52 Weeks in the Word

    Welcome to Week 46.  This week we will finish reading the Gospels.  You may have noticed the book of John includes a little more detail about some of the encounters than the other Gospels.  John was a little more direct when he had something to say, at least in his writings.   Thank you to all those who shared interesting ideas and thoughts on last week's reading.  This discussion has really enriched the reading for me.  Looking ahead to Week 46: The reading for Week 46 includes: John 20 - Acts 18.  A little background info on the book of Acts: The book of Acts begins where the book of Luke ends.  Same author as the book of Luke.  The events of the book begin with the 40 days following the resurrection of Jesus.  The book goes on to describe the quest of the Great Commission, requested by Jesus.  Acts is 28 chapters long, with half describing the ministry of Peter, and the second half describing the ministry of Pa...

    Welcome to Week 45.  The month of November has a way of moving ever-so-quickly, much like reading through Gospels.  Last week we finished reading the Gospel of Luke.  In that book, we were introduced to the 12 Apostles.  Before he selected the 12, Jesus went and prayed.  The book of Luke is the first place we see the term "Apostle" used, which means, "one who is sent out." Below are a couple of interesting highlights about 2 of the Apostles: Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was a disciple of John the Baptist.  He found and met Jesus, going back to his brother, Simon, telling him that they had found the Messiah!   Peter, also known as Simon Peter or Simon bar Jonah, was a fisherman, along with his brother Andrew, on the Sea of Galilea.  He is typically listed as the first disciple, perhaps because he declared his belief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  He was also the one who denied Jesus 3 times the nigh...

   It's Week 44!  Last week we finished reading Mark and began the book of Luke .  A few highlights from last week's reading: Luke 6:45b: "For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."   We also read the traditional Christmas reading from Luke this week. In Mark 14, Peter denies Jesus 3 three times after declaring he would die for Him.  It is another reminder that these 12 men Jesus selected to be his apostles were average, ordinary men.  They were not perfect and did not fully understand everything Jesus was teaching them.  They were a work in progress.  Not only did they not stand with Him at that moment, but after the crucifixion, they forgot about the resurrection.  When others came and told them they saw Christ after His death, many did not believe until they had that personal encounter with Christ afterwards.   In Mark 14:51, it talks about a "certain young man" how fled naked during the betrayal of Jesus ...

  Welcome to Week 43!  Look at that; less than 10 weeks of not only the year, but also until we finish reading through the Bible! The New Testament is going by quickly.  After talking to several of you this week, it is easy to see there was quite a bit in last week's reading.  Feel free to share your thoughts along the way.   This week we will finish the book of Mark and begin Luke.   Looking ahead to Week 43: The reading for Week 42 includes: Mark 8 - Luke 7. Just a few more facts about Mark for this week.  The Gospel of Mark is the shortest gospel, but is action-packed.  It's primary purpose is to present Jesus as the One who came to the world to serve, suffer, and give His life as a ransom for many.  The book's emphasis is on the acts of Jesus, showing that Jesus is both the Servant of God and Servant of mankind.   Looking at the geography of Mark, we have two different locations.  The Galilee region is where Jesus...

  !  Welcome to Week 42!  This week we will finish the book of Matthew and begin the book of Mark.  Did last week's reading seem to go by much quicker for you?  Compared to our reading in the Old Testament recently, The book of Matthew has gone by quickly, packed with an abundance of events!  Did you see all the references from the Old Testament already?  Reading the Old Testament can give us a greater appreciation for the New Testament, and what the people endured while they waited for the promised Messiah.  Looking ahead to Week 42: The reading for Week 42 includes: Matthew 16 - Mark 7. From last week's reading of Matthew, you may have noticed that the Gospel of Matthew bridges the Old Testament with the New Testament.  The main audience of Matthew was Jewish believers, familiar with history of Israel, their laws, customs, and promises.  Matthew was an eye witness to the events he recorded.  It is helpful if the reader of Matthew ...

Week 41!   This week we finish the Old Testament and begin the New Testament reading.  While reflecting on the Old Testament over the past 40 weeks, I can honestly say I've learned to appreciate and admire the prophets who stepped out and spoke when it really wasn't the popular or safest option to do so!  I now recognize several more instances where the Messiah was prophesized or referenced as well.  Understanding the lifestyle during the Old Testament helps when studying these Scriptures.  Even in the first chapter of Matthew, the author takes us through the genealogy of Christ, starting with the beginning of time, proving Scripture points back to Christ. Looking ahead to Week 41: The reading for Week 40 includes: Zechariah 11 - Matthew 15. The book of Malachi has 4 chapters and was written around 430 B.C.  We will read that God's people must serve Him carefully.  The Messiah, in the Old Testament time, was a promise of God. The book of Matthew i...