Epilogue: You Finished!

Congratulations - you have read the entire Bible - in one year. By now, daily reading should be a habit. Continue for the rest of the life. Read your chronological Bible again or buy another daily reading Bible and do it again. Or just print out a reading plan and read from your study Bible.

Know Jesus by experiencing Him daily in Bible reading and prayer.

If you finished your Bible, please let me know by sending me an email - pastorfrank@calvarychurch-wh.org. Or perhaps, you just followed the blog. Let me know that, too.

May God bless you.

December 31 Revelation 19-22 Final Call to Holiness

The righteous will share eternity with Christ - those who receive Jesus as Savior and begin to live a life of holiness - Revelation 19:8 "Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)"

However, the unholy will be separated from Christ for all eternity in a place called the Lake of Fire. Being saved (receiving Christ as Savior) must make a difference in the way we live. If it doesn't, we really aren't saved! The unrighteous (those not really saved) will be excluded from eternity with Christ, no matter what religious experience someone claims.An unchanged life proves that you are unsaved.

• Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
• Revelation 22:14-15 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Repentance from sin is an essential aspect of salvation. Anyone who claims a saving experience, yet never had any inclination to depart from iniquity and does't, never had a real saving experience.

We are encouraged many times to become holy. We should heed the warnings. 

• 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
• Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

December 30 Revelation 14:1-19:5 Luxuries That Lead Astray

It appears that some great city called Mystery Babylon (or perhaps the world's economic system) will be destroyed in an hour by God. It will be the idol of materialism that will be destroyed that has led many astray.

Wealth and the chase for more and more has led and continues to lead many away from God. It has replaced God in people's minds and has negated their need for God.

As we get ready for a new year, it is a good time to reflect and determine how much hold do money and goods have over us. Does money or what it buys get in the way of God and serving Him? Today is a good day to ask for conviction and then to repent of any hedonistic ways.

December 29 Revelation 8:7-13:18 Darkness Denied

Revelation brings the existence of evil and evil beings into clear focus. We all tend to focus on the here and now and visible. However, there are evil forces all around us - seeking to destroy us. One third of all created angels have rebelled against God and are opposed to Him and His people.

We need to be aware of the forces of darkness. However, we have misconceptions about what we do believe. We think evil ones are only trying to get us to commit murder, sexual immorality, steal pensions, etc. Yes, they are, but most attacks are much more subtle. They are also wanting us to spend more time pursuing our careers, seeking bigger houses and more toys, spend excessive amounts of time on video games, etc. - just not focus on God and the things of God.

We need to be aware of the nature of the attacks - anything keeping us from Christ and obeying His commands.

December 28 Revelation 4:1-8:6 Creator/Redeemer Worthiness

Revelation 4/5 are some of my favorite chapters in the Bible because they recount why God is worthy.

These chapters are set in the throne room of God. There is constant worship of the special angels and 24 elders (note Elders - you should be the lead worshipers!). God the Father is worthy of worship because He is the Creator of all things. This is a huge theme by the psalmists.

Jesus is worthy because He is the redeemer of man. Jesus is seen as the Lamb by John, but will be seen as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah by those who oppose Him - not a wise move by the opposition.

These two chapters comprise a synopsis of how and why we should worship the Godhead - 3 in 1. If you ever want to remember who God is - return to these chapters.

December 27 Revelation 1-3 No Lukewarm Christians

Revelation (there is only one so no need to be saying, "Revelations") is the revelation of Jesus to John. It is the only book of the Bible that explicitly promises a blessing to its readers and to those who heed its words.

Chapter 1 is a very powerful description of the Trinity and Jesus' rulership over all the earth, especially the churches.

No Such Thing as Lukewarm Christians

The church at Laodicea is described as being full of lukewarm people, not necessarily Christians. They are described as blind to their spiritual condition -  "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Jesus says that He is about to spit them out of His mouth - certainly doesn't sound like a Christian as described in the rest of the New Testament.

Look, if you are living in willful disobedience to the commands of Christ for your life, it doesn't matter what religious experience(s) you are hanging your life upon - saying a prayer, baptism, church attendance, etc. - you are kidding yourself as much as the Laodiceans! You are not saved if you are knowingly and continuously disregarding His commands.

Listen to Jesus:
"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."

Get saved and obey!

December 26 I, II, III John - Commending Hospitality

Our homes are ultimately gifts from God. Opening our homes to others is a great virtue, especially to gospel workers.

3 John 7-8 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

John commends Gaius for opening his home to gospel workers. By showing hospitality to gospel workers, we "work together for the truth."

But on the other hand, we must be discerning about those we help.

2 John 7, 9-11 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist...Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.

We must do not to help anyone who leads people away from the truth. If we do, we share in their wicked work.

December 25 Hebrews 10:19-13:25 Living for THE Day, Not Today

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Too many people are living for sinful pleasures Today. As v. 3:13 warns, they are hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Sin never completely delivers on its promises. It takes our hearts and minds off of THE Day - the day when we will all stand before Jesus for Judgment.

Hebrews reminds us to live in anticipation of THE Day that is approaching, not for Today. Let us continue to meet together to encourage each other to remember this.

Merry Christmas. Remember, it is because Jesus came as a man (to die for our sins) that we can look forward to THE Day with anticipation, hope, and joy.

December 24 Hebrews 6:13-10:18 Great Explanation of the New Covenant

I think that the creator of our one year chronological Bible did a great job of choosing the beginning and end of today's reading. It allowed us to follow the author of Hebrews' argument for the logic and superiority of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ.

Jesus is now our High priest forever - in heaven - the sacrifice for our sins (past, present, and future) made one-time for all. Our consciences are now clear.

What will follow in tomorrow's reading is our correct response to this great news.

December 23 Hebrews 1:1-6:12 Jesus Cried to the Father!

Hebrews 5:7 "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death."

I was reminded through the verse above that Jesus was indeed a man just like you and me. He cried out and cried with tears over the prospect of being swallowed up by death (not dying on the cross, but what came after). We often forget the humanity of our Savior, Jesus.

At this time of Christmas, it is a good time to remember that Jesus took on the form of a human. In our form, He took on all of the frailties that we have, including temptation. Let us never forget the man, Christ Jesus.

December 22 II Peter 1-3 Theology in Salutation

Peter opens his letter with this salutation:

2 Peter 1:1 "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours."

Peter gives some powerful theology - our faith is based on the righteousness of Jesus, not ours. Pretty simple, but powerful.

December 21 I Peter 1-5 Beat Your Defensiveness

This letter is sent to encourage those under some sort of Christian persecution to continue to grow in the faith and walk with Jesus. We, in the US, know quite little about real persecution like our brothers and sisters in various parts of the world.

One thing we do know about is how to protect our turf. We all a good measure of pride in who we are - in ourselves. We are to take pride in Christ - as part of the body of Christ. However, we all have a measure of pride in ourselves. When someone chips away at our pride by making small what we are or what we do - or even points out a real shortcoming in what we say or do - we can become defensive.

Defensiveness comes from caring far too much about the judgment of others. We want to be people pleasers to various degrees. We get unhappy when people are not pleased with us. So, we get defensive and defend ourselves, sometimes by going on the offensiveness and counterattacking.

Peter points us to One Who had insults thrown at Him and reminds us how He reacted:

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly.

There is only one judge who matters. We should judge our own selves by His standards. Let's stay focused on pleasing Him. If we don't please people by their standards, let's not be so concerned. However, let's treat people as God would have us treat them.

December 20 James; Jude - Sins of Omission

When we think of sins, we normally think of things we do, but shouldn't - lying, cheating, stealing, etc. These are sins of commission. But we usually forget about sins of omissions - NOT doing what we ought.

 James addresses the need to do good when we ought:
James 4:13-17 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

We normally don't do what we ought, because we get busy doing other things - not necessarily bad things - usually morally neutral things. The things we ought to do usually pop up when we are busy. Helping someone change a tire or working with them to draw up a budget or sitting with them when they are distraught over something or needing a ride to/from chemotherapy or the like are examples of the things we ought.

James is saying that when we firm up plans that are so inflexible that they prevent us from doing the good we ought, we are misunderstanding the shortness and tentativeness of our very existence. James is urging us to never bypass opportunities to do good.

December 18 II Timothy 1-4 Longing for the Lord

2 Timothy 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Do you long for His coming? Wanting Christ to return will cause us all to hold onto what we have here much more loosely - and that is a good thing. We need to see our time on earth as a business trip - that will be judged for its success. Just as your boss wants to see a return from his costs to send you out on business, so does Jesus.

December 18 Titus 1-3 Be More Heavenly Minded

Gospel messages are sometimes criticized because they are all about getting to heaven. Critics say that we are selling fire insurance and not talking enough about the life change that should occur here on earth. But the truth is that the importance of the wont of the after-life is made up front is usually forgotten by most Christians. This is a problem.

Titus 1:1-2 "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life."

Paul isn't shy about telling us that our faith and knowledge is based on our eternal hope. Our longing for the reuniting with Christ for all time is to be an essential part of our life. We are to live our lives as aliens and strangers here longing to go to our real home - the new heavens and new earth.

You have heard the saying, "Don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good." This is unbiblical! Actually, it is anti-Biblical. The truth is that if we are heavenly minded, we will maximize our earthly good. Heed Paul's words:

• Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

December 17 I Timothy 1-6 Stay Focused on the Mission

In the HBO series, Band of Brothers, a story was told of a detachment of solders in WWII. It showed them in boot camp and subsequent training in the US as a bunch of self-centered Americans from very diverse backgrounds and communities. They had a lot of infighting and young male testosterone-induced jealousies and jostling for position.

However, something happened when they were sent to Europe to join the fighting on the Continent shortly after the Normandy Invasion through the Battle of the Bulge and finally the end of the war. They were always assigned at a front in heavy fighting from the time they arrived. The intensity of the mission wove them into a band of brothers. They learned to care deeply for each other. They watched each other's back and even risked their lives for each other. Their diversity of backgrounds no longer mattered - they became one.

Focus on the mission changed them. So, what can us American Christians learn from them. Well, it is to get out of training and into the fight. We need to engage the world as Christ commands us - we need to get out of our church buildings and take the fight to where the enemy lives - in the world. Our unity comes when we are actively involved in the mission of the church.

I Timothy begins with a purpose statement and ends with a summary:

• 1 Timothy 1:3-4 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work-- which is by faith.
• 1 Timothy 6:18-20 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

A church engaged in only training its people will eventually devolve into a church speculating about what God wants - "godless chatter." A church actually doing God's total work unifies around the mission. A church actively involved and engaged in taking ground for Christ has no time or energy for divisive controversies that divide too many American churches. A church on mission becomes a band of brothers and sisters in Christ. 

We need to stay focused on the mission - not the programs and events and buildings and property and administration - all those are essential - but never to become an end in themselves.

December 16 Philippians 1-4 Genuine Interest in Others

In Chapter 2, Paul commends Timothy, who took a genuine interest in the welfare of the Philippians. Paul goes on to say that it is related to looking out for the interests of Christ.

It is pretty simple. When we look out for the interests of Christ - do what pleases Him - we will supernaturally look out for our Christian brothers first, and others, too. We begin to live an others-centered life - self-forgetting.

We do so when we get comfort from Christ's love. The Christ Hymn right before in Chapter 2 speaks of all that Jesus has done for us. As we understand Christ's love for us, we respond in love - live to please Him - by serving others.

Now, go for it!

December 15 Ephesians - Don't Underestimate Work of Demons

Admittedly, I come from a strain of Christianity that tends to underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit. I have tried to correct this misgiving in my preaching, teaching, and personal ministries. But I must confess, like most other non-charismatics, that I still underestimate the power and influence the work of demons in our lives.

Paul does a good job in Chapter 6 to raise our awareness. He says that much of our struggle is against the powers of unseen darkness. I find myself praying for protection against the Evil One much more than I used to do. Demons are out there and surround us even though we can't see them. Like the Holy Spirit and the wind, they are unseen, but the effects of their evil ministry are quite evident.

So, please be aware of the presence of pure evil around you that seeks to influence the people around you and you yourself. Also, be aware that evil spirit beings do possess people, just as they did in Biblical times. There is nothing in Scripture that leads us to believe otherwise.

Evil spirits are very powerful, but no match for God:

• James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. 

December 14 Colossians, Philemon - Called to Be Disciplemakers

Philemon 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Too often I hear people separating evangelism and discipleship as though they are separable, with evangelism as some lesser activity of faith that comes after one becomes mature to some level. Paul destroys the notion of separation in Philemon 6 (only contains one chapter). Paul indicates that sharing our faith with others (evangelism) gives us a fuller understanding of our own faith. The deduction from that is that a lack of sharing our faith inhibits our own personal growth in Christ.

When we evangelize, we are confronted with questions, objections, persecution, etc. that extend our head learning, but also our experience with Christ. Some of these can not be learned any other way. Evangelism also affects our prayer life - we know only God can change minds - this improves our dependence on God.

Paul was the evangelist's evangelist, yet even he asked for prayer - Colossians 4:3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

If Paul knew how much he needed prayer, may we know likewise.

December 13 Acts 27-28 Negativity Creates Interest

When Paul got to Romes, he called for the Jews. They said that many were speaking against the Christians, so they wanted to hear for themselves - then some believed. Negative "publicity" created interest to hear!

What I have found recently is the offering of the gospel in opposition to what major religions teach. I have asked Catholics, "Do you know what the main difference is between what Rome teaches and what Protestants believe?" They really don't know, so they ask me to continue. I do the same with Jews. No one has gotten angry with me, but all listen intently (but do they hear?). Inadvertently, they give me permission to preach the gospel to them.

Don't let opposing views deter you. God can allow you an open door to use opposition for an opportunity to give the gosepl.