What a coincidence. I actually wanted to do a study on James myself…it’s actually SO good. So many things to write about… James raises interesting points in regards to faith without works being dead. While we know that our salvation comes by grace alone, we cannot earn it ourselves, we are still called into action … Continue reading Faith and Works (James 1-2)

Well hello there, super encouraging chapter! One of my favourite parts of the letters in the New Testament is the parts where they talk about Christian living. It’s usually a lot of super short concepts all strung together, and to unpack it all takes a while. But in the end, we’re left with a lot … Continue reading Yesterday and Today and Forever (Hebrews 13)

There are so many things to talk about from this passage, I’m not sure what to write about. The part that stood out to me today was 11:24-25: “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God … Continue reading Citizens of the Kingdom (Hebrews 11-12)

Hebrews is steadily becoming one of my favoured books of the Bible. Today we learn more about the significance of Christ being the high priest for us. He overcomes the sacrifices that were necessary before. Instead of constantly sacrificing animals for our sins, we are covered by the blood of Christ. Now he can enter … Continue reading Into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9-10)

Ok seriously I need to stop writing about what the next day’s readings are. Legit. Plus, there is my answer to who Melchizedek is, right there in chapter 7. mm…I sense inklings of old and new covenant theology things here, but I don’t know much about the nitty gritties involving that, so we’ll just stick … Continue reading New Covenants (Hebrews 7-8)

So yesterday talking about the high priest thing sort of jumped the gun, but i will continue today. I noted that I’ve read about the order of Melchizedek in Psalms, but I actually still didn’t know what it was…so I looked it up 😀 Apparently he was the dude in Genesis who blessed Abram after … Continue reading Anchored (Hebrews 5-6)

Rest is a wonderful thing. And God has invited us to come and join his rest. However, it is because of Jesus that we are even able to do so. Jesus is greater than angels, as discussed yesterday, but he is also greater than Moses, as discussed today. And even though we turn away, just … Continue reading Rest Through Christ (Hebrews 3-4)

I haven’t read Hebrews in a while, so I’m looking forward to this week. Reading Hebrews 1 and most of 2, I can’t hep but be struck by the supremacy that is Christ’s. It’s interesting that angels are used as a comparison, but it makes sense for new believers who had previously only heard about God and … Continue reading Jesus is Supreme (Hebrews 1-2)

God’s plan for Onesimus and Philemon were not exactly what they had picked out for themselves. I don’t think it would have been in Onesiumus’ thought process to return, and I’m fairly confident it wasn’t in Philemon’s plan to accept him back with open arms. Also, they probably didn’t plan on being converted. Be that … Continue reading The Game Plan (Philemon)

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” … Continue reading Majors and Minors (Titus 3)

Basically how we should be interacting with each other at all times. I like how chapter 2 (I’m not getting into roles here) gives ways for everyone to be in discipleship/mentor relationships. Paul has this vision in his mind for how the church was going to function. It is a self-sustaining, multiplying entity. And the … Continue reading Every Moment (Titus 1-2)

There are so many passages on last days and the second coming of Christ in these letters… Over the last year, I have begun challenging myself to know scripture better. Growing up a pastor’s kid I’ve read a lot and heard a lot, but I don’t know where to find a lot of the verses … Continue reading Know It (2 Timothy 3-4)

I am not ashamed of the name above all names For it has the power to heal and to save A strength for the weary, peace to the troubled soul. Peace to the troubled soul. It’s the name of Jesus. It’s the name of Jesus. Mightier than mountains, He lives among the weak. Ruler eternal, … Continue reading Christ at All Times (2 Timothy 1-2)

I feel like there is much to apply to our lives within the concluding thoughts of chapter 6. First off, not worrying a whole lot about people who reject the message that we bring. If we know that our message is from God, we shouldn’t worry about people arguing for the sake of having an … Continue reading Fight the Good Fight (1 Timothy 5-6)

If we want to teach others and impart wisdom that we have gleaned in our lives, our actions can either back us up or disqualify what we are saying. It makes sense, then, that Paul also tells Timothy to live above reproach. To continue to live his life in a way that others will see … Continue reading Walk the Talk (1 Timothy 3-4)

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this whole mission is pure hearts and sincere faith. It seems so simple, how could the church be missing it? Because things get in the way. There’s … Continue reading Faith and Knowledge (1 Timothy 1-2)

Even in the event of someone not following what they were told and leeching off of other people, the Thessalonians are told to still approach them like a brother, not an enemy. Yes, they begin to distance themselves to hope that he begins to understand and see the err in his ways, but they do … Continue reading Rely and Encourage (2 Thessalonians 3)

An interesting letter, this one. It’s kind of neat to see how the Thessalonians are continuing to grow after the last letter. It is a common story in the early church, but one that still amazes me when I read it, that they would be thriving so much under persecution (and apparently someone saying that … Continue reading Jesus Changes Lives (1 Thessalonians 1-2)

And here we have my verse that I have on my blog! I find it interesting that this letter includes comments on how we will be taken to heaven. It doesn’t seem like a huge issue to me for newer believers, but it appropriately gives us reason to continue to build each other up and … Continue reading Eternity In Mind (1 Thessalonians 5)

It is super encouraging to read these chapters. The excitement Paul has that the believers have remained in the faith and that he gets to continue to encourage them is easy to see. I love that the encouragement tells them what to do, but also commends them for what they are already doing. Also the … Continue reading Brotherly Love (1 Thessalonians 3-4)