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Glen Park Gospel Church >> Bible Studies >> Favourite Readings #3
The third year of favourite Bible readings. The Read Through the Bible in Three Years plan is still running on this web site and can be followed on the above 3 Year Bible link. In 2011 however, we continue the last two years course, with a year of the most favourite Bible passages grouped together under one or more themes each month. You will notice that the reading may be short, sometimes only a few verses, seldom more than twenty. Also you will probably read some passages more than once, but in a different series.
If you are settled into a regular pattern with your devotional time, please continue to enjoy it, but if you are not in the habit of regular Bible reading; here is your opportunity. Make a habit of selecting something from each reading to encourage and fuel your prayer time. A point of praise; encouragement to pray; a lesson to learn or an example to follow. Use the Bible passage to keep your prayer time active and interesting. Look for God to speak to you through His word and wait on Him. He is not in a hurry. Then share this blessing with someone else.
Each month we will update the tables below to include the current month's readings, until eventually another full year is portrayed. It will then always be available from our Archive of Study sections.
Our January readings look at more of the Metaphors depicting
the person and work of Jesus Christ. Keep a readings diary as
you go for your own review and reuse. Make only one entry per
page so that you can expand it later. If you need a little extra
detail, there is a little more information provided below this
table.
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The answer key to the Metaphors depicting the person and work of Jesus Christ. These comprise the Green Leaf set readings for January. There are about fifty metaphors, and each daily reading calls up just one of these images. Sometimes we are not sure if our selection is the one intended. Make a list as you go and use it to expand your appreciation of your Saviour. It runs for two months, but there was a break for the Christmas celebration readings. (See last month for the beginning of this exercise.)
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1. John 1:36, 1 Peter 1:19 |
The lamb, the old testament sacrifice slain so that it’s blood acted as in the place of a transgressor was a type of Jesus the Lamb of God. Now no other is needed. |
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2. Matthew 13:45&6 |
The one pearl among many, exquisite in beauty, beyond price; the kingdom is the merchant but the best of all is Jesus. |
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3. Songs 2:1 |
Jesus is the rose of Sharon. Beauty found in this world that even Heaven adores Psalm 85:7 is the Lord amongst His people Isaiah 35:1&2. |
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4. Songs 2:9&10 |
The roe, noted for shyness and swiftness of foot but here looking through the window in the separating wall in at his beloved, then calling her to himself. |
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5. John 1:1 |
Jesus the Word, understood by Greek educated Jews to be the creating and guiding principle of the universe. |
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6. Revelation 1:18 |
The alpha and omega, the first and last letters of the alphabet, not only the progenitor and consummation of all, but of everything in between, in this setting is a guarantee that the tragedy of life will be brought to a controlled end in His time. |
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7. John 3:14&15 |
He is our brazen serpent and all who look to Him will live, for 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that He was made sin for us and when we look to Him we are made righteous in Him. |
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8. Acts 10:42 |
Jesus has been appointed by God as the Judge. Revelation 11:12. |
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9. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 |
Like a thief, Jesus will not advertise His coming, so be awake, be alert, be active when Jesus does come. There is no other preparation needed apart from a knowledge of His word and a close walk withy God. |
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10. Revelation 22:16 |
The morning star is also the evening star. It does not twinkle as other stars do for it’s light is constant and the brightest of all. It guides in natural navigation and heralds a coming day. Can you add to this list? |
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11. Songs 2:3 |
The apple tree of the East was probably a quince, or possibly an apricot. Either is not only robust and long lasting, but also a provider of enjoyable shade in heat, perfume and nourishment; and in this guise the Lord brought us into His banqueting house and fed us upon apples, the symbol of His love. |
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12. Deuteronomy 32:11, Isaiah 40:31 |
An eagle exposes its young to peril in order to teach them basic skills, but also uses her wings to catch and protect them, so the believer finds refuge and protection in danger Christ as Hebrews 6:17&18. There are many parallels between an eagle and the Lord Jesus. |
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13. Malachi 3:2-3 |
A refiner melts metals in a crucible to remove impurities. See also 1 Peter 1:7. Where we are told that trials create His heat. |
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14. Exodus 30:22-33 |
The ointment speaks of the attributes of the Lord most holy, the presence of which is the acceptability of the ministry of the saints unto the Lord. “Thy name is as ointment poured forth.” Canticles 1:3. |
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15. Exodus 33:11, Songs 5:16 |
Henceforth I call you not servants but friends. Friendship is a step further on than servanthood, and sometimes than siblings, not in birth but in relationship Proverbs 18:24. |
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16. 1 John 2:1&2 |
He is our representative, our barrister, our high priest. He takes our case. He consoles and comforts. |
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17. Hebrews 3:1 |
An apostle is a sent one. Jesus was ‘sent by God’ to be our High Priest, our Advocate. He is God’s anointed, the Christ. He was chosen, appointed, sent to be . . . |
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18. John 6:48-51 |
The Bread of Life came from Heaven, unlike manna which distilled from the atmosphere, He was sent of God to give life to the dying. |
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19. Psalm 84:11 |
Compare this verse with Malachi 4:2, but be sure to put this verse in its context, the afflictions of judgment that attend the end days will also see God’s protection of them. The Lord is a healing Sun. |
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20. Revelation 22:16 |
Root is just what the word seems to be. He is also descendant of David. Compare Acts 2:24-36. |
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21. John 15:1-7 |
Here Jesus is root and in His people the branches. (Do not confuse with the ‘Root and Descendant.’ The distinction is in relationships. |
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22. Songs 2:1 |
Compare the rose and lily. The rose; brilliant, scented, sun seeking, robust, prolific. It is considered to be a costal crocus that grows on the Sharon plain. The lily; retiring, shade seeking, demur and fragile. Here we have Christ in His second and His first appearances. |
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23. Malachi 3:1 |
Messenger in this verse H4397 means to send as a messenger. The word is the same in all three usages, but from the second it is Jesus, not John, not the capitalisation from ‘he to He.’ |
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24. Revelation 1:5, 3:14 |
A witness is one who gives testimony. He tells what He knows. We ought to fear or take comfort. Revelation 2:13 and 2 Timothy 2:19. |
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25. Hebrews 13:10 |
By rights a table of offering, but here stands for all that the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ signifies. A figure of speech called a synecdoche (ie where the genus stands for all the species.) ‘Altar’ here stands for all that Jesus is as represented in Hebrews. |
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26. Hebrews 1:2 |
An heir is one who inherits an estate by law. The father has endowed His Son with all things. (In 1 Peter 5:3&4 He has in turn allotted to leaders a portion which He will reward. according to its faithful execution.) |
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27. Isaiah 28:16, 1 Corinthians 3:11 |
He is our Foundation and the foundation must conform in footprint to the pattern outlines on the plan. The builder must be faithful to the predetermined design. |
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28. Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter 2:6 |
The cornerstone sets the location and levels of a building. We must be careful to build to its lay and line. |
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29. Isaiah 9:6 |
A counsellor can be an a solicitor or barrister at law, or as in this case a court counsellor. In our government we know them as ‘advisors,’ who are supposed to be specialists in their field. Wonderful in this verse means ‘marvellous to behold’ in the execution of His duty. Little wonder that the government of the kingdom of Heave will rest upon His shoulders. |
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30. Matthew 23: 37 |
As a hen, Christ Jesus provides comfort and protection for those who are His. |
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31. Hebrews 2:10 |
The word is sometimes translated ‘author’ but we prefer ‘captain’ G747 in this verse as in it is in the AV which has a base meaning of ‘camp commander.’ WE Vine in his word dictionary says, “some take (it) to denote a praetorian prefect, or commander of the praetorian cohorts, the Emperor's bodyguard, "the captain of the praetorian guard." There were two praetorian prefects, to whose custody prisoners sent bound to the Emperor were consigned. But the word probably means the commander of a detached corps connected with the commissariat and the general custody of prisoners.” So Jesus is God’s commander in charge of those who come to God through Him, for we are His prisoners rescued from the domain of the evil one. |
So Christ is All in All, have we not seen it in our meditation:
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision
nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ
is all, and in all.
The Sermon on the Mount. On Feb.1 scan the chapters. Each reading then divides the discourse into its parts, topic by topic. Each day give your reading a descriptive title. Make a list of these references and titles in your notebook. Then bracket the title or titles that belong together and finally give each group of titles a descriptive name. There is more information on our web-site.
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February's readings are intended to help you create your own analysis of the Sermon on the Mount. All you need is your Bible, a pencil (and rubber), and several sheets of paper, and some of your devotional time.
On Feb.1 we scan the chapters. The purpose of this is both and overview that is devotional and to refresh our memories with the scope of the information covered. Each daily reading then divides the discourse into its basic parts, topic by topic.
Each day give your reading a short descriptive title. This title says in a very few words of your own what is being taught in that portion of scripture. Reducing the thoughts to its very elements helps us understand the teaching. This does not call for a comment or exposition, simply an understanding of what Jesus said.
Make a list of these references and titles in your notebook. Jot them down one under the other sequentially.
At the end of the month when all the titles are complete, bracket the title or titles that you gave to the selections which belong together based on what Jesus taught. Here the accuracy of your earlier work will aid you in your decisions. It may be that there is only one title in its own 'group', but that is your decision. However you do not need to re-sort the titles or take them out of sequence: maintain the Biblical order.
Then give each group of titles a descriptive name. In this way you are grouping the teachings of Jesus progressively and logically.
Finally, give the finished work a heading which describes the whole. It must not be "The Beatitudes." To do that is to miss the whole point of the exercise. The heading should say what it is that Jesus is saying, based on your own observations.
These reading divisions are adapted from, but not the same as the list found in W. Graham Scroggie's 'A Guide to the Gospels,' Pickering and Inglis, Glasgow. 1952. Page 296. His works are not copyright.
On the next page is one person's own effort. It is given only by way of illustration. It is not the correct answer. There is no 'correct answer.' Only view it if you need or when you have done the best you can and your own work is complete. This method invites you to explore the Bible for yourself. When you condense the text to a few words you force yourself to think through what is being said. What you have at the end is your own summation of the passage, and that is the blessing.
As there is no correct answer, your work should be revised periodically as your knowledge of God and His word increases and you get a better idea of what is being said.
Enjoy!
To see the example, click here
The Bible likens the God's children to many other things. Each object is like the believer in one or more significant ways. Identify and examine the likeness. What do you learn from this? Add to your note book begun last December.
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To see an example analysis of the above passages, click here
These selections are inspired by C H Spurgeons 'Morning and Evening Daily Readings.' The number in (brackets) is your key verse. Can you build a meditation from a thought in that verse? Keep this in mind ready to share with someone you meet during the day. Example: This month's Green Leaf devotional is based on the reading for 11th Easter selections are also included.
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This months readings are a text chain. Each reading contains some theme which links it to the next, linking by another theme to the next and so on. Where will it all lead? Daily, summarise each theme in your notebook for your own review.
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A Book of Devotionals The daily texts are those selected by L B Cowman in the popular devotional book Streams in the Desert for June. If you have it you might like to consult it. Alternatively you can write your own paragraph on each selection in your notebook and retain it for later review. The number in brackets is the author's selected verse.
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Matthew alone of the four evangelists uses the phrase "the kingdom of Heaven" The other writers speak of "the kingdom of God," and Matthew also uses that title in four instances. Try to find our why he does this as you read during the month. Keeping notes of your own thoughts day by day may be an advantage. More information below.
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The ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and the ‘Kingdom of God’ in the Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus spoke to Jews in Aramaic. The Gospels as we have them translate His words from Aramaic into Greek. Each Evangelist, guided and prompted by the Holy Spirit, brought his particular purpose and style to bear as he selected the material for inclusion and the particular words to be used.
“It would appear that Matthew retains the expression, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven,’ because the thought was familiar to the Jews (cf Dan 4.34, 37; 4.26; 6.26; 7.14). . . .Matthew in keeping with the special scope and character of his Gospel, retained it, whereas in the other Gospels the figure was translated as being what it also, although not exclusively, meant: ‘the Kingdom of God’” - W Graham Scroggie “A Guide to the Gospels,” pp299,300.
The words used are ‘The Kingdom (of) the Heaven.’ In this phrase the ‘of’ derives from the grammar used and means ‘ the kingdom relating to Heaven, and not: 'in', 'out of' or 'from' Heaven. It speaks of a sphere of sovereignty or authority and not a place. It is where God is in control, including our hearts. It is the thought behind the prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
As you read each daily selection, and also the context and then see if you can tell why Matthew chose to translate some of the words of Jesus as, ‘The kingdom of God,’ but mostly translated them ‘The kingdom of Heaven.’
These are the verses you should have found. The NASB is quoted as it is a faithful translation of this phrase from Matthew’s Greek into English. Other versions may take liberties.
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1. Matthew 12:28 |
"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." |
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2. Matthew 19:24 |
"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." |
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3. Matthew 21:31 |
"Which of the two did the will of his father?" They *said, "The first." Jesus *said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you." |
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4. Matthew 21:43 |
"Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it." |
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5. Matthew 3:2 |
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." |
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6. Matthew 4:17 |
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." |
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7. Matthew 5:3 |
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." |
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8. Matthew 5:10 |
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." |
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9. Matthew 5:19 Matthew 5:20 |
"Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." |
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10. Matthew 7:21 |
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." |
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11. Matthew 8:11 |
"I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;" |
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12. Matthew 10:7 |
"And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' " |
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13. Matthew 11:11 Matthew 11:12 |
"Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." |
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14. Matthew 13:11 |
Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted." |
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15. Matthew 13:24 |
Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field." |
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16. Matthew 13:31 |
He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;" |
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17. Matthew 13:33 |
He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened." |
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18. Matthew 13:44 |
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." |
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19. Matthew 13:45 |
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls," |
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20. Matthew 13:47 |
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind;" |
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21. Matthew 13:52 |
And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." |
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22. Matthew 16:19 |
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." |
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23. Matthew 18:1 Matthew 18:3 Matthew 18:4 |
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." |
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24. Matthew 18:23 |
"For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves." |
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25. Matthew 19:12 |
"For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it." |
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26. Matthew 19:14 |
But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." |
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27. Matthew 19:23 |
And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." |
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28. Matthew 20:1 |
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard." |
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29. Matthew 22:2 |
"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son." |
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30. Matthew 23:13 |
"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." |
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31. Matthew 25:1 |
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom." |
Encouragement to Prayer. The Word of God is filled with words and examples which encourage us to seek the Lord in Prayer. The wonder is that we do not do more of it. Look to the Lord to give you a word that meet your particular and special need. Ask Him to speak to your heart in this month's meditation.
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September's readings each contain one or more conditional responses, a passage where God says to some one "If you will, I will . . . " or something similar. What can you learn of God's dealings with His people past? Is there a principle you can apply to needs of your own? Keep a record of your discoveries for later review.
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A Christian businessman adopted the practice of reading a chapter of Proverbs at the start of every day to help guide him in his business decisions. It is full of practical every day wisdom. There are 31 chapters, one for each day.
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We return this month to the devotional reading context and selections of Mrs. Cowman in her popular Streams in the Desert for November. If you have it you might like to refer to it. The verse she selected is in brackets. Select a verse in the passage and write your own meditation on that thought. The story on page one is one example of what could be done. Let your imagination and memory of God’s word work for you. Enjoy learning and applying His word. Keep your work for later review.
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This month's seasonal readings include the context, the background, the prophecies, and the language imagery that present this great event. Had not the Gospels included the record of the nativity event. the expectation of sacred writ would have demanded it. Get personally involved.
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