SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:35-50 OBSERVATION: Stephen is still defending himself against the charge of ”speaking against the holy place and against the law” (Acts 6:13). He shows that having the temple and the law are not the most important thing but humble, submissive hearts. Even Moses predicted Jesus’ coming, but the history of Israel shows how often people…
July 4 — Acts 7:17-34
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:17-34 OBSERVATION: Accused of ”speaking against the holy place and against the law” (Acts 6:13), Stephen now demonstrates that the people also misunderstood what God was doing in Moses day – just like the religious leaders in this passage. The religious leaders thought that they were loyal to Abraham and Moses, but onve again (as…
July 3 — Acts 7:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:1-16 OBSERVATION: Stephen has just been accused of “speaking against the holy place and against the law” (6:13). He responds by reminding them of Israel’s history, that God’s dealings with His people have not been based on holy observances or places, but on God’s promise and the peoples’ response. Abraham never even saw the…
July 2 — Acts 6:8-15
SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:8-15 OBSERVATION: It is not clear who the “synagogue of freedmen” were, but this account describes how opposition began against the early Christ-followers. Like Jesus, they were accused of being against the temple and the law (see Mark 14:57-64). Stephen is described as full of God’s grace and power, performing miracles (not bad for a…
July 1 — Acts 6:1-7
SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:1-7 OBSERVATION: Here we see leadership in action, addressing a concern with an innovative solution. This passage is generally see as the origin of the “deacon” (ie servants), assistants to the apostles/elders, making sure that the details of community life were not neglected. “Wait on tables” does not suggest that this is a lesser…
June 30 — Jude 1:17-25
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:17-25 OBSERVATION: Jude reminds these Christ-followers that there will always be “wolves in sheep’s clothing” among them, and that the best defense is establishing themselves in the their faith, in the Holy Spirit, in God’s love and mercy. And he urges them to show mercy to those who doubt, as well as the trouble-makers…
June 29 — Jude 1:11-16
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:11-16 OBSERVATION: Cain killed his brother out of pride and jealousy (Genesis 4). Balaam seduced God’s people to turn to idols (Numbers 31:15-18, a scary reading). Korah rebelled against God’s authority (Numbers 26:9-11). Jude levels a harsh rebuke against these dangerous “Christians” who will one day experience the “blackest darkness”. Jude quotes from a non-biblical text (First…
June 28 — Jude 1:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:1-10 OBSERVATION: Jude addresses a serious concern in this church: unconverted “Christians”, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who twist the message to justify their own greed and immorality. Jude shows that such people have plagued God’s people through the ages, and that the outcome is the same for all of them – God will separate…
June 27 — Psalm 134
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 134 OBSERVATION: The songs of ascents have followed the pilgrims journey up the hills of Jerusalem, into the courts of the temple, and now into the sanctuary, where the temple servants do their work. This psalm encourages the “leaders” and “workers” in the Lord’s service to keep up their good work. Despite the challenges…
June 26 — Psalm 133
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133 OBSERVATION: David knew both the blessing of harmony and the pain of division. His own family was not living in unity (2 Samuel 13:1,14-15,21-22). David recalls the ordination oil dripping down gently over the 12 stones of the priestly breastplate as a symbol of the Spirit bathing God’s people in love and unity. Or the gentle…