

March 12
Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20

March 13
Deuteronomy 3:21-5:33

March 14
Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29

March 15
Deuteronomy 10:1-12:32

March 16
Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17

March 17
Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

March 18
Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

March 19
Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1

March 20
Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29

March 21
Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52; Psalm 90

March 22
Deuteronomy 33-34:12; Joshua 1-2:24

March 23
Joshua 3:1-6:27

March 24
Joshua 7:1; 1 Chronicles 2:7; Joshua 7:2-9:27

March 25
Joshua 10:1-12:6

March 26
Joshua 12:7-15:19

March 27
Joshua 15:20-17:18

March 28
Joshua 18:1-19:48

March 29
Joshua 19:49-21:45; 1 Chronicles 6:54-81

March 30
Joshua 22:1-24:33

March 31
Judges 1:1-3:30


Chronological Bible Blog
Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

Congratulations on Month One!
Hi everyone,

We're crossing the threshold of Month One of our Chronological Bible readings! Congratulations! Your marathon pace is looking great. The wonderful habit of reading from God's Word every day is starting to settle into place in your life. Keep your eyes forward on the path before you this year and your eye on the prize! As Paul tells us in Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Let us each press on toward the goal! We have an amazing month of readings in front of us with the Exodus & Leviticus!


Skip Ahead Advice - I do want to share some encouragement and advice for those of you that are behind on our Chronological Bible readings. First and foremost, please know that you are not alone in being behind. I lead this ministry every year, and know that there are always a relatively large percentage of people who fall behind in the daily readings. Please don't beat yourself up over this at all. What I encourage you to do today - and again later this year if you happen to fall behind again - is to simply skip ahead to today's readings. Pick up the Bible with the readings for today's calendar date, and keep pace with us based on the calendar dates of readings going forward. If your goal is to read the entire Bible and not miss a word, that's great - you can circle back in January next year and catch up on any days (or the entire month perhaps) of readings that you skipped. Just don't get too worried about reading every single word right now and playing catch-up to today's date right now - you'll just end up frustrated and likely quit altogether. Skip ahead to today's readings! I personally have done this before in years past and it works wonders to keep us going on this beautiful marathon journey. I have a hunch there may even be a few of you reading this email who have not started our readings at all yet. :-) That's okay too! Will you start with us now with today's readings? In January next year you can circle back and read Genesis & Job. Please just dive in and get back on course with us today!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes2_1to2_28.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes2_1to2_28.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past month's Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Exodus
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book of Exodus deals with the significant facts surrounding Israel's emergence as a nation. Moses' great leadership is described as he accepted God's call to return to Egypt in order to lead God's people to freedom. God sent the ten devastating plagues upon Egypt because the Pharaoh refused to obey his command. The ceremony of Passover was established during the last plague and became a memorial of God's deliverance for all time to Israel. The Israelites crossed the sea and arrived at Mt. Sinai where God gave the Ten Commandments and the plan for the tabernacle, and the covenant renewed the nation.
Theme: The power of God over evil is clearly shown when God defeats the enemy of his people by delivering them from bondage, but God expects that we trust and obey him in return. Worship in the Tabernacle and adherence to the law were two aspects of Israel's obedience. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pages 1-2)

Terrific in-depth commentary on the book of Exodus can be found at Bible.org at this link: http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-exodus


"I will harden his heart. . ." Exodus 4:21

One thing I love about the Bible Blog is the Comments each of you post up every day! Everyone posts up some amazingly insightful and heartfelt Comments. As well as posting up some great questions and conversations for us to dive into. A few years ago someone posted up this great question: "In Exodus 4:21 God told Moses that he was going to harden Pharaohs heart, so doesn't that mean it is Gods fault that Pharaoh made the Israelites life worse and also that all the plagues had to happen?" I thought I'd copy my reply gave on the blog here in this email too, because I am guessing that many of you may have this same question:

"Very good question! I meant to post up about this earlier, as I know others are having this question come up too. Paul in Romans gets at this in Romans 9:14-21, below. (please don't see this as a harsh answer to you personally to your question - just Scripture interpreting Scripture here...

"What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"

Bible.org gets at this point at this link - http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=218 Surf down to "The Permissive Will of God" section. A brief excerpt is below here:

"Other parts of God's plan He permits. The permissive will of God embraces only the moral features that are evil or contrary to His desired will. Though God does not actively promote this aspect of His sovereign will, He uses them to accomplish His purposes, since He knows before hand just how every person will respond to every possible situation, and decreed to allow it or not. Regardless, God always places the responsibility for these acts and their results with men or angels, as in the case of the fall of Satan and then of man (Acts 14:16; Ps. 78:29; Isa. 10:5-14; Acts 2:23; Rom. 1:18-32). A classic example of this is perhaps the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the book of Exodus. Ten times it is said that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34; 13:15), and 10 times that God hardened Pharaoh's heart (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17). Paul uses this as an example of the inscrutable will of God and of His mercy toward men (Rom. 9:14-18). Seven times Pharaoh hardened his own heart before God first hardened it, though the prediction that God would do it preceded all. The fact that God permits these things does not make them less certain, nor remove them from the sovereign plan of God, but it does remove the responsibility for the sinful acts of men and fallen angels from God."

A few other websites that I found helpful surround this question of the hardening of pharaoh's heart are at these links (Please know that I may not personally agree with everything you read in these websites, but thought that they had some good food for thought at various points):
http://www.biblehelp.org/pharaoh.htm
http://www.rationalchristianity.net/pharaoh.html
http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/text/exo4_21.htm

Leviticus


Learning to Love Leviticus! This upcoming month of readings is what I call mission-critical! We are about to begin our journey through the book of Leviticus. And as this is my 9th time leading people through the Bible, I know that Leviticus is the book where I lose many people who started out so strong. I want to let you know this in advance, so that if you feel like maybe not reading your Bible for even just one day this upcoming month, don't do it! You may find Leviticus "boring" on occasion, but there truly is a lot of depth to it. And if you stop reading the Bible during Leviticus, you'll miss out on so much more of the Bible coming up later this year - including Saul, David, Solomon, the prophets - and the list goes on.

My main goal in this email is to encourage you to Learn to Love Leviticus! :-) If you do nothing else with this email, please take ten minutes or so to review the amazing reflection, at the link below, on the book of Leviticus by Bob Deffinbaugh over at Bible. org. The article at this link below titled "Learning to Love Leviticus" will bless you immensely before we embark on our study of Leviticus this week:

http://bible.org/seriespage/learning-love-leviticus
An excerpt from Bob at this link above: "Up to this point in time the Book of Leviticus has been the "liver and onions" book of the Bible to me. That is, I know that it must be good for me, but I just don't seem to have a taste for the stuff. To others, the Book of Leviticus is something like camping . . . they tried it once and that was enough to last them a lifetime. Having briefly looked at the Book of Leviticus, let us get down to the issue of "taste" which must be settled before we will ever benefit from this portion of God's word. The first thing we must seek to do is to identify the reasons why we tend to dislike and thus to avoid this book."

Again, please please read "Learning to Love Leviticus" at this link - http://bible.org/seriespage/learning-love-leviticus - before you read anything else in this email.

Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book of Leviticus was designed to be a handbook for the priests or Levites, hence the name Leviticus. It sets down the regulations that were to govern the life of Israel in general and specifically to give regulations concerning sacrifice and worship. All of the major sacrifices are described, as well as the way they were to be offered. All of the major festivals and holidays are discussed. There are also special sections devoted to the priesthood and regulations concerning ceremonial matters.
Theme: The central theme of this book is that God has provided a way for atonement to be made by the offering of sacrificial blood. This whole system found its fulfillment in the shedding of Christ's blood as the one great sacrifice for the sins of the world. Leviticus also shows that worship is to be orderly and is to follow a regular pattern. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" page 2) More commentary on Leviticus is at this link: http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=882



Passover
Our Upcoming Scripture Readings


February 1
Exodus 1-2:25; 1 Chronicles 6:1-3; Exodus 3-4:17

February 2
Exodus 4:18-7:13

February 3
Exodus 7:14-9:35

February 4
Exodus 10:1-12:51

February 5
Exodus 13:1-15:27

February 6
Exodus 16:1-19:25

February 7
Exodus 20:1-22:15

February 8
Exodus 22:16-24:18

February 9
Exodus 25:1-28:43

February 10
Exodus 29:1-31:18

February 11
Exodus 32:1-34:35

February 12
Exodus 35:1-36:38

February 13
Exodus 37:1-39:31

February 14
Exodus 39:32-40:38; Numbers 9:15-23

February 15
Numbers 7:1-89

February 16
Numbers 8-9:14; Leviticus 1-3:17

February 17
Leviticus 4:1-6:30

February 18
Leviticus 7:1-8:36

February 19
Leviticus 9:1-11:47

February 20
Leviticus 12:1-14:32

February 21
Leviticus 14:33-16:34

February 22
Leviticus 17:1-19:37

February 23
Leviticus 20:1-22:33

February 24
Leviticus 23:1-25:23

February 25
Leviticus 25:24-26:46

February 26
Leviticus 27:1-34; Numbers 1:1-54

February 27
Numbers 2:1-3:51

February 28
Numbers 4:1-5:31


Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2012. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 700 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 700+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 9th year in 2012. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

Hi everyone,

Congratulations on finishing up your Chronological Bible readings in 2011 at the end of December!! I hope this habit of reading the Bible for 15 minutes a day is something that you will continue in 2012? I invite you to consider reading the One Year Bible with me in 2012 at www.oneyearbibleblog.com/!


Or, if you are up for reading the Chronological Bible with me again, please do! IMPORTANT NOTE: You will continue to receive this monthly email in 2012 and beyond until you decide to "Unsubscribe" from it - which you can do by reading the directions at the bottom of this email. If you want to read the Chronological Bible again in 2012, you're all set to receive the monthly emails. If not, you may want to unsubscribe. With 2012 just around the corner, I invite you to encourage your family, friends and church congregation to participate in the One Year or Chronological Bible journey in 2012. Please feel free to forward this email along to others to invite them to participate.

But, we're not done with the Chronological Bible in 2011 quite yet! We have some amazing books coming up, including Revelation! Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :

www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes12_1to12_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes12_1to12_31.doc

Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

JamesAuthor: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one's inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness.(Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)

First Timothy Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64
Content: This letter was written by Paul near the end of his life and he addressed it to his associate Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to correct some problems in the church. By this time problems had arisen concerning doctrine, church practice, church government, and various aspects of Christian living. Paul wrote to instruct Timothy concerning these matters so that the church would function properly. He also wrote to encourage Timothy so that he would not become weary in his Christian life, but would live wholly to the glory of God. There are some specific regulations given for the ordination of church officers as well.
Theme: The importance of right belief and right behavior form the theme of this book. Paul stresses that we must know the truth and defend it against the false doctrines that arise. We must also be very careful to live lives that are consistent with the truth so that Satan will not get an advantage over the people of God. The importance of dedicated and pure-hearted men to lead the church is also stressed. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 29) A wonderful commentary on First Timothy by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "Critical Concerns for Pastoral Ministry" is at this link: www.bible.org/article/critical-concerns-pastoral-ministry-1-timothy-13-7

Second Timothy
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Probably Rome
Date: A.D. 66 or 67
Content: This letter was probably the last letter that Paul ever wrote, and he addressed it to his former associate Timothy. It is a personal letter that expresses Paul's deepest feelings and the assurance that though his earthly life might end, God had eternal life waiting for him in heaven. Paul also reflects upon the faithfulness of God (who led him through his entire life) and upon the coming desperate days when men would depart from the truth, refusing to acknowledge God as Lord. He exhorts Timothy to stand firm in the face of the coming persecutions.
Theme: The sovereign control of God over all things is the basic theme of this book. Although distress has come and will continue to increase, God is in control and those who trust him will have nothing to fear. Paul also adds his own testimony of faith, describing how he fought for the truth and will be rewarded by God in the end. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 29-30)

A wonderful commentary on Second Timothy by Dwight Edwards titled "Call to Completion" is at this link: www.bible.org/article/2-timothy-call-completion

[size=21]Titus Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64 or 65
Content: Paul addressed this letter to an earlier associate of his whom he had left on the island of Crete to help strengthen the churches there. Titus' task was to ordain elders and to instruct the believers in the basic doctrines of the faith. It was necessary for Paul to go into some detail regarding the qualifications for the office of elder, and to give instructions for others in the church as well. During the course of these instructions, Paul touches upon the problems that face the servant of God and how these problems may be met.
Theme: The need for proper Christian living in the midst of the evil of the world is stressed by Paul in this letter. Around us we see the hostility and corruption of the world, but we must show by our lives what the grace of God can do. Such a life will have an impact, whereas mere words will do little or nothing. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 30)

A wonderful commentary by J. Hampton Keathley, III on Paul's letter to Titus is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/introduction-letter-titus

Hebrews
Author: Uncertain
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 60-69
Content: This important letter was written to Jewish Christians who were perhaps thinking of returning to their old ways in Judaism. It was designed to show that now because Christ has come, there remains nothing in Judaism for the believer. The time of fulfillment has arrived and it would be futile to return to the old life which was inherently inferior to the new life found in the Gospel. This is justified by showing that in every way Christ is better – he is superior to angels, to Moses, and to the Old Testament priest. He mediates a better covenant and offers a better sacrifice. The life of faith that the Christian lives is also better than the old life, proof of this coming from the lives of Old Testament saints who showed the way by their lives of faith.
Theme: The overall superiority of Christ and the Christian life is the central theme of this book. Other religious systems have value, no doubt, but they cannot compare with the work that God has done in Christ. Not even Judaism, which has the Old Testament, can compare, great as it was. Christ is the very essence of God, who did God's work on earth by dying for our sins. What God requires of us now is trust in him. If we have faith then we have entered into the promises of God – fullness of life now and eternal life to come. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 31) A great overview of the book of Hebrews by Daniel Wallace is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/hebrews-introduction-argument-and-outline

First Peter Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date: A.D. 63 or 64
Content: The apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life to comfort and encourage the Jewish Christians who were living in Asia Minor. He points out that suffering is part of the Christian life and that God has an imperishable reward reserved for those who trust him. In case any were thinking of returning to Judaism to escape from persecution, Peter points out that the church is now the chosen nation and the priesthood of God. Hence any thoughts of returning to Judaism were futile. Peter then presents the example of Christ who suffered and admonished the believers to be prepared for the same experience.
Theme: The theme of First Peter is triumph through suffering. Early Christianslived difficult lives, often paying for their faith with their lives, but this letter shows us that it is worth it, no matter what the price. God knows all that is occurring and in his eternal plan will work everything out for the best. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 32) A great overview of the book of First Peter and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews & James to get to his commentary on First Peter)

[size=21]Second Peter Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date: A.D. 67
Content: This letter was written by Peter shortly before his death and deals with the problems that the church would face after his departure. He encourages the believers to continue in their spiritual growth, realizing the truth of the Christian gospel. It does not consist of fable but fact. He warns them of false teachers who would destroy the truth by exalting their own ideas over those of the church. Finally, he points out that Christ will return some day to destroy the old order of this world; as a result, we ought not to become too attached to it.
Theme: Second Peter is a call to steadfastness in the midst of numerous pressures to drift from the truth. The world is seeking to undo the work of God, but we must resist all such pressure by living godly lives, believing the truth, enduring persecution, trusting God, and looking for Christ's return. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 33) A great overview of Second Peter and the other "Non-Pauline Epistles" by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles (Scroll down just below his commentary on First Peter to get to his commentary on Second Peter.)

[size=21]First John
Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This very personal letter was written by the apostle John in his old age to believers who were very dear to him. He addresses them as his little children and gives them practical instructions for Christian living. He begins by stressing Jesus' incarnation and builds his commands upon the truth that those who know Jesus know the Father as well. Those who do not know Jesus do not know the Father, nor do they know the love of the Father. Christians, however, have experienced the love of God in their lives, for God is love, and have no need to fear either in this life or in the life to come.
Theme: John stresses the basic truths of the Christian faith in this letter in order to comfort and encourage his children in the faith. The themes of love, forgiveness, fellowship, victory over sin, assurance, purity, and eternal life are woven together in a marvelous document that shines with the light of God in the darkness of the world. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 33) A great overview of First John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/1-john-introduction-argument-and-outline
[size=12]

[size=12][size=21]Second John

Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This short letter was written either to a Christian woman whom John knew or to a church personified as a woman. In any case, it was written to encourage true Christian love and to warn against the deceivers who were coming into the world. John charges the believers not to participate in their evil, but to stand for the truth no matter what that cost.
Theme: The need for Christians to be alert and diligent when it comes to false doctrine is the theme of this letter. We must be aware that false doctrine exists and we must be ready to deal with it, if confronted. All the while, however, we must live out the love of God in our lives. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 34) A great overview of Second John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/2-john-introduction-argument-and-outline

[size=21]Third John

Author: John the apostle
Place: Uncertain, probably Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-95
Content: This short letter is a personal note from John the apostle to his friend Gauis, encouraging him to support the traveling evangelists who are preaching the truth. He warns Gauis against such men as Diotrephes who refuse to help in spreading the gospel and commends others, such as Demetrius, for helping.
Theme: Christians are to support one another in the work of Christ. Not to do so is the work of Satan, who seeks to destroy the believers. John stresses that all believers are bound together as Christians and should work for the common good of all. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 34) A great overview of Third John by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/3-john-introduction-argument-and-outline

[size=21]Jude

Author: Jude, a brother of Jesus
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: It is not known to whom this letter was addressed, but the problem that Jude confronts is very clear. Jude is urging the believers to stand firm against some false teachers and the false doctrine that they bring. In a lengthy passage Jude gives examples of judgment in the past that God visited upon sin, as well as a devastating description of the evil lives of those false teachers. Jude closes with an exhortation to the Christians to stand fast in the power of God who will keep us from falling.
Theme: The danger of false doctrine and the need for constant vigilance by the church is the theme of this book. Jude admonishes us to examine what people say and the kind of lives that they live so that we may approve what is pleasing in the sight of God. We may call upon God to help in this with full assurance that he will hear and answer our prayer. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 34-35) A great overview of Jude by Daniel Wallace is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/jude-introduction-argument-and-outline

Alpha and Omega!

Revelation

Author: John the apostle
Place: Patmos
Date: A.D. 90-95
Content: There are two major sections in this complex book, the first being letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation chapters 1 through 3) and the second being a series of visions dealing with the life and persecutions of the people of God, the overthrow of evil, the return of Jesus, the last judgment, the millennial state, and heaven (Revelation chapters 4 through 22). The major portion of the visions deals with a series of devastations poured out on the earth (the seals, trumpets, and bowls), in which the wrath of the Lamb (Jesus) is displayed. Mingled in with these visions are visions of the martyred people of God in heaven and the persecuted saints upon earth. The visions surge forward to a final confrontation between the Prostitute of Babylon and the triumphant Word of God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), come to destroy evil and prepare a feast for the believers. There follows scenes of judgment and glory, with a closing prayer: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
Theme: This glorious book shows the once humiliated Jesus, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world, taking control of history at the time of the end and bringing eternal good to pass by destroying evil and establishing righteousness forever and ever. It is the Christian's certain hope that someday all will be well and God shall be all in all. Tears shall be wiped away and death, sorrow, crying, and pain shall be gone forever. This comforting message is for all believers of all time. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 35)

There are basically 4 lines of thinking on how to interpret the book of Revelation, which I think are helpful to consider when diving into this book. I am editing these comments below from bible.org from this link - please see this link for more details on these 4 points below and the book of Revelation overall - these comments below were edited on bible.org from M. C. Tenney,Interpreting Revelation:

"(1) The preterist approach believes that "Revelation is simply a sketch of the conditions of the empire in the first century."

(2) The historicist view (or continuous-historicist view) "contends that Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the entire course of the history of the church from the close of the first century to the end of time."

(3) The futurist approach usually argues that "all of the visions from Revelation 4:1 to the end of the book are yet to be fulfilled in the period immediately preceding and following the second advent of Christ."

(4) In the idealist approach, "the Revelation represents the eternal conflict of good and evil which persists in every age, although here it may have particular application to the period of the church.""

[size=12]Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

December 1

2 Corinthians 11-13:13; Acts 20:7-12

December 2
Acts 20:13-21:36

December 3
Acts 21:37-23:35

December 4
Acts 24:1-26:32

December 5
Acts 27:1-44

December 6
Acts 28:1-31; Ephesians 1:1-2:22

December 7
Ephesians 3:1-5:14

December 8
Ephesians 5:15-6:24; Colossians 1:1-23

December 9
Colossians 1:24-4:18

December 10
Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1-2:11

December 11
Philippians 2:12-4:23

December 12
James 1:1-3:18

December 13
James 4-5:20; 1 Timothy 1-2:15

December 14
1 Timothy 3:1-6:10

December 15
1 Timothy 6:11-21; Titus 1:1-3:15; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

December 16
2 Timothy 2:1-4:18

December 17
2 Timothy 4:19-22; Hebrews 1:1-4:13

December 18
Hebrews 4:14-7:28

December 19
Hebrews 8:1-10:39

December 20
Hebrews 11:1-12:29

December 21
Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

December 22
1 Peter 2:4-5:11

December 23
1 Peter 5:12-14; 2 Peter 1:1-3:18

December 24
1 John 1:1-4:6

December 25
1 John 4:7-5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-15

December 26
Jude 1:1-25; Revelation 1:1-2:29

December 27
Revelation 3:1-6:17

December 28
Revelation 7:1-10:11

December 29
Revelation 11:1-14:20

December 30
Revelation 15:1-18:24

December 31
Revelation 19:1-22:21

Every day in 2011 & 2012, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at:www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you. -

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[ChronologicalBible] NOVEMBER! Acts, Galatians, Corinthians, Romans, Thessalonians
November

"Tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them." -Acts 2:3
Hi everyone,

I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! We transition out of the four Gospels early this month and begin Acts and then read several amazing letters of Paul's. Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are attached to this email and are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes11_1to11_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes11_1to11_30.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html


"The Conversion (of Saul) on the Way to Damascus" Caravaggio, c. 1600

Acts
Author: Luke

Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul's trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul's release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 23) More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links: http://bible.org/seriespage/preface-acts and http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-acts



Galatians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Unknown
Date: A.D. 48 or 49
Content: Paul had preached to the inhabitants of Galatia on his first missionary journey (Act 13:14-14:23). Shortly after his departure, a group of Jewish believers arrived to insist that the Gentile Christians submit to the laws of Moses in order to be saved. Paul writes to combat this error by showing that Abraham, who lived over four hundred years before the giving of the law, was saved by faith in the gospel - so how could it be argued that the law could either save a man or make a believer in Christ more perfect? Paul couples this with a vigorous defense of himself as an apostle and with a discussion of how a Christian ought to live.
Theme: Paul energetically defends the truth of the gospel, which is that man is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ and nothing else. Any other teaching is a perversion of the truth of God (Galatians 1:7). We are made right in the sight of God by faith (Galatians 2:16) and become the people of God (sons of Abraham) in the same way, by faith (Galatians 3:7). Because we are free in Christ, we must never allow anyone to drag us back to the idea of working for our salvation, but must live out of the gospel. This involves submission to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16) and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 25-26) More great commentary on Galatians is at this link:

www.bible.org/seriespage/galatians-introduction-argument-and-outline


Love overflowing!

First Thessalonians
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 50 or 51
Content: On Paul's second missionary journey he visited Thessalonica but was forced to flee because of the intense persecutions that arose there (see Acts 17:1-9). After making his way to Athens and finally to Corinth, Paul heard from Timothy, whom he had sent to inquire about the Thessalonians, that they were standing fast in spite of their suffering. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the young believers in the Lord. He also wrote to confirm their faith in the basic doctrines of the church concerning God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Christian living, but especially concerning Jesus' second coming. Apparently because some believers had died, the remaining Christians were concerned lest the believing dead miss out on the resurrection. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ rise first.
Theme: Paul comforts the persecuted believers with the assurance that God is with us and has assured us of ultimate victory. The final victory will occur at Jesus' return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and gather us to himself, ever to be with him. In the light of this we should bear up under persecution, living lives that are godly and above reproach. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 28) A wonderful commentary on First Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "The Birth and Growth of a Church" is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/birth-and-growth-church


"Jesus!" 2 Thessalonians 1:12

Second Thessalonians

Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 51
Content: Either Paul's first letter or a forged letter purporting to be from him had disturbed the Thessalonians concerning the second coming of Jesus. Perhaps adding to the confusion was the continued persecution that they were enduring. Paul writes to assure the believers that Jesus will certainly return to comfort the believers and to punish those who are troubling them. He also tells them that the great Day of Judgment (the Day of the Lord) will not take them by surprise but will be preceded by a series of events. In the light of Jesus' sure return, Christians are to live above reproach.
Theme: Throughout this short letter the promise of God's victory over evil is stressed. Believers may suffer now, but God has planned comfort and reward for them. For those who refuse to obey God, however, there will be distress and judgment. Paul also stresses the need for living in such a way that God is honored. Some people at Thessalonica may have stopped working because they believed Christ would return soon. This does not honor God and Paul says concerning it, "He who does not work shall not eat." (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" pp. 28-29) A wonderful commentary on Second Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled "The Struggles and Growth of a Church" is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/struggles-and-growth-church



First Corinthians
Author: Paul the apostle

Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 55
Content: Paul had established a church in the Greek city of Corinth on his second missionary journey (seeActs 18:1-8), but things had gone very badly after his departure. He felt it necessary to write them concerning the many problems that had arisen. They were challenging his apostleship, abusing the Lord's Supper, wondering about eating meat sacrificed to idols, going to court against one another, condoning immorality, denying the resurrection, arguing about marriage - to name a few of the problems. Paul felt that he had to deal with the situation, lest everything in Corinth fall to pieces. As Paul more or less systematically goes through these problems, he touches upon many of the fundamental teachings of the faith.
Theme: Paul's major purpose in writing this letter was to correct some glaring abuses in the church at Corinth, showing the importance of how we live. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; we must also act like Christians. Not to do so is to bring dishonor upon the name of Christ. Paul also stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ for the believer. In Christ we are made pure, holy, and acceptable to God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 24-25) More commentary on First Corinthians is at this link:
http://bible.org/article/i-corinthians-introduction-and-outline


Second Corinthians

Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul's earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God's work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/2-corinthians-introduction-argument-and-outline



Romans

Author: Paul

Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 57/58
Content: Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey and was planning to go to Rome, but had never been there before. This letter was written to introduce himself to the church and to summarize his theological teachings. For the latter reason, it is the most systematically organized letter of Paul. He begins by showing the universal sin of man. Neither Gentile nor Jew has any legitimate claim upon God because sin has invalidated any appeal. But God in his mercy stepped in, while we were still sinners, and opened the way back to himself (Romans 5:8). From this may come a victorious Christian life. Paul then deals with the place of the Jews in God's plan (Romans 9-11), concluding with a series of ethical exhortations.
Theme: The righteousness of God, his righteous dealings with the world, and the righteous plan of salvation are the focus of this book. God is seen to be the great and holy God of the universe who cannot relax his laws because they are based upon his nature. But consistent with those laws, he devised a plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike that sent his Son down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:9) and be given the power of God over sin in his life. From God and his love nothing can separate the believer. (Romans 8:38-39) (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 24)

More commentary on Romans is at these 3 links:
http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-book-romans
http://bible.org/seriespage/romans-introduction-argument-and-outline
http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-romans
Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org says : "If you can reason your way through Romans, you will have the Gospel under your belt. . . . As you begin this study, I would challenge you to review the Book of Romans often in your mind, seeking to trace its argument from the very first chapter to wherever your study has brought you. It is my hope that you will then seek to apply what you have learned in your own life, and to share the message of the Gospel it contains with those who are lost and without hope, apart from the faith this Epistle describes and defines. May God bless you in your study of this portion of His Word." Amen.


Romans 5:3-5

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings

November 1
John 18:1-2; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-24

November 2
Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:66-72; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:25-27; Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:3-10

November 3
Mark 15:2-5; Matthew 27:11-14; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-40; Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 19:1-16; Mark 15:16-20; Matthew 27:27-31

November 4
Mark 15:21-24; Matthew 27:32-34; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:17; Mark 15:25-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27; Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37

November 5
Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-7; Luke 24:1-12; Mark 16:9-13; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:8-15

November 6
Luke 24:13-43; Mark 16:12-13; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14; John 20:24-21:25; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:44-49

November 7
Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-2:47

November 8
Acts 3:1-5:42

November 9
Acts 6:1-8:1

November 10
Acts 8:1-9:43

November 11
Acts 10:1-12:5

November 12
Acts 12:6-14:20

November 13
Acts 14:21-28; Galatians 1:1-3:23

November 14
Galatians 3:24-6:18; Acts 15:1-21

November 15
Acts 15:22-17:15

November 16
Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11

November 17
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18; Acts 18:4-23

November 18
Acts 18:24-19:20; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23

November 19
1 Corinthians 4:1-7:40

November 20
1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

November 21
1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13

November 22
1 Corinthians 14:1-15:58

November 23
1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Acts 19:21-20:6; Romans 1:1-32

November 24
Romans 2:1-4:25

November 25
Romans 5:1-8:17

November 26
Romans 8:18-10:21

November 27
Romans 11:1-14:23

November 28
Romans 15:1-16:27; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

November 29
2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13

November 30
2 Corinthians 6:14-10:18


Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8)

Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2011, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at:www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
-

Hi everyone,

I apologize that this email is a few days late. I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! We finish our readings in the Old Testament on September 23rd and begin our readings in the New Testament on September 24th! Big month of readings coming up!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes9_1to9_30.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes9_1to9_30.doc

Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Zechariah

Author: Zechariah
Date: Beginning in 520 B.C.
Content: Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai and was sent by God to the restored community to encourage the people to serve God without fear. The book begins with a series of eight visions that depict in highly graphic language the power of God, the control of God over the affairs of men, the importance of spiritual strength, the judgment of God on sin, and the promise of things to come. These visions are followed by a series of undated messages that contain general exhortations and judgment to come. The most important part of this material are the prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus.
Theme: The provision of God, who is the Lord of all, for all the needs of his people is the central point of the book. God gives his people protection, prosperity, strength and grace. Their greatest need, the need to know God better, will be met by the sending of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 20)

A wonderful commentary on the book of Zechariah by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link: http://bible.org/node/978 Here is a quote from this link: "Zechariah was written to comfort and encourage the returned remnant to repent of their evil ways, to return to the Lord and to rebuild the temple. The people who had just returned from exile felt like their efforts were insignificant and the future was uncertain. They weren’t even an independent nation - just a client state of a mighty empire. Zechariah’s message focuses on the future and proclaims that God would send the Messiah to establish His Kingdom through the destruction of the Gentile empires and the salvation of His people Israel."

Queen Esther!


The Book of Esther

Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: The book of Esther deals with a momentous event that took place after the Persians had destroyed Babylon and while many Jews were still living in the land of their captivity. The story concerns a Jewess named Ester who had become the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus. An evil advisor to the king, named Haman, sought the destruction of the Jews in order to gain control of their wealth, but Esther tactfully intervened and saved her people from this fate. Haman was executed, and after some civil strife things quieted down once more. The remarkable deliverance of the Jews was celebrated by a feast named Purim and it remains to this day.
Theme: The providence and power of God are the central points of this book. God was protecting his people even in their captivity and was working al things together for their good. God's power is seen in the overthrow of Israel's enemies. It is important to note that God used human beings to accomplish his purpose here, rather than doing it directly himself. We must be ready at all times to do God's will when he so directs. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 24-25) More commentary on the book of Esther is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/esther-8211-irony-and-providence

[size=21]Nehemiah

Author: Nehemiah
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: The book of Nehemiah continues the story begun by Ezra and deals with life in the restored community. The major point of Ezra is the rededication of the Temple. The major point of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the city walls of Jerusalem. The book begins by explaining the need Jerusalem had for protection that walls would give. This is followed by a discussion of how the walls were build in spite of numerous problems both in the community and outside of it. A national day of repentance was called for and the project was completed.
Theme: The main theme of this book is the sad fact that people are slow to learn the lessons God wants to teach them. The Israelites had been carried into captivity because of their sin, but now the very same problems rose again. The people were neglecting worship, prayer, and Bible study, not to mention the fact that they were treating each other unjustly. But God in his patience continued to send his messengers to them to offer salvation and pardon. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 8-9) More commentary on Nehemiah is at this link:
www.bible.org/article/introduction-books-ezra-nehemiah

[/size]

Rembrandt from the year 1660 of Esther revealing the evil plans of Haman to King Xerxes at the banquet in chapter 7

Our Upcoming Scripture Readings



September 1
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel 32:17-33:20;jeremiah 52:28-30;psalm 137:1-9;1chronicles 4:24-5:17]Ezekiel 32:17-33:20; Jeremiah 52:28-30; Psalm 137:1-9; 1 Chronicles 4:24-5:17[/url]


September 2
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1chronicles 5:18-26;1chronicles 6:3;1chronicles 6:49;1chronicles 6:4-15;1chronicles 7:1-8:28]1 Chronicles 5:18-26; 1 Chronicles 6:3; 1 Chronicles 6:49; 1 Chronicles 6:4-15; 1 Chronicles 7-8:28[/url]


September 3
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1chronicles 8:29-9:1;daniel 4:1-37;ezekiel 40:1-37]1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1; Daniel 4:1-37; Ezekiel 40:1-37[/url]


September 4
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel 40:38-43:27]Ezekiel 40:38-43:27[/url]


September 5
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel 44:1-46:24]Ezekiel 44:1-46:24[/url]


September 6
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel 47:1-48:35;ezekiel 29:17-30:19;2kings 25:27-30;jeremiah 52:31-34]Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; Ezekiel 29:17-30:19; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34[/url]


September 7
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel 7:1-8:27;daniel 5:1-31]Daniel 7:1-8:27; Daniel 5:1-31[/url]


September 8
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel 6:1-28;daniel 9:1-27;2chronicles 36:22-23;ezra 1:1-11;1chronicles 3:17-19]Daniel 6:1-28; Daniel 9:1-27; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-11; 1 Chronicles 3:17-19[/url]


September 9
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra 2:1-4:5;1chronicles 3:19-24]Ezra 2:1-4:5; 1 Chronicles 3:19-24[/url]


September 10
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel 10:1-12:13;ezra 4:24-5:1;haggai 1:1-15]Daniel 10:1-12:13; Ezra 4:24-5:1; Haggai 1:1-15[/url]


September 11
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=haggai 2:1-9;zechariah 1:1-6;haggai 2:10-19;ezra 5:2;haggai 2:20-23;zechariah 1:7-5:11]Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 1:1-6; Haggai 2:10-19; Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:20-23; Zechariah 1:7-5:11[/url]


September 12
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zechariah 6:1-15;ezra 5:3-6:14;zechariah 7:1-8:23]Zechariah 6:1-15; Ezra 5:3-6:14; Zechariah 7-8:23[/url]


September 13
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zechariah 9:1-14:21]Zechariah 9:1-14:21[/url]


September 14
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra 6:14-22;ezra 4:6;esther 1:1-4:17]Ezra 6:14-22; Ezra 4:6; Esther 1:1-4:17[/url]


September 15
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=esther 5:1-10:3]Esther 5:1-10:3[/url]


September 16
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra 4:7-23;ezra 7:1-8:36]Ezra 4:7-23; Ezra 7:1-8:36[/url]


September 17
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra 9:1-10:44;nehemiah 1:1-2:20]Ezra 9:1-10:44; Nehemiah 1-2:20[/url]


September 18
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=nehemiah 3:1-7:3]Nehemiah 3:1-7:3[/url]


September 19
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=nehemiah 7:4-8:12]Nehemiah 7:4-8:12[/url]


September 20
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=nehemiah 8:13-10:39]Nehemiah 8:13-10:39[/url]


September 21
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=nehemiah 11:1-12:26;1chronicles 9:1-34]Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Chronicles 9:1-34[/url]


September 22
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=nehemiah 12:27-13:6;nehemiah 5:14-19;nehemiah 13:7-31;malachi 1:1-2:9]Nehemiah 12:27-13:6; Nehemiah 5:14-19; Nehemiah 13:7-31; Malachi 1:1-2:9[/url]


September 23
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=malachi 2:10-4:6;joel 1:1-3:21]Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1:1-3:21[/url]


September 24
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark 1:1;luke 1:1-4;john 1:1-18;matthew 1:1-17;luke 3:23-38;luke 1:5-38]Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 1:5-38[/url]


September 25
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke 1:39-80;matthew 1:18-25;luke 2:1-40]Luke 1:39-80; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-40[/url]


September 26
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew 2:1-23;luke 2:41-52;mark 1:2-8;matthew 3:1-12;luke 3:1-18;mark 1:9-11;matthew 3:13-17;luke 3:21-22]Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:2-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22[/url]


September 27
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark 1:12-13;matthew 4:1-11;luke 4:1-15;john 1:19-2:25]Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-15; John 1:19-2:25[/url]


September 28
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john 3:1-4:45;luke 3:19-20]John 3:1-4:45; Luke 3:19-20[/url]


September 29
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark 1:14-15;matthew 4:12-17;luke 3:23;john 4:46-54;luke 4:16-30;mark 1:16-20;matthew 4:18-22;mark 1:21-28;luke 4:31-37;mark 1:29-34;matthew 8:14-17;luke 4:38-41;mark 1:35-39;luke 4:42-44;matthew 4:23-25]Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 3:23; John 4:46-54; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; Mark 1:29-34; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44; Matthew 4:23-25[/url]


September 30
[url=http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke 5:1-11;mark 1:40-45;matthew 8:1-4;luke 5:12-16;mark 2:1-12;matthew 9:1-8;luke 5:17-26;mark 2:13-17;matthew 9:9-13;luke 5:27-32;mark 2:18-22;matthew 9:14-17;luke 5:33-39]Luke 5:1-11; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16; Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:13-17; Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32; Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39[/url]

Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2011, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at:www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
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August 2011

The Cherubim – Ezekiel chapters 1, 10 and 11

Hi everyone,

I hope that your Chronological Bible readings are going well! I know that a few of you reading this are behind on our readings. If you fall too far behind in our readings, please don't get discouraged! Just skip ahead to today's readings and start keeping pace with us once again. I don't want you to stop reading the Bible just because you feel like you're so far behind. It's kind of like if you fell behind in eating a meal. You wouldn't stop eating meals would you? Of course not. We need food. And likewise, we critically need the spiritual food the Bible offers us. So, please, don't just read these emails and not read the Bible. . . Skip ahead to today's readings and jump back on board with us!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes8_1to8_31.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes8_1to8_31.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Daniel

Author: Daniel
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Daniel was carried off into captivity in Babylon as a young boy where, although he was a captive, he received an education and ultimately rose to a high position in Babylonian, and later, Persian government. Because of his trust in God he was subjected to barbarous persecution, at one point being thrown to the lions. Three of his compatriots were thrown into a furnace, but they too survived by the power of God. The book deals with many historical events of Daniel's day, but it also contains prophecies concerning the future. Daniel saw the great world empires that were to come, but saw more than just that. He also saw the power of God and the Messiah, Jesus, who was to come and undo the evil of this world, ultimately to establish a kingdom of righteousness that would never fade away.
Theme: Daniel's major theme is the sovereignty of God. God rules over the affairs of men, directing the course of history toward his own ends, working in and through the acts of men. The kingdoms of men rise and fall but God remains forever. God's will remains forever as well, and it is God's determination to bring salvation to men by the Messiah whom he will send. Ultimately evil will be overcome and good will triumph because God has willed it so. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 14-15) A wonderful commentary on the book of Daniel by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "Daring to Believe Daniel" is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/daring-believe-daniel

Ezekiel

Author: Ezekiel
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Ezekiel, who grew up as a priest, was carried off to Babylon with the Jewish exiles deported in 597 B.C., and there he became a prophet of God. His message was one of coming judgment for those remaining in Jerusalem, but his preaching was not well received by the Jews who were with him in captivity. When his dire predictions came true in 586 B.C. with the destruction of Jerusalem, the people listened then on with great earnestness. His message changed at this point from being one of unbending judgment to one of comfort and hope for the future. The worst had come; it was now time to make plans for beginning again. Ezekiel saw himself as a shepherd and watchman over Israel. As a shepherd, he was to protect the people, but as a watchman, he was to warn of danger ahead.
Theme: The message of Ezekiel is based upon the unchangeable holiness of God. This is both a promise and a warning. It is a warning because God has promised to remain faithful to his people and this will not change. The book of Ezekiel shows God's unbreakable promise fulfilled in both respects: the city fell according to promise because of Judah's sin, and the city would be restored according to promise because of God's faithfulness. The lives of God's people determined how God would treat them. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 14) A wonderful commentary on the book of Ezekiel by Bob Deffinbaugh is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/book-ezekiel-part-1

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - Daniel Chapter 3



Our Upcoming Scripture Readings



August 1
2 Kings 23:1-20; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33; 2 Kings 23:21-28; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Nahum 1:1-3:19


August 2
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Zephaniah 1-2:7


August 3
Zephaniah 2:8-3:20; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30; Jeremiah 47-48:47


August 4
2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2 Kings 23:31-37; 2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:1-23; Jeremiah 26:1-24; 2 Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 25:1-14


August 5
Jeremiah 25:15-38; Jeremiah 36:1-32; Jeremiah 45-46:28


August 6
Jeremiah 19-20:18; Daniel 1:1-21


August 7
Daniel 2-3:30; Jeremiah 7-8:3


August 8
Jeremiah 8:4-11:23


August 9
Jeremiah 12:1-15:21


August 10
Jeremiah 16-18:23; Jeremiah 35:1-19


August 11
Jeremiah 49:1-33; 2 Kings 24:5-7; 2 Chronicles 36:6-8; 2 Kings 24:8-9; 2 Chronicles 36:9; Jeremiah 22:24-23:32


August 12
Jeremiah 23:33-24:10; Jeremiah 29-31:14


August 13
Jeremiah 31:15-40; Jeremiah 49:34-51:14


August 14
Jeremiah 51:15-58; 2 Chronicles 36:10; 2 Kings 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 3:10-16; 2 Chronicles 36:11-14; Jeremiah 52:1-3; 2 Kings 24:18-20; Jeremiah 37:1-10


August 15
Jeremiah 37:11-38:28; Ezekiel 1:1-3:15


August 16
Ezekiel 3:16-4:17; Jeremiah 27-28:17; Jeremiah 51:59-64


August 17
Ezekiel 5:1-9:11


August 18
Ezekiel 10:1-13:23


August 19
Ezekiel 14:1-16:63


August 20
Ezekiel 17:1-19:14


August 21
Ezekiel 20:1-22:16


August 22
Ezekiel 22:17-23:49; 2 Kings 24:20-25:2; Jeremiah 52:3-5; Jeremiah 39:1; Ezekiel 24:1-14


August 23
Ezekiel 24:15-25:17; Jeremiah 34:1-22; Jeremiah 21:1-14; Ezekiel 29:1-16; Ezekiel 30:20-31:18


August 24
Jeremiah 32:1-33:26; Ezekiel 26:1-14


August 25
Ezekiel 26:15-28:26; 2 Kings 25:3-7; Jeremiah 52:6-11; Jeremiah 39:2-10


August 26
Jeremiah 39:11-18; Jeremiah 40:1-6; 2 Kings 25:8-21; Jeremiah 52:12-27; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Lamentations 1:1-22


August 27
Lamentations 2:1-4:22


August 28
Lamentations 5:1-22; Obadiah 1:1-21; 2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 40:7-41:18


August 29
Jeremiah 42:1-44:30; Ezekiel 33:21-33


August 30
Ezekiel 34:1-36:38


August 31
Ezekiel 37:1-39:29; Ezekiel 32:1-16




Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - Daniel Chapter 2

Chronological Bible Blog

Every day in 2011, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
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You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
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Hi everyone,
I was traveling in Africa this month with my wife. We're adopting a 5 year old girl, which has been such a blessing. We hope she'll be home with us by the end of the summer. While in Africa, I finally got a chance to read World Vision President Rich Stearns' book, The Hole in Our Gospel, which won the 2010 Christian Book of the Year award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. It is such a powerful book about how we are saved by faith for works. (not saved by works - but good works are a by-product of our saving faith) Can I encourage you to read this book this year? You will not be disappointed. You will be challenged by it. In a great way. Learn more about the book here: www.theholeinourgospel.com From this website: "This is a story of how a CEO faced his own struggle to obey God, whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Believing that the "good news" is more than a private transaction between God and us, Stearns challenges readers with this question: What does God expect of us? Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again."


We are now into our final 6 months of our Chronological Bible readings! I encourage you today to pray that God would renew your passion for reading the Bible over this upcoming six months! If you've dropped off reading with us, will you please skip ahead to today's readings and begin reading again with us?

July is a big month of readings as we wrap up Proverbs, read many of the Psalms, and transition from the prophet Isaiah to Jeremiah! Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes7_1_11to7_31_11.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes7_1_11to7_31_11.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html

Author: Principally David; also many others
Date: Tenth century B.C. and later
Content: This favorite book of today was also a favorite in antiquity. In it may be seen the many different ways in which believers over several centuries related to God. Every human mood and feeling may be brought to God for him to bless. There are sorrow and joy, anger and calm, doubt and faith, repentance and praise. There are recollections of the past, the struggles of present existence, and visions of a glorious future. In numerous places, God's Messiah, Jesus Christ, is portrayed in his suffering and in his glory. The book of Psalms was used in much the same way as a hymnbook is used today, for public and private worship.
Theme: The book of Psalms teaches principally that God has a personal concern for his people and that he wants us to come to him just as we are. We need not solve our problems before we go to him; we go to him for the solutions. Wherever we are, however we feel, whatever we have done - if we offer ourselves to God, he is willing to help and give us the strength to live again. God's power and control of all things is also seen. Because God is in control of everything, he can help us when we turn to him for deliverance. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 10)

Martin Luther said this about the book of Psalms: "The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints. Each person, whatever his circumstances may be, finds in the psalms words which are appropriate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words."

A wonderful commentary on the book of Psalms by Bob Deffinbaugh with bible.org is at this link - http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=504 A quote from Bob at this link includes: "We cannot read very far in the Psalms without drawing the conclusion that the psalmist seems to have been reading our mail. How is it that after centuries have passed we find a man who lived in a different time and culture expressing our innermost feelings, fears, and hopes? The answer, of course, is that we are reading the Scriptures, divinely inspired, infallible and inerrant, so as to be a word from God to us."

[/center]
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Jeremiah's life covered the last forty years of Judah's existence. The burden of his message was for God's people to accept the judgment of God so that a new beginning could be made. He lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people by the enemy, the slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple of God. He warned the people concerning these events, pleading with them to turn from their sins, but to no avail. He received only scorn and persecution. Jeremiah's life is described in some detail, thus making him the best known of the Old Testament prophets.
Theme: In the crisis days during which Jeremiah lived, he had but one message for the people: Repent and turn to God. All false hopes must be abandoned and God must be given his rightful place in the nation. Nothing can save the people - neither their wealth, their armies, their diplomats, nor even their religion - only God can save. The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a memorial for all time that when a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Jeremiah also has a message of hope. Although Judah had abandoned God, God had not abandoned them and would once again show himself mightily on their behalf. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 13) A great commentary on the book of Jeremiah by Donald Curtis is at this link: www.bible.org/seriespage/jeremiah-coming-destruction



Every day in 2011, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next month's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a month when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the June monthly email! One quick note to share with you is that the daily blog postings may not have my commentary for the next few weeks, because my wife & I are traveling to Africa to adopt. I hope by about June 20th I'll have full daily blog posts with commentary going once again. I apologize for the drop in content for the next few weeks, but I'm just swamped on getting ready for the trip and won't have much internet access in Africa.

June is a big month of readings as we read the books of Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, and begin the book of the prophet Isaiah. Let's go!

Small Group & Individual Study Notes & Questions for the upcoming month of readings are at these links (PDF & Word) below :
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes6_1_11to6_30_11.pdf
www.oneyearbibleimages.com/ChronBibleNotes6_1_11to6_30_11.doc
Or, if these links above don't work, download this month or past months Notes at this website link:
www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/groups.html
Author: Jonah
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: Jonah was a prophet who was born in Israel (see 2 Kings 14:25) and called by God to preach repentance to Assyria (the capital city was Nineveh) - the nation that was shortly going to destroy Israel in 722 B.C. On receiving the call, Jonah's nationalistic spirit would not allow him to offer salvation to the pagans, so he attempted to flee from God by ship. He was thrown overboard, swallowed by a great fish, disgorged on the shore, and finally obeyed God's command by going to Nineveh to preach. His success there angered him, however, and God taught him an object lesson by means of a plant. Jonah's experience in the fish is used in the New Testament (see Matthew 12:38-41) as an example of Jesus' burial and resurrection.
Theme: The basic theme of Jonah is found in 4:11, where God declares his love for all men, whether Israelites or not. Jonah was unable to love the Assyrians properly, but God desired nothing for them but their good and their salvation, and he sent a prophet to offer repentance unto life. The book also shows the power of God and his control over the forces of nature. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 17)

A wonderful commentary on the book of Jonah by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link - http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=972 Here is a quote from this link: "Jonah is different than the other prophets because it is not full of prophecies by the prophet, it is instead, about the life of the prophet. Little attention is given to what he actually said."
Author: Hosea
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: The book of Hosea consists of two unequal parts, the first containing Hosea's life (chapters 1-3) and the second containing Hosea's messages (chapters 4-14). Hosea was a prophet to the northern Kingdom of Israel prior to its fall in 722 B.C., and his ministry spanned some forty years. He was a contemporary of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah. Hosea's unhappy marriage life depicted symbolically the state of affairs in his nation. Just as his wife left home for a life of prostitution, so Israel had left God to seek after false gods. But as Hosea continued to love his wife and finally brought her home again, so God continued to love Israel and promised to restore her someday.
Theme: Two things stand in marked contrast in the book of Hosea: the love of God and the waywardness of Israel . God is depicted as faithful, caring, forgiving, kind, and loving. God's unfailing love is the theme of the book. Israel is seen as faithless, straying, sinful, rebellious, and wanton. She is characterized by ignorance of what God requires and total lack of desire to please God. However, just as Hosea's love triumphed in the end, so will God's love work a miracle of transformation in Israel . (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 15) A wonderful commentary on the book of Hosea by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link - www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=967
Author: Isaiah
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: Isaiah's long ministry lasted almost sixty years and covered the reigns of four kings, the last one being Hezekiah, the reformer. Isaiah was sent primarily to Judah, although his message concerns the northern kingdom of Israel as well. He lived through the awful days of the civil war between Israel and Judah in 734-732 B.C. and saw the destruction of Israel by Assyria in 722 B.C. the grim lesson taught by Israel's fall was not lost on Isaiah, and he used it to encourage Hezekiah to trust in the Lord. The Lord delivered Judah from the mighty Assyrian army by sending a plague to destroy the camp. Isaiah also looked beyond his own time to the coming exile of Judah and the deliverance that God would provide.
Theme: Isaiah was one of Jesus' favorite books and he quoted it frequently, because the central theme is salvation. God is seen as the Savior of his people, who redeemed them from Egypt, who will redeem them from their coming captivity, and who will send his beloved Servant to bear the sins of us all (Isaiah 53:6). God freely offers to pardon all who will turn to him in repentance and faith. The future kingdom of God on earth is also described in exquisite detail as a time when men will lay down their swords and, in peace, sing praises to God their King. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "One Year Bible Companion" p. 11) More great commentary on the book of Isaiah is at this link:
www.bible.org/seriespage/isaiah-overview-part-1




Our Upcoming Scripture Readings



June 1
Proverbs 17-19:29

June 2
Proverbs 20-22:16

June 3
Proverbs 22:17-24:34

June 4
Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14

June 5
1 Kings 11:1-43; 2 Chronicles 9:29-31; Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

June 6
Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12

June 7
Ecclesiastes 7:1-11:6

June 8
Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14; 1 Kings 12:1-20; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 1 Kings 12:21-24; 2 Chronicles 11:1-4; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

June 9
1 Kings 13-14:18; 1 Kings 14:21-24; 2 Chronicles 12:13-14; 2 Chronicles 11:18-23; 2 Chronicles 12:1-12; 1 Kings 14:25-28; 2 Chronicles 12:13-16; 1 Kings 14:29-15:5; 2 Chronicles 13:1-22; 1 Kings 15:6-8; 2 Chronicles 14:1-8; 1 Kings 15:9-15; 1 Kings 14:19-20; 1 Kings 15:25-34; 2 Chronicles 14:9-15

June 10
1 Kings 15:16-22; 2 Chronicles 16:1-10; 1 Kings 16:1-34; 1 Kings 15:23-24; 2 Chronicles 16:11-17:19; 1 Kings 17:1-7

June 11
1 Kings 17:8-20:22

June 12
1 Kings 20:23-22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8

June 13
1 Kings 22:10-28; 2 Chronicles 18:9-27; 1 Kings 22:29-35; 2 Chronicles 18:28-34; 1 Kings 22:36-40; 1 Kings 22:51-53; 2 Chronicles 19-20:30

June 14
2 Kings 1:1-18; 2 Kings 3:1-27; 1 Kings 22:41-49; 2 Chronicles 20:31-37; 1 Kings 22:50; 2 Chronicles 21:1-4; 2 Kings 8:16-22; 2 Chronicles 21:5-7

June 15
2 Kings 2:1-25; 2 Kings 4:1-44

June 16
2 Kings 5:1-8:15

June 17
2 Chronicles 21:8-20; 2 Kings 8:23-29; 2 Chronicles 22:1-7; 2 Kings 9-10:17; 2 Chronicles 22:8-9; 2 Kings 10:18-31

June 18
2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11; 2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15; 2 Kings 11:17-21; 2 Chronicles 23:16-21; 2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-22; 2 Kings 10:32-36

June 19
2 Kings 13:1-11; 2 Kings 12:17-21; 2 Chronicles 24:23-27; 2 Kings 13:14-25

June 20
2 Kings 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 25:1-24; 2 Kings 13:12-13; 2 Kings 14:15-16; 2 Kings 14:23-27; 2 Chronicles 25:25-28; 2 Kings 14:17-22; 2 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Chronicles 26:1-21; Jonah 1-4:11

June 21
Amos 1:1-6:14

June 22
Amos 7-9:15; 2 Kings 14:28-29; 2 Kings 15:8-29; 2 Kings 15:6-7; 2 Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 6:1-13

June 23
2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chronicles 27:1-9; Micah 1:1-16; 2 Kings 16:1-9; 2 Chronicles 28:1-15; Isaiah 7:1-25

June 24
Isaiah 8:1-11:16

June 25
Isaiah 12:1-6; Isaiah 17:1-14; 2 Chronicles 28:16-21; 2 Kings 16:10-18; 2 Chronicles 28:22-25; 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29:1-2; 2 Kings 15:30-31; 2 Kings 17:1-4; Hosea 1-2:13

June 26
Hosea 2:14-8:14

June 27
Hosea 9:1-14:9

June 28
Isaiah 28:1-29; 2 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 18:9-12; 2 Kings 17:6-41; Isaiah 1:1-20

June 29
Isaiah 1:21-5:30

June 30
2 Kings 16:19-20; 2 Chronicles 28:26-27; Isaiah 13-16:14

Chronological Bible Blog
[/center]


Every day in 2011, I will be posting up daily commentary, questions for reflection, and images on the Chronological Bible Blog at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com I encourage you to visit the blog each day in 2011. The blog will be the place for you to interact with our online community of 800 people around the world participating with us in our Chronological Bible readings. Please do share your insights or reflections or questions by clicking on the "Comments" link at the bottom of each daily posting at: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com and/or www.facebook.com/ChronologicalBible

I am excited that there are 800+ of us on this journey together through the Chronological Bible! Please contact me as any questions come up. Until next week's email!

God bless,
Mike
mike@oneyearbibleblog.com

p.s. If you would consider praying for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry when you think of it, I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. Would you consider praying for this ministry on a regular basis? Maybe even once a week when you receive this email? This ministry is in its 8th year in 2011. Your partnership of prayer in this ministry will help bring more people worldwide into the joy and transformation of heart that takes place by reading and studying God's Word every day. Thank you so very much for your prayers. I truly mean it - thank you.
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