King David, Act 1: Bible Reading Plan, Week 17

Our reading this week begins with the coronation, the second anointing of David, this time as King of Israel, entrusted not only as the prince of God's people, but also (and foremost) as their shepherd (1 Chr 11:2). As the readings continue, we will alternate between the parallel accounts of 2nd Samuel and 1st Chronicles, interspersed with many of David's Psalms that sound instructional and exultant. We will read how David secured his kingdom militarily, returned the Ark to Jerusalem. We will also meet a new person, Nathan the prophet.

A Tale of Two Kings Bible Reading Plan, Weeks 14-15 (1st/2nd Samuel, Selected Psalms, and 1 Chronicles 1-2)

Last week, the book of Judges ended with the words, "In those days there was no King in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Our Bible reading plan for these two weeks introduces a change of governance for the nation of Israel and introduces two very different men, Saul and David, who will serve as the first kings.

“Joshua fit the battle of Jericho…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 12 (Deuteronomy 28 – Joshua 15)

This week we will finish the last words of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, which ends with his death and the passing of earthly leadership of the children of God to his disciple, Joshua. God then commands Joshua to do what he called on Israel to do 40 years earlier - go across the Jordan into the land God had promised to them.

“Teach us to number our days…”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 9 (Numbers 8-25; Psalm 90)

This week, we will read of acts of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Moses' own brother and sister will challenge his authority and credibility. The people in general (and later many of the people's leaders) will rebel against him. Israel will lose and win battles. Moses will receive punishment for failing to trust in God. Aaron will die. The people will be disciplined with fiery serpents and Jesus' sacrifice will be foreshadowed. A soothsayer will be asked to curse Israel, but will bless the nation instead... and his donkey will talk.

“He shall confess his sin that he has committed.”: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 8 (Leviticus 22 – Numbers 7)

Numbers, as its name implies, starts with a census of the people. In this week's readings, we will continue from that census to hear God's call for his people to be holy before him (starting in chapter 5). God also gives more instructions on what his people are to do when they fall short of that command, starting with confession, but continuing with restitution.

Sermon: Gospel of John Overview

The Gospel of John is a narrative of the life of Jesus.  It is written by John the Son of Zebedee, a disciple of Jesus, the disciple whom Jesus loved, who is an eyewitness for Jesus’ entire earthly ministry.  He is the only disciple to not forsake Jesus at the crucifixion.  And he himself sees the empty tomb and believes.  So, John testifies as an eyewitness. It's almost as if John's imagining it's a trial.  Where there are witnesses, testifying.  Jesus himself, testifying.  People testing his claims.  Where Jesus himself is under constant cross examination.  It's not a real trial.  Yet.  That's still to come.  But right from the start, John maps out his book like a long jury trial. 

Sermon: Reckoning, Reconciliation, and Restoration – Job 42:7-17

The book of Job does not leave us with an answer to the question of the problem of evil. Instead, it goes beyond the question, leaves it as a mystery, and confronts each of us with a call. The call to trust in the sovereignty and the character of God. While we may not understand His methods, His ways, or His timing we can trust God’s character. If the book of Job teaches you anything, let it be this, God knows what He is doing. Will we trust Him? Will we trust God even when we don’t know why?

Covenant, Rebellion, and Renewal: 2022 Bible Reading Plan, Week 6 (Exodus 22-40)

We end last week with God calling Israel to his mountain and calling Moses to meet with him on the mountain, where he begins giving the Law to him, including what we know as the "Ten Commandments" in Exodus 20. God ends the chapter with a short passage summarizing how they are to worship him....

Sermon: Repentance – God’s Voice Demands an Answer, Job 42:1-6

If you’re a parent, you probably have asked as I have, “do my children hear my words?”  And all of us who are or have been children, we’ve all probably said, “does anyone hear what I’m saying?”  We ask those questions, often in exasperation, because we expect that our words will be heard and that...