Let us celebrate our freedom in Christ!
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American Independence and was cast with the inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10). In North America, we celebrate the 4th of July and our nation’s independence. The Bible is man’s source of justice, law, order, love, peace, and above all Freedom. All Western society is built on the laws of the Bible which continually call us back to God’s provision of freedom for all mankind.
We are finishing Luke and beginning John. Philippians, Colossians into 1 Thessalonians are also in this week. Judges have begun, Psalms continue, as does Ezekiel. This will be a powerful week together in the scriptures.
WATCH That I May Know Him Week 27 PODCAST
GOSPELS
Luke 22 – 24
Passover, New Covenant in Christ’s blood, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest, and crucifixion. But Sunday’s coming! RESSURECTION! Jesus finds His disciples and opens their understanding to be able to comprehend the Scriptures!
John 1 – 4
John writes the fourth and final gospel, long after the first three were written, some 60 years after the resurrection. John speaks from his inner circle and revelatory discovery of Christ. The Christmas Story is the Word made flesh; His introduction as the “Lamb who takes away the sin of the World!” Ministry starts with a wedding and water turned into wine. New birth is expressed as being born from above, Nicodemus is baffled, and John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Bridegroom. Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and gives her living water to eternal life. The entire city believes.
EPISTLES
Philippians 3 – 4
I truly enjoy Philippians 3 because in this chapter we learn of the journey into resurrection life and perfection, and its cost and provision. Here Paul shares the true riches we have in Christ. In Chapter 4 we learn to live our faith practically, free from strife and worry, with the promise we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us. Generosity is our key to an abundant harvest and it is a sweet-smelling aroma to God.
Colossians 1 – 4
The book of Colossians contains similar teachings as those found in the book of Ephesians, with the Mystery of God in the first two chapters and walking out our relationships with one another in the second half. Having read Ephesians last week, I am sure you will see many of the same truths in the same order but also expanded with different emphases.
1 Thessalonians 1 – 2
One of Paul’s first epistles, he recounts the Thessalonians’ conversion, their relationship together, and the persecution they have to endure. A very tender beginning.
HISTORY
Judges 1 – 9
The cycles of apostasy, seven of them, are recorded in the book of judges that spans 400 years. Israel begins by having been delivered into God’s provision and protection, they then go into idolatry and forget the Lord. This in turn brings them into captivity and bondage to their neighbors. In their servitude, they cry out to the Lord and He sends them a deliverer “Judge.” We hear the much-repeated indictment, “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God, and served the Baals [and Asherahs].” (Judges 2:11, 3:7, 3:12, 10:6, etc.)
POETRY
Psalm 116 – 121
The big news is we are about to read Psalm 119, the longest Psalm/chapter in the Bible. Using the Hebrew letters, each letter is represented in eight verses, all about the Word of God. It is an acrostic poem consisting of 176 verses, with 22 stanzas each having eight verses. The 22 stanzas each begin with one of the 22 Hebrew letters of the alphabet. After Psalm 119 we begin the Psalms of Ascent.
PROPHETS
Ezekiel 30 – 34
Ezekiel continues his prophecy against Egypt, then speaks to “watchmen”, and declares God’s judgment. He decries irresponsible shepherds and compares them to God, who is the true Shepherd. There are rich warnings and insights into God’s dealings with His covenant people. Chapter 34 ends with the covenant of peace the Lord will make after all the destruction, “‘You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,’ says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:31).
