Assignment Seven - The Book of Romans

'The world does not consider labor a blessing, therefore it flees and hates it, but the pious who fear the Lord labor with a ready and cheerful heart, for they know God's command and will; they acknowledge his calling." - Martin Luther, 14-83 - 1546

This is a book that was also written by Paul. Its uniqueness stems from the fact that Paul wrote it to a church he had never personally visited. This is described as the best doctrinal book in the New Testament. A warning by Tim LaHaye: "Dong be surprised if you find yourself rereading some sections several times." It will probably be difficult to maintain a three-chapter-a-day reading program while reading the book of Romans. But you can try!

There are 16 chapters in the book of Romans. If we read only two per day, we may finish our assignment in good time, however if, on most days, we really attempt to read three chapters, we are free to do a good bit of rereading. :-)

May God continue to bless us in our reading.

The Book of Acts

(Print this assignment and put it in your notebook.)

This week we will read the Book of Acts. There are 28 Chapters.
Let's read four (4) chapters per day!
I know we can do it!
:-)

A friend gave me a devotional that I've used for years. Over and over. The book is called A Cup of Comfort Devotional, edited by James S. Bell and Stephen R. Clark. The title of yesterday's entry was Making the Menial Meaningful.

"I have given you an example to follow.
Do as I have done to you." John 13:15

What glory is there in cleaning up after your incontinent parent? What joy is to be found in washing sheets and pajamas after your sick child whimpers, "I couldn't make it to the bathroom, Mama"?

It takes a lot of motivation to cook yet another pot of soup to take to a family in crisis. Great determination is also required to do another load of laundry, while mountains of it stare you in the face.

I used to daydream of doing great things for Him. The Lord showed me, by the example of washing His disciples' dusty feet, that acts of kindness and service don't have to be big. They do have to be done with love and humility.

To make menial acts meaningful, I must see a purpose in doing them beyond pleasing myself. Understanding this now makes all the difference in the world in the way I approach serving others.

You serve Christ by serving others.

by Elaine Young McGuire

Let's make a pact to read four chapters of Acts each day this week.
In this way, we will have read all 28 chapters in one week.

To quote Tim LaHaye, "After completing Luke's Gospel, you will enjoy going right on with the story as Luke tells it in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. You will find it exciting to see how the Holy Spirit used the early Christians as they faithfully witnessed for Him throughout the then-known world." page 57.

The following statement is from my Study Bible:

"Physician Luke wrote this book as a sequel to his Gospel of Luke. Acts is an accurate historical record of the early church. But Acts is also a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organization, the implications of grace, and the law of love. And Acts is an apologetic work, building a strong case for the validity of Christ's claims and promises." --- Life Application Study Bible, NIV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Zondervn Publishing House 1993.

Have a great week!
kt

Wasn't I Being Optimistic?

"Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

There are twenty-four chapters in the book of Luke. If you've been able to read these twenty-four chapters in these seven days, you have my congratulations!!

At reading three chapters a day, that would mean an 8-day assignment. I'm not quite ready to leave Luke, as I've not finished in these past 7 days.

I'm going to propose, then, taking a second week to read Luke. This has been quite a busy week, and I'm behind in my reading. (This gives each of us a little more time to digest what we're reading. I may be slow this week, but I've been enjoying this slower pace.)

We will have a new assignment this coming Wednesday.
kt

Assignment Five - The Gospel Book of Luke

I'm a day late in posting! Our next assignment is to read the Gospel of Luke.

Using Tim LaHaye's words:

"Now it will be profitable to return to another of the Gospels of Christ, the book of Luke. This record of His life is the longest and most detailed; you will find things mentioned here that are not included elsewhere."

We will use this entire week to read the book of Luke. You may want to journal the things you've noticed (or that you think you've noticed) for the first time. I'm sure you're finding it valuable to journal as we study.

kt

More on Assignment Four

Again, this is from my own personal journal:

1 Thessalonians - These people had only just become Christians, due to Paul's earlier visit, and yet were remaining faithful to the Lord despite opposition and persecution. Paul expresses joy, due to a visit by Timothy, that the church is standing firm in their faith. Paul expresses encouragement for their continued growth and warns that they must be alert.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

2 Thessalonians - The parts of Paul's earlier letter, with regard to Christ's return, were misinterpreted by some of these young Christians. They took his coming as being imminent and had stopped working to wait. Paul's response, in this second letter, praises them, encourages them, and includes the following words at the end of his letter: "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you , brothers, never tire of doing what is right."

Assignment Four - Looking at the first four of Paul's Letters

This is from my personal journal. Please use this only as a guide.

In this posting, I would like to explain a bit of what I learned in the introduction to each of the first four letters. I would also like to include a quotation that struck a chord with me. You may have further insight and/or meaningful information. Please be encouraged to share your comments! Remember to click on "0 comments," type your comments in the dialog box and add your name or initials, copy the word verification, choose your identity ("anonymous"), and click "Publish your comment."

Galations - Paul wrote to refute extremists who taught the Gentile Christians that they must submit to Jewish laws and traditions as well as believe in Christ. Paul wrote to return all believers to the pure gospel. The Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike: We are saved by faith.
Galations 6:10 - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Ephesians - Paul had visited and taught in the church of Ephasis several times (once for 3 years). This letter is one of encouragement that they continue their good work according to what they have learned. Ephesians 3:12 - "In him (Jesus Christ) and through faith in him, we approach God with freedom and confidence."

Philippians - This is called Paul's Joy Letter. In comparing joy to happiness, joy runs deeper and stronger. It is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lifes. That He will be there, no matter what! Happiness depends upon external happenings; joy depends upon internal peace and in Christ's fulness. Philippians 2:10-11 - "I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until lnow, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ."

Colossians - Paul had never visited this church but wanted to confront false teachings and affirm the sufficiency of Christ. Paul teaches that Christ has paid for sin, has reconciled us to God, and gives us the pattern and power to grow spiritually. Portions of Colossians 3:12-17 - "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you might have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ...and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

More tomorrow. :-) kt