DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

Too Silly For A Funeral, Too Serious For A Party

March 28   God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness         Gen. 1:4 No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever. We should by our distinct separation from the world divide the light from the darkness. In our judgment, in our action, in our hearing, in our teaching, in our association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day. O Lord Jesus, be Thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for Thy light is the light of men. Spurgeon Hardman, Samuel G., and Dw...

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016 | EASTER EASTER DAY EARLY SERVICE Use one of the Old Testament Lessons from the Vigil with the following lessons. YEARS ABC On the same date: Easter Day, Principal Service; Easter Day, Evening Service              Psalm       Psalm 114               New Testament       Romans 6:3–11              Gospel       Matthew 28:1–10 The Episcopal Church . Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010. Print.

EASTER DAY PRINCIPAL SERVICE YEAR C On the same date: Easter Day, Early Service; Easter Day, Evening Service              Psalm       Psalm 118:14–29 or Psalm 118:14–17, 22–24              First Reading       Acts 10:34–43 or Isaiah 51:9–11               Second Reading       Colossians 3:1–4 or Acts 10:34–43               Gospel       Luke 24:1–10 The Episcopal Church . Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010. Print.

March 26   I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do         John 17:4 Was the work of the Master indeed done? Was not its heaviest task yet to come? He had not yet met the dread hour of death. Why did He say that His work was done? It was because He knew that, when the will is given, the battle is ended. He was only in the shadows of the garden; but to conquer these shadows was all ready to conquer all. He who has willed to die has already triumphed over death. All that remains to Him is but the outer husk, the shell. The cup which our Father giveth us to drink is a cup for the will. It is easy for the lips to drain it when once the heart has accepted it. Not on the heights of Calvary, but in the shadows of Gethsemane is the cup presented; the act is easy after the choice. The real battlefield is in the silence of the spirit. Conquer there, and thou art crowned. George Matheson Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts...

Forgiveness and Pardon Isaiah 55:6–7 Excerpt It is in the free pardon that God offers the wicked that the sharpest difference between God’s thoughts and our thoughts are seen. We feel anger and outrage and call for revenge. God feels compassion and love and extends mercy. Thus, God’s word is gentle and life–giving; in Isaiah’s analogy, like the gentle rain that waters the earth and causes life to spring up. What a warm and wonderful view of God ( v. Isa. 55:10 ). Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

Be Encouraged Excerpt Paul’s stated purpose was that they might be encouraged in heart and united in love. Confidence and strength of conviction, as well as cohesive unity, yield a full understanding of the truth. There is no full knowledge apart from moral commitment. Complete understanding(syneseōs, “insight” ) results from complete yielding. And this understanding is Christocentric. This insight into God’s ways enables believers to know (epignōsin) Christ fully. Christ, as the true mystery of God, reveals God to man (cf. John 1:18 ; Heb. 1:2-3 ). For in Him are hidden (cf. Col. 1:26) all the treasures of wisdom (sophia, cf. 1:9 ) and knowledge. Knowledge is the apprehension of truth; wisdom is its application to life. Knowledge is prudent judgment and wisdom are both prudent action. Both are found in Christ ( cf . Rom. 11:33 ; 1 Cor. 12:8 ) whose wisdom is foolishness to the world ( 1 Cor. 1:21-25 ), but who is the power of God by which a believer receives “righteousness, holiness,...

Pontius Pilate Inscription ‎ Chiseled in Latin, this limestone block was discovered by a group of Italian archaeologists during excavations in Caesarea in 1961. Inscribed by Pontius Pilate, prefect (governor) of Judea, for the dedication of an amphitheater to Tiberius Caesar between 26–32 AD and currently in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, it is the only known occurrence of an ancient inscription with the name Pontius Pilate.

The Spirit and the Son at Creation Genesis 1:2 Excerpt At the beginning of Creation Week, the earth was “empty, a formless mass.” There previous was soil and water but no light. The Holy Spirit was “hovering over” this newly created world. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, may be best known for his appearance at Pentecost ( Acts 2 ), but he made his grand entrance here, at the very beginning of Creation. We read elsewhere that Jesus, Son of God and second person of the Trinity, took part in Creation as well ( John 1:1–3 ; Col. 1:16 ; Heb. 1:2 ). Willmington, H. L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997. Print.

Ring ‎Rings were often decorated with mythological motifs, or other scenes important to the owner. This ring depicts an animal battling a scorpion that afflicts so much pain. Perhaps this victory over danger is that was constantly looming was important to the owner of this ring. ‎Gen 41:42 ; Esther 3:12 ;  Esther  8:8 ,  Esther  8:10 ; Job 42:11 ; Isa 3:21 ; James 2:2

The Brazen Sea ‎The brazen sea was a huge bronze basin with a diameter of about 5 m. At the beginning, it was put on twelve oxen, but they were removed later. In the Near East, there are several parallels for such basins that represent the freshwater subterraneous ocean. In erecting such a basin in the temple, it was made clear that the god worshiped here is lord over the freshwater, and thus, he is the one providing people with water and fertility. ‎1 Kings 7:23–26 ; 2 Kings 16:17

Mt Carmel southern end

March 25   Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ         Gal. 6:2 By lifting the burdens of others we lose our own. Selected Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts for the Quiet Hour . Willow Grove, PA: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing, 1997. Print.

March 25th The most delicate mission on earth The friend of the Bridegroom. John 3:29. Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not God's holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection and lead souls away into side-eddies. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him; he will leave the impression— ‘What a fine character that man is!’ —that is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not. In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey, the only thing to do is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, to see that nothing in...

Morning, March 25       Go To Evening Reading           “Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?”           — Luke 22:48 “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Let me be on my guard when the world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it did my Master, with a kiss. Whenever a man is about to stab religion, he usually professes very great reverence for it. Let me beware of the sleek-faced hypocrisy which is armour-bearer to heresy and infidelity. Knowing the deceivableness of unrighteousness, let me be wise as a serpent to detect and avoid the designs of the enemy. The young man, void of understanding, was led astray by the kiss of the strange woman: may my soul be so graciously instructed all this day, that “the much fair speech” of the world may have no effect regarding me. Holy Spirit, let me not, a poor frail son of man, be betrayed with a kiss! But what if I should...

March 25: Thoughtless Iconoclasm Numbers 29:1–40 ; 1 Corinthians 11:17–12:11 ; Psalm 24:1–10 When we learn something new about life and faith, it’s tempting to use our knowledge and freedom to tear down religious constructs and artifices—exposing the truth in a way that’s not helpful or edifying. If we’re honest, pushing boundaries and living edgy and unfettered gives us a rush. Paul warns the Corinthian Christians against this attitude: “All things are permitted, but not all things are profitable. All things are permitted, but not all things build up” ( 1 Cor 10:23 ). Paul sets up a contrast, juxtaposing the clauses to set apart what should really be the focus of the Corinthians. Paul stresses that instead of flaunting freedom, we should be focused on what is helpful and constructive for the community. Seeking the good of the other person should be our first reflex. And it’s not simply limited to the Christian community. Paul states: “Therefore, whether you eat or you dri...

March 25   Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ         Gal. 6:2 By lifting the burdens of others we lose our own. Selected Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts for the Quiet Hour. Willow Grove, PA: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing, 1997. Print.

Capernaum Synagogue, Limestone Wall A fourth-century AD synagogue in Capernaum, built from limestone hauled from many miles away.

True Service Philippians 2:7 Excerpt Thinking of “others” in an abstract sense only is insufficient; we must get down to the nitty-gritty of true service. A famous philosopher wrote glowing words about educating children but abandoned his own. It was easy for him to love children in the abstract, but when it came down to practice, that was something else. Jesus thought of others and became a servant!Paul traces the steps in the humiliation of Christ: (1) He emptied Himself, laying aside the independent use of His own attributes as God; (2) He permanently became a human, in a sinless physical body; (3) He used that body to be a servant; (4) He took that body to the cross and willingly died. Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.

Inn of the Good Samaritan ‎Whoever makes the journey from Jerusalem to Jericho finds the words of our Lord, again,and again, recurring to his mind: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves.” One passes, in going eastward, directly between rugged hills, “sad and silent heights” of white rock now and then relieved by a curious rose-colored stratum with stripes of green on the terraces where shepherds watched their flocks of sheep and goats. Jericho lies thirty-six hundred feet below Jerusalem so that the eastward journey is a literal “going down to Jericho.” The sudden appearance of the head or spear of a Bedouin above a pile of rock or the unsuspected encounter with a group of horsemen reminds one of the man of the parable “who fell among thieves.” The Jericho road has been the dread of travelers for twenty centuries because of the lawless Arabs that infest these hills, making their strongholds, as David was obliged to do, in the caves ...

Until the Day of Christ Jesus Philippians 1:6 Excerpt Paul expressed the confidence that the growth would take place “until the day of Christ Jesus.” He glanced backward to their salvation and forward to the completion of their character when the Lord returns. No doubt the reference to the “day of Christ Jesus” is the “day of the Lord” so common in the Old Testament ( Joel 2:1 ; Amos 5:20 ). The question is why the end times were included at this point. Although Paul could have thought in terms of the imminent coming of the Lord, he also was more aware of a delay than earlier in his ministry. Paul’s use of the phrase “until the day” actually called to mind the consummation of the present age. It was Paul’s way of making two emphases: sanctification was an ongoing process and the process would continue to the end of the age. At that time, the believers would be complete in character. They needed not to fear the judgment which characterized that day. Melick, Richard R. Philippians , ...

The Spirit Descends Upon the Gentiles ‎ The three men who sought Peter were messengers from Cornelius, a Roman Centurion of Cæsarea. Cornelius, a good and high-hearted man, had long prayed to God in ignorance, till at length an angel had come to him, revealing that this Peter, who was to be found in Joppa, would teach him all he desired to know of God. Hence,Cornelius sent the messengers; and Peter by divine command went with them to Cæsarea. where the Centurion had gathered all his friends to listen to the promised revelation. ‎When Peter came, Cornelius would have worshipped him; but Peter checked him: “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” And now the meaning of his own vision became clear to Peter. The Jews had always despised other races as being “unclean” ; yet since God had commanded Peter to come to these men, they could not be unclean; they also were “chosen of God.” At once the marvel of the future spread itself before the Apostle; he understood all the Faith would ...

March 24   She took for him an ark of bulrushes … and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink         Exod. 2:3 The mother of Moses laid the ark in the flags by the river’s brink. Aye, but before doing so, she laid it on the heart of God! She could not have laid it so courageously upon the Nile if she had not first devoutly laid it upon the care and love of God. We are often surprised at the outward calmness of men who are called upon to do unpleasant and most trying deeds; but could we have seen them in secret, we should have known the moral preparation which they underwent before coming out to be seen by men. Be right in the sanctuary, if you would be right in the market place. Be steadfast in prayer if you would be calm in affliction. Start your race from the throne of God itself, if you would run well, and win the prize. Joseph Parker Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts for the Quiet Hour. Willow Grove, PA: ...

March 23rd Am I carnally minded? Whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal? 1 Cor. 3:3 . No natural man knows anything about carnality. The flesh lusting against the Spirit that came in at regeneration, and the Spirit lusting against the flesh, produces carnality. “Walk in the Spirit,” says Paul, “and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh” ; and carnality will disappear. Are you contentious, easily troubled about trifles? ‘Oh, but no one who is a Christian ever is!’ Paul says they are, he connects these things with carnality. Is there a truth in the Bible that instantly awakens petulance in you? That is a proof that you are yet carnal. If sanctification is being worked out, there is no trace of that spirit left. If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He does not ask you to put it right; He asks you to accept the light, and He will put it right. A child of the light confesses instantly and stands bared before God...

March 23   See then that ye walk circumspectly         Eph. 5:15 There is no such thing as negative influence. We are all positive in the place we occupy, making the world better or making it worse. T. DeWitt Talmage Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts for the Quiet Hour. Willow Grove, PA: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing, 1997. Print.

March 22: Forsaken to Delight Numbers 26:1–65 ; 1 Corinthians 8:1–9:27 ; Psalm 22:1–13 “My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you far from helping me, far from the words of my groaning?” ( Psa 22:1 ). These are some of the darkest words in Scripture. It’s almost painful to speak them, to imagine a feeling of complete abandonment by God. These are also the words we hear Jesus say when He is hanging from the cross ( Matt 27:46 ). When He utters them, He makes Himself one with this ultimate sufferer, this true lamenter, in Psa 22 . He is essentially saying, “I am He: the one who has suffered the most for God’s cause and thus knows what it means to be human.” The plea in this psalm becomes even sadder, but then it is followed by a surprising affirmation of complete faithfulness in God: “O my God, I call by day and you do not answer, and by night but I have no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” ( Psa 22:2–3 ). The very nature of crying out to ...

Morning, March 22       Go To Evening Reading          “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed.”            — Matthew 26:39 There are several instructive features in our Saviour’s prayer in his hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from his three favoured disciples. Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s. It was humble prayer. Luke says he knelt, but another evangelist says he “fell on his face.” Where, then, must be THY place, thou humble servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover thy head! Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that he may exalt us...

Pass From Death to Life Excerpt This is a spiritual resurrection (see Eph. 2:1–3 ) and takes place when sinners hear the Word and believe. The man Christ healed was really a living dead man. When he heard the Word and believed, he was given new life in his body. Christ has life in Himself, for Christ is “the Life” ( 14:6 ) and therefore can give life to others. Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.

The Presence of God Psalm 139:7 Excerpt God’s manifestation of his spiritual being. Since God is a spirit every believer experience him by sensing his invisible presence. God also makes himself known in other ways. He appears in nature, particularly in catastrophic forces—fire, lightning, and earthquake ( 1 Kgs 19:11–13 ). He also appears in human form ( Gn 18 ; 32:22–32 ). So God, who cannot be seen, has chosen ways to reveal himself. Elwell, Walter A., and Philip Wesley Comfort. Tyndale Bible dictionary 2001 : 1071. Print. Tyndale Reference Library.

The Nature of Christ Philippians 2:6 Excerpt The word translated nature (morphē) in verses 6 and 7 is a crucial term in this passage. This word (trans. “form” in theKJVand NASB) stresses the inner essence or reality of that with which it is associated (cf. Mark 16:12 ). Christ Jesus, Paul said, is of the very essence (morphē) of God, and in His incarnation He embraced perfect humanity. His complete and absolute deity is here carefully stressed by the apostle. The Savior’s claim to deity infuriated the Jewish leaders (John 5:18 ) and caused them to accuse Him of blasphemy (John 10:33 ). Though possessing full deity (John 1:14 ; Col. 2:9 ), Christ did not consider His equality with God (Phil. 2:6 ) as something to be grasped or held onto. In other words, Christ did not hesitate to set aside His self-willed use of deity when He became a man. As God, He had all the rights of deity, and yet during His incarnate state He surrendered His right to manifest Himself visibly as the God of all ...

The Fall of Jericho Excerpt ‎The fall of Jericho detailed in Josh 6 represents one of the most contested subjects for those studying the history and archaeology of the biblical world. Since the 1950s, a debate has centered on the question of whether the archaeology of Jericho confirms or invalidates the biblical story. Many today opt for the latter for several reasons. If the biblical chronology is taken at face value, then the exodus from Egypt occurred in 1446 bc. Forty years of wandering in the wilderness followed, placing Joshua’s attack on Jericho at approximately 1400 bc. Many believe the archaeological record shows that Jericho was destroyed ca. 1550–1500 bc, meaning that there was no city for the biblical Joshua to attack. … Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012. Print.

Behold the Lamb of God Excerpt And steadfastly regarding (see Mark. 10:21 , 27 ; Luke 20:17 ; 22:61 )—with eager and penetrating glance, as though something might be learned from his slightest movements—Jesus as he walked; “walked,” not towards John, as on the previous day, but in some opposite direction. This implies that their relative functions were not identical, and not to be confounded. This is the last time when the Baptist and the Christ were together, and the sublime meekness of John and his surrender of all primary claims to deference throw light on the unspeakable and gentle dignity of Jesus. He saith, Behold the Lamb of God. The simple phrase, without further exposition, implies that he was recalling to their minds the mighty appellation which he had bestowed upon the Saviour on the previous day, with all the additional interpretation of the term with which it had then been accompanied. The brevity of the cry here marks the emphasis which it bore, and the rich as...

Bethany Luke 19:29 Excerpt Village on the eastern slope of the Mt of Olives about a mile and a half (2.4 kilometers) east of Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples sometimes stayed in Bethany when in Judea, as when they attended temple observances during Passover ( Mt 21:17 ; Mk 11:11 ). Jesus was eating at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany when a woman came and anointed his head with costly perfume ( Mt 26:6–13 ; Mk 14:3–9 ). Bethany was also the home of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead ( Jn 11:1 , 18 ). The village was near Bethphage on an approach to Jerusalem ( Mk 11:1 ; Lk 19:29 ) that Jesus followed in preparation for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In Bethany Jesus blessed his disciples after the resurrection and parted from them ( Lk 24:50 ). Today the town is called el-Azariyeh (the place of Lazarus). Elwell, Walter A., and Philip Wesley Comfort. Tyndale Bible dictionary 2001 : 162. Print. Tyndale Reference Library.

John 10:1-21 : Parable or Mashal? John 10:1–21 Excerpt I prefer, however, not to use the parabolic categories associated with Synoptic studies but rather to employ the Semitic designation of mashal. A mashal, or symbolic illustration, is a figurative text that can interweave as few or as many tangents and implications as are considered necessary by the writer or storyteller. Since the Hebrew term māšāl  has a considerable breadth of meaning, I believe such breadth adheres in the New Testament to such Greek terms as parabolē (“ parable,” which is not used in this Gospel ) and paroimia ( “image” or “figure,” see 10:6 ). Both of themeshalim (chaps. 10 ; 15 ) in John include tangential arguments and references, but in the shepherd mashal, the tangents are more developed than in the vine text. Yet it is important to note that despite the tangents here, the main direction of the mashal remains constant. The messianic figure here is Jesus who cares for his sheep like God does. But the...

March 22nd The burning heart Did not our heart burn within us? Luke 24:32 . We need to learn this secret of the burning heart. Suddenly Jesus appears to us, the fires are kindled, we have wonderful visions; then we have to learn to keep the secret of the burning heart that will go through anything. It is the dull, bald, dreary, commonplace day, with commonplace duties and people, that kills the burning heart unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus. Much of our distress as Christians comes not because of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test as to whether we ought to allow an emotion to have its way is to see what the outcome of the emotion will be. Push it to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something God would condemn, allow it no more way. But if it is an emotion kindled by the Spirit of God and you do not let that emotion have its right issue in your life, it will react on a lower ...

March 22   And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send         Exod. 4:13 It was a very grudging assent. It was as much as to say, “Since Thou art determined to send me and I must undertake the mission, then let it be so; but I would that it might have been another, and I go because I am compelled.” So often do we shrink back from the sacrifice or obligation to which God calls us, that we think we are going to our doom. We seek every reason for evading the divine will, little realizing that He is forcing us out from our quiet homes into a career which includes, among other things, the song of victory on the banks of the Red Sea; the two lonely sojourns for forty days in converse with God; the shining face; the vision of glory; the burial by the hand of Michael; and the supreme honor of standing beside the Lord on the Transfiguration mountain. F. B. Meyer Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thought...

Abraham Exemplifies Saving Faith James 2:20–24 Excerpt What do we learn about saving faith from Abraham? Abraham’s obedience demonstrated that his faith was of a dynamic, active nature. It produced an obedience and a trust so great he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac ( Gen. 22 ). This action pointed back to and demonstrated the validity of God’s earlier statement that Abraham’s faith was accepted in place of righteousness ( 15:6 ). Thus, by its very nature, Abraham’s faith produced righteous works so that works were an expression of his faith. In that sense, Abraham was justified by works: God’s claim that he was righteous and any claim Abraham might have made to having faith were indicated by Abraham’s acts. Thus, the kind of faith that justifies a person before God is a faith that expresses itself in works. Any “faith”  which is not accompanied by works is not a saving kind of faith. Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor B...

Baptism in the Great Commission Matthew 28:19 Excerpt Jesus’ Resurrection Command to Baptize Here we find the true basis of the church’s practice ( Mt 28:19 ). As already stated, the disciples stopped employing it, so it is here that we see the institution reconstituted as an ordinance based on the death and resurrection of Christ. It was no longer a forward-looking phenomenon but had now become a realized activity centering on the gospel message, certified by the risen Christ who is exalted to universal lordship. It also is an essential aspect of the disciplining activity, as seen in the use of the participle “baptizing” after the main verb “make disciples.” Finally, we might note that the act signifies the entrance of the believer “into” union with (literally “into the name of” ) the triune Godhead. Elwell, Walter A., and Philip Wesley Comfort. Tyndale Bible dictionary 2001: 145. Print. Tyndale Reference Library.

The Spirits in Prison Excerpt The “spirits in prison” are the fallen angels of Gen. 6 who consorted with the daughters of men, “going after strange flesh” as Jude 6–7 explains it. The word “prison” in 3:19 refers to the place of judgment mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4 , “chains of darkness.” It was this violation of God’s order that helped bring on the Flood, which explains why Peter mentions Noah. Note too that Peter’s theme is the subjection of angels to Christ (v. 22 ). These fallen angels were not subject to Him, and therefore, they were judged. Between His death and resurrection, Christ visited these angels in prison and announced His victory over Satan. The word “preached” in 3:19 means “to announce” and not “to preach the Gospel.” Jesus announced their doom and His victory over all angels and authorities. It is likely that at this time Christ “led captivity captive” ( Eph. 4:8 ), rescued godly souls dwelling in Hades ( see  Luke 16:19–31 ), and took them to heaven. ...

The Kingdom of Light Colossians 1:12 Excerpt The kingdom of light is here a synonym for “the kingdom of God,” with emphasis on “the light,” that is, God’s own life, which shines on God’s people. Bratcher, Robert G., and Eugene Albert Nida. A Handbook on Paul’s Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. New York: United Bible Societies, 1993. Print. UBS Handbook Series.

Christian Qualities Excerpt . Christian growth (vv. 5-7 ) results in spiritual effectiveness and productivity. The word possessing, ( hyparchōnta , lit . “possessing” ) emphasizes that these spiritual qualities “belong to” Christians. However, Christians are to do more than merely possess these virtues. Effective and productive spirituality comes as these qualities are held in increasing measure. There is to be a growth in grace. A believer who does not progress in these seven areas is ineffective(argues, “idle” or “useless” ) and unproductive (lit., “unfruitful”) in his knowledge (epignōsin, “full personal knowledge” ; cf. vv. 2-3 ; 2:20 ) of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many Christians know the Lord in salvation but lack the “fruit” of the Spirit and are not advancing spiritually. They remain “infants in Christ” ( 1 Cor. 3:1 ), still in need of spiritual “milk” ( Heb. 5:12-13 ). But as Peter urged, believers should “grow in the grace and knowledge (gnōsei) of our Lo...

Full Assurance of Faith Excerpt “Let us draw near” ( προσερχώμεθα ) is a liturgical phrase, denoting the approach of the people, after ceremonial atonement, to the earthly sanctuary ( cf . ver. 1 , τοὺς προσερχομένους ). We may now draw near to the very heavenly mercy-seat, without any sense of a bar to our doing so on the ground of consciousness of sin. In Christ, we are to see accomplished all that is needed for atonement. But there are conditions also required in ourselves, expressed first by the “true heart”, and the “fullness of faith” , and then by the clauses that follow. These clauses, like προσερχώμεθα , have a liturgical basis—that of the blood sprinkling (e.g. of the people with the blood of the covenant under Mount Sinai, ch. 9:19 , and of the priests on their consecration, Lev. 8:23 ) and of the ablutions before sacrificial service ( Lev. 8:6 ; 16:4 , 24 ; Exod. 30:39 ). Hence, these two participial clauses are not to be separated from each other and seem best to be ...

Sinai Symbolism: The Background of the Theological Significance of OT Religion in Hebrews Excerpt ‎Although the phrase ‘Mount Sinai’ does not appear in Hebrews 12:18–21 it is clear that the author describes the event of theophany at Sinai in Exodus 19:16–19 and the Deuteronomic description of theophany at Horeb. Although there is a little dispute about the identification of the location of Sinai and Horeb, it is generally viewed that both Sinai and Horeb are called the mountain of Yahweh referring to the same place. Some scholars distinguish between Exodus tradition and Sinai tradition, and the Sinai complex is understood as the result of several different traditions. However, the exact geographical location of the mountain and the historical origin of the Sinai tradition1 are of no interest here for the purpose of this study is to appreciate the theological symbolism of the Sinai event, and its contribution to understanding the religious significance of the OT figures and cult...

Trusting God’s Covenant Excerpt This is the first use of the word “covenant” in the Bible. The word appears often in Scripture because the covenant concept is an important part of God’s great plan of redemption. (God would explain His covenant to Noah after he left the ark; 8:20–9:17 .) A covenant is an agreement that involves obligations and benefits for the parties involved. In some of the covenants, God alone is the “covenant party” and makes unconditional promises to His people. But there were also covenants that required His people to fulfill certain conditions before God could bless them. More Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Basic. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1998. Print. “Be” Commentary Series.

Morning, March 28       Go To Evening Reading           “The love of Christ which passeth knowledge.”            — Ephesians 3:19 The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its faithfulness, passeth all human comprehension. Where shall language be found which shall describe his matchless, his unparalleled love towards the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow but skimmeth the water, and dives not into its depths, so all descriptive words but touch the surface, while depths immeasurable lie beneath. Well might the poet say,           “O love, thou fathomless abyss!”         for this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; none can attain unto it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand his previous glory in its height of majesty and his incarnation upon ...

March 21: Sins of Omission Numbers 24–25 ; 1 Corinthians 7:17–40 ; Psalm 21:1–13 There’s that moment when you’re asked to do something you know is wrong, but you feel like you should respond. It’s almost as fleeting as the decision to not stand up for what is right, even when no one asks for your opinion. Many wrongdoings occur in these moments—these chances for sins of omission. Being silent is as bad as committing the wrong action, which is why the American court system prosecutes all the people committing an armed robbery for murder when only one gunman pulls the trigger. Balaam, the prophet from Moab, had such an opportunity. After he was asked by Yahweh to bless the people of Israel—in opposition to his own king’s request ( Num 22:1–6 )—he could have done nothing at all. Or he could have made Yahweh like the gods of Moab—subjecting them to his will instead of their own—but he instead follows the orders of Yahweh and blesses the people of Israel ( Num 24:3–9 ). The psa...

Morning, March 21       Go To Evening Reading          “Ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone.”             — John 16:32 Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. The majority of the disciples were not sufficiently advanced in grace to be admitted to behold the mysteries of “the agony.” Occupied with the Passover Feast at their own houses, they represent the many who live upon the letter, but are mere babes as to the spirit of the gospel. To twelve, nay, to eleven only was the privilege given to enter Gethsemane and see “this great sight.” Out of the eleven, eight were left at a distance; they had fellowship, but not of that intimate sort to which men greatly beloved are admitted. Only three highly favoured ones could approach the veil of our Lord’s mysterious sorrow: within that veil even these must not intrude; a stone cast distance must be left between. He...

March 21st Interest or identification? I have been crucified with Christ. Gal. 2:20 . The imperative need spiritually is to sign the death-warrant of the disposition of sin, to turn all emotional impressions and intellectual beliefs into a moral verdict against the disposition of sin, viz., my claim to my right to myself. Paul says— “I have been crucified with Christ” ; he does not say, ‘I have determined to imitate Jesus Christ,’ or, ‘I will endeavour to follow Him,’ but, ‘I have been identified with Him in His death.’ When I come to such a moral decision and act upon it, then all that Christ wrought for me on the Cross is wrought in me. The free committal of myself to God gives the Holy Spirit the chance to impart to me the holiness of Jesus Christ. Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest : Selections for the Year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering, 1986. Print.

March 21   He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake         Ps. 23:3 He always has a purpose in His leading. He knows where the bits of green pasture are, and He would lead His flock to these. The way may be rough, but it is the right way to the pasture. “Paths of righteousness” may not be straight paths; but they are paths that lead somewhere—to the right place. Many desert paths are elusive. They start out clear and plain, but soon they are lost in the sands. They go nowhere. But the paths of righteousness have a goal to which they unerringly lead. J. R. Miller Hardman, Samuel G., and Dwight Lyman Moody. Thoughts for the Quiet Hour . Willow Grove, PA: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing, 1997. Print.

March 20 Lesson 3 STRUGGLING FAITH DEVOTIONAL READING: Jeremiah 3:12–18 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:26–31 , 66–72 MARK 14:26–31 , 66–72 26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou als...