Lent Bible Reading Series Week 1

Lent Bible Reading Series  5 March 2014 to 20th April 2014 Week 1/7: by Major Kath Jones, Asst. Spiritual Life Development Secretary

Welcome to the Lent Bible Reading Series
by Major Kath Jones - Asst. Spiritual Life Development Secretary

 

Week one

Wednesday 5^th Ash Wednesday

Bible Reading – 1 Peter 1:3 -9

This is the first day of Lent 2014; Lent is a period of forty days concluding on Easter Sunday. During the forty days we will focus on Jesus as he journeyed to Jerusalem, to his crucifixion and resurrection. Many Christians find Lent a time when they come closer to God. It is also a time to share with others, by reading God’s word and praying together. Sharing in this way enriches fellowship, as we journey together.

Consider: Sharing this Lent period with a group of fellow travellers

Pray: Heavenly Father, as we begin our Lent journey today may you be our companion: guide our thinking and inspire our hearts through your son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Thursday 6^th

Bible Reading – Matthew 6: 5 – 15

The Lord’s Prayer will be very familiar to you, and probably you repeat this prayer from time to time in your devotions.

The Lent readings for this year are based on the Lord’s Prayer and we will consider a line of the prayer for each week of the next seven weeks. Martin Luther said that ‘a Christian has prayed abundantly who has rightly prayed the Lord’s Prayer.’

Consider: Think about Luther’s comment and discuss with others.

Pray: Repeat the Lord’s Prayer slowly and pause between each line.
 

Friday 7^th

Bible Reading – Luke 11: 1 – 13

Luke’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer is a little different to that in Matthew’s gospel. The context in which they are each set is also different. Matthew’s gospel includes the Lord’s Prayer within the teaching of Jesus known as the Sermon on the Mount. Whilst Luke, records the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus’ response to the disciples when they ask him to teach them to pray.  

Joanna Collicut, in her book ‘When you Pray’ says, ‘it was the practice of the early church to prepare candidates for baptism during Lent, and the Lord’s Prayer was the basis of instruction in the Christian faith’.

Consider: Was it Jesus’ intention that we recite the Lord’s Prayer as it is written or was he suggesting a pattern or an outline for prayer?

Saturday 8^th

Bible Reading – 2 Corinthians 13: 11 – 14

In neither Matthew nor Luke’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer is the phrase, ‘thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever’ included. This doxology or ending was added, it is thought by the apostles. It was first found in a document in the late first or early second century called the Didache meaning apostles teaching. Interestingly Paul in his letters adopted the custom of ending with a doxology, or final grace as in today’s reading. 

Sunday 9^th

Bible Reading - John 17

In today’s reading Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all believers. Jesus prays knowing that his arrest is imminent. Despite this his concern is for those he cares about. Within his prayers there are elements of the Lord’s Prayer. He prays that his Father is glorified on earth, that God gives the disciple’s his protective power from evil. That all believers will be brought to unity, an indication of the kingdom of God perhaps, and that none will be lost, an echo of lead us not into temptation! As we now begin to look at the Lord’s Prayer in detail, we will also see the significance the prayer has in relation to Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. 

Consider: Listening to a choral recording of the Lord’s Prayer 

Pray: Lord as we journey through this Lent period together may we know you more clearly, follow you more nearly and love you more dearly. Amen.

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge Week 52

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge 4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014 Week 52: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters

Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read the New Testament from beginning to end within one year,

reading just 5 chapters per week.

It’s the final week of our New Testament Bible Challenge...
...having read 27 books (260 chapters) in 52 weeks!

***Please let me know how you have managed with this challenge over the past year - it would be lovely to collate some real mini-testimonies or even just statements providing us with a realistic glimpse of the joys and difficulties you have faced - thank you! ***


Dear friends,

Well, we have finally reached the end of our 52-week long journey through the New Testament, and it has been a real joy and blessing for me personally to read through Scripture so methodically once again, this time with my kids, but it has also been fantastic to hear the wonderful testimonies from many of the folk who have joined in.

Please, if for any reason you have fallen behind the schedule, I just want to encourage you to carry on at your own pace and to get through to the end.

As we continue reading through the marvellous last book of the Bible, Revelation, you may notice some wonderful parallels to the first book of the Bible, Genesis:

 -       Genesis saw the creation of humankind within the perfect paradise of Eden
-       Revelation depicts the eternal paradise to come

-       Genesis tells us about how humankind was prohibited from eating from the tree of life (3:22-24)
-       Revelation describes how in our future that tree of life will be accessible to all of us in heaven (22:2)

-       Genesis introduces the devil, and how he tempts us into disobeying God (3:1-18)
-       Revelation describes the devil’s ultimate defeat and eternal punishment (20:10)

-       Genesis records the first sin, and all the sorrow, pain, and death that came as a result (ch3 – 4)
-       Revelation promises that in our heavenly and eternal future there will no longer be death, pain, or sorrow (21:4)


The Bible, from beginning to end, is one continuous story or salvation and redemption – God’s love for humankind and desire for us to be in an eternal relationship with Him.

As we read through even the more horrific parts of Revelation let us remember that God’s will is perfect, His judgements are just, His plan is being wonderfully fulfilled, and His promise is for sure. Trust in God, for the best is yet to come.

Monday, February 24, 2014 --- Revelation 18 --- The judgement of God finally falls upon Babylon and destroys it- Having read chapter 17 and now this chapter 18, are we any closer to identifying who or what Babylon is?

- Some have suggested Babylon is a person, or a kingdom, or a religion, or a centre of commerce...do we know for sure?

- If this prophecy is of a future event, is it possible that a future generation will know exactly what/who Babylon is and be able to identify it?

- What use is this chapter to us today?....Is there something which reminds/comforts/challenges you regarding God's character and sovereignty?


Tuesday, February 25, 2014 --- Revelation 19 --- Jesus Christ defeats the forces of evil at the battle of Armageddon

- v7, who is the bride of the Lamb?

- v9, if the Church (Christians taken in the Rapture prior to the tribulation) are the bride (see Ephesians 5:32 for example) then who are the guests being invited to the wedding supper?...those who place their faith in Jesus after the Rapture?

- v10, how important is this verse for those who would consider praying to angels?...what does this verse tell us about the deity of Jesus?

- v19&20, is the beast described as a person?...does the beast appear to have a significant influence?....how effective is his battle against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?


Wednesday, February 26, 2014 --- Revelation 20 --- The millennial Kingdom is followed by the great white throne judgment.- v1-6, some people suggest that there will not be a literal future thousand year reign of Jesus Christ. What do you think?

- v10, some people suggest there is no literal devil. What do you think?

- v11, some people suggest that there is no literal God, and therefore no personal judgement by Him that affects our place for eternity. What do you think?


Thursday, February 27, 2014 --- Revelation 21 --- Heaven is for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life- v1-5, some people suggest that through our own belief in action, social justice, and a spiritual evolution humankind will better itself and become ready for Jesus to return to rule and set up heaven on earth. Having read the book of Revelation up to this point, would you agree, or would you say that life will become harder, with more persecution and greater intolerance of Christianity until Jesus intervenes, rules for 1,000 years, and then after the final judgement a totally new heaven and earth replaces this one?

- v27, is your name written in the Lamb's book of life?
Friday, February 28, 2014 --- Revelation 22 --- “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”- v1-5, these verses give us a glimpse of the perfection of heaven...is it possible to know all that God has in store for us?....do you believe that the best is yet to come?

- v13, what impact does it have on our lives and perspectives today, to know that God is the beginning and the end of all things?

- v17, entry to heaven and access to the water of life and the tree of life is a free gift, bought by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) as He died for us. If we place our faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins and trust Him for our resurrection, our place in heaven is assured. Why do you think this free gift is so difficult for some to accept?

- v20, Are you ready for Jesus to come for His bride and for the events in Revelation to unfold?.....If you knew He were to come back sometime this year, how would your priorities change?

Hallelujah! - I hope you have enjoyed the journey - may God bless you as you spend time with Him and in Scripture.

Captain Phil Layton

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge Week 51

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge 4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014 Week 51: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters

Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read the New Testament from beginning to end within one year,

reading just 5 chapters per week.

We’ve nearly finished our New Testament Bible reading challenge...
...it’s week 51 and approaching the end of Revelation!

---

Great Expectations: Expect God to speak through the Scriptures, expect to learn new things about Him, and about ourselves, and expect to read and absorb some familiar stories and passages.

Top Tip!To get the most out of this challenge, start each daily reading with a short, simple, sincere prayer asking God to guide your thinking as you read. Then open the Bible and read slowly, with the aim of learning something new. After the reading, consider how it may affect your life and relationship with Jesus, and allow your increased knowledge of the Scriptures to shape your character and strengthen your trust in God.Take your time - enjoy this opportunity - and may God bless you as you embark upon this New Testament Bible Challenge.
Captain Phil Layton

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Monday, February 17, 2014 --- Revelation 13 --- We are introduced to ‘the Beast’ which waging war against God’s people- v1, having read this chapter....who is being described as 'the dragon'?

- v1, having read this chapter....what is being described as 'the beast'?

- v6, who are 'those who dwell in heaven'?....and why would the beast want to slander them?....could these be Christians who had previously been taken to heaven in the Rapture?

- v16-18, does this economic system sound plausible?...or does it mean something else?


Tuesday, February 18, 2014 --- Revelation 14 --- “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.”- v6, is this the ultimate fulfilment of the requirement for the Gospel being taken to every nation prior to Christ's return?

- v7, is this message from the angel a summary of the purpose of God's judgement, to turn people's hearts toward Him?


Wednesday, February 19, 2014 --- Revelation 15 --- Great and true are the ways of the Lord God Almighty!To listen to a Gospel Choir Song of worship (with lyrics provided) based on Revelation 15 click here , scroll down, and turn the volume up!

– words and sheet music is also freely available from this site!

Feedback always welcome :)
Thursday, February 20, 2014 --- Revelation 16 --- The seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured before Christ’s return- Having read the chapter, who would you say is in control of these judgements?

- What is the reaction of those in heaven?

- What is the reaction of those on earth?

- Imagine if you saw such things predicted in the Bible, and then witnessed them actually happen, would you curse the Judge or seek His mercy?


Friday, February 21, 2014 --- Revelation 17 --- An angel explains some of the imagery to John.

- The angel takes the step of explaining a lot of the imagery to John. Is this for his benefit? For our benefit? Or for the benefit of whatever generation will witness these things?

- In the plainest reading of Revelation during this past week, would you say it feels as if it is describing something that happened in the past, is happening now, will never happen, or is prophesied to happen in the future?

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge Week 50

New Testament Bible Reading Challenge 4 March 2013 to 28th February 2014 Week 50: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters

Welcome to The Salvation Army's Challenge to read the New Testament from beginning to end within one year,

reading just 5 chapters per week.

***New Resource Added Below***

We are now into Week 50 of our New Testament Bible challenge,
and reading through the final book of the Bible…Revelation!

---

Great Expectations: Expect God to speak through the Scriptures, expect to learn new things about Him, and about ourselves, and expect to read and absorb some familiar stories and passages.

Top Tip!To get the most out of this challenge, start each daily reading with a short, simple, sincere prayer asking God to guide your thinking as you read. Then open the Bible and read slowly, with the aim of learning something new. After the reading, consider how it may affect your life and relationship with Jesus, and allow your increased knowledge of the Scriptures to shape your character and strengthen your trust in God.Take your time - enjoy this opportunity - and may God bless you as you embark upon this New Testament Bible Challenge.
Captain Phil Layton

---

Monday, February 10, 2014 --- Revelation 8 --- The opening of the seventh seal, and the sounding of the first four trumpets.- v1, this time frame (half an hour) seems very specific. What do you think?...does it sound like this prophecy was given to symbolise something or was it to be taken literally?

- have you noticed that the number 7 occurs rather frequently?....why do you think this is?

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 --- Revelation 9 --- The fifth and sixth trumpets in heaven indicate bad news for those on earth.- v20 & 21, while the descriptions given in this chapter are very vivid and dramatic, with various attempts to interpret them, these closing 2 verses may nonetheless help explain the reason behind it all, and what these events are attempting to achieve. What do you think?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 --- Revelation 10 ---  “prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” (v11)- v11, does this one verse help us to know how to interpret the book of Revelation?...does it give us an idea of who the book affects and is talking about?....does it lead us to believe Revelation is just for the early Christians, or that it has a much wider relevance?....is it history or prophecy?

Thursday, February 13, 2014 --- Revelation 11 --- John is shown two witnesses who will testify, be killed, and be raised to life- v3-12, do these two witnesses sound like literal people/prophets, or do you think they symbolise something else?...

- v12, if these two witnesses are real people, does this verse act as yet another evidence toward the plausibility of a Rapture?

- v13, would you agree that the wrath/judgements of God are not intended to be sadistic, but to shake humankind's securities so that they will place their trust in God?

Friday, February 14, 2014 --- Revelation 12 --- Satan knows his time is running out, as he attacks those who trust in Jesus

- having read this chapter prayerfully try and answer the following questions to the best of your ability and instincts:
    - who is the dragon?
    - who is the male child born to the woman?
    - who is the woman with twelve stars on her head?