Moses is saved from a death decreed by the Pharoah of Egypt--how? His mother, Jochabed, floats him in a basket on the Nile to the Pharoah's daughter, Moses is saved from a death decreed by the Pharoah of Egypt--how? His mother, Jochabed, floats him in a basket on the Nile to the Pharoah's daughter, who draws him out of the water--hence his name, Moses, 'drawn out'.
Moses grows up to prominence in Egypt, but then decides to fight for his people Israel and he kills a guard. He's wanted for murder and he flees to the desert--for 40 years.
He gets married, has two sons, and herds goats and sheep. Then God appears to him out of a burning bush and calls him to free Israel from slavery in Egypt. Off Moses goes to Egypt, where he announces the ten plagues, each of which humiliates an Egyptian god.
Finally, Israel is kicked out, complete with the wealth given to them by their neighbors. They march for six days and are trapped against the Red Sea. The Egyptian army is on the other side of a glowing cloud of the presence of God. Meanwhile, the Red Sea divides, the sea bed dries up overnight, and the 2.5 million Israelites cross on foot.
The fiery cloud of God's Presence withdraws and the Egyptian army pursues them into the Red Sea. God makes the chariots bog down and then the Red Sea returns and destroys all of Israel's enemies and slavers.
The end? Nope, that's less than half the book. Israel signs a marriage covenant with God, then breaks it, then gets sacrifices and has to build the Tabernacle. Then the book ends....more
Timothy Keller does another outstanding job of clarifying the mysterious book of Jonah. We all know the first half of the book: Jonah's told to go to Timothy Keller does another outstanding job of clarifying the mysterious book of Jonah. We all know the first half of the book: Jonah's told to go to Nineveh, capital of Assyria, Israel's enemy. He flees by boat to Spain, but get caught in a storm and thrown into the ocean, where he's swallowed by a great fish. He repents in the fishes belly, gets spit out, and goes to Nineveh.
The second half of the book isn't as well known. Nineveh repents wholesale and the Lord spares the city. Jonah sulks and awaits outside the city for its destruction. God gets his attention with a shade plant that grows in one day and covers him from the sun. Then God kills the plant and Jonah's nearly faint from heatstroke. He complains to God bitterly.
God then reasons with him, "If you care about this plant, which you didn't make and died in a day, shouldn't I care about this city of 120,000 and many animals too?" And that's the end of the book. Unresolved.
Mr. Keller shows the wonderful parallelism and structure of the book. He compares it to Jesus's parable of the prodigal son, with Jonah acting like both the sons. He shows why Jesus compared himself to Jonah and why Jonah acted as badly as he did. Then the book gets uncomfortable.
Timothy Keller closes the book with lessons every Christian should learn about how God works with us and with unbelievers and how we should behave to others as well....more
I just finished this today, Dec 31st and I so want to give it five stars. But I'm not sure it'll still be read in 50 years. That's my standard for 5 sI just finished this today, Dec 31st and I so want to give it five stars. But I'm not sure it'll still be read in 50 years. That's my standard for 5 stars--a book still sold and read after 50 years.
The structure of the books is simple. Timothy Keller and his wife have broken the 150 psalms in the Bible into 365 daily devotions. There is a short commentary and a prayer associated with each one.
The book can be used in several ways. I followed his suggestion of: 1) reading the psalm passage twice; 2) Adore: writing down what you adore about God because of the passage; 3) Admit: write down what you wish to confess to God about what fault comes to your mind; 4) Aspire: write down a resolution to change something about your life. I got better at this technique as I proceded through the year.
I have previously studied Psalms four or five times, even writing my own devotions about them but I still learned things about them and things about myself. I recommend this book for any Christian or Jew....more
James has been called the 'Proverbs of the New Testament'. Certainly, it covers many topics in short sections. The book addresses faith, works, the poJames has been called the 'Proverbs of the New Testament'. Certainly, it covers many topics in short sections. The book addresses faith, works, the power of the tongue, treatment of the poor and rich within the church and favoritism in general, parents and children, healing, and more.
In my re-reading this year, I learned that James, as the the half-brother of Jesus, includes much of Jesus' teaching from the sermon on the mount.
Every Christian and everyone interested in Christianity should read this book...more
Think of Acts as the Gospel--the Sequel. Luke wrote his gospel first and then the book of Acts. It is a dramatic and exciting history of the church frThink of Acts as the Gospel--the Sequel. Luke wrote his gospel first and then the book of Acts. It is a dramatic and exciting history of the church from about 30 AD to 62 AD or so.
The book picks up where Luke ends up--with Jesus ascending to heaven in front of the apostles. Jesus' last command was to wait ten days for the Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after the resurrection.
The apostles and disciples gathered for worship in an upper room in Jerusalem and then the Holy Spirit descended. They spoke in foreign languages and preached the gospel. Peter gave a sermon to the crowd and about 3,000 people were baptized as Christians that day.
Miracles followed the apostles. Peter healed a lame man and preached another sermon. 5,000 more people were baptized that day. Opposition to Christians increased. They were arrested and freed by an angel at night.
The first deacons were ordained and Stephen was martyred. Saul of Tarsus is introduced. Soon he goes to Damascus to persecute Christians there. Jesus meets him and he becomes a Christian and the apostle to the Gentiles. The rest of the book documents his work as an apostle to Gentiles, Paul's four trips to Cyprus, Asia Minor, Greece, Jerusalem, and Rome.
Highly recommended for Christians and non-Christians, Bible, and history students....more
A year or two after his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes his second one. It's shorter and of a different character. Paul doesn't have to sA year or two after his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes his second one. It's shorter and of a different character. Paul doesn't have to sternly correct the Corinthians; he praises them for their repentance and urges that the excommunicated man be welcomed back.
Paul provides instruction about the resurrection and the second coming and defends his apostolic authority against false apostles. Paul intends to visit them for the third time, but his arrest in Jerusalem prevents that....more
The apostle Paul gives a thorough breakdown of the need for salvation for Jews and Gentiles and how God achieves our salvation through Jesus Christ. TThe apostle Paul gives a thorough breakdown of the need for salvation for Jews and Gentiles and how God achieves our salvation through Jesus Christ. This occupies the first eleven chapters of the letter.
Then Paul goes into practical Christian living in chapters 12-15. He closes with many personal salutations and exhortations in chapter 16....more
Pastor Tony Sperandeo, of the Hamaayan Congregation in Israel, has done a great service by writing this book. It clarifies the relationship between IsPastor Tony Sperandeo, of the Hamaayan Congregation in Israel, has done a great service by writing this book. It clarifies the relationship between Israel and the Church. He shows how the Church came out of Israel and includes Gentiles, but does not replace Israel.
Pastor Sperandeo traces God's plan and purposes for Israel from His calling of Abraham in Genesis 12, to the return of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiach) in the book of Revelation. Bible believers will be satisfied to see so many prophecies fulfilled in Israel through the thousands of years of history and will eagerly anticipate the conclusion of the Bible, the salvation of the nation of Israel and the whole world....more
The gospel of John is distinctive first of all because it was written after all the other gospels, and likely after the death of all the other apostleThe gospel of John is distinctive first of all because it was written after all the other gospels, and likely after the death of all the other apostles. John lived a long time, into the 90s in age and the 90s of the first century. John knew of all the other gospels (Synoptic) that had been written by this time and at the request of his congregation (Ephesus), wrote his account of Jesus's life.
John seemed to consciously avoid the structures and themes of the other gospels. He covered Who Jesus was: the Son of God and the Creator of the universe. He organizes his gospel around seven miraculous signs that Jesus did.
John also uses Roman time conventions (the day starts at midnight) rather than the Jewish ones (the day starts at sunset). He clearly documents time order throughout his gospel, using various feasts of the Jews to time Jesus's ministry.
Finally, John records some of the most inspirational lectures by Jesus: His message on being born again to Nicodemus; His parable of the vine and the branches to the apostles, and His prayer for the apostles before His death.
John is my favorite gospel. I recommend you read it; it might become yours....more
The gospel of Luke has three unique features. First, the author Luke seeks to write a clear history of Jesus's ministry based upon his interviews withThe gospel of Luke has three unique features. First, the author Luke seeks to write a clear history of Jesus's ministry based upon his interviews with eyewitnesses. He uses Roman and Greek conventions in writing history and he cites clear dates and references.
Secondly, Luke by profession is a physician, as we learn in his later book, the book of Acts. His detailed observations of illnesses make Jesus's healing miracles all the more amazing. Luke is the only author who notes Peter cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant.
Thirdly, only Luke writes a sequel to his gospel, the book of Acts. The beginning of Acts dovetails well with Luke and carries on the history from Jesus's death and resurrection until about 62 AD.
If you like reading history or biographies, you'll enjoy reading Luke....more
Mark is the Cliff Notes version of Jesus's life, or a short punchy web article version. It's only sixteen chapters long, it reads quickly, and covers Mark is the Cliff Notes version of Jesus's life, or a short punchy web article version. It's only sixteen chapters long, it reads quickly, and covers all the essential points of the gospel.
Despite its brevity, it packs a punch. Many events happen 'quickly' or 'suddenly' and many people are astounded at the miracles Jesus does.
I recommend this book for first time Bible readers who want to start reading the Bible and don't know where to begin....more
Matthew gives great detail on Jesus's teaching and life. He's the only one who adds the detail about the 12-year-old Jesus going to the Temple and disMatthew gives great detail on Jesus's teaching and life. He's the only one who adds the detail about the 12-year-old Jesus going to the Temple and discussing the Bible with the elders and teachers there.
Only Matthew and Mark tell about the feeding of the 4000 in addition to the 5000. Also, Matthew has more of Jesus's parables than any other gospel.
The Good News Version of the Bible has great clarity and modern English understandability to it. However, if you're going to dig into doctrine and theology, skip this translation for in some places it wanders too far from the original Greek meaning to be reliable....more
Here is the last prophetic book of the Hebrew scriptures, also called the Old Testament. It's last in time order, just three hundred-odd years before Here is the last prophetic book of the Hebrew scriptures, also called the Old Testament. It's last in time order, just three hundred-odd years before the birth of Jesus.
In it, Malachi rebukes Israel for their complaining and lack of faithfulness to God. This is shown by them divorcing their wives and also failing to tithe to support the second Temple. Still, there were some faithful Jews who spoke of God to each other. God recognized them and promised He would protect them as His jewels.
Malachi is best known for his prophecy of John the Baptist, the first century AD prophet who came before Jesus. From Malachi 4:
5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
This is one of the prophecies of which the interpretation is not in doubt. Jesus Himself said John the Baptist fulfilled it.
Luke 7: (NIV)
24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’[b]
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Yet He also hinted there would be another Elijah to come.
Matthew 17: 10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished.
Did you catch that? Jesus said Elijah will come and also He said Elijah has already come. That implies two Elijahs at two times.
But we don't know who or when or where, so we don't know everything....more
Joel is another short (4 chapters) but powerful prophetic book. Set before either Israel or Judah had been carried away into captivity, the book beginJoel is another short (4 chapters) but powerful prophetic book. Set before either Israel or Judah had been carried away into captivity, the book begins with a vivid description of a locust plague and its effects on Israel and the land.
Joel seques this into a metaphor of a forthcoming invasion of Israel by armies. This was fulfilled first in 722 BC when Israel went into captivity in Assyria and then in 587 BC when Jerusalem was burnt and Judah taken to Babylon.
But Joel's not done yet. The prophecy continues into the end time when all the world suffers under curses, like the sun and moon not giving light. Then God intervenes and restores all....more
Another small, but powerful prophetic book from the Old Testament.
Micah is not really obscure when you consider some of its famous verses:
Micah 5:2 "BAnother small, but powerful prophetic book from the Old Testament.
Micah is not really obscure when you consider some of its famous verses:
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me, the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? 7:19 He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Here's a quick summary of the book:
Chapter 1 covers the coming disaster to Israel and Judah. Chapter 2 tells why God is punishing Israel, their many sins of violence, injustice, and oppression. He also prophesies against false prophets. But the chapter ends with the restoration of Israel. Chapter 3 castigates the rulers of Israel for their unjust rule. Chapter 4 foretells the future prosperity of Israel as the central nation of the world, ruled by God. Peace will be worldwide and no war will be taught. Israel and Judah will return from captivity. Chapter 5 prophesies the future Messiah to rule Israel and the world. It also foretells the punishment of Assyria, the nation that captured Israel. Chapter 6 God's complaint against Israel and what they should be doing. Chapter 7 Micah mourns because of Israel's sins and the sins of its rulers, bribery and corruption. The chapter transitions to Israel's repentance and God's forgiveness.
I highly recommend this book for Bible readers, those interested in prophecy, and those interested in Israel and its history....more
This most recent re-read of Jeremiah's book of Lamentations was by audio Bible, the Good News Translation. His descriptions of the seige of Jerusalem This most recent re-read of Jeremiah's book of Lamentations was by audio Bible, the Good News Translation. His descriptions of the seige of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people were more poignant than ever, vividly described.
Then a year later, 2021, I listened in New American Standard version, with the Bible Project commentary on Youtube.
Yet for all the suffering, the book contains hope. Some of the Bible's most famous verses are in chapter 3:22
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
I recommend the book for anyone who wants to know what a two-year siege is like, for anyone interested in Biblical history, and for those who need hope in their lives.
A word to the wise: a lamentation is a whole genre of Hebrew literature, the like of which doesn't exist in modern literature. The goal is to express one's grief over calamity without holding back....more
Lois Tverberg's second book was as good as her first, 'Sitting At the Feet of Rabbi Jesus'. In this book she explores what Jesus' sayings meant to firLois Tverberg's second book was as good as her first, 'Sitting At the Feet of Rabbi Jesus'. In this book she explores what Jesus' sayings meant to first century Jews and how we should hear them as Christians. Generally, I found the added meaning vastly increased the emotional impact of Jesus' words, their intensity, and importance.
Next, Ms. Tverberg explores what it meant to live by Jesus words as a first century rabbi. How did Jewish disciples follow their rabbis? Close enough that the dust from their feet covered them--hence the name of the book. The question I must face, and every Christian must, is 'How closely do I follow Jesus?'
Lois concludes her book with 'Studying the Word with Rabbi Jesus'. How did Jesus view scripture as a Jewish rabbi? How did His disciples view it as Jews? How should we view it as Christians? The quick answer is, far more seriously than we currently do.
Given that every human being is made in the image of God and we are to be like Christ in our deed sand words, this book will revolutionize Christian behavior....more
I learn something every time I read through the book of Proverbs. It's a collection of the wisdom of Solomon given to his son, presumably his heir RheI learn something every time I read through the book of Proverbs. It's a collection of the wisdom of Solomon given to his son, presumably his heir Rheaboam.
These proverbs are summarized as 'the fear of the Lord'. They come not only from Solomon's supernatural wisdom, but also from his mother (Bathsheba) and other wise people as well.
Solomon opens the book contrasting wisdom with folly. Wisdom is shown as a perfect woman and folly as an immoral woman. He then gives over twenty chapters of proverbs, about thirty per chapters.
One good way to study this book is to read a chapter per day. There are 31 chapters. Another is to read a verse per day and thin about it. There are an average of thirty verses per chapter.
I first read it at 19, knowing I lacked wisdom. My biggest takeaway then was, keep your mouth shut. It's still true today....more
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