Hi everyone, just curious! Are you finding the somewhat random selection of Bible Readings helpful (they are the assigned daily readings from the Canadian Bible Society), or would you prefer that we work through one Bible book at a time? I am thinking that it might be helpful to do it one book at a…
Apr 7 — Mark 11:1-19
SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:1-19 OBSERVATION: The colt of a donkey (Matthew 21:2). An unused animal was seen as especially suitable for religious purposes (Numbers 19:2). Notice that Jesus knew the colt would be there, and that the owner would allow Him to use it. Hosanna means “save”, an expression of praise and confidence. They seem to be quoting Psalm 118:25-26,…
Apr 6 — Isaiah 52:13-53:12
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 OBSERVATION: Another very clear picture of what kind of messiah God will send: unattractive, plain, poor, humble, meek, innocent, abused, murdered and ultimately restored. The messiah will suffer by God’s will for the sake of others’ sin. This seems to be a very obvious prophecy about what the messiah would be like, how…
Apr 5 — Isaiah 50:1-11
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 50:1-11 OBSERVATION: Speaking to captive Israel, God compares His letting Israel go to a divorce, necessary because of their ‘adulterous’ behavior with other lifestyles/religions (v.1) God has the power to save His people, but they have to be willing (vv.2-3). The messiah will be enabled to speak wisdom, and will endure abuse for God’s…
Apr 4 — Isaiah 49:1-21
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:1-21 OBSERVATION: A conversation between God and His messiah – He will be the Saviour of the world (v.6). The day is coming when kings will bow to the messiah, when the messiah will be a new covenant, will feed the masses, lead them through barren places, have compassion on them, especially the weak/needy…
Apr 3 — Isaiah 42:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 42:1-17 OBSERVATION: Description of God’s promised messiah (servant who will bring justice to the nations, vv.1-4). God reminds His people Who He is, assures them He will keep His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and bring blessing (light) to all people, especially the weak/needy. Isaiah urges people to praise the Lord because He will rise…
Celebrating pledges!
Amazing news. For the first time that I can remember, we have come to the end of the first quarter in the black! Your support of our new pledging model, and your faithful giving are much appreciated. We give thanks to the Lord for the $400+ surplus, and look forward to a continued year of…
Apr 2 — John 12:20-36
SCRIPTURE: John 12:20-36 OBSERVATION: The Greeks want to see Jesus, Jesus replies by speaking about dying to produce many seeds. The ‘many seeds’ refers to the many people (not just Jews) who will be saved by His death, the ‘all people’ He will draw to Himself. Jesus shows the high cost of following Him (vv.24-25), as…
Apr 1 — Isaiah 40:12-31
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:12-31 OBSERVATION: The basic message is, ‘how can you criticize or complain about Me, don’t You realize who I am?’ God made it all, in a way, with a wisdom and a power that far surpasses us. We have a lot of nerve to compare God to a statue, to reduce Him to our…
Mar 31 — 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 OBSERVATION: Paul is being criticized by certain people (possibly leaders) at the church in Corinth, accused of being in it only for their money, being materially and personally motivated. Paul argues that although he has the right to expect certain things, he didn’t claim those rights so as to not hinder the spread…