Bible Reading Plan: 10/4 to 10/10
Sorry for the delay... was finishing up my sermon yesterday morning.
Path 1: New Testament and Psalms
Acts 17–19: Paul proclaims Christ in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus. Responses range from eager examination of Scripture to philosophical curiosity and violent opposition. The gospel does not merely add another religious option. It confronts false worship, exposes idols, and begins reshaping communities as Christ’s kingdom advances through the preached Word.
The Bereans and Testing Doctrine: The Bereans are praised because they combine eagerness with discernment. They receive Paul’s teaching willingly, yet test it against Scripture. Biblical faith does not require unquestioning acceptance of teachers, traditions, or popular opinion as we learned the last two weeks. Christians should hear carefully, search the Scriptures faithfully, and judge every doctrine by God’s revealed Word.
Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History
Judges 20–21: Israel responds to the atrocity at Gibeah by waging war against Benjamin. Although justice is necessary, the conflict nearly destroys an entire tribe, and Israel’s attempts to repair the damage produce further moral disorder. Judges closes by repeating its central diagnosis: Israel has rejected faithful rule and everyone does what is right in his own eyes.
The Need for a Righteous King: Judges ends by showing that Israel’s problem is deeper than bad leadership or weak institutions. The nation needs a righteous king who will lead according to God’s covenant. Israel’s later kings only partially answer that need. The book ultimately points forward to Christ, the perfectly righteous King who rules His people in truth and justice.
Path 3: Old Testament Wisdom/Prophecy
Jeremiah 37–38: Jerusalem approaches destruction while King Zedekiah repeatedly seeks Jeremiah’s counsel but lacks the courage to obey it. Jeremiah is imprisoned and lowered into a cistern for faithfully declaring God’s word. Even during national crisis, God’s message remains unchanged: security is found through submission to Him, not through political maneuvering or fear of men.
Thank you, John, for your commitment to this. I often read straight from my email vs logging in. Do know that it is a valued connection to His word.
P.S. I miss Laura's visible enthusiasm when you created the paper highlights.