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September 30 - October 6, 2018

9/30/2018

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DAILY BIBLE READING for Week of September 30 - October 6, 2018

9/30      Colossians 3,4 - In chapter 3 Paul speaks about keeping our thoughts on things above and be sure our Christian walk focuses on living the new life in our new man.  Paul also speaks of proper family relationships.  In chapter 4 Paul emphasizes the ministry of prayer and those who served with him.

10/1      Isaiah 56-60 - Isaiah speaks of the rewards of obedience to God in chapter 56.  In chapter 57 Isaiah speaks of God dwelling high and lifted up in eternity but He also delights in those who are contrite in spirit.  Chapter 58 starts concluding words of encouragement and teaching in this prophecy.  Isaiah speaks of showing mercy to the oppressed in chapter 58.  In chapter 59 Isaiah gives one of the clearest statements in the Bible about sin separating a sinner from God.  In chapter 60 Isaiah speaks of the glories in the Kingdom Age.

10/2      Isaiah 61-66 - Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 61 give the passage Jesus spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth where He separated the words that spoke of His first advent from those that speak of His second coming.  In chapter 62 Isaiah calls all believers to not keep silent in their prayers for Jerusalem.  Chapter 63 speaks of vengeance the Messiah will bring when He comes in judgment.  In chapter 64 Isaiah calls all so-called "righteousness" in sinners as being likened to "filthy rags."  Chapter 65 speaks of believers in the new heavens and earth not remembering what was in the past.  Chapter 66 closes with a rebuke of hypocrisy and joy that will be in Jerusalem in the kingdom.

10/3      1 Thessalonians 1,2 - In this letter Paul speaks about believers living godly lives in a pagan environment.  He applauded the believers with their faith, love, and hope in chapter 1.  In chapter 2 Paul spoke about the impact God's Word had on the believer's lives.

10/4      Jeremiah 1-3 - Jeremiah records prophecies the prophet will bring against Judah.  Jeremiah has often been called the "prophet of the heart."  In chapter 2 Jeremiah speaks of Judah forsaking the Lord who is the "fountain of living waters."  In chapter 3 Jeremiah speaks of the land as being polluted, yet God will give His shepherds to Judah who will seek to feed His sheep with knowledge and understanding.

10/5      Jeremiah 4-6 - Note in chapter 4 that the ways of the people have brought severe judgment on them.  In chapter 5 the message is that the sins of Judah have kept good things from them.  In chapter 6 Jeremiah focuses the people's attitude toward God's Word and encourages them to seek the old paths they used to walk in.

10/6      1 Thessalonians 3-5 - Paul emphasizes holy living in chapter 3.  In chapter 4 Paul assures the believers that those who have already died have already gone to be with the Lord and they will come with Him to call living believers to join them in the air.  In chapter 5 Paul speaks about the believer's conduct in light of the coming of Christ.
 

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September 23 - 29, 2018

9/23/2018

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DAILY BIBLE READING for Week of September 23-29, 2018

9/23      Isaiah 31-35 - In chapter 31 Isaiah warns the Jews not to go to Egypt to look for help.  In chapter 32 Isaiah gives a prophetic look at the coming of the Messiah as King when Israel will be a fruitful land.  Isaiah speaks in chapter 33 that Jerusalem will be delivered and people will see the King coming in all His beauty.  Chapter 34 speaks of judgment on all the nations and a preview of Armageddon is given.  In chapter 35 the prophecy is given that Israel will blossom and a highway of holiness will be in that land.

9/24      Philippians 3,4 - Chapter 3 is where Paul focuses on his own achievements and accomplishments as being worthless compared to the privilege of knowing Christ and sharing in the glory of His death and resurrection.  In chapter 4 Paul gives the classic teaching against anxiety and the blessing of unsurpassing peace that God gives to those who trust Him.

9/25      Isaiah 36-40 - In chapters 36-39 Isaiah records the events in King Hezekiah's day when Assyria threatened to attack Jerusalem; how God protected His people from invasion from Assyria, but then how Hezekiah reveals all of Jerusalem's riches to visiting officials from Babylon.  Chapter 40 looks to the future when Israel will be comforted and encouragement is given for believers to wait upon the Lord.

9/26      Isaiah 41-45 - God speaks against lifeless idols in chapter 41.  The Messiah (Christ) is seen as God's Servant in chapter 42 and Israel is promised full restoration in chapter 43.  The Spirit is promised in chapter 44 and in chapter 45 the Messiah will be recognized as Lord with every knee bowing before Him and every tongue confessing Him!

9/27      Colossian 1,2 - Paul emphasizes the superiority of Christ in all things in chapter 1.  In chapter 2 Paul warns the believers of submitting to regulations and traditions that hinder a believer from enjoying the freedom they have in Christ.

9/28      Isaiah 46-50 - Note the contrast between the animals that cannot move worthless idols with the truth that God will easily carry His people in chapter 46.  Promises of judgment will come against Babylon in chapter 47 and God promises to bless His people in chapter 48.  From chapter 49 through chapter 57 speaks of the Messiah as the Suffering Servant of the Lord.  In chapter 49 the Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and in chapter 50 the Messiah will face humiliation but will be sustained by the Lord.

9/29      Isaiah 51-55 - In chapter 51 God encourages those Jews who seek to be faithful to Him.  A vision of the kingdom age is given in chapter 52.  Chapter 53 has often been given the title of "The John 3 of the Old Testament."  Just as Christ's salvation is so clearly spoken of in  John 3 so Christ's work on the cross is clearly predicted in Isaiah 53.  Chapter 54 speaks of the time when Israel will be restored to her land.  In chapter 55 God gives one of His great invitations to all sinners who would seek Him for salvation.  Isaiah especially teaches that God's word will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.

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September 16 - 22, 2018

9/16/2018

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Daily Bible Reading for Week of September 16-22, 2018

9/16      Isaiah 6-10 - Chapter 6 provides the believer with one of the grandest passages to ponder on worshiping God and observing His splendor and recognizing one's own deplorable condition before Him.  Chapter 7 gives one of the great prophecies regarding the virgin birth of Christ.  Chapter 8 speaks of victory over Damascus and Samaria as they would seem to conquer Judah.  Chapter 9 presents one of the great prophetic passages as to who Christ is and what He would come to accomplish.  Chapter 10 speaks of the judgment promised Assyria for its attacks against God's people.

9/17      Isaiah 11-15 - Note the seven-fold description of the Holy Spirit given in the 2nd verse of chapter 11.  Chapter 12 gives a song of thanksgiving to God for His salvation.  Chapter 13 begins a series or prophecies against the many nations surrounding Judah:  Chapter 13 and 14 speak against Babylon.  Note in chapter 14 the five "I Will's" of Satan given in verses 14,15 (KJV/NKJVV).  Chapter 15 is a prophecy against Moab.

9/18      Ephesians 5,6 - The believer is called to imitate the Lord in all they do.  Paul gives a great presentation of the proper relationship a husband and wife should have together.  In chapter 6 Paul speaks of children urging their obedience to their parents and the parent's responsibility to raise their children properly.  Paul then closes the chapter with a description of the armor of God for every Christian.

9/19      Isaiah 16-20 - Chapter 16 continues the prophecy against Moab.  Chapter 17 speaks against Syria and then chapter 18 speaks against Ethiopia.  Chapter 19 starts with a prophecy against Egypt, but note the promise of restoring a right relationship between Assyria, Egypt, and Israel!  Chapter 20 speaks of the impending conquest of Egypt and Ethiopia.

9/20      Isaiah 21-25 - In chapter 21 God speaks to Moab to attack Babylon and then God speaks against Edom.  In chapter 22 presents a woeful prophecy against Jerusalem.  Chapter 23 is a prophecy against Tyre.  In chapter 24 God gives a future view of judgment, some of which is climaxed during the Tribulation.  Chapter 25 speaks of God's triumph during the kingdom age in the Millennium.

9/21      Philippians 1,2 - Philippians is a great letter urging the believer to joyfully live the life of Christ!  Paul reminds the believer to remember life is to be lived for Christ but death brings the joy of heaven!  In chapter 2 Paul gives one of the great doctrinal passages on the coming of Christ in His first advent as man, but His ultimate glory when all knees will bow and all tongues will confess Him as Lord!

9/22      Isaiah 26-30 - Chapter 26 starts with one of the great promises of peace for all those who would "keep their mind stayed upon" the Lord.  The prophecy of Israel's restoration is given in chapter 27.  Chapter 28 speaks against Ephraim (Israel).  In chapter 29 and 30 God speaks against Judah and warns against mere "lip service" to God.
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September 9 - 15, 2018

9/9/2018

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Daily Bible Reading for the Week of September 9-15, 2018

9/9      Galatians 5,6 - Paul encourages his readers to "stand fast in their liberty" and not to get entangled again in legalism!  He shows them in chapter 5 that the "fruit of the Spirit" is the character of Christ lived out in every believer without any "laws" or "regulations" attached to it!  In chapter 6 Paul speaks about our care of other believers, those who fall into sin and those who are about to fall under their load of responsibility.  We are to do good to all people, especially to those who are believers.

9/10     Ecclesiastes 9-12 - In the closing chapters of this book, Solomon reminds everyone that death is certain for all.  He warns them against carelessness in their lives for a little folly can spoil much good.  He closes his book with the importance of giving God first place in your life as a young person while you still have time to fulfill the "whole duty of man" which is to fear God and obey His commandments.

9/11     Song of Solomon 1-4 - This "song" is a portrait of the love a godly couple should have for one another.  It has often been used to illustrate the love Christ has for His Church, which is His bride.  Tender love and continuous care for each other are the characteristics of a loving couple.  

9/12     Ephesians 1,2 - In Ephesians Paul speaks to believers everywhere about the Body of Christ, the true Church.  In chapter 1 he emphasizes the complete provision God has made for every believer to live a heavenly life on this earth.  In chapter 2 he reminds believers that they were once "dead" in sin, but made alive by the Gospel of the Grace of God.

9/13     Song of Solomon 5-8 - There are times of separation a couple must endure, but their ultimate reunion and marriage are the joy of their lives.  There is a sense of a "gap" in their standing, the bride and her Beloved.  This speaks easily of the Glorious Groom, Jesus, and His bride, who is made up of "sinners saved by grace."  Christ's love for His believers is the love of God for His Bride!

9/14     Isaiah 1-5 - Isaiah is the book written by the man of the same name who was one of God's "Great Prophets" who ministered in the days just before Judah would be invaded by the Babylonians and taken into captivity.  In these early chapter Isaiah warns the Jews that God is not at all pleased with their practice of religion.  He wants His people to really love Him and follow Him.  Isaiah also begins to give a beautiful picture of the future Kingdom of God on this earth.  This book is one of the great books of the Bible to study carefully and seek to see God's love for His people and His desire to see them love Him in return.

9/15     Ephesians 3,4 - In chapter 3 Paul speaks about the "mystery" the God revealed to him, how God was bringing saved Jews and Gentiles alike into one Body, which would be the Body of Christ on this earth.  Paul encourages believers, in chapter 4, to live in such a way that their life would reflect glory on the Lord.  He also spoke of the leadership in the Church was to equip all believers to be involved in ministry, to one another, and to the world around them.

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September 2 - 8, 2018

9/2/2018

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Daily Bible Reading for the Week of September 1-8, 2018

9/2      Proverbs 18-21 - Chapter 18 reminds us to listen carefully before we respond; to appreciate the mate "wife", verse 22, the Lord has given; and to realize the importance of being a friend to our friends.  Chapter 19 speaks of not blaming God for the results of our careless living.  We are told to discipline our children while there is time for them to profit from it.  Chapter 20 tells us that a man who lives honestly will be a blessing to his children.  Chapter 21 helps us realize that God is in control of the thoughts and actions of rulers.  We're also told to keep ourselves out of trouble by guarding our tongues.

9/3      Galatians 1,2 - Paul wrote Galatians with "rule-keeping forms of Christianity" in mind.  His overall emphasis is that we weren't saved by good works, and, therefore, our sanctification isn't earned by good works either.  Salvation and sanctification are both given on the basis of God's grace in our lives.  Good works in a Christian's life are the result of salvation, not the cause of it!  The same is true with our sanctification.  We yield to the control of the Holy Spirit and that brings good works in our lives.  We don't do good works in order to be controlled by the Spirit.

9/4      Proverbs 22-26 - Chapter 22 starts off by emphasizing our good reputation is something to be treasured.  Chapter 23 has a good warning against careless consumption of alcohol.  Chapter 24 reminds us not to take pleasure when wicked people get into trouble.  We should pray for them to learn the lessons God is teaching.  Chapter 25 gives us proverbs of Solomon that some of King Hezekiah's men copied.  Chapter 26 gives us in verses 4 and 5 two ways how to handle the folly of fools.  We're also taught not to give in to laziness.

9/5      Proverbs 27-31 - In chapter 27 we're reminded that we should live one day at a time.  In chapter 28 we're reminded that confession of sin is rewarded with God's mercy.  Chapter 29 starts out with a warning to respond positively to God's rebuke or else face judgment.  Chapter 30 are words of another godly poet, Agur.  His "two things" he desires in verses 7-9 are very important to consider.  Finally, in chapter 31, the Book of Proverbs ends with the recognition of the life of a godly woman. 

9/6      Galatians 3,4 - Paul's emphasis here is that the Old Testament Law made people aware of their sinful nature.  The Law could not change people's hearts.  Only God's Son could do that.  People needed to look forward to God's ultimate sacrifice to not only take away the sin of their lives, but to put to death the sinful nature in their lives.  

9/7      Ecclesiastes 1-4 - I've often been taught that Solomon wrote this book from the perspective of a man living his life according to the "natural man's" way of thinking.  Life can certainly seem pretty vain and worthless without recognizing God's plan in all He allows.  These opening chapters focus on "finding pleasure" and thinking that "time" brings all kinds of events to everybody. 

9/8      Ecclesiastes 5-8 - These chapters give good advice, such as not making promises you don't intend to keep, chapter 5, and in chapter 8, verse 11, the importance of implementiing penalties for crime promptly if you wish to see those penalties deter other people commiting the same crimes themselves. 

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Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church, 25 S. Black Horse Pike, Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059