Are you ready for Leviticus?

Admit it, you’re tempted to read quickly through Leviticus, right? After all, guidelines for burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings don’t typically hold the God-exalting praise that you get from the Psalms, or the life application that you find in the epistles. So why should New Testament Christians read slowly through Leviticus?

The rules and steps outlining the sacrifice process may seem dull and unnecessary, but there are levels of richness in Leviticus for believers. As God details the ceremonies, ordination of priests, feasts, holy days, and more in this brief book, he shows us how he can be approached: in holiness, reverence, and care.

If you feel bogged down as you move through Leviticus in the next few weeks, couple it with its New Testament equivalent, Hebrews. The author of Hebrews shows us masterfully how Jesus is the new and greater Moses (chp 3), the new and greater sin offering (chps 9-10), the fulfillment of every feast and holy day (chp 8), the new and greater priest (chps 4-5), and ultimately our only access to God through holiness, reverence, and care (Hebrews 4:14-16).

In preparation for corporate worship tomorrow, walk slowly as you work through Leviticus 2. Notice the painstaking care of the grain offering, and prepare your heart to approach the assembly of the saints in the holiness of Christ, with reverence and care tomorrow.

From chapter 1 to chapter 8 a lot has taken place.  We have been introduced to Mordecai  and his cousin Esther, a beautiful young lady who has lost both her mother and father.   We have also been introduced to the villain, Haman.  Esther  thru a series of unlikely events wins the King’s heart and becomes Queen.  Haman, who hates the Jews with passion, gets the King to sign an order that the Jews will be destroyed on a certain date.  Mordecai challenges Esther to take a stand for her people with the words from chapter 4—“and who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”  And Esther does exactly that.  As we come to chapter 8, Esther has to take another step of  faith.  Haman’s plot and deception has been discovered, but the decree that was previously issued by the law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed.  So she ask the King to make another decree by which the Jews could fight for themselves and the King granted her request.

So what’s all of this mean for us today.  We continue to see God at work in the life of his people.  We continue to see God faithful to his promises.  Even though Haman (picture of Satan) sought to destroy God’s people, God had other plans.  Today, we can live in the promises of our God to know that he has plans for his people which includes you and me.  So let us be like Esther in accepting what challenges God has for us.  And maybe it can be said of us—“who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this!”

Point your kids in the right direction, and when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MSG

The map I was handed was passed down from generations. It was a dead end. And not just an end that didn’t lead anywhere, it led to death. I didn’t really know it at the time. (Thank you, God, for speaking into my life.) I feel really protective over my kids–I want to spare them of that legacy. So I study the Word. And I study people. I study them for how they live and how they love and how they give. I look at them to learn how they handle conflict and forgiveness, how they press on in trial. I watch how they serve, and who they serve. I take in as much as I can, and I sift through it. I try to imitate the good in them.

I know I don’t have it all together. But I know who does–the one who came to save me from certain death.

^2-5 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

^5-6 You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.

^7-10 Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. 1Thessalonians 1:2-10 MSG. Emphasis mine.

Lord, thank you for rescuing me from certain doom. Steel me up with your Spirit. I pray that my life honors you, and that my children will know you and seek you all the days of their lives.

Courtney (66books365)

Psalm 94 is the writer’s urgent appeal to God, calling on Him to avenge the wrongs suffered by His people at the hands of the ungodly. It is a model plea for help for all who are oppressed by ungodly leaders who abuse their power. In unjust suffering at the hands of evil people, Christians must always choose the right response. The proper reaction is found in Psalm 94. Here is the God honoring way to endure persecution. Christians live in a world that is increasingly hostile toward Christ Jesus and this psalm will become increasingly relevant and precious.

Some Christians are suffering by the evil ways of the ungodly what should they do? When attacked by evil people, Christians should pray to the Lord in their time of suffering. He alone pays back the injustice brought against them. He will avenge all wrongs imposed upon His people. God’s people should never get even in the same way they are attacked. Rather, than seek their own payback, even when they are experiencing personal attack, they should patiently wait on God, who promises to judge all evil. They must live in peace with all people, leaving room for God to show His intense anger against evil people. Better to suffer unjustly and wait for God to make right the wrong than to take matters into one’s own hands with worldly revenge knowing that one day God’s intense anger will settle all accounts.

Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven.
Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created. Psalm 119:89-90

If I am going to stand firm, the best place to stand is on God’s word. You know as I typed these words God brought to mind one of the names of Jesus that we prayed and it just so happens to be…”Word”. 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

I believe that Psalms 119:89 is not talking about the Bible, but about Jesus…the eternal word who became flesh and made His dwelling among us! We need to stand firm on the eternal Jesus who suffered and died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. 

God’s faithfulness manifested in the form of His Son and Jesus extends His hand to every generation of believers. We will endure forever and ever! Thank You Jesus! 

I am so excited to open my Bible right now and see what else God is going to reveal to me through our assignment, how about you??? We are going to be reading Galatians 1 – 3 today.

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 

All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.” Galatians 1:1-5 

“I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:12

Study Questions for Galatians 1

An Apostle Sent by the Risen Jesus (1-2)

Who is the sender of this letter? How did Paul identify himself? What did he mean by “not sent by men”? (2, 12) Who was with him? Who is the recipient? How did they hear the gospel? (11; 4:13; Acts 16:6, 18:23)

To Rescue Us From this Evil Age (3-5)

Where can we obtain grace and peace? Why list both, why that order, and what does this personally mean to you? How is Jesus identified? Who is Jesus to you? What did Jesus do for us? (4-5)

No Other Gospel (6-10)

What is the astonishing truth? How should this concern us?

What was the problem with the “new” truth? (7a) What is the motivation of the preachers of the “new” gospel? (7b)

What will happen to those who pervert the gospel? (8) What does “other than what you accepted” imply?

What does verse 10 indicate the motive of those who preached the “new” gospel? Why isn’t the world pleased with the gospel? What can we learn about being a man or woman of God?

They Praised God Because of Me (11-24)

What did Paul call the believers in Jesus in Galatia? What did he want them to know? How then did Paul learn of the gospel he preached? (12)

What can you learn about Paul’s way of life before he accepted Jesus and the gospel? (13; Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-2) What was he zealous for? (14) What was wrong with the traditions of his fathers? (Mark 7:6-8)

When did God set Paul, the persecutor of the church apart and how does this apply to you? (15) Why was God pleased to do this? (16a) What did Paul do immediately after Jesus visited him on the road to Damascus? (16b-17) Why might he do this?

After three years what did Paul do? (18-21) Did anyone in Judea know him personally before this? What report did the believing Jews know about Paul and how did they respond? (23-24) Have people recognized a change in you since you accepted Jesus and what was their response to it?

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:20-21

Study Questions for Galatians 2

Controversial Mission (1-10)

How long was it before Paul went to Jerusalem again? (1) What three reasons did he give for going there? (2) Why privately? What does “seemed to be leaders” imply to what was happening in the Jerusalem church?

What is interesting in the phrase “compelled to be circumcised”? What kind of brothers were among them and what they doing? (4) What does it mean “that the truth of the gospel might remain in you”?

What was impressive about the false brothers? (6) What really matters (7-8) What did James, Peter, John and Paul recognize? (9) While preaching the gospel what was Paul also asked to do?

Paul Opposes Peter (11-16)

Later, why did Paul oppose Peter? (11) Why did Peter draw back from eating with Gentiles? (12) What was the “circumcision group”? Why would they believe that Jews should not eat with Gentiles? (Matt. 9:10-11, 11:18-19; Jer. 16:8; Ez. 11:12)

How can a few false brothers affect even mature true bothers? (13) What can we learn? (Acts 20:29-31)

How did Paul get involve when he saw that the truth was being undermined? (14) What is the truth of faith in Jesus? (15-16)

Crucified with Christ (17-21)

What misconception about justification by faith did Paul counter in verse 17?

What was being referred to that could be rebuilt in verse 18?

What happens to a person who lives by the law? What good outcome can result?

When we accept Jesus what two things happen according to verse 20a? While in this body how are we to live? Why then should we not set aside the grace of God to start living by the law?

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:26-29

Study Questions for Galatians 3

Blessed Along with Abraham (1-9)

According to verse 1, what must we remembered so that we are not bewitched by preachers of the law? How is our faith in Jesus and his power confirmed in believers? (2; Rom. 9:1)

Answer the questions asked in verses 3-5. How might living by faith, even though confirmed by the Spirit still bring suffering in our life? If God isn’t working amongst us, what should we consider? What are some ways we know that God is working amongst us? (John 13:35; Acts 1:7-8)

When was Abraham credited as right? (6; Gen. 15:6) Who then are children of Abraham? (7; John 1:12-13) What did God tell Abraham about his descendants from among the Gentiles? (8; Matt. 8:10-12) On what basis does God bless people? (9)

Not Cursed, But Blessed (10-14)

What will happen to us if we rely on the law to provide God’s blessing? (10) What does it mean to live by faith? (11)

According to verse 12 why might living by the law be easier than living by faith? (Heb. 10:35-39; 1 Thess. 2:2)

How did Jesus remove the burden of the law from us? (13) Why did God redeem us? (14a) After receiving the blessing of righteousness in the same way Abraham did what did God intend to do? (14b) What was the intent? (Rom. 11:13-14)

The Law and the Promise (15-25)

What example from daily life is given to understand the covenant of God to Abraham? Who did God speak his promises to? (16; Gen. 12:7, 13:15, 24:7)

Did the covenant established by the introduction and keeping of the law 430 later eliminate the promise to Abraham and his seed? (17; Ex. 19:3-6) What is the promise of the inheritance in the kingdom of God based on? (18)

What is the purpose of the law and what does this mean? (19-20, 24) Who is the Seed?

How do we know that the law is not opposed to the promise? (21) How then do we receive the promise? (22) What has faith in Jesus released us from? (23, 25)

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine yourselves to see weather you are in the faith or not. If you are in the faith then you are in Christ and he is in you. It is through Christ that we are able to discern the body, confess our sin, and come to the Lord’s supper with a clean heart, however, sin that goes unconfessed produces pride, and a prideful heart cannot produce true worship, nor is it fit to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Jesus has provided a bridge, for those who have faith, that leads to the throne of grace witch allows us to remain a part of His body.

It is a wonderful thing to belong to Him, but being a child of God is not easy and it takes much prayer and meditation to remain on the straight and narrow, but don’t forget that it is His forgiveness that produces the proper attire for supper.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Resurrection Day weekend!
Praise the Lord!!!

12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 They are planted in the house of the LORD;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the LORD is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

As we continue to focus on our savior this week this psalm praises the Lord for the work that he has done in our life and continues to do in our life daily. As we pursue Christ daily we plant our life in the good soil of our Lord. Age does not matter, the Lord will bear the fruit in our life because of his righteousness and for His glory alone.

Father we pray this morning that we will not allow the distractions of this world take our eyes off of you today. May we rest in your word today in anticipation of how you will use us today for your glory

I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:81

I have put my hope in Your word!!! I think we need to say this over and over throughout our day. It should become my mantra…oh, yeah…it already is my mantra! I have put my hope in Your word! I have put my hope in Your word! My hope is in You and in Your word!

There is no better place to put our hope than in God and in His word! Believe me, He is our hope…He is our light…He is our salvation…He is all that we will ever need in this world. Just place your hope in Him and the best way to start…is by going to His word and see how He has proven that He can be trusted with your hope.

What can we learn about putting our hope in Him in today’s reading assignment…open your bibles and read Acts 15-16.

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” Acts 15:25-28 (Friends, does a massive earthquake and a prison shaken to its foundations and prison doors thrown open give you a reason to place your hope in Him?)

Study Questions for Acts 15 -

The Disagreement (1-4)

Who would come down from Jerusalem and teach about the need to be circumcised? Where would they get this idea? (Gen. 17:9-14) What covenant was God talking about in Genesis and at what time in Abraham’s life did he give it? Is this or at least this type of thing still an issue today? Why or why not?

Who disagreed with the men from Jerusalem? What was decided? What did they do on their way and at Jerusalem? What was the response to the news?

Peter’s and James’ Insight (5-21)

What happened during Paul’s report? (5) What incident was Peter referring to in verses 6-9? (10:1-11:18) How did Peter describe the Messianic Pharisees’ demands? (10)

How is a person saved? (11) What does this mean about what God considers righteous? (Rom. 2:17-29, 3:21-31, 4:9-12, 1 Cor. 7:18, Gal. 6:12-13) What fact did Paul and Barnabas add to Peter’s history lesson? (12)

How did James describe the Gentile believers? (13-14)

How did David’s tent fall? What does this have to do with Gentile believers? Think about what happened during and after David’s son, Solomon’s reign. How is Jesus, the son of David key to rebuilding David’s fallen tent?

What was James’ conclusion? (19-20) What do you think he meant by bringing up the fact that Moses is read in every synagogue? (21)

The Return to Antioch (22-35)

Why was it so important for elders to be sent with Paul and Barnabas? What is significant about calling the Gentile believers brothers? (23)

What did the apostles have to say about the men who started the disagreement even though there was some still in Jerusalem? How did the apostles acknowledge Paul and Barnabas?

What are the only restrictions placed on the new Gentile believers? Why only these? What was the response? What does this say about the freedom of life when we live by the Holy Spirit’s leading?

How long has it been estimated that Paul and Barnabas knew each other and worked together? (9:26-27) What did they agree to do? (36)

What problem arose? (37-38) How do we know that this wasn’t a small thing? (39-41) What does this tell us about how God works inspite of our weaknesses? When’s the next time we hear of Mark? (Col. 4:10, 2 Tim. 4:11, Phm. 1:24)

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” Acts 16:24-26 (He Himself gives live and breath to everything, AND He satisfies every need!!! Hope for our day??? I would say…YES and Amen!!!)

The Gospel Spreads (1-15)

Who did Paul meet as he began his travels? What did he have Timothy do? Why? How does this differ from what the letter they delivered said? What does it show about Paul’s desire for his Jewish brothers?

Where did they travel? Where  and why? See map showing these providence’s locations. What was the only direction left?

How did the vision confirm where the Lord was having them go? Why do you think Paul needed to see this vision? (15:36) What does this tell us about the Lord’s desire and way of working?

Where did they end up? What did they do on the Sabbath? How was this different that what Paul had been doing?

Who did they meet? What happened? Why do you think Paul agreed to go with Lydia?

Continual Opposition (16-40)

What does verse 16 tell us about Paul’s new habit? What did the spirit say? Why do you think Paul was troubled by it? (Mk. 3:11-12) Consider the way a person is saved.

What accusation was thrown against them? (19-21) Why do you think the crowd got involved? What was the real reason they suffered? (9:16)

What was Paul and Silas doing in jail? How were they set free? What was the result? What did the jailer experience? (34) How did Paul use his Roman citizenship?

Just scroll up to the top of the blog page and click the “Bible Reading Plan – 2013″ tab.

If you’re subscribed to the blog by email, you will not get an email alert when I update each day. You will need to go to the blog (jeffclawson.wordpress.com) each day, click the “Bible Reading Plan – 2013″ tab and read there. I’ll try to send out reminders now and then.

Happy Reading!

No one can say, “I am innocent; I have never done anything wrong.” Proverbs 20:9 (NCV)

If a person sins and does something the Lord has commanded not to be done, even if he does not know it, he is still guilty. He is responsible for his sin. Leviticus 5:17 (NCV)

There are 613 individual laws that the Jews were told to follow in the early days of Israel and even unto today. The Mosaic Law is a list of many things that must be done and many more that must not be done to be holy unto God. The laws touch on every thinkable aspect of life and death. It is a list of unattainable perfection.

[By offering the sacrifice] the priest will remove the person’s sin so he will belong to the Lord, and the Lord will forgive him. Leviticus 5:10b (NCV)

When one or more sins were committed, the sinner was required to bring a sin sacrifice to the priests. Whether they knew they were sinning or not they were required to offer sacrifices. And only after those sacrifices were made would that person then be forgiven.

There are so many laws to remember, to understand, and to follow and obey. So many things that need to be monitored, regulated. No matter how hard I try, I can’t even imagine actually fulfilling each and every single letter of the law.

I will pray to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Psalms 3:4 (NCV)

Answer me when I pray to you, my God who does what is right. Make things easier for me when I am in trouble. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalms 4:1 (NCV)

When I inevitably stumble, all I have to do is pray, ask my Father for forgiveness. My sin is forgiven and forgotten. I am redeemed. The blood sacrifice that was made by Christ at Calvary was, is, and will always be enough to set me free from the law that only serves to show me that I will never be able to do it without His help. His love is everlasting. His mercy is never ending. His grace is the gift of life that keeps on giving and can never be lost.

God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Colossians 3:12 (NCV)

I am a new creation, a righteous life raised from the grave, my grave clothes left behind in the tomb. I am the beloved daughter of the King being prepared as a spotless bride. I walk in freedom and in the delight of being one with Him.

Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (NCV)

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. Colossians 3:10 (NCV)

Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India (written in the U.S.A.)

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Do you ever have a desire to read the Bible but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe, you want to read the Bible more but you struggle because you don’t have plan to keep you accountable. Well, I have a solution and an opportunity for you to read along with me. I always keep myself on a Bible reading plan, that I create myself, so I will always be consistent to read the Bible every day. Just the thought of being behind uses my OCD To motivate me to stay current!

So, each day, I’m going to publish my reading plan on the blog. There’s a couple of options for you if you want to participate:

1. You can choose to read Old Testament or New Testament.

2. Or, if you’re feeling a little more zealous, you can read both everyday.

The reading plan that I began today (I always set my reading plan by quarter of the year) consists of reading the Psalms and Proverbs through the quarter and reading Paul’s letters to the churches this month.

Here’s where your reading begins (If you choose to accept this mission):

Psalms 1 through 5

          – or -

Romans Chapters 1 and 2

Feel free to leave any devotional thoughts in the comments. Happy Reading!

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.
Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.
May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed. Psalm 119:77-80

Heavenly Father, You have made Your presence known throughout the Earth, so those who do not trust in You are without excuse. We seek the wisdom that comes from You and Your word, so we might avoid sin and serve You with faithful hearts. We come to You in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and ask You to forgive us for our sins. We pray that You will fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to walk blamelessly in Your sight and do what is right. We rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and praise You with hearts of love as we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen

Today’s Assignment is to read the book of James

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8

Study Questions for James 1

Greetings (1:1)

Who wrote the letter? (Acts 12:2, 17, 15:13, 21:17-18; Gal. 1:19; Jude 1:1) How does he describe himself? Who is the letter to? (Jer. 31:9-10) What is unusual about the recipients? (Jer. 31:9-10) What does it mean that he calls them brothers in verse 2?

Trial and Temptations (1:2-18)

Will all believers face trails? (2) How are we to respond when we face trials? Why? (3) Why is perseverance so important? (4, 12, 5:10-11; Rom. 5:3-5)

How is knowledge different from wisdom and why is the later better to ask for? (5) When we ask God for something like wisdom what one thing is important? (6-8)

How is understanding about what is important opposite in the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world? (9-10; Luke 6:20-21, 18:23-24) What is the truth about the rich? (11)

Who is to blame for us being tempted? (13-14; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 1:24) Can God be tempted? Why or why not? (Heb. 4:15) What does this tell us about the nature of temptation? (15)

What do we learn about the nature of God from verses 16-17? What did God chose to do for us? What does it mean that we are “a kind of first-fruits of all he created”? (Exodus 23:16; Matt. 13:37-39)

Listening and Doing (1:19-27)

What do listening, speaking, and anger have in common? (19-20) What can we learn from verse 20 about an aspect of a righteous life? (Psalm 37:8-9; Pro. 29:8, 11) How is God’s anger different from man’s anger? (Exodus 34:6-7; Nahum 1:2-3; Psalm 30:4-5) Is verse 21 advice or a command?

How his hearing God’s word and not doing deceptive? (22) What is the meaning behind the allegory in verses 23 and 24?

How is Bible study and application dependent on each other? (25)

Why is what we say so important? (26) What example can we learn from Jesus about our speech? What status did orphans and widows have in James time and how can we apply verse 27 to our lives today?

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:18

Study Questions for James 2

Favoritism Forbidden (3:1-13)

Who is addressed in verse 1? Why does he call them his brothers and what does this tell us about the point that follow? What is the point he is making?

What kind of meeting is he referring to? What two types of men are portrayed? What do you think and feel like when you see people you don’t recognize and/or are different from you in your meeting place?

How and why is verse 3 a typical reaction from fallen mankind? Why is this way of thinking wrong? (4; John 7:24) What evil thought might spring forth from seeing a rich man walk into a meeting?

What is true about many who have come to be true believers in Jesus? (5) Who is it who choses people to be rich in faith? Why are the facts in verses 6 and 7 true even to this day?

What truth about the law is found in verses 9 and 10? What impact should this truth have? (11)

What kind of judgement will true believers in Jesus be subjected to? (12; Romans 14:11-12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10)

Faith and Deeds (3:14-26)

What truth does verse 17 state? What illustration is given to prove it? (15-17)

What truth does verse 18 state? What illustration is given to prove it? (19)

When did the event in verses 20-22 take place in Abraham’s life? (Gen. 22:1-2) Was Abraham considered righteous before or after this event? (Gen. 15:6) What then does James prove here about true faith? (24)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17

Study Questions for James 3

Tame the Tongue (3:1-12)

Though many can teach any subject what makes them a good teacher? Though many can teach any subject what makes them a good teacher? According to verse 1 will those in the family of God be judged all the same?

What does it mean “we all stumble in many ways” in regard to the fact that we will all be judged? Can anyone claim to be never at fault in what they say? Why should a teacher, who uses his tongue be careful with their words?

What is common in the three allegories in verses 3 thru 5? Why do people boast and why can’t a Bible teacher boast?

According to verse 6, what other effect can our words have? (Matt. 12:33-37) Since we can’t tame the tongue is there any hope that it to be tamed? (7-8; Mark 10:27)

What does it mean to curse men and why is this wrong? (9-10)

How is the heart a water spring? Considering all these allegories, what must a good Bible teacher do? (John 15:1-4)

Wisdom (3:13-18)

Where does wisdom and understanding come from? (Deut. 4:5-8) How does this add to the understanding of verse 13?

Examine your heart before the Lord Jesus against verse 14. Where do you stand? How does the world view envy and selfish ambition? (15) what is the truth behind these? (16)

How can we know if words are wisdom from God? (17)

What is promised to peacemakers? How does Matthew 5:9 add to the truth about peacemakers?

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17

Study Questions for James 4

Submit Yourselves to God (4:1-12)

Is it possible for believers to have disagreements? (Acts 15:39-40) What’s the source?

What are some common ways that people obtain material possessions? (2) What should be the first thing we do when we want something? What is one reason God will say, “No” to our request? (3) Why is this best for us? (4)

What does God desire from us? (5; Luke 20:25)

What is grace and why is this greater than all the riches in the world? (6)

When we are tempted by material possessions what should we do? (7) How is resisting the devil only part of the solution? (8)

How is the reverse logic in verses 9 and 10 true?

What does verse 11 mean? Why can judging others be wrong? (12; Rom. 2:1-4)

Boasting About Tomorrow (4:13-17)

How do most go about looking into the future? (13) What is one reality that most ignore? (14)

Since physical life is so fragile, what should we consider about the future? What can be learned from verse 16 about humility?

What can be learned about Bible study from verse 17?

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. James 5:11

Study Questions for James 5

Hoarding Wealth in the Last Days (5:1-6)

Why are the rich warned? What happens to our wealth, sometimes even before we die? (2-3a) When is the last days? (3b)

What should an employer always keep in mind? (4) What does a mind only concerned about this world consider? (5) What’s the reality that they do not consider? How does this reveal their heart?

Until the Lord’s Coming (5:7-12)

How are true believers like farmers? When will we reap a harvest?

How are patience and faith linked? (8)

What else should we consider when considering the Lord’s soon coming? (9)

Who is an example of patience and how was we a prophet? When having patient faith is hard what should we remember? (11b)

Why do people swear oaths and how is that wrong and foolish? (12)

If One of You (5:13-20)

How should emotions be directed towards God? (13)

What is the healthy attitude toward physical problems? (14) what is the meaning behind anointing with oil? (2 Cor. 1:21-22; 1 John 2:27) Why would going to the elders and asking for anointing take faith and why does this please God? (15) 10. When we seek God why is confession of sins so important? (16) When did the incident with Elijah in verses 17-18 take place and how is it an inspiration? (1 Kings 18:16-46)

What does it mean to “wander from the truth”? When we see and/or hear of a fellow believer who has wondered how should we react? why? (20) What does “cover over a multitude of sins” considering that this is referring to a fellow believer?

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. - Psalm 91:1-4 (ESV)

The Easter season should be a very poignant time for Christians in that it represents the culmination of the hope we stand in.  For, without the death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus, His birth would have much less significance.  To be sure, while His life would have still been noble and righteous, it would have been absent of the ultimate saving quality that gives us our hope.  Therefore, as we come out of this time of reflection on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, let us exit the season with hearts that respond to all that He has done.  Let us enter these next days with hearts that find shelter in Jesus.  Let us dwell in His shelter and abide in His shelter.  For it is only in the shelter of Jesus that we find deliverance from the sinfulness of this world.  Moreover, it is only in Jesus that we find ultimate redemption and reconciliation to our Heavenly Father.  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty”

Today I will provide a passage of Scripture to read that takes place on this very day, the day of Jesus’ resurrection in A.D. 30. Here is the Biblical text from the Gospel accounts arranged chronologically to be read this week so that you might read and study what happened daily with Jesus and the disciples.

8. He Is Risen! – Sunday, Nisan 16, A.D. 30
Matt. 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-11; John 20:1-8

“Was Jesus Raised from the Dead?”

You CAN Read the Bible in a Year

When Diane Stortz was invited to join a study to read the whole Bible in a year, she went for it. It changed her life, even though she’d been a Christian a long time. Now, more than ten years later, she still reads through the Bible every year with a group of friends.

“I didn’t start to really know God until I made knowing him my goal as I read the Bible. Getting to know God changed me. It changed how I think and what I do. It changes me still.”

God put the Bible together for you. Reading it through in a year helps create a rich experience and a focused understanding of what God wants to reveal about himself. And with week-by-week reading plans, easy-to-use reference material, and stories of encouragement from women like you, A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year is the perfect companion for this life-changing practice.

Gather your Bible and some good friends to join you in your journey, or go for it on your own. Either way, God will change you.

Diane Stortz is the bestselling author of several children’s books and has over twenty years of Christian publishing experience, both writing and editing. She and her husband, Ed, live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Learn more at dianestortz.com.

Twitter — DianeStortz

Website – http://www.dianestortz.com/

My Impressions:

There are a lot of Bible reading plans out there. Plans to help you tackle the daunting task of reading the Bible through in a year. But Diane Stortz’s A Woman’s Guide to Reading The Bible in A Year is the first one I have seen that is especially for women and for use in a group! The book begins with personal stories of how reading the Bible in a year impacted lives. Then it moves on to practical tips for use in a group setting. It also includes an overview of just where our present Bible came from. And then the adventure begins! Each week presents an overview of the week’s scripture passages, a seven day plan and a few questions to facilitate group discussion. I think this book would be great for mentoring, lunch groups, weekly Bible study or anytime that women want to get together to discover God’s Truth. It can definitely be used for solo reading, but the design for group study brings a richer experience. The back of the book presents Biblical timelines, a complete reading plan and helpful resources. This book is definitely the whole package. So if you want to embark on a life-changing journey along with your friends or co-workers, pick up A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in A Year.

Highly Recommended.

(I received this book compliments of Bethany House Publishers. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Leviticus 1                Now the Lord called to Moses, …saying “Speak to the children of Israel, ‘When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, … If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord. Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.  … shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar.” 

           Of your own free will, bring an unblemished offering to the Lord God. Stand before the Lord God with it, putting your hand on the offering and transfer onto the offering the sins which you have committed against the Holy God. The offering serves as your Atonement. Then consider its blood is sprinkled all around God’s altar and Jesus’ Resurrection (we’ll read about later) as proof that the sacrifice is acceptable to the Lord God and your sins are forgiven.

            Son of God, Jesus, You are the unblemished Lamb of God. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29, 36 Jesus referred to Himself, “I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.” Psalm 22:6  (1)

            Lord Jesus, You are the High Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (2)  “So the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.”  “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; …for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.… the Son who has been perfected forever.” (3)

            Lord God Almighty, I put my hands on the head of Your Son, Jesus the Messiah, to be the Atonement for my own sins. “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak,And blameless when You judge.” (4)

Then the priest shall bring it all and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. Leviticus 1:9 

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

            I offer my thoughts, feelings, words, actions, hopes, dreams and all that I am to You Lord God in prayer. I ask you to accept the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for my sins, for everything bad thing I have thought, said, felt, did and didn’t do. Cover me with the Blood of Jesus that I will be clean and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live for You forever and always.  (5)  

            Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:50-53  (6)

              For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

            Lord Jesus, no one killed You. You performed so many miracles that this fact is undeniable. Instead, You chose to obey Your Father and be the atonement sacrifice for the sins of the world. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (7) 

 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18

Lord God – Thank You! Because of what You did, Lord Jesus, I have trusted You for my salvation and my daily life. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1  (8)

John 20         Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, … and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. … and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” … stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; … and he saw and believed.

              But Mary stood outside … Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”

            Jesus, You became alive again, healthy and whole, after dying a torturous death! Your life shows that anyone who believes Your Word and trusts You with their life will also rise from the dead!  “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. … I and My Father are one.” John 10:28  I cannot avoid Your evidence Lord Jesus!

             Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. V.19-20

            He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” … v.22

            What patience you have, Lord Jesus. You meet me just where I am. In my frailties, my “lack of faith” and in my head-strongness.

          Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” v.27-28

            Thomas was the first to declare You as his personal Lord and God! Thomas “got it”. Many of us know of Your miracles, but not many of us know Who You are, Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” V.29 

             Whether I have in the flesh seen You, heard You or read You, I am to trust You, love You and obey You by the Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord God for the remarkable life You give to me and everyone who adheres to Your Word by the free gift of Faith that You alone impart! 

… these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. v.31

Proverbs 17        The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.

             Help me to live my life holy and pleasing to You, my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you for your wisdom and counsel, Lord God. (9) 

            Lord Jesus, Son of God, You are the “friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”

Philippians 4            Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

            Since You’ve won the war over sin and death – (10)

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:20, 56-57

I am free to think, feel and live for You, Lord Jesus Christ.

          “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Phil 4:8-9

Dear reader, if you have placed all of your sins on the cross of Christ Jesus, and chosen to live for Him today and forever, according to His Word and Holy Spirit, then: “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Phil 4:19-20

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Bible Insights –

1- John 3:16-21; Psalm 22

2- Genesis 14:18-23; Psalm 110; Hebrews 5:1-10; Hebrews 6:13-20; Hebrews 7

3- Leviticus 4:26; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 7

4- Psalm 51

5- Revelation 8:3-4

6- Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53

7- Matthew 26:51-54; Luke 22:51; John 18:4-9; John 18:33-38; John 11:43; Luke 7:11-17; Matthew 26:36-46; Matthew 20:22; John 5:30; John 6:38; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:7; John 3:16-18

8- Psalm 32

9- Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 1-2; Revelation 8:3-4

10- Romans 8:2

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ESV)

While this may be a special time of our calendar year to celebrate the resurrection, in a very real sense our worship tomorrow will be nothing out of the ordinary. We will assemble together as children of the king, as we normally do. We will sing of God’s great mercy revealed in the cross, as we normally do. We will hear with anticipation the proclaimed word of God, as we normally do. We will give offerings to God and his church, as we normally do.

The miraculous part of it all is that our ordinary weekly worship gathering is always extraordinary. We are always celebrating the ransom payment of Jesus in his perfect life and death, and we are always rejoicing over the victorious resurrection after three days in the tomb. Our ordinary weekly worship is consistently miraculous. Why? Because God has put us in Christ Jesus, “who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption…”

Today: John 16-24

(This year, for Lent, we are encouraging everyone to finish reading the New Testament by Easter through a specially prepared bible reading plan - in just 40 days and only 6 days a week!)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU MADE IT THROUGH THE ENTIRE NEW TESTAMENT THIS LENT! 

(In case you’re wondering why this isn’t marked as Day 40, it’s because the 40 days of the Lent season doesn’t include the Sundays – and the readings reflect that. There were no readings for 4 Sundays from Ash Wednesday, hence this is Day 36 of the readings.)

Reading my Bible daily did not become a regular habit until I started Bible College.

There are many ways to read your Bible. One of my favorite ways is journaling.

I Will share with you how I journal. At the end of this post you can enter a drawing for your own journal and $5 Starbucks gift card, so you can sit down, have coffee or tea with God and get to know Him Better.

• I always begin with prayer, usually something like this: Jesus, show me what you want me to see in your word today. In Jesus name, Amen.

• At the top of the page of your Journal or blank piece of paper, write down the date and the scriptures you are reading for that day. There are many Bible reading plans available. www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily  has many to choose from.

• I like to make notes as I read, sometimes I write in my Bible, sometimes in my journal. I also underline or highlight scriptures that stand out to me while I read.

• After I am done reading, I write down in a few paragraphs what I feel God is speaking to me through His word that day.

• Underneath that paragraph I write out an application; how I can put the word of God into practice, being a doer of the word and not a hearer only (James 1:25).

• At the end of my journal entry, I write down the verse or verses that most spoke to me that day. I keep these handy when I want to find verses to memorize.

• End with prayer. This doesn’t always have to be on paper, but I do pray when I’m finished reading my Bible. I talk to the Lord about what I just read, and how I can implement that into my life, or find encouragement from it. I speak to Him about things that are on my heart. Sometimes I will go back over the scriptures I’ve underlined and use those as prayer points.

And now for the drawing.

To be entered into the drawing for a journal (pictured) and $5 Starbucks gift card, simply comment on this post. On Friday April 5^th I will write down the names of all commenter’s and draw a winner. I will notify the winner via email and get your shipping information then.

Do you Journal your devotions? If you do how is it different than the way described above? How is it the same?

Esther is one of my favorite books of the Bible along with Ruth.  The only 2 books in the Bible named after women, both of these books not only have a great story they have a great Savior.  So on this GOOD FRIDAY as I celebrate the love and mercy of God as Jesus paid for my sins (past, present, future) let’s look at how this great book begins to tell the story of our Great God.

Think you know how to throw a party or celebration?  Try following in the footsteps of King Ahasuerus.  Verses 3 and 4 tell us that he 1st threw a party for “the officials and servants.”  Now if Governor Haslim threw such a party, I would not be on his guest list.  And this wasn’t just an all nighter—-the party lasted 180 days!!  Wow!!  But wait, after that party, the King opens the doors for everyone (verse 5) great and small—for another 7 days!  I can only image there was a few hangovers during that 187 days.  As we see in V. 8, “each man was able to do as he desired”.  And we learn that the ladies were having their own party with Queen Vashti.  Now we get to the problem.  The King, “merry with wine” calls for the Queen to make an appearance before the guys.  Needless to say, the King was proud to “show off” the Queen as V.11 tells us “she was very easy on the eyes” (ok, it did not exactly say it that way but you get the picture).  In verse 12, the Queen refuses the request of the King.  This can’t be good.  Don’t King’s usually get what they want?  Not this day.  And now the problem gets bigger.  If the Queen can be disrespectful of the King, can you image what reaction that will create with all the “regular wives”?  So the chairman of the deacon council (ok, it did not say it exactly that either) Memucan tells the King that he needs to make an order that Vashti shall be banned from the King’s presence forever for her actions”  And the King had the order go out into all the land.

So what can we take from Chapter 1 of Esther to help us in our daily walk with the Lord?  At this point only, hard to image.  But you do want to keep reading.  And as you read thru  Esther, it becomes apparent that God is in control, not King Ahasuerus.  God is at work even when we do not see any evidence today.  So be encouraged and know with assurance, God has a plan and purpose for you, your family and His church.  And the cross is all the proof that we need.

Today: John 11-15

(This year, for Lent, we are encouraging everyone to finish reading the New Testament by Easter through a specially prepared bible reading plan - in just 40 days and only 6 days a week!)

Jesus is betrayed and he is questioned about his teaching. Pilate asks,

“So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37 NLT.

In Proverbs 15, it’s a view of a walking path splintered at choice–on the one side, the things God detests, and fools belching, trash feasts, trouble, and crushed spirits. The other side, understanding, gentleness, a hunger for knowledge, a continual feast, life.

Psalm 87

Psalm 87 is a glorious celebration of Zion, Jerusalem, “the city of God,” as the special object of God’s love and the royal city of His kingdom. It represents all that is holy and good in the plans and workings of God among His people. It looks ahead prophetically to the ingathering of the nations into Jerusalem as the reigning religious city of the world in the coming messianic kingdom.  Israel will remain the chosen nation of God as the nations of the world will come to Zion to worship God.

To this present time, Jerusalem remains the apple of God’s eye, the city in which He has promised to uniquely show His glory. It was outside of Jerusalem, that Jesus died for our sins. It was outside of Jerusalem that Jesus rose from the dead, having victory over death and the grave. It was outside of Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, that Jesus went back to heaven. It was inside Jerusalem that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the first Christians. It was in Jerusalem that Jesus built the first church. It will be outside of Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, that Jesus will set foot again on earth to usher in the end-time events. It will be in Jerusalem that Jesus will rule for a thousand years. These events explain how special Jerusalem is to our holy God, so should it be the same with us who love God.