Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Montclair Community Church A Fountain of Grace in Upper Montclair ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://montclair.church/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Risen Saints of Matthew 27:52-53](https://montclair.church/2024/04/03/the-risen-saints-of-matthew-2752-53/) - I received a question regarding Matthew 27:52-53. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:52–53 (ESV) What does it mean that saints came out of their - [Did Jesus Gain Authority Through His Death?](https://montclair.church/2023/05/31/did-jesus-gain-authority-through-his-death/) - I received the following question regarding a sermon I recently preached: Please explain how the death of Jesus affected his authority in Heavenly places? In a recent sermon, you mentioned that he took his rightful place of authority after he rose from the dead, over those of demonic sphere or influence on the earth. This - [Did Angels Mate with Humans?](https://montclair.church/2023/05/23/did-angels-mate-with-humans/) - I received the following question based on a message where I used parts of Psalm 82 and Genesis 6:1-4: Please describe the Sons of God referenced in Psalm 82. I don’t understand how these spiritual beings were able to come into the earth and mate with humans! How is that possible? Did they take on - [How Does Acts 1:8 Reverse God's Rejection of Sinners?](https://montclair.church/2023/05/16/how-does-acts-18-reverse-gods-rejection-of-sinners/) - I preached a few weeks ago on Acts 1:8 and how God's program for the church is to reverse the rejection of sinners by God and reclaim what He has disinherited. Here is a question I received: You mentioned in your sermon about how the Jesus told the apostles once he was raised from the - [What Is Speaking in Tongues?](https://montclair.church/2023/04/25/what-is-speaking-in-tongues/) - I received this question after discussing Acts 2:1-11 this past Sunday: On the day of Penetcost, thousands from many nations heard the Apostles speak in their own language. How does that relate to people who speak in tongues today in certain denominations? Is there a heavenly prayer language that some believers are given that allow - [Is It Ever Allowable to Lie?](https://montclair.church/2023/03/14/is-it-ever-allowable-to-lie/) - I received this questions, one that has been asked throughout the entire history of Christianity: Is it ever OK for a Christian to lie? I am thinking about Christians who hid Jews during the Holocaust and lied to the Nazis about it.Also Rahab lying to protect the spies also comes to mind. This is a - [How Did Michal Have Idols in David's Home?](https://montclair.church/2023/03/01/how-did-michal-have-idols-in-davids-home/) - I received a two part question based on my sermon on 1 Samuel 19 this past Sunday: How is it that David allowed idols in his home? Is Michal and David’s marriage not God’s will as they seem to be unequally yoked? These are great questions. I think there are a few elements to this. - [What Does It Mean that Saul Prophesied (1 Samuel 19:24)?](https://montclair.church/2023/02/27/what-does-it-mean-that-saul-prophesied-1-samuel-1924/) - I received two similar questions regarding my message on 1 Samuel 19 this past Sunday. They are about the prophesying that is done by Saul and his servants in verses 20-24: Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, - [Were David and Jonathan in a Homosexual Relationship?](https://montclair.church/2023/02/21/were-david-and-jonathan-in-a-homosexual-relationship/) - I preached on 1 Samuel 18 this past Sunday, and I received this question: In today’s society, in corporate life, government, advertising and even some churches there is a push to accept homosexuality as a person being true to themselves and how they were made, which is not what the Bible teaches. Unfortunately, I’ve had - [Why Doesn't Saul Know David in 1 Samuel 17?](https://montclair.church/2023/02/13/why-doesnt-saul-know-david-in-1-samuel-17/) - I was asked this question about the events of 1 Samuel 17: In 1 Samuel 17:55-57, Saul seems to be unfamiliar with David and who he is, even though he was played the harp to give him relief from the evil spirit that was from God. He was clearly told by his servant in 1 - [What Are "Harmful Spirits?"](https://montclair.church/2023/01/30/4686/) - Here is a multi-part question I received about my sermon on 1 Samuel 16:14-23 from Sunday: In today’s sermon, 1 Samuel 16:15 speaks of a “harmful spirit from God.” I thought I heard Pastor Lee say that this was an angel sent by God to do harm. My questions are as follows:1. Aren’t all harmful - [How Long Did David Wait to Become King?](https://montclair.church/2023/01/25/how-long-did-david-wait-to-become-king/) - Here is a question and some thoughtful insight I received based on this Sunday's sermon on 1 Samuel 16:1-13: In today’s sermon, Samuel anointed David as the next king of Israel. How much time transpired between Samuel’s anointing and David ascending to the throne? I’m asking because very often when we believe that we’ve heard - [How Do We Expand upon Last Year's Reading Plan?](https://montclair.church/2023/01/19/how-do-we-expand-upon-last-years-reading-plan/) - If you are a reader of our blog, you know that last year I posted every day as we walked through the entire Bible in one year. If you did not join us for that, the posts are still available and you can do it this year! If you did join us, what is the - [Is There an Age of Accountability?](https://montclair.church/2023/01/17/is-there-an-age-of-accountability/) - This question was asked in the context of the Amalekites that were devoted for destruction by God in 1 Samuel 15:3. Are the Amalekite infants and children who were slaughtered in heaven since they were younger than the age of accountability? To answer this question, I need to change the question. I do not believe - [How to Forgive?](https://montclair.church/2022/06/30/how-to-forgive/) - "What does the bible say about Forgiveness?" Answer: We can forgive because God forgave us first. Forgiveness is defined as "the wiping out of an offense from memory; it can be effected only by the one affronted. Once eradicated, the offense no longer conditions the relationship between the offender and the one affronted, and harmony - [Psalm 1 - Blessing and Delight in God's Word](https://montclair.church/2022/12/31/psalm-1-blessing-and-delight-in-gods-word/) - Well faithful reader: we did it! Today we complete our walk through the Bible as we consider Psalm 1. I saved this for last because it contrasts the life lived apart from the Word of God with the life that is lived according to the Word of God. Note in 1:1 that blessing is pronounced - [Revelation 20-22 - The Millennium and the New Heaven and New Earth](https://montclair.church/2022/12/30/revelation-20-22-the-millennium-and-the-new-heaven-and-new-earth/) - Today we will complete the book of Revelation. These chapters are the seventh and final vision cycle that close the book. This cycle begins with the dragon being chained and thrown into the abyss (20:1-3). This is another description of what we saw in Revelation 12:7-12. This is Satan being expelled from heaven and thrown - [Revelation 17-19 - Babylon the Great](https://montclair.church/2022/12/29/revelation-17-19-babylon-the-great/) - Today we will consider the sixth vision cycle. One of the seven angels that poured out the bowls of wrath calls John to see the judgment of the "great prostitute" whom the kings of the earth have committed "sexual immorality" (17:1-2). This woman is Babylon, which symbolizes the world system under the power of Satan. - [Revelation 15-16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath](https://montclair.church/2022/12/28/revelation-15-16-the-seven-bowls-of-gods-wrath/) - Today we will take a look at the fifth vision cycle: the seven bowls of God's wrath. These represent elements of the final judgment. That there are seven of them again reveals a complete judgment. We once again see that angels are the agents of this judgment (15:1). John sees again the sea of glass - [Revelation 12-14 - The Two Sides of the War](https://montclair.church/2022/12/27/revelation-12-14-the-two-sides-of-the-war/) - Today we will continue in the book of Revelation as we consider the fourth vision cycle. This vision begins with a woman in heaven (or the sky) (12:1). This woman represents the people God. Here, she is the physical people of God, Israel, as evidenced by the twelve stars, sun, and moon (see Gen 37:9-10). - [Revelation 8:6-11:19 - The Seven Trumpets](https://montclair.church/2022/12/26/revelation-86-1119-the-seven-trumpets/) - Today we will consider the third vision cycle of the book of Revelation. John's point of view has now switched from heaven to earth. We will see seven angels act as agents of judgment and blow the seven trumpets (8:6). Each trumpet represents a temporal judgment on the wicked in the present age. That there - [Revelation 4-8:5 - The Seven Seals](https://montclair.church/2022/12/25/revelation-4-85-the-seven-seals/) - Today we continue in the book of Revelation. We left off with the addresses to the seven churches. Now, the second vision cycle begins with John seeing a door open in heaven and Christ calling Him to come up to see what must take place "after this" (4:1). John then says he was "in the - [Revelation 1-3 - Christ Addresses His Church](https://montclair.church/2022/12/24/revelation-1-3-christ-addresses-his-church/) - Today we will begin the book of Revelation. The book is a letter dictated by Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor (1:11). Authorship of the book has been disputed from almost the beginning. Some attribute it to the Apostle John, some to an elder named John known in the late first century, some to - [2 and 3 John - Truth, Love, and Hospitality](https://montclair.church/2022/12/23/2-and-3-john-truth-love-and-hospitality/) - Today we will consider the second and third epistles of the Apostle John. These are the two shortest books of the Bible, written by John near the end of the first century A.D. 2 John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children," which is believed to be a metaphor for the church, or - [1 John 1-5 - Love, Truth, and Assurance](https://montclair.church/2022/12/22/1-john-1-5-love-truth-and-assurance/) - Today we will consider the first general epistle of the Apostle John. This was written late in the first century A.D., likely from Ephesus to the churches of Asia Minor. John wants to warn against false teaching, and encourage the church to continue to live holy lives, love one another, and be assured of our - [John 19-21 - The Death and Resurrection of Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/12/21/john-19-21-the-death-and-resurrection-of-christ/) - Today we will finish the Gospel according to John. We left off with Pilate releasing Barabbas to appease the Jews (18:40). Jesus is then given over to be flogged (19:1). He is also mocked by the Roman soldiers (vv. 2-3). Pilate is hopeful that the Jewish leaders will be satisfied with the beating (vv. 4-5). - [John 16-18 - Encouragement, Prayer, and Arrest](https://montclair.church/2022/12/20/john-16-18-encouragement-prayer-and-arrest/) - We pick up today with Jesus's Upper Room Discourse. Jesus has told His disciples that He is leaving, that He is sending the Spirit, that they are to love as He has loved, and that they will be persecuted in the world. Jesus now tells them why He has said these things: to keep them - [John 13-15 - Jesus's Going and Coming](https://montclair.church/2022/12/19/john-13-15-jesuss-going-and-coming/) - Our reading today begins in the upper room the night before Jesus's death. Jesus knew what was about to happen (13:1 - see 12:23, 27). John tells us that Satan had already deceived Judas Iscariot into betraying Jesus (v. 2 - see 12:4). It is interesting to note that the washing of the disciples' feet - [John 10-12 - The Good Shepherd and the Resurrection](https://montclair.church/2022/12/18/john-10-12-the-good-shepherd-and-the-resurrection/) - Our reading today begins with Jesus in conversation with the Pharisees. He uses the metaphor of a sheepfold (10:1-5). A sheepfold was a large outdoor area surrounded by a wall. There would be only one gate in or out, always guarded. This is because multiple shepherds would rent the same sheepfold. The gatekeeper would know - [John 7-9 - Living Water and Light](https://montclair.church/2022/12/17/john-7-9-living-water-and-light/) - Our reading today begins with Jesus in Galilee, hesitant to openly minister in Judea because the Jews wanted Him dead (7:1 - see 5:18). We see that even His own siblings didn't believe in Him (v. 5), and they even challenged Him to go to Judea and minister openly (vv. 3-4). Note that this is - [John 4-6 - Living Water and Bread from Heaven](https://montclair.church/2022/12/16/john-4-6-living-water-and-bread-from-heaven/) - Our reading today begins with Jesus returning to Galilee from Judea (4:3). In order to do so, He chooses to take the direct route through Samaria (v. 4). We are told that this is near the field that Jacob gave Joseph (v. 5), likely a reference to Genesis 48:22. Jesus arrives at "Jacob's Well" which - [John 1-3 - Jesus Christ is God](https://montclair.church/2022/12/15/john-1-3-jesus-christ-is-god/) - Today we begin the Gospel according to John.1 This is the last Gospel written, probably in the 80s A.D. This Gospel has a stated purpose: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (20:31). It has been said that - [2 Peter 1-3 - The Second Coming and New Scriptures](https://montclair.church/2022/12/14/2-peter-1-3-the-second-coming-and-new-scriptures/) - Today we will consider the second letter of the Apostle Peter. He wants the church to make sure we are walking in the truth. This was likely written from Rome shortly before his death. Peter begins by pointing out that the Apostles are no different from all Christians regarding salvation. We have all been saved - [Jude - Beware False Teaching](https://montclair.church/2022/12/13/jude-beware-false-teaching/) - Today we will consider the letter of Jude. Jude was likely the half-brother of Jesus (the Judas of Matt 13:55). Jude writes to the church at large about false teaching. He calls the church to come together in resisting false doctrine. After his greeting (1:1-2), we see that Jude actually wanted to write something different, - [2 Timothy 1-4 - Paul's Race Ends](https://montclair.church/2022/12/12/2-timothy-1-4-pauls-race-ends/) - Today we will consider Paul's second letter to Timothy. This was Paul's final letter, written shortly before his death in the late 60s A.D. Many believe Paul wrote this from a Roman imprisonment subsequent to the first imprisonment recorded in the book of Acts (see 1:16-17). Paul knows his life is coming to an end, - [1 Peter 1-5 - Suffering for Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/12/11/1-peter-1-5-suffering-for-christ/) - Today we will consider the first epistle of Peter. This letter is written by the Apostle Peter to encourage believers who were suffering persecution. His message is about the inevitability of suffering in this life, and the Christian's responsibility to endure that suffering, which Christ did. We can to as we look to our sure - [Titus 1-3 - Doctrine and Good Works](https://montclair.church/2022/12/10/titus-1-3-doctrine-and-good-works/) - Today we will consider Paul's letter to another pastor (elder) named Titus. Titus was a Greek and was known to the Corinthian church, as he helped pastor the church there (2 Cor 7:13-14, 8:6, 12:18). Titus was now a pastor in Crete (1:5), a Greek Island. Paul wrote to him to tell him how to - [1 Timothy 4-6 - Relationships and Riches in the Church](https://montclair.church/2022/12/09/1-timothy-4-6-relationships-and-riches-in-the-church/) - Today we will finish Paul's letter to Timothy. Paul began the letter speaking about false teaching (1:3-11), and here he returns to this theme again. The false teachers are deceived by the powers of darkness. Paul tells Timothy how bad it is going to get. There will be apostates that leave the visible church by - [1 Timothy 1-3 - Roles and Responsibilities in the Church](https://montclair.church/2022/12/08/1-timothy-1-3-roles-and-responsibilities-in-the-church/) - Today we begin the first of Paul's three pastoral letters. This letter was written to a young pastor named Timothy. This is the same Timothy that traveled with Paul (Acts 16:1, Rom 16:21, 2 Cor 1:1). This letter was written sometime after Paul's first Roman imprisonment. Timothy was at this time pastoring in Ephesus (1:3) - [Philemon - From Servant to Brother](https://montclair.church/2022/12/07/philemon-from-servant-to-brother/) - Today we will consider the short but very personal letter from Paul to Philemon, a Colossian believer. This letter was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. The letter was likely sent with the envoy that carried the letter to the Colossians and Ephesians, which included Onesimus (see Col 4:8-9, Eph 6:21-22), on whose behalf - [Philippians 1-4 - Joy in Every Circumstance](https://montclair.church/2022/12/06/philippians-1-4-joy-in-every-circumstance/) - Today we will consider Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. The letter speaks of Paul's joy regardless of his circumstances, and points to Christ as the supreme example of humility. Paul and Timothy begin by addressing the church, the elders, and the deacons in Philippi (1:1-2). Paul - [Colossians 1-4 - Christ is Sufficient](https://montclair.church/2022/12/05/colossians-1-4-christ-is-sufficient/) - Today we will consider Paul's letter to the Colossians. This letter was written around the same time as the circular letter known as the letter to the Ephesians, and there is considerable crossover in themes. It appears that Paul sent this letter with Tychicus along with that letter (4:7-8, see Eph 6:21-22). This letter, however, - [Ephesians 4-6 - Gifts, Submission, and Warfare](https://montclair.church/2022/12/04/ephesians-4-6-gifts-submission-and-warfare/) - Today we finish Paul's circular letter to the churches of Asia Minor. He has made his case (quite convincingly) that there is one spiritual people of God consisting of all those justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone - whether Jew or Gentile. But as we saw in 2:10, we have been - [Ephesians 1-3 - One People of God in Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/12/03/ephesians-1-3-one-people-of-god-in-christ/) - Today we begin what is known as Paul's letter to the Ephesians. However, most of the earliest manuscripts do not contain the words "in Ephesus" in 1:1. This is believed by many to be a circular letter, written for the purpose of copying and passing on to other churches. The fact that there are no - [Acts 25-28 - Paul Gets to Rome](https://montclair.church/2022/12/02/acts-25-28-paul-gets-to-rome/) - Today we will complete the book of Acts. We see that as soon as Felix was replaced by Festus (24:27), the Jewish religious leaders accuse Paul once again (25:1-2) and ask that he be sent back to Jerusalem (v. 3). They did this because they wanted to kill him on his way back. Festus wants - [Acts 21:17-24:27 - Paul On Trial](https://montclair.church/2022/12/01/acts-2117-2427-paul-on-trial/) - Today we pick up where we left off in the book of Acts. Paul (and Luke) have now reached Jerusalem (21:17). When they visit James (v. 18), and tell them all the Gentiles that had come to faith (v. 19), James talks about the Jews that had come to faith (v. 20). They have heard - [Romans 12-16 - The Practical Application of Justification](https://montclair.church/2022/11/30/romans-12-16-the-practical-application-of-justification/) - Today we complete Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul's "therefore" of 12:1 is the conclusion of all he has said thus far in the letter. We are all sinners justified by grace. We are all dead to sin and alive unto Christ. We are all the same as God's elect, whether Jew or Gentile, and - [Romans 9-11 - The Sovereign Plan](https://montclair.church/2022/11/29/romans-9-11-the-sovereign-plan/) - Today we continue Paul's letter to the Romans. In the first section of the letter, Paul explained the universal need for justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. All are sinners, and all need Christ. He then discussed the results of justification. It is - [Romans 5-8 - The Results of Justification](https://montclair.church/2022/11/28/romans-5-8-the-results-of-justification/) - Today we continue in Paul's letter to the Romans. Yesterday, we saw Paul speak of the universal need for justification. Today we will see him address the universal results of justification. We see Paul transition to this next part discussing the results of justification with the "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith..." (5:1). - [Romans 1-4 - The Universal Need](https://montclair.church/2022/11/27/romans-1-4-the-universal-need/) - Today we begin Paul's letter to the Romans. This is the longest, most famous, and most theologically rich of all Paul's letters. We could spend a year or more just walking through this letter. However, since we are going to do it in only four days, we are only going to be able to take - [2 Corinthians 11-13 - Paul's Weakness, Christ's Strength](https://montclair.church/2022/11/26/2-corinthians-11-13-pauls-weakness-christs-strength/) - Today we will complete Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. We pick up where we left off yesterday: Paul defending his Apostleship and authority against his detractors within the church. Paul tells them that he is delving into foolishness by even defending himself (11:1), but because he wants the Corinthians to stay true to - [2 Corinthians 8-10 - Generosity and Apostleship](https://montclair.church/2022/11/25/2-corinthians-8-10-generosity-and-apostleship/) - Today we continue Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Paul begins chapter 8 by telling the Corinthians church how generous the Macedonian churches are despite their poverty (8:1-2). Each gave as he or she could afford (v. 3 - see 1 Cor 16:2), eager to do so (v. 4). Paul says he sent Titus to - [2 Corinthians 5-7 - Reconciliation and Separation](https://montclair.church/2022/11/24/2-corinthians-5-7-reconciliation-and-separation/) - Today we continue Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. We left off with Paul talking about enduring suffering as a means of showing forth Christ. We can endure these sufferings because we know that when Christ returns, we will be resurrected in glory. If we keep our eyes on Him and our sure end, - [2 Corinthians 1-4 - Affliction, Comfort, and Glory](https://montclair.church/2022/11/23/2-corinthians-1-4-affliction-comfort-and-glory/) - Today we begin Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. This letter was written about a year after the first. It appears that some in the church were challenging Paul' authority, perhaps arguing against some of what he wrote in his first letter. Paul here defends his authority, expands on some of what he said - [1 Corinthians 13-16 - Love, Worship Service, and Resurrection](https://montclair.church/2022/11/22/1-corinthians-13-16-love-worship-service-and-resurrection/) - Today we finish Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He just spoke about using the gifts of the Spirit to serve the church and build each other up, and he speaks of "higher gifts" and a "more excellent way" (12:31). Paul is speaking about the motivation behind the use of our gifts. And that motivation - [1 Corinthians 9-12 - Rights and Responsibilities](https://montclair.church/2022/11/21/1-corinthians-9-12-rights-and-responsibilities/) - Paul left off in chapter 8 telling the Corinthians that they need to consider more than themselves when using their freedom in Christ. They have to consider each other. Paul now continues with that thought pointing to himself and how he surrenders his rights for the sake of the church. Paul points out his own - [1 Corinthians 5-8 - Sexual Sin, Judgment, Marriage, and Stumbling Blocks](https://montclair.church/2022/11/20/1-corinthians-5-8-sexual-sin-judgment-marriage-and-stumbling-blocks/) - Today we continue in the book of 1 Corinthians. Paul addressed the divisiveness in the church, and now moves onto another problem he was told about: sexual immorality in the church (5:1). Paul tells them that the sin in their church is so bad, that even non-Christians would not allow it in their midst. A - [1 Corinthians 1-4 - The Worldly Wisdom of Divisiveness](https://montclair.church/2022/11/19/1-corinthians-1-4-the-worldly-wisdom-of-divisiveness/) - Today we begin Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. Paul had visited Corinth on his second missionary journey, and stayed there for a year and a half (see Acts 18:1-11). This letter was likely written from Ephesus at the start of his third missionary journey (see Acts 19). Paul wrote this, in part, in response - [Acts 19:1-21:16 - Paul's Third Missionary Journey](https://montclair.church/2022/11/18/acts-191-2116-pauls-third-missionary-journey/) - We left off in the book of Acts with Paul starting his third missionary journey (18:23) and Apollos leaving for Greece to preach (18:27-28). While Apollos ministered in Corinth, Paul continued west through Asia Minor and came to Ephesus, where he found a group of Christians (19:1). Remember, Paul was here only briefly at the - [2 Thessalonians 1-3 - The Second Coming and Idleness](https://montclair.church/2022/11/17/2-thessalonians-1-3-the-second-coming-and-idleness/) - Today we will consider Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. Written shortly after his first letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul (and Silas and Timothy) write to address two issues: the Second Coming of Christ (again) and idleness in the church. He begins with with an encouragement to them. Their faith and love are growing - [1 Thessalonians 1-5 - A Letter to Friends](https://montclair.church/2022/11/16/1-thessalonians-1-5-a-letter-to-friends/) - Today we will consider the letter to the Thessalonians. They were a Gentile church in Macedonia that Paul planted on his second missionary journey. This letter was written not long after. Remember, Paul was in Thessalonica for about three weeks (Acts 17:2), and was chased out by unbelieving Jews (Acts 17:5-10). A little later, Paul - [Acts 16-18 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey](https://montclair.church/2022/11/15/acts-16-18-pauls-second-missionary-journey/) - Our reading today begins with Paul moving westward through Asia Minor (Turkey) to Derbe and Lystra where he meets a disciple named Timothy (16:1). Because he was half-Jewish, and in order to not impede the message of the Gospel to the Jews, Paul has Timothy circumcised so he can join him on his journey (v. - [Acts 12-15 - Paul's First Missionary Journey and the Jerusalem Council](https://montclair.church/2022/11/14/acts-12-15-pauls-first-missionary-journey-and-the-jerusalem-council/) - Our reading today begins with the martyrdom of the Apostle James at the hands of Herod (12:1-2). We see that because this pleased the unbelieving Jews, Herod also arrested Peter (v. 3). Luke is sure to point out that Peter was guarded by four squads of soldiers (v. 4). These "squads" consisted of four soldiers - [Acts 8-11 - Saul, Samaritans, and Gentiles Saved](https://montclair.church/2022/11/13/acts-8-11-saul-samaritans-and-gentiles-saved/) - Our reading today begins in Acts chapter 8. Stephen has just been martyred, and we see that the Pharisee Saul approved of his execution (8:1). This begins a systematic persecution of the Christians. Note the sovereignty of God in this. The persecution is against the church in Jerusalem, scattering them out throughout Judea and Samaria. - [Acts 5-7 - The Growing Church, Deacons, and Martyrdom](https://montclair.church/2022/11/12/acts-5-7-the-growing-church-deacons-and-martyrdom/) - Our reading today picks up where we left off yesterday. All in the church willingly shared what they had so that nobody in the church had any need (see 4:32-37). The "but" that begins chapter 5 sets us up for the story (5:1). A couple sells a piece of property, kept some of the money, - [Acts 1-4 - What Jesus Continues to Do](https://montclair.church/2022/11/11/acts-1-4-what-jesus-continues-to-do/) - Today we begin the book of Acts. This is the second part of Luke's history, which continues what Jesus began to do in the Gospel according to Luke (1:1), which ended with the ascension (v. 2). Note already Luke's continued focus on the Holy Spirit. In verse 4, we see the importance of the church's - [Luke 21-24 - The End of All Jesus Began to Do](https://montclair.church/2022/11/10/luke-21-24-the-end-of-all-jesus-began-to-do/) - Today we will complete the Gospel according to Luke. We begin with the teaching about the widow's offering (21:4). As with the Gospel according to Mark (see Mark 12:41-44), this is the last general teaching of Christ before the cross. We know from Mark (Mark 13:3-4) that the Olivet Discourse was delivered only to the - [Luke 17-20 - The Kingdom](https://montclair.church/2022/11/09/luke-17-20-the-kingdom/) - Our reading today continues the teachings of Jesus while at the house of the Pharisee (see 14:1). After the parables of the previous chapters that contrast Israel with the spiritual people of God, Jesus again addresses His disciples (17:1). He speaks about the responsibility we have to each other. We are not to place stumbling - [Luke 13-16 - The Righteous and the Sinner](https://montclair.church/2022/11/08/luke-13-16-the-righteous-and-the-sinner/) - Our reading today begins in Luke 13, which continues the events of chapter 12. We know that because we read that the question about the Galileans that Pilate killed were asked by "some present at that very time" (13:1). Jesus just told His followers to open their eyes and interpret the time (12:56). Here, He - [Luke 9-12 - Treading Serpents](https://montclair.church/2022/11/07/luke-9-12-treading-serpents/) - Our reading today begins with the sending out of the Twelve (9:1-6). Luke then tells us that Herod the Tetrarch (who governed Galilee) had heard about Jesus (v. 7). We see again the identification of Jesus with the Old Testament prophets (v. 8). We are told that Herod wanted to see Jesus (v. 9). We - [Luke 5-8 - The Calling of Disciples and the Sermon on the Plain](https://montclair.church/2022/11/06/luke-5-8-the-calling-of-disciples-and-the-sermon-on-the-plain/) - Today we begin with Jesus calling His first disciples. Luke fills in details that Matthew and Mark omit. Jesus gets into Simon's boat to teach (5:3). The miracle of the fish (vv. 4-7) shows Jesus's sovereignty over nature. Luke shows Simon's willingness to obey (v. 5). We also see that Simon was business partners with - [Luke 1-4 - The Savior and His Holy Spirit](https://montclair.church/2022/11/05/luke-1-4-the-savior-and-his-holy-spirit/) - Today we begin the Gospel of Luke. Luke was a companion of the Apostle Paul, and a physician. There have been two widely accepted facts about Luke: first, he was a well-educated Greek, and second, he wrote his Gospel after Mark and Matthew. However, there is recent scholarship that challenges both of these assumptions. I - [James 1-5 - Practical Christianity](https://montclair.church/2022/11/04/james-1-5-practical-christianity/) - Today we read the letter of James to the "dispersion" (1:1). This refers to those scattered abroad outside of Israel. There is some debate over whether James is writing just to Jewish Christians, or to all Christians. It is believed that this James is the brother of Christ, who pastored the Jerusalem church, which means - [Mark 13-16 - The Final Days of Jesus](https://montclair.church/2022/11/03/mark-13-16-the-final-days-of-jesus/) - Today we will complete the Gospel according to Mark. We begin with the Olivet Discourse, which Mark says was delivered to only Peter, James, John, and Andrew (13:3 - compare Matt 24:3). They ask Him to explain when the city would be thrown down (see v. 2) and what the sign will be when "all - [Mark 9-12 - The Training Completed](https://montclair.church/2022/11/02/mark-9-12-the-training-completed/) - We left off yesterday with Mark’s account of Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ. The first verse of chapter 9 continues Jesus’s discourse from the previous chapter. While many believe that Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of God coming in power as the Second Coming, that is clearly not the case. He is - [Mark 5-8 - The Training of the Twelve](https://montclair.church/2022/11/01/mark-5-8-the-training-of-the-twelve/) - Today we continue in the Gospel according to Mark. Chapter 5 opens with the account of Jesus healing the man possessed by many demons. Mark offers more detail here than Matthew (see Matt 8:28-34). Mark speaks of only one of the two demoniacs that Matthew mentions. But note what the demon says and does. First, - [Mark 1-4 - The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/10/31/mark-1-4-the-beginning-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/) - Today we begin the New Testament. We have already considered the Gospel according to Matthew, Paul's Letter to the Galatians, and the book of Hebrews to better understand them as they claim Christ fulfilled Old Testament promises. We will now go through the rest of the New Testament. We will necessarily only be able to - [Malachi 1-4 - God's Final Word (For Now)](https://montclair.church/2022/10/30/malachi-1-4-gods-final-word-for-now/) - Today we will consider the book of Malachi, and complete our walk through the Old Testament. The name Malachi means "my messenger," so it may or may not be a proper name (1:1). Whoever it is, this prophet provides the last of God's revelation until the coming of Christ. Israel was now back in the - [Psalm 119 - The Word of God](https://montclair.church/2022/10/29/psalm-119-the-word-of-god/) - Today we will consider Psalm 119. As we approach the end of our walk through the Old Testament, it is a good time to reflect on the nature of God's Word. For us on this side of the cross, we tend to think of God's Word as the New Testament. And while everything we read - [Nehemiah 11-13 - The Not-So-New Covenant Is Broken](https://montclair.church/2022/10/28/nehemiah-11-13-the-not-so-new-covenant-is-broken/) - Today we complete the book of Nehemiah, which completes the historical books of the Old Testament. Chapter 11 begins with moving people to Jerusalem. All of the leaders lived there (11:1), but lots had to be cast to see who else would. Note that in verse 2 this wasn't because so many wanted to live - [Nehemiah 8-10 - Worship and the Not-So-New Covenant](https://montclair.church/2022/10/27/nehemiah-8-10-worship-and-the-not-so-new-covenant/) - Our reading today begins with a public worship service. Ezra brings God's Word before the people (8:2). Gathered together are men, women, and children old enough to understand the Word. Ezra begins with a prayer to God (v. 6). All of the people "Amen" his prayer. Ezra then reads, and interprets, the Word of God - [Nehemiah 5-7 - Opposition and Perseverance](https://montclair.church/2022/10/26/nehemiah-5-7-opposition-and-perseverance/) - Our reading today begins in the midst of famine and rampant sin. We see that there was an accusation made by Jews against Jews (5:1). Because of a famine (v. 3) and the taxes owed to the king of Persia (v. 4), some Jews were taking advantage of their countrymen by forcing them into slave - [Nehemiah 1-4 - The Rebuilding of the Wall](https://montclair.church/2022/10/25/nehemiah-1-4-the-rebuilding-of-the-wall/) - Today we begin the book of Nehemiah. The events in this book take place shortly after those in the book of Ezra. It begins with a visit by returned exiles to Nehemiah in Persia (1:2). They report to Nehemiah the conditions in Jerusalem, which are not good (v. 3). So Nehemiah seeks God in prayer - [Ezra 7-10 - Ezra the Priest](https://montclair.church/2022/10/24/ezra-7-10-ezra-the-priest/) - Today we will complete the book of Ezra. in the last chapter we saw that the Temple was completed and the first Passover in a long time was celebrated. Now we see that another group of exiles return, and among them was Ezra (7:8). He was of the priestly family of Aaron (vv. 1-4). He - [Esther 8-10 - God's Victory](https://montclair.church/2022/10/23/esther-8-10-gods-victory/) - Today we conclude the book of Esther. We are told that Esther was given all of Haman's belongings (8:1). One of the blessings God promised His people was that their enemies would be defeated (see Deut 28:7). He also promised that they would plunder the enemies they defeat (Deut 20:14). Esther reveals to the king - [Esther 5-7 - The Sovereign Hand of God](https://montclair.church/2022/10/22/esther-5-7-the-sovereign-hand-of-god/) - Today we continue in the book of Esther. The queen is ready to approach the king according Mordecai's instructions. Note that "on the third day" Esther put on her royal robes (5:1). This pictures Christ's resurrection, when He was resurrected as King. The king's favor was on Esther because the King's favor was upon her, - [Esther 1-4 - God's Plan to Save](https://montclair.church/2022/10/21/esther-1-4-gods-plan-to-save/) - Today we begin the book of Esther. Famously, Esther is the book that "does not mention God." As we have seen, Christ is in the Old Testament countless times without His name being mentioned. He is in this book, too. Esther takes place about 50 years after the exiles returned to the land. Many Jews - [Zechariah 12-14 - He Is Coming](https://montclair.church/2022/10/20/zechariah-12-14-he-is-coming/) - Today we will complete the book of Zechariah. These final chapters are all one oracle about the salvation of God's people and the judgment of the wicked. God begins by pointing out that He created everything, including life in man (12:1). He then says that He will make His people "a cup of staggering" (v. - [Zechariah 9-11 - Our Shepherd](https://montclair.church/2022/10/19/zechariah-9-11-our-shepherd/) - Our reading today begins with an oracle against the nations. Zechariah begins with Syria. Hadrach, Damascus, and Hamath are all Syrian cities (9:1-2). The second half of verse 1 should read: "because toward YHWH are the eyes of mankind and all the tribes of Israel." God is calling all nations to look to Him! God - [Psalms 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150 - Praise the Lord (Again and Still)!](https://montclair.church/2022/10/18/psalms-146-147-148-149-and-150-praise-the-lord-again-and-still/) - Today we will consider five Psalms - the last five Psalms of the book of Psalms. We begin in Psalm 146, where after a call to give praise to God and a commitment by the Psalmist to do just that (146:1-2), we come to the exhortation to trust no one aside from God. Trust does - [Zechariah 5-8 - The Remnant and Their King](https://montclair.church/2022/10/17/zechariah-5-8-the-remnant-and-their-king/) - Our reading today begins with a vision by the prophet Zechariah. This continues the vision from chapter 4. Here, he sees a flying scroll (5:1). The angel (see 4:1) tells Zechariah that this scroll is a curse (v. 3). Note that the scroll has writing on both sides: on one side is written curses against - [Zechariah 1-4 - The Spiritual Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/10/16/zechariah-1-4-the-spiritual-temple/) - Today we begin the book of Zechariah. He was the other prophet (along with Haggai) that spoke to the exiles during the rebuilding of the Temple (see Ezra 6:14). Zechariah reveals a series of apocalyptic1 visions God gives him. Zechariah begins with a call to repentance. He reminds the returning exiles of the sin of - [Psalms 48, 81, and 129 - Salvation for Zion](https://montclair.church/2022/10/15/psalms-48-81-and-129-salvation-for-zion/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 48. It begins with praise to God, Who is in the "city of our God," His holy mountain, Mount Zion, the far north, and in the city of the great King (48:1-2). These are all references to the dwelling place of God, which was in Jerusalem, but which is - [Haggai 1-2 - The True Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/10/14/haggai-1-2-the-true-temple/) - Today we will consider the book of Haggai. He is one of the prophets through whom God spoke during the rebuilding of the Temple (see Ezra 5:1, 6:14). In particular, we saw yesterday that even though the Jews were under an injunction to cease building from the Persian king (see Ezra 4:21), God spoke through - [Ezra 4-6 - The Temple Rebuilt](https://montclair.church/2022/10/13/ezra-4-6-the-temple-rebuilt/) - Our reading today resumes the narrative of the book of Ezra. The returning exiles are rebuilding the Temple, but come up against some opposition. Adversaries come to Zerubbabel the governor and ask to help build the Temple (4:1-2). These would have been people brought to the Northern Kingdom after Assyria had defeated them. These would - [Psalms 125, 128, and 134 - Peace and Blessing](https://montclair.church/2022/10/12/psalms-125-128-and-134-peace-and-blessing/) - Our reading today is three Songs of Ascents. We begin with Psalm 125. It speaks of God's protection of His people. Those who trust in Him are likened to Mount Zion, which is eternally immovable (125:1). This is ultimately the church. We, the spiritual Jerusalem, are forever protected by God like the physical Jerusalem is - [Psalms 111, 112, 113, and 114 - Keep Praising the Lord!](https://montclair.church/2022/10/11/psalms-111-112-113-and-114-keep-praising-the-lord/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 111, a Psalm of praise for all God has done. The Psalmist starts with a call to praise God (111:1). He then speaks of the works of God. All who delight in God's works consider them (v. 2). His works are majestic and reveal His righteousness (v. 3), and - [Psalms 107, 116, and 117 - Praise the Lord!](https://montclair.church/2022/10/10/psalms-107-116-and-117-praise-the-lord/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 107, a Psalm of praise to God for His redemption of His people. It begins with the common refrain of praise (107:1 - see Ezra 3:11), which the Psalmist calls for all the redeemed of YHWH to say (v. 2). He speaks of the trouble God has redeemed them - [Ezra 3, Psalms 66 and 84 - God's Presence](https://montclair.church/2022/10/09/ezra-3-psalms-66-and-84-gods-presence/) - Our reading today begins with the construction of the altar. We see a desire to return to obedience to the Law of Moses (3:2). We also see that the returning exiles were afraid of the inhabitants of the lands (v. 3). This would include Israel's traditional enemies, like Ammon and Edom, but would also include - [Joel 1-3 - What God Will Do](https://montclair.church/2022/10/08/joel-1-3-what-god-will-do/) - Today we will consider the prophet Joel. The date and occasion of the book have been debated throughout the centuries. Most place Joel in pre-captivity Judah, even before the Northern Kingdom was captured by Assyria.1 Some place him right before the Babylonian captivity. Others place him after the return to the land. I fall in - [Ezra 1-2, Psalms 85 and 126 - The Return to the Land](https://montclair.church/2022/10/07/ezra-1-2-psalms-85-and-126-the-return-to-the-land/) - Today we begin the book of Ezra, which details the return to the land by the exiles as predicted by Isaiah (see Isa 44:28) and Jeremiah (see Jer 25:12-13). The book picks up where 2 Chronicles left off: the decree of Cyrus (1:1-4 - see 2 Chr 36:22-23). Here, we see that Cyrus calls for - [Psalms 92, 93, 123, 130, and 137 - Hope in God](https://montclair.church/2022/10/06/psalms-92-93-123-130-and-137-hope-in-god/) - Today's reading consists of five anonymous Psalms. We begin with Psalm 92, which is titled "A Song for the Sabbath." The Psalmist begins by expounding the goodness of praising God through song day and night (92:1-4 - this is presumably speaking specifically of the Sabbath). The Psalmist then praises God for His works (v. 5). - [Daniel 10-12 - The Final Vision](https://montclair.church/2022/10/05/daniel-10-12-the-final-vision/) - Today we finish the book of Daniel. Chapter 10 begins with an introduction written in the third person (10:1). Verse 2 then begins in the first person. This has added to the controversy over the book.1 The book begins with Daniel in a time of fasting and earnestly seeking God. Note that this takes place - [Daniel 7-9 - Daniel's First Three Visions](https://montclair.church/2022/10/04/daniel-7-9-daniels-first-three-visions/) - Today we begin the more challenging section of the book of Daniel. Chronologically, chapter 7 takes place between chapters 4 and 5. This is the last chapter in Aramaic, and it is written as a third-person narrative (7:1). This is an apocalyptic vision. It is intentionally highly symbolic. Daniel has a vision for four beasts, - [Daniel 4-6 - Humility and Pride](https://montclair.church/2022/10/03/daniel-4-6-humility-and-pride/) - Our reading today begins with Daniel chapter 4. In the Aramaic text, 4:1-3 are actually 3:31-33. This makes more sense as the praise of God by Nebuchadnezzar in these three verses go with his acknowledgment of YHWH as the Most High God (4:2 - see 3:26). Verse 4 (4:1 in the Aramaic text) begins a - [Daniel 1-3 - The Most High God](https://montclair.church/2022/10/02/daniel-1-3-the-most-high-god/) - Today we begin the book of Daniel. It is one of the most difficult books in the Bible to understand (the second half of the book, anyway. There are debates about when exactly it was written (anywhere form the 6th to the 2nd centuries B.C.). There are debates about how to classify it (our English - [Psalms 67, 77, 80, and 89 - God's Presence and Salvation](https://montclair.church/2022/10/01/psalms-67-77-80-and-89-gods-presence-and-salvation/) - Today we begin with Psalm 67. It is a song of praise for God, but has overtones of the final dwelling place of man with God. The prayer that God's face would shine upon the Psalmist and his people (67:1 - see Num 6:24-26) refers to the presence of God.1 Here, His presence is with - [Ezekiel 47-48 - The Consummation](https://montclair.church/2022/09/30/ezekiel-47-48-the-consummation/) - Today we complete the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel is still being given a vision of the new Temple. At the east gate (which was shut to all except for the Prince - see 44:1-3) a river flows out of the Temple from within (47:1). The water gets deeper the further away from the Temple the - [Ezekiel 44-46 - The Prince](https://montclair.church/2022/09/29/ezekiel-44-46-the-prince/) - Our reading today continues Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple. Ezekiel finds himself (once again) at the east gate (44:1). The gate is permanently shut because God has entered the sanctuary (v. 2). The only One allowed in the gate is the Prince (v. 3). He alone can enter in and go out. This, of - [Ezekiel 40-43 - The New Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/09/28/ezekiel-40-43-the-new-temple/) - Our reading today begins with another vision. Ezekiel has a vision of a Temple. This is after Solomon's Temple is already destroyed. What Ezekiel is seeing is the new Temple - the true Temple. This is a symbolic vision of Christ, and by extension, His church. It is YHWH's presence among His people (see 37:26-28). - [Ezekiel 37-39 - Physical vs. Spiritual People](https://montclair.church/2022/09/27/ezekiel-37-39-physical-vs-spiritual-people/) - Things are about to get heavy... Our reading today begins with perhaps the most well-known passage in the entire book of Ezekiel: the valley of dry bones. This cannot be disconnected from the previous chapter, though. There, God promised to give His people a new spirit (Hebrew: רוּחַ ruach) by putting His Spirit (ruach) in - [Psalms 49 and 50 - Confidence and Trust in God](https://montclair.church/2022/09/26/psalms-49-and-50-confidence-and-trust-in-god/) - Our reading today begins with a wisdom Psalm. The wisdom being shared is about not seeing with earthly eyes (see Matt 6:19-24). The Psalmist calls for all people to hear his wisdom (49:1), whether rich or poor, upper class or lower class (v. 2). And he asks: why should earthly troubles make him afraid (v. - [Ezekiel 33-36 - The Shepherd and His Flock](https://montclair.church/2022/09/25/ezekiel-33-36-the-shepherd-and-his-flock/) - Our reading today with God repeating to Ezekiel that He has appointed him as watchman for the nation (see 3:16-27). We see again that each person is responsible for his own sin (33:4-5). But we also see that God calls His own to warn of the coming judgment if they do not repent (v. 6). - [Ezekiel 29-32 - Judgment for Egypt, and Satan](https://montclair.church/2022/09/24/ezekiel-29-32-judgment-for-egypt-and-satan/) - Our reading today continues the pronouncement of judgment against the nations with a prophecy against Egypt. God pronounces judgment against Pharaoh. He begins by declaring that He is against him (29:3). Note that Pharaoh is here compared to a great dragon. This is similar to the Exodus being described as breaking the heads of the - [Ezekiel 25-28 - Judgment on the Nations, and on Satan](https://montclair.church/2022/09/23/ezekiel-25-28-judgment-on-the-nations-and-on-satan/) - Our reading today begins with prophecies against the nations. As we have seen, the judgment against Judah is the same as the judgment against the nations, like Ammon (see 21:18-32). And that is where these judgments start. Because Ammon took joy in the judgment of Judah (25:3), they will suffer the same judgment of captivity - [Ezekiel 22-24 - Jerusalem Sieged](https://montclair.church/2022/09/22/ezekiel-22-24-jerusalem-sieged/) - Our reading today begins with an indictment against Judah. God tells Ezekiel that all of Judah's "abominations" need to be declared (22:2). God centers these on the blood Judah has shed and their worship of false gods (vv. 3-4). The kings have shed blood (v. 6), and what's more, they have not worshiped YHWH by - [Ezekiel 19-21 - The World Judged, the Elect Saved](https://montclair.church/2022/09/21/ezekiel-19-21-the-world-judged-the-elect-saved/) - Our reading today begins with another parable. The lioness and crouching lion imagery is again pulled from Jacob's blessing of Judah (19:2 - see Gen 49:9). The young cub of verses 3 is Jehoahaz. He was taken captive to Egypt (v. 4 - see 2 Chr 36:4). The other cub is Zedekiah (v. 5). Verses - [Ezekiel 15-18 - Three Parables and a Call to Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/09/20/ezekiel-15-18-three-parables-and-a-call-to-repentance/) - Our reading today begins with a parable. Chapter 15 compares Judah to a vine. A vine is good for nothing but burning in a fire. So Judah, because of their lack of faith, is good for nothing. Judah was traditionally associated with a vine because of Jacob's blessing on Judah (Gen 49:11-12). Isaiah compared Judah - [Ezekiel 12-14 and Psalm 10 - False Prophets and Idolatrous Leaders](https://montclair.church/2022/09/19/ezekiel-12-14-and-psalm-10-false-prophets-and-idolatrous-leaders/) - Our reading today begins with yet another act prophecy. God tells Ezekiel that Judah is a rebellious house (12:2), an echo of what YHWH said when He called Ezekiel (see 2:1-7). He describes them as those who have eyes but can't see and have ears but can't hear (see Isa 42:18). He then tells Ezekiel - [Ezekiel 8-11 - God Leaves His Physical People](https://montclair.church/2022/09/18/ezekiel-8-11-god-leaves-his-physical-people/) - Chapter 8 begins with another vision. Ezekiel sees the appearance of a man (the Hebrew says "the appearance of fire") (8:2). The fire, brightness, and gleaming metal tell us that this is something similar to what Ezekiel saw in chapter 1. This man takes Ezekiel by his hair and transports him to Jerusalem (v. 3). - [Ezekiel 4-7 - Act Prophecies of Judgment](https://montclair.church/2022/09/17/ezekiel-4-7-act-prophecies-of-judgment/) - Our reading today begins with God calling Ezekiel to perform an act prophecy. He is to build a diorama of the coming siege of Jerusalem (4:1-2). He is to then take an iron griddle and place it between him and his model (v. 3). The word here for "griddle" is used only five times in - [Ezekiel 1-3 - The Call of Ezekiel](https://montclair.church/2022/09/16/ezekiel-1-3-the-call-of-ezekiel/) - Today we begin the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a prophet of Judah, and also a priest (1:3). He was taken into captivity by Babylon prior to the final siege of Jerusalem (see 33:21), likely with Jehoiachin (1:2 - see 2 Chr 36:10, 2 Kings 24:10-16). The book begins with Ezekiel's famous vision of the - [Obadiah, Psalms 74, 79, 83, and 94 - God's Enemies and God's People](https://montclair.church/2022/09/15/obadiah-psalms-74-79-83-and-94-gods-enemies-and-gods-people/) - Our reading today begins with the book of the prophet Obadiah. We saw how God pronounced judgment on Edom along with Judah in the book of Jeremiah (Jer 25:21, 49:7-22). Here, Obadiah pronounces further judgment on Edom because they captured Judean escapees and turned them over to Babylon during the siege of Jerusalem. God is - [Lamentations 1-5 - Hope in Suffering](https://montclair.church/2022/09/14/lamentations-1-5-hope-in-suffering/) - Today, we will consider the book of Lamentations, which was likely written by Jeremiah the prophet after the fall of Judah to Babylon. There are five poems that make up the book. The first is a lament over the destroyed city of Jerusalem. Jeremiah compares her to a princess who has been widowed and enslaved - [Jeremiah 50-52 - Judgment Against Babylon](https://montclair.church/2022/09/13/jeremiah-50-52-judgment-against-babylon/) - Today we finish the book of Jeremiah. Our reading begins with the final pronouncement of judgment on the nations, and that judgment is against Babylon (50:1). Note that Babylon was God's instrument of judgment against the other nations, including Judah, but she will eventually be judged, as well. Also note that Babylon is used in - [Jeremiah 48-49 - More Judgment Against the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/09/12/jeremiah-48-49-more-judgment-against-the-nations/) - Our reading today begins with Jeremiah continuing his declaration of judgment against the nations. Now he takes aim at Moab (48:1 - see 25:21 - also see similarities in Isaiah 15-16). He pronounced judgment on various Moabite cities (vv. 1-5).1 He also declares that they are destined for destruction and captivity (vv. 5-7). Chemosh (v. - [Jeremiah 45-47 - Judgment Against the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/09/11/jeremiah-45-47-judgment-against-the-nations/) - Our reading today begins with a short chapter recording a message to Baruch, Jeremiah's assistant. We see that Baruch, like Jeremiah, laments over the persecution he faces for his faithfulness to God (45:3). As we have seen, God's people are not exempt from suffering. The spiritual people of God were suffering along with the physical - [Jeremiah 42-44 - Back to Egypt](https://montclair.church/2022/09/11/jeremiah-42-44-back-to-egypt/) - We let off yesterday with the remaining Judeans wanting to go to Egypt now that the Babylonian-appointed governor Gedaliah had been assassinated (41:17-18). Our reading today begins with them coming to Jeremiah to pray to God on their behalf (42:1-2) so that they might know what to do (v. 3). After Jeremiah agrees (v. 4) - [Jeremiah 40-41 - Gedaliah and Ishmael](https://montclair.church/2022/09/09/jeremiah-40-41-gedaliah-and-ishmael/) - We pick up today where we left off yesterday. Nebuchadnezzar told Nebuzaradan to deal with Jeremiah "as he tells you" (39:12). Here, Jeremiah was bound with the captives headed to Babylon (40:1) and Nebuzaradan shares Nebuchadnezzar's understanding of YHWH's words (vv. 2-3) and tells Jeremiah he is free to do as he pleases (v. 4). - [Jeremiah 37-39 - The Fall of Jerusalem](https://montclair.church/2022/09/08/jeremiah-37-39-the-fall-of-jerusalem/) - Our reading today begins sometime during Zedekiah's reign (37:1 - see 2 Chr 36:10). Even though he and the people ignored the words of Jeremiah (v. 2 - see 2 Chr 36:15-16), yet they ask him to pray for them (v. 3). How often we don't want to hear God's words yet pray for what - [Jeremiah 34-36 - Evil Kings, Obedient Rechabites](https://montclair.church/2022/09/07/jeremiah-34-36-evil-kings-obedient-rechabites/) - Our reading today begins while Jerusalem is still under siege (34:1). Jeremiah repeats to Zedekiah that Babylon will burn Jerusalem down (v. 2 - see 21:10) and that he will be captured by Nebuchadnezzar (v. 4 - see 32:4). The promise that he will not die in battle but "die in peace" (v. 5) is - [Jeremiah 32-33 - God's Promise Hasn't Changed](https://montclair.church/2022/09/06/jeremiah-32-33-gods-promise-hasnt-changed/) - Our reading today begins during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (32:2). Jeremiah is in prison (v. 2) for prophesying that Jerusalem will fall to Nebuchadnezzar (v. 3). We see that Zedekiah has a personal stake in this - he doesn't like what Jeremiah prophesied about him (vv. 4-5). In response, Jeremiah tells Zedekiah a story. - [Jeremiah 30-31 - The New Covenant](https://montclair.church/2022/09/05/jeremiah-30-31-the-new-covenant/) - Our reading today speaks of the restoration of God's people. As we will see, this is all accomplished in Christ. God tells Jeremiah that He will restore the fortunes of His people, Israel and Judah (30:3). He then says that He will bring them back to the land, and they will possess it. In restoration - [Jeremiah 27-29 - False Prophets vs. the Truth](https://montclair.church/2022/09/04/jeremiah-27-29-false-prophets-vs-the-truth/) - Our reading today begins during the reign of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah (27:1). While some manuscripts here read "Jehoiakim" instead of "Zedekiah," this has to be a scribal error, because even in those manuscripts, verses 3 and 12 read "Zedekiah," and verse 20 shows this is after Jehoiakim's reign. We see here that - [Jeremiah 25-26 - The Cup of YHWH's Wrath, and the Temple Sermon](https://montclair.church/2022/09/03/jeremiah-25-26-the-cup-of-yhwhs-wrath-and-the-temple-sermon/) - Our reading today begins with a prophecy of Jeremiah from early in the reign of Jehoiakim (25:1). Since we have already seen events from the reign of Zedekiah (see Chapters 21-24), we are now back in time between 7 and 16 years (depending on when in Zedekiah's reign the events of the previous chapters occurred). - [Jeremiah 21-24 - The Righteous King](https://montclair.church/2022/09/02/jeremiah-21-24-the-righteous-king/) - Our reading today begins with King Zedekiah sending two men to inquire of Jeremiah (21:1). Note that this is not the same Pashhur of 20:1-6. Also note that Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, who we already know will be unwilling to listen to Jeremiah (see 2 Chr 36:11-16). Zedekiah wants Jeremiah to inquire - [Jeremiah 18-20 - The Pot Destroyed](https://montclair.church/2022/09/01/jeremiah-18-20-the-pot-destroyed/) - Hello faithful readers! With today's post, you are 2/3 of the way through the Bible. Keep it up!! Our reading today begins with the famous "Potter and the Clay" episode in Jeremiah's ministry. God sends him to the house of a potter (18:2) where Jeremiah sees him working (v. 3). The pot is ruined, so - [Jeremiah 16-17 - Sin and Repentance, Judgment and Restoration](https://montclair.church/2022/08/31/jeremiah-16-17-sin-and-repentance-judgment-and-restoration/) - Our reading today begins with a command form God to Jeremiah not to be married or have children in Judah (16:2). Why? Because the judgment will be against everyone in the land (v. 3). No one is exempt from the coming destruction. We again see a gruesome description of the dead that will be left - [Jeremiah 14-15 - A Suffering Prophet](https://montclair.church/2022/08/30/jeremiah-14-15-a-suffering-prophet/) - Our reading today begins with Jeremiah prophesying of a drought (14:1). The drought is likely metaphorical for the lack of righteousness and faith in the land (see 17:7-8). Lack of water is also usually how a siege is won - water is cut off from the city being sieged. So verses 2-3 are likely a - [Jeremiah 11-13 - The Covenant Breakers Will Go into Exile](https://montclair.church/2022/08/29/jeremiah-11-13-the-covenant-breakers-will-go-into-exile/) - Our reading today begins with God reminding Judah of the covenant He made with them at the Exodus. He starts by reminding them of the curse for disobedience (11:3 - see Deut 27:26, Gal 3:10). Then He reminds them that He commanded obedience when He saved them (v. 4 - see 7:23, Deut 4:20, Lev - [Jeremiah 9-10 - The Idolatry of Man](https://montclair.church/2022/08/28/jeremiah-9-10-the-idolatry-of-man/) - Our reading today begins with Jeremiah continuing his lament over Judah for the coming judgment. 9:1 (8:23 in the Hebrew Bible) is the verse that gave Jeremiah the name of "weeping prophet." He wishes that he could cry more than he is for the people of Judah! And we see the emotion of the prophet. - [Jeremiah 7-8 - The Idolatry of Judah](https://montclair.church/2022/08/27/jeremiah-7-8-the-idolatry-of-judah/) - Our reading today begins with YHWH giving instructions to Jeremiah. He is to go to the gate of the Temple and address the people (7:2). The message will begin with a call to repentance (v. 3). God will relent from the coming disaster if they turn back to Him. The "deceptive words" are likely from - [Jeremiah 5-6 - Judah's Refusal to Repent](https://montclair.church/2022/08/26/jeremiah-5-6-judahs-refusal-to-repent/) - Our reading today begins with God indicting Judah for their refusal to repent. God tells Jeremiah to go find even one person in Jerusalem who is righteous, and He will pardon all of them (5:1). But God knows that they honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him (v. 2 - - [Jeremiah 3:6-4:31 - Repent or Be Destroyed](https://montclair.church/2022/08/25/jeremiah-36-431-repent-or-be-destroyed/) - Our reading today begins with an indictment of sin and a call to repentance. God tells Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom's sin. That she played the whore on the high hills and under the trees refers to her worship of false gods (v. 6). And Israel never learned the error of her ways (v. 7). - [Jeremiah 1-3:5 - The Call of Jeremiah and an Oracle of Judgment](https://montclair.church/2022/08/24/jeremiah-1-35-the-call-of-jeremiah-and-an-oracle-of-judgment/) - Today we begin the book of Jeremiah. He was a prophet of Judah who prophesied from the reign of King Josiah through the destruction of Jerusalem and carrying off in to captivity (1:2-3). Often called the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah's message was one of judgment. This book of his prophecy is the longest book in the - [Zephaniah 1-3 - Hope in Judgment](https://montclair.church/2022/08/23/zephaniah-1-3-hope-in-judgment/) - The prophet Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah. Zephaniah was the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah (1:1), making him of the royal line of David. His message is one of judgment, though it ends with hope. He begins by pronouncing judgment on the whole earth (v. 2). There will be a day when God - [2 Chronicles 33-36 - The Captivity and Return](https://montclair.church/2022/08/22/2-chronicles-33-36-the-captivity-and-return/) - Today we finish the book of 2 Chronicles. Our reading begins with the reign of the evil Manasseh (33:1). All that Hezekiah did to remove the idolatry from Judah, Manasseh undid (vv. 3-5), even offering his own children to Molech (v. 6). He placed idols in the Temple (v. 7). The chronicler is careful to - [2 Chronicles 29-32 - King Hezekiah](https://montclair.church/2022/08/21/2-chronicles-29-32-king-hezekiah/) - Our reading today begins with Hezekiah's reign (29:1). He was a righteous king who followed YHWH (v. 2). While we are told much about him in 2 Kings, the chronicler focuses in on Hezekiah's reestablishment of proper worship. He begins by physically repairing the Temple (v. 3). He then laments the failure of previous generations - [Micah 4-7 - Salvation for the Remnant](https://montclair.church/2022/08/20/micah-4-7-salvation-for-the-remnant/) - Our reading today begins with a prophecy about our final salvation. We are told what will come to pass "in the latter days" (4:1). The mountain of the house of the Lord is a reference to the Temple Mount as the dwelling place of God. In the latter days, it will be the highest mountain, - [Micah 1-3 - The Sin of God's People](https://montclair.church/2022/08/19/micah-1-3-the-sin-of-gods-people/) - Today, we begin the book of Micah. He was a prophet in the Southern Kingdom whose ministry spanned the reigns of Jotham, Azah, and Hezekiah (1:1). He was given prophecies about both Israel (Samaria) and Judah. However, he starts by calling the whole earth into judgment (v. 2). God from His holy Temple (the place - [2 Chronicles 23-24 - Joash](https://montclair.church/2022/08/17/2-chronicles-23-24-joash/) - Our reading today begins with Queen Athaliah still reigning (see 22:10-12). After six years, Jehoiada the priest takes matters into his own hands and decides to make things right in Judah. He gathers some men and they make a covenant to put the true heir on the throne (23:1). In 2 Kings 11:4-11, we see - [2 Chronicles 25-28 - Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz](https://montclair.church/2022/08/18/2-chronicles-25-28-amaziah-uzziah-jotham-and-ahaz/) - Our reading today begins with the reign of Joash's son Amaziah (25:1). He was a "good" king, though he did not follow God whole-heartedly (v. 2). In verse 4, the chronicler is sure to point out that Amaziah followed the Law of Moses concerning the children of the conspirators, who we are told he killed - [Psalms 46, 82, and 115 - Judgment of Men and Gods, Salvation of God's People](https://montclair.church/2022/08/16/psalms-46-82-and-115-judgment-of-men-and-gods-salvation-of-gods-people/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 46. It is a song about God's protection and salvation through the "storms" of life. He is, as with David, the Psalmist's refuge (46:1). He is a strong, present help in trouble. The "present" is the passive form of the verb "to find." The Psalmist is saying that God - [2 Chronicles 21-22 - Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah](https://montclair.church/2022/08/15/2-chronicles-21-22-jehoram-ahaziah-and-athaliah/) - Our reading today begins with the reign of Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram. We will see that the accounts of the wicked kings are far shorter than those of the good kings, which suits the chronicler's purpose. Take, for example, Jehoram. The first act we read of here is his murdering all of his brothers and any - [2 Chronicles 17-20 - Jehoshaphat](https://montclair.church/2022/08/14/2-chronicles-17-20-jehoshaphat/) - Our reading today begins with Jehoshaphat beginning his reign (17:1). Like with Abijah and Asa, we get more details of the reign of Jehoshaphat from the chronicler than we do from the writer of 1 Kings. We see here a description of the military might of Judah under Jehoshaphat. He ensured there was a visible, - [2 Chronicles 13-16 - Abijah and Asa](https://montclair.church/2022/08/13/2-chronicles-13-16-abijah-and-asa/) - Our reading today begins with the reign of Rehoboam's son, Abijah (13:1). In 1 Kings 15:1-8, we get a brief history of his reign (note his name is spelled Abijam in 1 Kings). Here, we are told that his mother was the daughter of Uriel (v. 2), but in 1 Kings 15:2, we are told - [2 Chronicles 10-12 - King Rehoboam](https://montclair.church/2022/08/12/2-chronicles-10-12-king-rehoboam/) - Today we return to the narrative of 2 Chronicles, where the chronicler records the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam, under whom the kingdom split. The account here does not vary much from the account in 1 Kings. However, it is of note that the chronicler does not include the coronation of Jeroboam in the Northern - [Psalms 97, 98, 99, and 100 - God of the Whole Earth](https://montclair.church/2022/08/11/psalms-97-98-99-and-100-god-of-the-whole-earth/) - Today we will consider four more Psalms. No one knows who wrote them or when. They all have a common theme: God is the God of the whole earth. We begin in Psalm 97 with a call for the whole earth to rejoice that God reigns (97:1). In verse 2, we get a description of - [Psalms 47, 135, and 136 - The King, His Love, and His People](https://montclair.church/2022/08/10/psalms-47-135-and-136-the-king-his-love-and-his-people/) - Our reading today is three Psalms. Our first Psalm is Psalm 47, attributed to the Sons of Korah. This was likely written after the return from Babylon by those in charge of the musical worship. The theme is YHWH's kingship over all the earth, not just Judah. Though the returning remnant were still subjects of - [2 Chronicles 8-9 - King Solomon](https://montclair.church/2022/08/09/2-chronicles-8-9-king-solomon/) - Our reading today begins with a description of some of Solomon's great accomplishments. This is paralleled in 1 Kings 9:10-28 with a few exceptions. In 8:2, we read of cities that Hiram the king of Tyre had given to Solomon. In the 1 Kings account, we read that Solomon gave cities to Hiram (1 Kings - [2 Chronicles 5:2-7:22 - The Temple Dedication](https://montclair.church/2022/08/08/2-chronicles-52-722-the-temple-dedication/) - Our reading today begins with the Ark being brought into the now-completed Temple (5:2). The chronicler is careful to point out that the Ark is carried by Levites (v. 4). We also see the music that was played before the Lord (vv. 12-13) containing the famous refrain of David which he sung when the Ark - [2 Chronicles 1-5:1 - The Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/08/07/2-chronicles-1-51-the-temple/) - Today we begin the book of 2 Chronicles. It recounts the history that was covered in 1 and 2 Kings. Like 1 Chronicles, it records the history of the southern kingdom of Judah, and it is written from a priestly perspective. It was written after the return from the Babylonian exile, and is meant to - [Habakkuk 1-3 - God's Plan Is Always Good](https://montclair.church/2022/08/06/habakkuk-1-3-gods-plan-is-always-good/) - Today we read the prophecy of Habakkuk. This is a unique prophecy in that it does not record prophecy to anyone. It is a conversation between God and His prophet, who is complaining to God. Habakkuk's complaint is that so many in Judah are wicked. Then his complaint is that God would use a foreign - [2 Kings 23:31-25:30 - The Captivity](https://montclair.church/2022/08/05/2-kings-2331-2530-the-captivity/) - Today we finish the book of 2 Kings. Our reading begins today with Josiah's son Jehoahaz on the throne of Judah (23:31). He was no Josiah (v. 32). So we read in verse 33 that Pharaoh Neco took him prisoner (v. 33), placed his brother Eliakim on the throne instead (v. 34), and plundered the - [Nahum 1-3 - The Destruction of Assyria](https://montclair.church/2022/08/04/nahum-1-3-the-destruction-of-assyria/) - Our reading today is the book of Nahum. Like Jonah many years before, Nahum prophesied to Assyria. Unlike when Jonah prophesied, Assyria would not repent at Nahum's word, and they were destroyed. Nahum prophesied as Babylon was becoming the dominate world power, and about 30 years before Judah would fall to Babylon. Assyria would fall - [2 Kings 21-23:30 - Judgment Pronounced on Judah](https://montclair.church/2022/08/03/2-kings-21-2330-judgment-pronounced-on-judah/) - Today we pick up the narrative of 2 Kings. Israel has been conquered by Assyria (2 Kings 17). In the south, the righteous Hezekiah is dead and his son Manasseh reigns. The ministry of the prophet Isaiah has come to an end.1 And we see that Judah neither followed the lead of Hezekiah, nor heeded - [Isaiah 63:7-66:24 - Final Salvation and Judgment](https://montclair.church/2022/08/02/isaiah-637-6624-final-salvation-and-judgment/) - Today we complete the book of Isaiah. We begin with Isaiah's recounting of the history of Israel. It is a story that is defined by the hesed love of YHWH (63:7). All Israel has, is a result of God's grace and goodness. God chose Israel out of the world as His people and became their - [Isaiah 61-63:6 - The Messiah](https://montclair.church/2022/08/01/isaiah-61-636-the-messiah/) - Our reading today begins with the passage Jesus quoted when He began His ministry in Nazareth (see Luke 4:18-19). This is the Servant speaking. He says YHWH has anointed Him (61:1). This is the Hebrew word from which we get our word Messiah (Greek: Christ). Note that the anointing is paralleled with the Spirit being - [Isaiah 58-60 - False Worship and the Light of the Redeemer](https://montclair.church/2022/07/31/isaiah-58-60-false-worship-and-the-light-of-the-redeemer/) - Our reading begins today with God rebuking the Jews for their empty worship. The "seek me daily" of 58:2 speaks to the empty, outward rituals the Jews had become accustomed to performing. Because they were God's chosen nation, they believed the outward observances kept them right with God. And yet, God does not honor such - [Isaiah 56-57 - One People](https://montclair.church/2022/07/30/isaiah-56-57-one-people/) - Our reading today begins a promise of salvation. We find here one of the most important texts for understanding that God has called to Himself one people, called in Christ. God begins with a call to justice and righteousness in light of His salvation and righteousness (56:1). In verse 2, God calls the man who - [Isaiah 52-55 - Atonement and Redemption by the Servant](https://montclair.church/2022/07/29/isaiah-52-55-atonement-and-redemption-by-the-servant/) - Our reading today begins with a call for Zion to "awake" (52:1), echoing the call for Jerusalem to "wake up" in 51:17. Here, Zion and Jerusalem are equated (see Heb 12:22). This is speaking of the gathering of the remnant (God's spiritual people) where the uncircumcised and unclean will not be (see Rom 2:29). These - [Isaiah 49-51 - The Servant and the New Exodus](https://montclair.church/2022/07/28/isaiah-49-51-the-servant-and-the-new-exodus/) - Today we begin with the second Servant Song (49:1-6). The Servant, Who is Christ, calls the whole earth to listen (49:1) similar to YHWH calling together the world to judge between Him and Israel (41:1) and His calling for praise (42:10-12). That God called Him as Servant from the womb is a reference to Him - [Isaiah 46-48 - Captivity, Destruction, and Restoration](https://montclair.church/2022/07/27/isaiah-46-48-captivity-destruction-and-restoration/) - Today, God through Isaiah speaks again of the coming Babylonian captivity and the subsequent destruction of Babylon and restoration of His people. He begins by calling out Babylon for her idolatry. Bel and Nebo are Babylonian gods (46:1). Interestingly, Bel (another name for Marduk) is the supreme god in the Babylonian pantheon, and Nebo is - [Isaiah 43-45 - God's Sovereignty and Salvation](https://montclair.church/2022/07/26/isaiah-43-45-gods-sovereignty-and-salvation/) - Our passage today starts with a "but." Yesterday, we saw that physical Israel was indicted for their failure to be the servant God called them to be, but instead made themselves blind to Him. BUT now God says to Israel whom He created that He will redeem them (43:1). God then expounds His calling of - [Isaiah 40-42 - The True Israel: Heralds and Servants](https://montclair.church/2022/07/25/isaiah-40-42-the-true-israel-heralds-and-servants/) - Our reading today begins sixteen chapters that are defined by the opening words here: "Comfort, comfort..." (40:1). God through Isaiah speaks words of consolation to His people - "comfort My people" - this is not physical Israel/Judah. This is God's true, spiritual people. This is not physical Jerusalem (v. 2), but heavenly Jerusalem (see Heb - [Isaiah 36-39 - Hezekiah's Prayer and a Preview of What's Next](https://montclair.church/2022/07/24/isaiah-36-39-hezekiahs-prayer-and-a-preview-of-whats-next/) - Today we have the second of two narrative accounts in Isaiah (the other was chapters 6-8). Much of this portion parallels what we read in 2 Kings chapters 18-20. With only slight word variation, chapter 36, 37, and 39 have no additional information. Where we get the only addition is in 38:9-20, where we have - [Isaiah 34-35 - Destruction and Re-Creation](https://montclair.church/2022/07/23/isaiah-34-35-destruction-and-re-creation/) - In our reading today, judgment is contrasted with salvation; destruction with re-creation. We begin in chapter 34 with judgment. God calls all of the people of the world to hear (34:1). God has devoted to destruction the entire creation (v. 2). This "devoted to destruction" is the same word used to describe what Israel was - [Isaiah 31-33 - More Woe, but Still Salvation](https://montclair.church/2022/07/22/isaiah-31-33-more-woe-but-still-salvation/) - Our reading today begins with another woe (same as the "Ah" from the previous chapters). Here, woe is again pronounced on those who rely on worldly powers instead of YHWH (31:1). Egypt is used as the example because both Israel and Judah have tried to get Egypt's help, and some Judahites will flee to Egypt - [Isaiah 28-30 - Three Woes and the Salvation of the Elect](https://montclair.church/2022/07/21/isaiah-28-30-three-woes-and-the-salvation-of-the-elect/) - Today, Isaiah reverts back to pronouncing judgment on Israel and Judah. He begins with Israel (Ephraim). The "Ah" is the Hebrew word for "woe" (translated "Ah" in chapters 28, 29, 30, and 33, but "woe" in chapter 31). Here, Isaiah pronounces woe on the pride and drunkenness of Ephraim (28:1), likened to a fading flower. - [Isaiah 24-27 - The Return of Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/07/20/isaiah-24-27-the-return-of-christ/) - Today, our reading is about the return on Christ. We will again see that this will includes both judgment and salvation. We begin with judgment. We have seen the threats against particular nations (Israel, Syria, Judah, Tyre, Assyria, Babylon, Moab) that include utter destruction and/or captivity. Here, God threatens the whole earth with this (24:1). - [Isaiah 22-23 - Judgment Against Judah](https://montclair.church/2022/07/19/isaiah-22-23-judgment-against-judah/) - Our reading today begins with an interruption in the judgment oracles against the nations. Instead, God through Isaiah pronounces judgment on Judah. We will see that in the next chapter, there is judgment pronounced against more gentile nations (Tyre and Sidon). That gentile nations are "mixed in" with God's people in these judgments is no - [Isaiah 19-21 - More Judgment Against the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/07/18/isaiah-19-21-more-judgment-against-the-nations/) - Our reading today continues the oracles against the nations, and it begins with an oracle against Egypt. The imagery of God riding on a cloud refers to judgment (19:1 - see Dan 7:13-14, Matt 24:30, Rev 1:7). Here, Egypt will be judged internally through civil war (v. 2) and attack from without (v. 4). Like - [Isaiah 15-18 - Judgment Against the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/07/17/isaiah-15-18-judgment-against-the-nations/) - Our reading today begins with an oracle against Moab. While judgment is pronounced, there is also lament in this oracle. It is not unimportant that YHWH shows sympathy for a Gentile nation. The cities of Moab named here move from south to north, with the worst destruction in the north, the direction from which Assyria - [Isaiah 13-14 - The Day of the Lord](https://montclair.church/2022/07/16/isaiah-13-14-the-day-of-the-lord/) - Our reading today begins with an oracle against Babylon. Similarly to how God will bring Assyria against Israel and Babylon against Judah, so will He will summon Persia (the Medes of 13:17) against Babylon (13:2-3). In verse 4-5, He describes great kingdoms coming against each other in battle, both from the end of the heavens - [Isaiah 9:8-12:6 - Woe and Restoration through the Branch](https://montclair.church/2022/07/15/isaiah-98-126-woe-and-restoration-through-the-branch/) - Our reading today begins with an oracle against Israel. Israel has been so arrogant as to believe they could provide for themselves better than God has provided for them (9:10). So God has brought foreign nations against them: Syria (2 Kings 13:3 for example) and the Philistines (like all of Israel's history!). And God did - [Isaiah 7-9:7 - The Birth of a Son](https://montclair.church/2022/07/14/isaiah-7-97-the-birth-of-a-son/) - Our reading today begins with the recounting of the alliance between Syria and Israel against Judah (7:1). We read about this event in 2 Kings 16:5-9. Here we get some more details of the event, like the overwhelming fear of Judah (v. 2), and this prophecy of Isaiah to Ahaz (vv. 3-25). Note in verse - [Isaiah 4:2-6:13 - The Branch and the Stump](https://montclair.church/2022/07/13/isaiah-42-613-the-branch-and-the-stump/) - We begin today with Isaiah's prediction of final restoration. This will happen "in that day" (4:2). Note that in the previous pronouncement of judgment, "in that day" referred to the day of that judgment (see 3:7 and 4:1). As we have seen, the day of restoration is also going to be a day of judgment - [Isaiah 1-4:1 - The Choice: Repentance or Judgment](https://montclair.church/2022/07/12/isaiah-1-41-the-choice-repentance-or-judgment/) - Today we begin the book of Isaiah. This book is known by many as the "Fifth Gospel" because of all it says about Christ. Isaiah prophesies indictment and judgment against Judah, predicting the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of the nation. But he also prophesies of the restoration, which is only fulfilled in the - [Psalms 44, 75, and 76 - A God of Judgment and Justice](https://montclair.church/2022/07/11/psalms-44-75-and-76-a-god-of-judgment-and-justice/) - We being today in Psalm 44. We have seen the Northern Kingdom come to an end at the hands of the Assyrians. Yet we know that God will preserve a remnant (see Amos 5:15). We know that the Southern Kingdom is going to soon be taken into captivity by Babylon. Yet God will preserve a - [2 Kings 19-20 and Psalm 88 - There Is No God Like YHWH](https://montclair.church/2022/07/10/2-kings-19-20-and-psalm-88-there-is-no-god-like-yhwh/) - We left off yesterday with the Assyrian envoy trying to convince Judah that king Hezekiah could not save them, and more importantly, YHWH could not save them. That is where we pick up today. All that the Assyrians said is told to Hezekiah, who tears his clothes and wears sackcloth, a sing of mourning or - [2 Kings 16-18 and Psalm 73 - Israel Removed, Judah Threatened](https://montclair.church/2022/07/09/2-kings-16-18-and-psalm-73-israel-removed-judah-threatened/) - Today we pick up the narrative of 2 Kings. Assyria has already begun their plundering of Israel (15:29), and Jotham king of Judah has died and left the throne to his son Ahaz. That is where we begin today (16:1). Ahaz was a very wicked king (v. 2), even sacrificing his son to the Canaanite - [Hosea 11-14 - Judgment, Restoration, and Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/07/08/hosea-11-14-judgment-restoration-and-repentance/) - Today we finish the book of Hosea. Chapter 11 interrupts the judgment and indictment against Israel, and speaks of the "do over" He is going to allow for His people (see 2:14-15 and the ultimate fulfillment in 2:16-23). This is done through the Egypt imagery we have seen already in this book. Israel has come - [Hosea 8-10 - From Egypt, to Gilgal, and Back to Egypt](https://montclair.church/2022/07/07/hosea-8-10-from-egypt-to-gilgal-and-back-to-egypt/) - Our reading today begins with more judgment pronounced against Israel, albeit very poetically. God again calls for them to prepare for war (blow the trumpet - 8:1 - see 5:8). The eagle (the "vulture" is translated "eagle" everywhere in the Old Testament except here and Proverbs 30:17) is Assyria. They will pray on Israel because - [Hosea 4-7 - No Knowledge of God](https://montclair.church/2022/07/06/hosea-4-7-no-knowledge-of-god/) - Our reading today begins with an indictment against Israel that God pronounces through Hosea. YHWH declares that He has a "controversy" with the people of Israel (4:1). The word means "lawsuit." The indictment against them is their lack of faithfulness and hesed love. This is what YHWH Himself abounds in (Ex 34:6). Israel's problem is - [Hosea 1-3 - A Merciful God and His People](https://montclair.church/2022/07/05/hosea-1-3-a-merciful-god-and-his-people/) - Today we begin the book of Hosea. Hosea was a prophet from the Northern Kingdom, to the Northern Kingdom. This is the only writing we have from a native prophet of Israel that prophesied to Israel. Jonah was from Israel, but prophesied to Assyria. Amos prophesied to Israel, but was from Judah. Hosea was a - [Amos 7-9 - Visions of Judgment, and a Promise of Restoration](https://montclair.church/2022/07/04/amos-7-9-visions-of-judgment-and-a-promise-of-restoration/) - Today we will complete the book of Amos. We begin with a vision that God gives Amos. He sees God send a swarm of locusts on Israel (7:1). The latter growth refers to the crops that are harvested in summer (as opposed to spring). Amos prays to God that this would not be because it - [Amos 3-6 - Indictment and Woe for Israel](https://montclair.church/2022/07/03/amos-3-6-indictment-and-woe-for-israel/) - Our reading today is the judgment against Israel spoken by Amos the prophet (chapters 3-6). There are three indictments, each beginning with "Hear this word" (3:1, 4:1, 5:1), and then there are three "woes" pronounced (5:18, 6:1, 6:4). First, God speaks against the whole nation - the "whole family that I brought up out of - [Amos 1-2 - Judgment on the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/07/02/amos-1-2-judgment-on-the-nations/) - Today we begin the book of Amos. Amos was one of the 12 Minor Prophets, and is believed to have been the first writing prophet, that is, a prophet that himself wrote what he prophesied. Amos prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II in Israel (1:1 - see 2 Kings 14:23-29), a time of relative - [The Book of Jonah - God Is Sovereign](https://montclair.church/2022/07/01/the-book-of-jonah-god-is-sovereign/) - First off, if you have been following from the beginning, congratulations! With today's post, we are halfway done with our reading plan!! Today we will consider our first prophetic book. After Elisha's death, we read of a prophet named Jonah who prophesied in Israel (2 Kings 14:25). This is the same famous Jonah from the - [2 Kings 13-15 - Israel's Rejection Is Almost Complete](https://montclair.church/2022/06/30/2-kings-13-15-israels-rejection-is-almost-complete/) - Our reading today begins with the reign of Jehoahaz in Israel (13:1). His father, Jehu, destroyed the line of the unbelieving Ahab, and ended Baal worship in the Northern Kingdom. Because of this, God promised that his sons would reign to the fourth generation (10:30). Jehoahaz is the first generation. However, Jehoahaz, and all of - [2 Kings 10-12 - Good(ish) Kings and the End of Baal Worship](https://montclair.church/2022/06/29/2-kings-10-12-goodish-kings-and-the-end-of-baal-worship/) - Our reading today begins with Jehu finishing the job he started in the last chapter. And Jehu attacks the task head-on. The letter he sends to the guardians of the sons (and likely grandsons, too) of Ahab is a challenge. He is daring them to come fight for the throne of Ahab (vv. 2-3). He - [2 Kings 7:3-9:37 - God's Words Come to Pass](https://montclair.church/2022/06/28/2-kings-73-937-gods-words-come-to-pass/) - We left off yesterday with Samaria under siege by Syria, and Israel blaming YHWH. Today we pick up where we left off. Let's set the scene: the Syrian army had been outside the city, knowing that victory is getting close. There are four lepers also sitting just outside the city (7:3). They know they are - [2 Kings 4-7:2 - Elisha's Miracles](https://montclair.church/2022/06/27/2-kings-4-72-elishas-miracles/) - Our reading today begins with the story of a prophet's widow (4:1). With her husband dead, she has no means of paying their debts, so, as custom dictated, her children would have to serve the debtor to pay off the debt. Elisha is willing to help, but needs to know how to help (v. 2). - [2 Kings 1-3 - God Comes for Elijah](https://montclair.church/2022/06/26/2-kings-1-3-god-comes-for-elijah/) - Today we begin the book of 2 Kings. It picks up the history right where 1 Kings leaves off. The two were originally one book, but because of its length, it took up two scrolls. 2 Kings is where the second scroll began. Ahaziah is now king in Israel, and he has an accident that - [1 Kings 19-22 - The Exploits of Ahab](https://montclair.church/2022/06/25/1-kings-19-22-the-exploits-of-ahab/) - Today we finish the book of 1 Kings. Elijah has just defeated the prophets of Baal, which Ahab reports to Jezebel (19:1). She doesn't take it so well. She sends a message to Elijah that she plans to kill him (v. 2), so Elijah goes on the run (v. 3). In verse 4, we see - [1 Kings 15-18 - Patterns of Wickedness and the Prophet Elijah](https://montclair.church/2022/06/24/1-kings-15-18-patterns-of-wickedness-and-the-prophet-elijah/) - Our reading today begins with the reign of Abijam in Judah (15:1). The writer is clear that Abijam (like his father Rehoboam before him) was not in any way a righteous king or even a righteous person (v. 3). The only reason the kings of Judah reigned was for the sake of the covenant God - [1 Kings 12-14 - The Divided Kingdom: the Rejects and the Remnant](https://montclair.church/2022/06/23/1-kings-12-14-the-divided-kingdom-the-rejects-and-the-remnant/) - We pick up the narrative in 1 Kings today. Solomon has died, and his son Rehoboam has ascended to the throne (12:1). We see in verse 2 that Jeroboam (see 11:26-40) returns to Israel upon hearing of Solomon's death. He leads an envoy of the people to ask Rehoboam to ease the burdens Solomon had - [Song of Solomon 5-8 - Much More Than Physical](https://montclair.church/2022/06/22/song-of-solomon-5-8-much-more-than-physical/) - Today we will finish the Song of Solomon. We left off yesterday with the consummation of the marriage between Solomon and his bride (see 4:16). Chapter five begins with the consummation having happened (5:1). In verses 2-8, the tone of the poem changes a bit. The lovers were caught up in their love and desire - [Song of Solomon 1-4 - The Wedding Night](https://montclair.church/2022/06/21/song-of-solomon-1-4-the-wedding-night/) - Today we begin the Song of Solomon. There are those who believe this poem was written by Solomon near the end of his life. Others believe this was a poem written to Solomon by one of his many wives. Either way, it is a poetic celebration of the love between a man and a woman - [Ecclesiastes 9-12 - Solomon's Conclusion](https://montclair.church/2022/06/20/ecclesiastes-9-12-solomons-conclusion/) - Today we conclude the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 9 beings with a longer exposition of the "why bother" question. Note that Solomon starts, though, speaking about how the deeds of the righteous and the wise (notice the correlation like in Proverbs) are in the hand of God (9:1). This is in contrast to the "under - [Ecclesiastes 5-8 - The Pointlessness of Godlessness](https://montclair.church/2022/06/19/ecclesiastes-5-8-the-pointlessness-of-godlessness/) - Our reading today begins in Ecclesiastes 5 where Solomon again adds some wisdom sayings to his book. Solomon takes much of what we saw in Proverbs and applies it to our dealings with God. Solomon begins with a reminder that the wise take instruction, this time from God Himself (5:1). He then speaks against speaking - [Ecclesiastes 1-4 - Under the Sun or Under Heaven?](https://montclair.church/2022/06/18/ecclesiastes-1-4-under-the-sun-or-under-heaven/) - Having read of the death of Solomon, we will again break from the narrative of Kings to consider Solomon's other writings, beginning with Ecclesiastes. This book is believed to have been written late in Solomon's life. It speaks of life from two points of view. First, there is the view from "under heaven". This is - [1 Kings 10-11 - Solomon: Wise or Wicked?](https://montclair.church/2022/06/17/1-kings-10-11-solomon-wise-or-wicked/) - Today we return to the narrative of 1 Kings. If you'll remember, when we considered chapter 9, we ended with this: "While he had fame and fortune (as we will see in chapter 10), Solomon had lost his way." Well, here we are in chapter 10. We begin with the story of the Queen of - [Proverbs 28-31 - Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel](https://montclair.church/2022/06/16/proverbs-28-31-solomon-agur-and-lemuel/) - Today we complete the book of Proverbs. We begin with the final proverbs of Solomon. 28:1 tells us that man is bold when righteous, but always afraid when wicked. Verse 3 is likely better translated "a ruler who oppresses the poor..." thus forming a couplet with verse 2 (see also vv. 15-16). Verse 4 excludes - [Proverbs 25-27 - More Proverbs of Solomon](https://montclair.church/2022/06/15/proverbs-25-27-more-proverbs-of-solomon/) - Our reading today begins with a heading telling us "these also are Proverbs of Solomon" that were copied under King Hezekiah. This would strengthen the argument that the book of Proverbs is a collection put together by someone other than Solomon. Verse 2-7 speak of the king (which would make sense if Hezekiah commanded the - [Proverbs 22-24 - Practical Wisdom](https://montclair.church/2022/06/14/proverbs-22-24-practical-wisdom/) - Our reading today begins in Proverbs 22. The first half of the chapter are more wisdom one-liners. 22:1 tells us that our reputation is worth more than earthly riches. Verse 2 speaks of the fact that the reason we do not show partiality based on someone's possessions (see Jas 2:1-13) is because all are made - [Proverbs 19-21 - Wisdom One-Liners, Part 4](https://montclair.church/2022/06/13/proverbs-19-21-wisdom-one-liners-part-4/) - Our reading today begins with another reminder that wisdom is of more value than earthly riches (19:1). Verse 2 literally says "a person" or "a soul" without knowledge is not good. The second half of the verse speaks again about the foolishness of hasty action. Verse 3 reveals human nature. When bad things happen, we - [Proverbs 16-18 – Wisdom One-Liners, Part 3](https://montclair.church/2022/06/12/proverbs-16-18-wisdom-one-liners-part-3/) - We begin today in my favorite chapter of Proverbs. It is the most theological chapter of the book. Though most of it is a collection of unrelated wisdom sayings, there is a common thread that runs throughout much of this chapter: God's sovereignty. Right off the bat, we see in 16:1 that though we make - [Proverbs 7-9 - The Blessings of Wisdom (and Curses of Folly)](https://montclair.church/2022/06/09/proverbs-7-9-the-blessings-of-wisdom-and-curses-of-folly/) - Our reading today begins with another warning by Solomon against being seduced by the adulteress. This is speaking of sin in general, of course. In 7:1-4, Solomon's plea is to heed his wisdom (to fear the Lord and obey His Word) because these are what keeps us from being seduced by sin. Fear of God - [Proverbs 13-15 - Wisdom One-Liners, Part 2](https://montclair.church/2022/06/11/proverbs-13-15-wisdom-one-liners-part-2/) - We continue today reading Solomon's wise sayings for wise practical living. He begins in 13:1 with a familiar assertion: the wise listen to correction, the fool does not. Solomon returns to this theme often because he knows the human heart. When corrected, even in love, our tendency is defense rather than introspection. Solomon then offers - [Proverbs 10-12 - Wisdom One-Liners, Part 1](https://montclair.church/2022/06/10/proverbs-10-12-wisdom-one-liners-part-1/) - We begin today in Proverbs 10. We enter into that part of the book (the next 13 chapters) where Solomon (or whoever put the book together based in individual sayings of Solomon) offers one-liners of wisdom. We must keep two things in mind, however. First, this wisdom is for those who seek wisdom, that is, - [Proverbs 4-6 - The Path of Wisdom and the Enticement of Sin](https://montclair.church/2022/06/08/proverbs-4-6-tee-path-of-wisdom-and-the-enticement-of-sin/) - Our reading today begins with Proverbs 4. Here we have a father instructing his sons to receive knowledge from him (4:1-2) as he did with his father (vv. 3-4). In verses 5-6, we see that this is about more than knowledge or wisdom - it is applying them. Wisdom is to be desired above all - [Proverbs 1-3 - Wisdom and Foolishness](https://montclair.church/2022/06/07/proverbs-1-3-wisdom-and-foolishness/) - Today we will start the book of Proverbs. As we are looking at the history of Solomon's life, we will consider his writings about where he would have written them. Proverbs is the earliest of the books of Solomon. It is written in the genre known as "Wisdom Literature." Wisdom Literature is: A genre of - [1 Kings 8-9 and Psalm 127 - Solomon Dedicates the Temple and Loses His Way](https://montclair.church/2022/06/06/1-kings-8-9-and-psalm-127-solomon-dedicates-the-temple-and-loses-his-way/) - Our reading begins today with the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the Temple. Solomon wants to bring it out of the city of David, which is Zion (8:1). This is the older portion of the city (the original Jerusalem, which has now expanded greatly) to the south of the Temple. In verse 4, - [1 Kings 4-7 - The Building of the Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/06/05/1-kings-4-7-the-building-of-the-temple/) - Our reading begins today with 1 Kings 4. After the record of Solomon's officials (4:1-19), we read of the prosperity of Israel under Solomon. Note that the people of Israel were "as many as the sand by the sea" (v. 20). This is a fulfillment of what God promised Abraham (see Gen 22:17). The kingdom - [1 Kings 1-3 and Psalm 72 - Solomon Reigns](https://montclair.church/2022/06/04/1-kings-1-3-and-psalm-72-solomon-reigns/) - Today we begin the book of 1 Kings. Some of these early chapters crossover with what we saw at the end of 1 Chronicles, though this is more of a straight historical account that doesn't have the narrow theological purpose that the Chronicler did. We begin with an older King David (70 years old - - [Matthew 26-28 - The Death and Resurrection of Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/06/03/matthew-26-28-the-death-and-resurrection-of-christ/) - Today we finish the Gospel according to Matthew. Jesus has silenced the Jewish leaders and prophesied against Israel. He has taught His disciples about His coming suffering, death, and resurrection. He has now told them what to expect between His ascension and second coming. He has told them to always be ready for that coming. - [Matthew 23-25 - The Final Prophecy against Israel and the Olivet Discourse](https://montclair.church/2022/06/02/matthew-23-25-the-final-prophecy-against-israel-and-the-olivet-discourse/) - We ended yesterday with confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees (21:23 - 22:46). After telling multiple parables to them, Jesus ended the argument with His question about the Messiah being David's Lord (22:45). Jesus now turns His attention to His disciples and the crowds (23:1). Jesus tells them all to obey the religious - [Matthew 19-22 - Trying to Stump the Messiah, the Triumphal Entry, and the Rejection of Israel](https://montclair.church/2022/06/01/matthew-19-22-trying-to-stump-the-messiah-the-triumphal-entry-and-the-rejection-of-israel/) - Our reading today begins with Jesus's teaching about divorce. The Pharisees seek to catch Jesus in some misunderstanding of the Law in order to discredit Him (19:3). And the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce - a topic as thorny then as it is today. And what they do is ask Jesus not what the law - [Matthew 15-18 - Faith and Spiritual Warfare](https://montclair.church/2022/05/31/matthew-15-18-faith-and-spiritual-warfare/) - Our reading today begins with another admonition against observing strictly outward laws. The scribes and Pharisees want to know why Jesus's disciples do not wash their hands before they eat (15:1-2). This is a ceremonial washing they are referring to. Note that this ceremony is required according to tradition, and not the Scriptures. Jesus again - [Matthew 12-14 - Faith Alone](https://montclair.church/2022/05/30/matthew-12-14-faith-alone/) - Our reading today begins with Christ teaching about the Sabbath. As we saw yesterday, the physical Sabbath rest points us to the spiritual rest we find in Christ, which He just taught about in 11:25-30. What happens next is an object lesson to reinforce that idea. The Pharisees condemn the disciples for breaking the physical - [Matthew 8-11 - The Works and the Words](https://montclair.church/2022/05/30/matthew-8-11-the-works-and-the-words/) - Our reading begins today with Matthew chapter 8. After preaching His sermon, Jesus comes down from the mountain and is met by a leper (8:2). Note that "great crowds" are still following Jesus (v. 1). Jesus heals the leper and gives Him two commands. First, Jesus tells him to tell no one who healed him. - [Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount](https://montclair.church/2022/05/28/matthew-5-7-the-sermon-on-the-mount/) - Our reading today is the most famous sermon ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount. Because of how rich this portion of Scripture is, we will only be able to take a 10,000 foot view (it took me close to a year to preach through these three chapters!). Remember where we left off yesterday. Because - [Matthew 1-4 - The Son of David Begins His Ministry](https://montclair.church/2022/05/27/matthew-1-4-the-son-of-david-begins-his-ministry/) - Today we begin the Gospel of Matthew. Why read this Gospel now? Well, having finished reading the history of Israel through the life of David, and we understand the covenant God made with Him, and we have read so many of David's Psalms that express hope in the coming King Who would sit on the - [Psalms 23, 24, and 78 - God's Provision, God's Presence, and God's Plan](https://montclair.church/2022/05/26/psalms-23-24-and-78-gods-provision-gods-presence-and-gods-plan/) - Our reading begins to day with the most famous of the Psalms: Psalm 23. It is a Psalm about God's provision for and protection of His people in this life. David's declaration that YHWH is his shepherd and that therefore he will not want (23:1) is more than an expression of trust in God to - [Psalms 124, 131, 133, and 138 - Deliverance, Faith, Unity, and Thanks](https://montclair.church/2022/05/25/psalms-124-131-133-and-138-deliverance-faith-unity-and-thanks/) - We begin today in Psalm 124. It is a Song of Ascents about the Lord's deliverance. David begins by telling what would have happened to Israel if the Lord had not been on their side (124:1-2). The "let Israel now say" of verse 1 shows that this is a corporate prayer and not an individual - [Psalms 120, 121, and 122 - God's People, God's Help, and God's House](https://montclair.church/2022/05/24/psalms-120-121-and-122-gods-people-gods-help-and-gods-house/) - Today we will consider three of the Songs of Ascents, which are the songs that travelers would sing as they approached Jerusalem for one of the annual feasts. We begin in Psalm 120. The Psalm starts with a cry out to God, with God anwering (120:1). His prayer is to be protected by the lies - [Psalms 95, 101, 104, and 108 - Worship Through Obedience, Creation, and Victory](https://montclair.church/2022/05/23/psalms-95-101-104-and-108-worship-through-obedience-creation-and-victory/) - Psalm 95 begins as a Psalm of praise to God. It begins with a call to worship God through song (95:1). We are called into His presence with thanks and praise (v. 2). The Psalmist then tells us why this worship is due to Him: He is a great God and great King (v. 3) - [Psalms 61, 65, and 86 - Vows, Salvation, and God's Glory](https://montclair.church/2022/05/22/psalms-61-65-and-86-vows-salvation-and-gods-glory/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 61. It is really two prayers ending with commitments by David to keep his vows (61:5, 8). He begins with a petition for God to hear him (v. 1) in all places and at all times (v. 2). And his prayer is that God would lead him "to the - [Psalms 39, 40, and 41- Man's Condition, God's Deliverance, and Grace](https://montclair.church/2022/05/20/psalms-39-40-and-41-mans-condition-gods-deliverance-and-grace/) - We continue today in the Psalms. We begin with Psalm 39, which is believed to have been written very late in David's life. He begins by addressing the human condition when it comes to anger. He has the desire to not sin with his tongue through hasty or angry words (39:1). And though for a - [Psalms 15, 19, 69, and 145 - Revelation, Suffering, and Praise](https://montclair.church/2022/05/21/psalms-15-19-69-and-145-revelation-suffering-and-praise/) - We begin today with Psalm 15. David begins by asking who can live in God's tent or on His holy hill (15:1). David is asking who can dwell in God's presence. David proceeds to answer the question. It is those who are blameless and righteous, and whose heart speaks truth (v. 2). His heart dictates - [Psalms 36, 37, and 38 - God's Righteousness, the Heart of Faith, and a Prayer of Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/05/19/psalms-36-37-and-38-gods-righteousness-the-heart-of-faith-and-a-prayer-of-repentance/) - We begin today in Psalm 36. David contrasts two types of people in this Psalm. In 36:1-4 David speaks of the wicked. Sin is active deep in their hearts (v. 1). There is no fear of God before his eyes (see Rom 3:18). These are the fools that say there is no God (Ps 14:1 - [Psalms 25, 26, 27, and 53 - The Ways of God, the Grace of God, and the Enemies of God](https://montclair.church/2022/05/18/psalms-25-26-27-and-53-the-ways-of-god-the-grace-of-god-and-the-enemies-of-god/) - Our reading today begins with Psalm 25. It begins with a plea for David not to be put to shame. David uses the same word three times in verses 1-3 for "shame." David prays that he would not be put to shame (25:2), then states his belief that none who wait for God (could be - [Psalms 8, 14, 28, and 29 - Christ, the Fool, a Sinner's Prayer, and the Power of God](https://montclair.church/2022/05/17/psalms-8-14-28-and-29-christ-the-fool-a-sinners-prayer-and-the-power-of-god/) - We begin today with Psalm 8. Yes, it's one of my favorite Psalms. It is a Psalm of praise to God for His creation. The creation itself shows forth the majesty of God, which is why David starts and ends with "YHWH our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth" (8:1, 9). - [Psalms 6, 12, 13, and 91 - Repentance, a Lament for Sin, a Cry to God, and Salvation](https://montclair.church/2022/05/16/psalms-6-12-13-and-91-repentance-a-lament-for-sin-a-cry-to-god-and-salvation/) - Having read of the death of David yesterday, we will now take some time (11 days) to consider some Psalms believed by some to be written by him, but which cannot easily be placed within his life regarding any specific events. We begin with Psalm 6. This could have been written along with Psalm 30 - [1 Chronicles 27-29 - David's Charge, Prayer, and Death](https://montclair.church/2022/05/15/1-chronicles-27-29-davids-charge-prayer-and-death/) - Our reading today begins in chapter 27 with the last of the assignments within the kingdom. David is sure to leave everything in order and running smoothly for his son Solomon to take the throne. It starts with the military divisions, divided into a monthly rotation (27:1). It begins with Jashobeam who was a descendant - [1 Chronicles 25-26 - Assignments in the Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/05/14/1-chronicles-25-26-assignments-in-the-temple/) - Our reading today continues the assignments for worship in the Temple. Chapter 25 records the assignment of the music ministry. The work of the music ministry would pass to the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun who "prophesied" with their instruments (25:1), much like Miriam was called a "prophetess" when she worshiped through music and - [1 Chronicles 22-24 - Preparation for the Temple](https://montclair.church/2022/05/13/1-chronicles-22-24-preparation-for-the-temple/) - We now begin the portion of 1 Chronicles that is unique to the book (as in, not recorded in the books of Samuel). Remember, the Chronicler is writing from a priestly, pro-David point of view. So as we saw, he points out how the whole census, punishment, and buying of Ornan's property was used of - [1 Chronicles 20-21 and Psalm 30 - Victory, Sin, and Mercy](https://montclair.church/2022/05/12/1-chronicles-20-21-and-psalm-30-victory-sin-and-mercy/) - Our reading today begins with the defeat of Rabbah by Israel. We read in 20:1 that David was not with his army at this battle. Then in verse 2, we read that David was there to take the crown off the king's head. Hmm. It seems like we are missing part of the story. And - [1 Chronicles 18-19 - David's Victories and the Testimony of Men](https://montclair.church/2022/05/11/1-chronicles-18-19-davids-victories-and-the-testimony-of-men/) - Our reading today begins with details of David's victories over the nations (see 2 Sam 8). He effectively expanded the borders of Israel by ruling over Moab to the east (18:2), defeating Hadadezer to the north (v. 3), putting a garrison in Syria to the north (v. 6), and a garrison in Edom to the - [1 Chronicles 17, Psalms 16, 22, and 118 - God's Promised King](https://montclair.church/2022/05/10/1-chronicles-17-psalms-16-22-and-118-gods-promised-king/) - Today's reading begins with a retelling of the establishment of the Davidic Covenant (see 2 Samuel 7). Note that here, the Chronicler does not record the second part of 2 Samuel 7:14, which was about Solomon. He wants to show the returning remnant that the whole of this promise is yet to be fulfilled. He - [1 Chronicles 16, Psalms 96, 105, and 106 - The Song of David for All the Elect](https://montclair.church/2022/05/09/1-chronicles-16-psalms-96-105-and-106-the-song-of-david-for-all-the-elect/) - Our reading today continues the story of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. The Ark is placed inside the tent that David has assembled for it (16:1). Notice that David is still acting as priest (v. 2). The Chronicler then points again to David's return to the Levitical laws for worship (v. 4) and the - [1 Chronicles 14-15 and Psalm 132 - Where God Dwells](https://montclair.church/2022/05/08/1-chronicles-14-15-and-psalm-132-where-god-dwells/) - Our reading today begins with the king of Tyre sending David building materials for his palace (14:1). The Chronicler points to this as confirmation that David knew God had made him king, and that God did for the good of Israel (v. 2). This parallels the account in 2 Samuel 5:11-12. But note in the - [1 Chronicles 13 and Psalm 139 - The Presence of God](https://montclair.church/2022/05/07/1-chronicles-13-and-psalm-139-the-presence-of-god/) - Our reading today begins with the retrieval of the Ark from Kiriath-Jearim (see 1 Sam 6:1-7:2 for how it got there). We see that this account of the Ark coming from Kiriath-Jearim and winding up in the house of Obed-edom differs from the account given in 2 Samuel 6:1-11 at a couple of points. First, - [1 Chronicles 11-12 - King of All of Israel](https://montclair.church/2022/05/06/1-chronicles-11-12-king-of-all-of-israel/) - Our reading today records the acceptance of David as king by all of Israel. The Chronicler skips over the whole Abner making Ish-bosheth king of Israel (2 Sam 2:8-9), the defection of Abner (2 Sam 3:12), his death at the hands of Joab (2 Sam 3:27), and the murder of Ish-bosheth (2 Sam 4:5-6). Why? - [1 Chronicles 9-10 - The Story Begins](https://montclair.church/2022/05/05/1-chronicles-9-10-the-story-begins/) - Our reading today begins with a genealogy of those retuning from exile. The Chronicler talks about the history written in the books of Kings, and reminds the remnant that they were exiled because of their disobedience to God (9:1). In verse 2, the writer is sure to emphasize that the land they were returning to - [1 Chronicles 7-8 - The Rest of the Tribes and the Lineage of Saul](https://montclair.church/2022/05/04/1-chronicles-7-8-the-rest-of-the-tribes-and-the-lineage-of-saul/) - Our reading today begins with the lineage of the remaining tribes of Israel. I know these can get tedious, but you would care greatly that these are all listed if you were of the tribe of Asher returning from captivity! In the lines of Issachar, Benjamin and Asher, we are expressly told of the number - [1 Chronicles 5-6 - The Eastern Tribes and the Levites](https://montclair.church/2022/05/03/1-chronicles-5-6-the-easter-tribes-and-the-levites/) - Our reading today begins with the tribes whose inheritance was on the eastern side of the Jordan. It starts with the line of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob (5:1). Because of his sin against Jacob (Gen 35:22), Reuben lost both his birthright (physical heir) and the promise (spiritual heir) (see Gen 49:3-4). Joseph's sons - [1 Chronicles 3-4 - The Kingly Line, and the Full Remnant](https://montclair.church/2022/05/02/1-chronicles-3-4-the-kingly-line-and-the-full-remnant/) - Our reading today begins with... okay, it's more genealogies. But it is important to see what the Chronicler is doing. He started with a detailed lineage from Adam to Abraham, then from Abraham to Jacob/Israel, then from Israel to Judah, and then Judah to David. He followed the specific line of Judah that resulted in - [1 Chronicles 1-2 - Real People](https://montclair.church/2022/05/01/1-chronicles-1-2-real-people/) - Today we begin the book of 1 Chronicles. Before diving in, let me just point out that with today's reading, we are 1/3 of the way through our plan. Congratulations! I have also made the reading plan through 1 Chronicles a little slower. We will not have more than three chapters to read at any - [2 Samuel 23-24 - David's Last Words, and Sin and Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/04/30/2-samuel-23-24-davids-last-words-and-sin-and-repentance/) - Our reading today begins with the last words of king David (23:1). Note in verse 1 that David was exalted and anointed, like the coming Messiah would be. David ascribes to himself the office of prophet (v. 2). The Holy Spirit speaks by him. We have seen already how David fulfilled the role of priest - [2 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 18 - The Older David and His Song of Praise](https://montclair.church/2022/04/29/2-samuel-21-22-and-psalm-18-the-older-david-and-his-song-of-praise/) - Our reading today begins with a three-year famine (21:1)*. This famine was the result of God's judgment on Israel for a past sin of Saul. This particular attack on the Gibeonites is not recorded in Scripture. However, Saul's attack on them violated the oath Israel gave the Gibeonites (see Josh 9). So David calls the - [2 Samuel 18-20 - David's Sin Continues to Play Out](https://montclair.church/2022/04/28/2-samuel-18-20-davids-sin-continues-to-play-out/) - Today we return to our narrative and the conclusion of the Absalom incident. David prepares his army for battle and readies himself to go out with them (18:1-2). However, David's generals do not want him going into battle (v. 3). David is older now. Also, his feelings about his son may cloud his judgment. Additionally, - [Psalms 70, 71, 143, and 144 - Faith in Good Times and Bad](https://montclair.church/2022/04/27/psalms-70-71-143-and-144-faith-in-good-times-and-bad/) - Today, we will consider four more Psalms before returning to our narrative in 2 Samuel. Psalm 70 may have been written while David was on the run from Absalom, or possibly from Saul. David begins by praying for God to act on his behalf (70:1). He is calling for judgment against those who seek to - [Psalms 42, 43, 55, and 62 - The Circumstances Around Us and the God Who Loves Us](https://montclair.church/2022/04/26/psalms-42-43-55-and-62-the-circumstances-around-us-and-the-god-who-loves-us/) - Psalms 42 and 43 are believed by some to be one single Psalm. Note the refrain of "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God" (42:5-6, 11, 43:5). It is a heartfelt cry - [2 Samuel 17, Psalms 4 and 5 - David's Ploy and Prayers of Faith](https://montclair.church/2022/04/25/2-samuel-17-psalms-4-and-5-davids-ploy-and-prayers-of-faith/) - We continue today with the story of Absalom's seizure of power from David. Ahithophel had just advised Absalom to make a statement through a horrible act (see 16:21). Here, Ahothophel continues with his advice. He tells Absalom to let him lead 12,000 soldiers to pursue David and kill him while he is "weary and discouraged" - [2 Samuel 16 and Psalm 7 - David and Absalom, and Judgment Leading to Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/04/24/2-samuel-16-and-psalm-7-david-and-absalom-and-judgment-leading-to-repentance/) - Today we continue the story of David fleeing from Absalom. As David passes the summit of the Mount of Olives, he is met by Ziba (16:1 - see 2 Sam 9:1-12). He brings David provisions for the road. When David asks where Mephibosheth is, Ziba tells him that Mephibosheth has turned on David and expects - [2 Samuel 13-15 and Psalm 3 - God's Curse Plays Out](https://montclair.church/2022/04/23/2-samuel-13-15-and-psalm-3-gods-curse-plays-out/) - Today we return to our narrative. David has just committed sin upon sin (2 Sam 11), and been cursed by God (2 Sam 12:10-12). We now begin to see the turmoil of the royal family begin. We are introduced to three of David's children: Absalom, Tamar, and Amnon (13:1). The reason Tamar is introduced in - [Psalms 51 and 103 - Repentance and Salvation](https://montclair.church/2022/04/22/psalms-51-and-103-repentance-and-salvation/) - Today we will consider two Psalms (two of my favorites!) that David wrote regarding the incident of his sin concerning Bathsheba (2 Sam 11). The first is Psalm 51, which is believed to have been written after David was convicted by the prophecy of Nathan (2 Sam 12:1-15). It is a Psalm of repentance. David - [2 Samuel 11-12, Psalms 32 and 33 - David and Bathsheba](https://montclair.church/2022/04/21/2-samuel-11-12-psalms-32-and-33-david-and-bathsheba/) - Our reading today begins with the infamous story of David and Bathsheba. Up until now we have seen that God is with David, and David has been humble and obedient to God. Chapter 11 is a turning point for David. The first thing we read is that it is the time of year that kings - [2 Samuel 10, Psalms 20 and 21 - God's Victory for Israel](https://montclair.church/2022/04/20/2-samuel-10-psalms-20-and-21-gods-victory-for-israel/) - Our reading begins today with the death of the Ammonite king (10:1). We saw in 2 Samuel 8:11-12 that the Ammonites were one of the peoples David "subdued." Here we see that the king of the Ammonites dealt kindly with David, and vice versa (v. 2). But the kings advisors turn him against David (v. - [2 Samuel 7-9, Psalm 60 - Covenant and Victory](https://montclair.church/2022/04/19/2-samuel-7-9-psalm-60-covenant-and-victory/) - Our reading today begins with God making His covenant with David. This is a continuation of the Abrahamic Covenant, but distinct from the Mosaic Covenant (also a continuation of the Abrahamic Covenant). What we have is a narrowing of the Abrahamic Covenant in that God identifies a specific offspring of David (and of Abraham!) through - [2 Samuel 4-6, Psalm 68 - The Kingdom Unites, and the Ark Comes Home](https://montclair.church/2022/04/18/2-samuel-4-6-psalm-68-the-kingdom-unites-and-the-ark-comes-home/) - Our reading today begins with more political intrigue. We already saw Abner turn on Ish-bosheth (3:9-10), and then Joab kill Abner (3:30). With the kingdom of Israel in disarray (4:1), we see the king's own men turn on him. But not before we are introduced to Mephibosheth (v. 4). He will come back into play - [2 Samuel 1-3 - The Temporarily Divided Kingdom](https://montclair.church/2022/04/17/2-samuel-1-3-the-temporarily-divided-kingdom/) - Today we begin the book of 2 Samuel. Our story begins two days after the death of Saul (1 Sam 31:4) and David's attack on the Amalekites (1 Sam 30:17-18). We see that one of Saul's men finds David (1:2). Note that he bows before David, acknowledging him as king. The man fabricates the story - [1 Samuel 28-31 - David's Success, Saul's Failure and Death](https://montclair.church/2022/04/16/1-samuel-28-31-davids-success-sauls-failure-and-death/) - Today we finish the book of 1 Samuel. Chapter 28 begins with the Philistines preparing to go to war with Israel (28:1). The king wants David to fight for him (vv. 1-2). This narrative will pick up in the next chapter. First, we revisit the death of Samuel (v. 3). As we saw, Samuel was - [1 Samuel 25-27 and Psalm 141- David and Abigail, David Spares Saul Again](https://montclair.church/2022/04/15/1-samuel-25-27-and-psalm-141-david-and-abigail-david-spares-saul-again/) - Our reading today begins with the death of Samuel (25:1). The prophet that Israel looked to for guidance was gone, and now it was in the hands of the king to lead his people (but we will see Samuel again). David and his band of men are still on the run from Saul, but we - [1 Samuel 24, Psalms 57, 58, and 63 - David's Grace, Saul's Repentance](https://montclair.church/2022/04/14/1-samuel-24-psalms-57-58-and-63-davids-grace-sauls-repentance/) - Our reading begins today following Saul's battle with the Philistines (see 23:28). David is still in Engedi, which is in Judah (24:1 - see 23:29 and Josh 15:62). So Saul takes some troops, and comes searching for him (v. 2). Providentially, Saul winds up in a cave, unaware that David and his men are there - [1 Samuel 23, Psalms 31 and 54 - The Difference Between the "King" and the King](https://montclair.church/2022/04/13/1-samuel-23-psalms-31-and-54-the-difference-between-the-king-and-the-king/) - In our reading today, we find David already fulfilling his duties as king. The Philistines attack the city of Keilah in Judah (23:1 - see Josh 15:44). David's reaction is to inquire of God if he should go defend his tribe (v. 2). While Saul is preoccupied with cutting off his personal threat in David, - [Psalms 52, 64, 109, and 140 - David's Faith in Lament](https://montclair.church/2022/04/12/psalms-52-64-109-and-140-davids-faith-in-lament/) - Our reading today consists of four Psalms believed to have been written by David shortly after Saul's slaughter of the priests of Nob. David is on the run, and he now blames himself for what happened (1 Sam 22:22). He knows that Saul will stop at nothing to kill him. The feelings of anger, fear, - [1 Samuel 22, Psalms 142, 17, and 35 - David Runs, Saul Continues to Fall](https://montclair.church/2022/04/11/1-samuel-22-psalms-142-17-and-35-david-runs-saul-continues-to-fall/) - Our reading today begins with the assembling of David's personal militia. His family joins him in hiding (22:1). Then, those who are disillusioned with life in the kingdom for various reasons join themselves to him (v. 2). In verse 3, we see that David leaves his parents with the king of Moab to keep them - [1 Samuel 20-21, Psalms 34 and 56 - David Flees from Saul](https://montclair.church/2022/04/10/1-samuel-20-21-psalms-34-and-56-david-flees-from-saul/) - Our reading today begins with David on the run from Saul. As we saw in Psalms 11 and 59, David has committed no wrong, yet Saul seeks his life. David comes to Jonathan and asks him why his father is after him (20:1). Jonathan reassures David that he is on his side, and believes that - [1 Samuel 18-19, Psalms 11 and 59 - Saul vs. David](https://montclair.church/2022/04/09/1-samuel-18-19-psalms-11-and-59-saul-vs-david/) - Our reading today begins with a description of the strong bond of friendship between David and Jonathan (18:1, 3). We read back in 17:15 that David would spend some time with Saul as the court musician, and some time at home. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul does not let him go home anymore (v. - [1 Samuel 16-17 and Psalm 9 - David Anointed King, David Defeats Goliath](https://montclair.church/2022/04/08/1-samuel-16-17-and-psalm-9-david-anointed-king-david-defeats-goliath/) - We begin today's reading in chapter 16, where David is anointed king of Israel. We see the pattern repeated that we saw with Eli and Samuel - God removes the man that should have been the Godly leader of Israel (Eli/Saul), and replaces him with a true man of God (Samuel/David). We left off yesterday - [1 Samuel 13-15 - God Rejects Saul](https://montclair.church/2022/04/07/1-samuel-13-15-god-rejects-saul/) - Our reading begins today two years into the reign of Saul (13:1).* We are introduced to Jonathan in verse 2, though it appears that the writer of the book assumed his readers would know who Jonathan is since he gives nothing but his name. In verse 3 we see that there are multiple Philistine garrisons - [1 Samuel 10-12 - The King Anointed, the People Forgiven](https://montclair.church/2022/04/06/1-samuel-10-12-the-king-anointed-the-people-forgiven/) - We pick up where we left off yesterday: Samuel and Saul wait for Saul's servant to get ahead of them, because Samuel has a prophetic message for Saul (9:27). And Samuel begins by pouring oil on Saul, a symbol of God's anointing (10:1). The Hebrew of this verse actually only says: "has not the Lord - [1 Samuel 7-9 - A King Like All the Nations](https://montclair.church/2022/04/05/1-samuel-7-9-a-king-like-all-the-nations/) - We pick up today right where we left off yesterday. Israel sends the Ark away to Kiriath-jearim (in Judah on the border of Dan), and it winds up at the house of Abinidab, whom is consecrated as a priest (7:1). The Ark would be there 20 years (v. 2). Note that while God ended the - [1 Samuel 4-6 - The Ark of a Sovereign God](https://montclair.church/2022/04/04/1-samuel-4-6-the-ark-of-a-sovereign-god/) - Our reading today begins with a statement that "the word of Samuel came to all Israel" (4:1). This sums up chapter 3, which began with the fact that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days" (3:1) and ended with "the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the Word of the - [1 Samuel 1-3 - Hannah, Eli, and Samuel](https://montclair.church/2022/04/03/1-samuel-1-3-hannah-eli-and-samuel/) - Today we begin the book of 1 Samuel (1 and 2 Samuel are two of my favorite Old Testament books!). The book of Judges left us anticipating the monarchy of Israel. The book of Ruth set up the lineage of king David. Now we embark on the story of David's ascension to the throne. The - [Ruth 1-4 - Faith and Redemption](https://montclair.church/2022/04/02/ruth-1-4-faith-and-redemption/) - Today we read the book of Ruth. It is a record of two women of great faith (one who was not even an Israelite!), a kinsman-redeemer, and most of all a God that provides for His people. We see that this takes place sometime during the time of the judges (1:1). Because of the famine - [Judges 21 - Oaths, Sin, and the Coming King](https://montclair.church/2022/04/01/judges-21-oaths-sin-and-the-coming-king/) - Today we finish the book of Judges. We have a quarter of the reading plan behind us! And today, we have but one chapter to read (it's a good opportunity to double up and start to get caught up if you're behind). It is the conclusion of a dark time in Israel's history. We left - [Judges 17-20 - Two Levites, a Concubine, Benjamin, and Sin](https://montclair.church/2022/03/31/judges-17-20-two-levites-a-concubine-benjamin-and-sin/) - Having recorded the death of Samson (16:30), the book now ceases to speak of the judges of Israel. Instead, we see that the lack of Godly leadership leaves everyone in Israel to do "what was right in his own eyes" (17:6) - just as we saw with the last judge (14:3, 7). Chapter 17 tells - [Judges 13-16 - Samson](https://montclair.church/2022/03/30/judges-13-16-samson/) - Our reading today begins with our familiar refrain (13:1). Notice that the years of oppression are now far longer than the years of rest (which we saw are getting shorter). In verses 2-3 we see another example of barren women being given children by the hand of God.* We also see the Angel of the - [Judges 9-12 - Abimelech and Jephthah](https://montclair.church/2022/03/29/judges-9-12-abimelech-and-jephthah/) - Our reading begins today with the story of Abimelech, Gideon's son. We see the depravity of Abimelech in his willingness to destroy his own family to gain power (9:2-5). We also see the depravity of the people of Shechem who desired a man like that as king (v. 3, 6). These people are the target - [Judges 5-8 - The Song of Deborah and Barak, and the Story of Gideon](https://montclair.church/2022/03/28/judges-5-8-the-song-of-deborah-and-barak-and-the-story-of-gideon/) - Our reading today begins with the Song of Deborah and Barak. God sovereignly delivered Israel from Jabin and his general Sisera through His people (Judges 4:23-24), and Deborah and Barak sing of the valor of the people (5:1). Note that they credit the leadership in Israel, which is a primary focus of the book of - [Judges 1-4 - The Cycle Begins](https://montclair.church/2022/03/27/judges-1-4-the-cycle-begins/) - Today we begin the book of Judges. This book, unlike any other in the Bible, sets out to record bare history without much editorial. In other words, we will read the facts of what happened in the first years that Israel was in the land, but there is not too much comment on what was - [Joshua 21-24 - Settling in the Land and the Death of Joshua](https://montclair.church/2022/03/26/joshua-21-24-settling-in-the-land-and-the-death-of-joshua/) - Today we finish the book of Joshua. Our reading begins with the completion of the allotments of land as chapter 21 records the assignment of the Levitical cities. The Levites - called by God to serve Him as ministers - were to be spread throughout all of Israel. This is a fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy, - [Joshua 17-20 - The Allotments Continue](https://montclair.church/2022/03/25/joshua-17-20-the-allotments-continue/) - We begin today with the allotment to the tribe of Manasseh. The writer is sure to point out that Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph (17:1). This is because the tribe is addressed second, after Ephraim, giving the younger the place of preeminence. This is a part of the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing (Gen 48:19). - [Joshua 13-16 - The Tribal Allotments Begin](https://montclair.church/2022/03/24/joshua-13-16-the-tribal-allotments-begin/) - Joshua chapter 13 is the first of nine chapters that describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel (see map below). This would serve as the historical reference of the boundaries of the tribal inheritances, which cannot be permanently taken from those tribes (even if sold, it would be returned in the - [Joshua 9-12 - The Tricky Gibeonites, and the Taking of the Land](https://montclair.church/2022/03/23/joshua-9-12-the-tricky-gibeonites-and-the-taking-of-the-land/) - Our reading today begins with the account of the deception of the Gibeonites. We read back in Deuteronomy 20:10-15 God's rules for offering peace before going to war with nations outside of the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 20:16-18, God tells Israel that this does not apply to the nations within the borders of the land, - [Joshua 5-8 - God's Presence, Judgment, Salvation, and Obedience](https://montclair.church/2022/03/22/joshua-5-8-gods-presence-judgment-salvation-and-obedience/) - Our reading today begins with the fact that the people of the land were already being defeated by God (5:1). The miracle that provided God's people with a knowledge of His presence that increased their faith, provided the enemies of God with a knowledge of His presence that increased their fear. God then commands that - [Joshua 1-4 - Spying Jericho and Crossing the Jordan](https://montclair.church/2022/03/21/joshua-1-4-spying-jericho-and-crossing-the-jordan/) - Today we begin the book of Joshua, which records Israel's taking of the Promised Land. Joshua's name means "YHWH saves." Joshua is a type of Christ who leads his people to salvation. We see that the story picks up right where Deuteronomy left off (1:1). God reminds Joshua that though Israel is to take the - [Galatians 4-6 - Freedom in the Spirit, Life in the Spirit](https://montclair.church/2022/03/20/galatians-4-6-freedom-in-the-spirit-life-in-the-spirit/) - We continue today in the book of Galatians. In chapter 4, Paul continues his line of argumentation from chapter 3. He combines the ideas of Abraham's offspring being those justified by faith alone and the idea that the law was given to reveal our sin to us, and refers to us as children - heirs - [Galatians 1-3 - Justification by Faith Alone - for Abraham and for Us](https://montclair.church/2022/03/19/galatians-1-3-justification-by-faith-alone-for-abraham-and-for-us/) - Yesterday, we saw how the Law (the Torah) ended by looking forward to the One - the Prophet like Moses - Who would come to bring salvation for His people. Today, we begin the book of Galatians, where the Apostle Paul points back to the Torah to show us that this has been fulfilled in - [Deuteronomy 32-34 and Psalm 90 - The Song, the Blessing, the Death, and the Psalm of Moses](https://montclair.church/2022/03/18/deuteronomy-32-34-and-psalm-90-the-song-the-blessing-the-death-and-the-psalm-of-moses/) - Today, we come to the end of the book of Deuteronomy, and the end of the Torah (the Law). We begin with the other song of Moses. The first was in Exodus 15, where Moses praised God for His salvation after He brought them through the Red Sea. Here, we have a song that will - [Deuteronomy 28-31 - Covenant Blessings and Curses, and the Commission of Joshua](https://montclair.church/2022/03/17/deuteronomy-28-31-covenant-blessings-and-curses-and-the-commission-of-joshua/) - Our reading begins today with the promise of blessing for obedience. Let us remember the promise God made to Abraham back in Genesis 12:2-3: And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who - [Deuteronomy 24-27 - The Completion of the Law, and the Curses](https://montclair.church/2022/03/16/deuteronomy-24-27-the-completion-of-the-law-and-the-curses/) - Our passage today begins with another command concerning divorce. The allowance for divorce, remember, is not prescriptive, but was given to protect the offended party in a marriage broken by sin. Here, we see that once someone is divorced, if they get remarried, they cannot return to the original spouse under any circumstances (24:4). This - [Deuteronomy 20-23 - War, the Curse, Purity, and the Congregation](https://montclair.church/2022/03/15/deuteronomy-20-23-war-the-curse-purity-and-the-congregation/) - Today's reading begins with instructions for war. We see that it is God Who will give the victory in battle (20:4). Israel can believe this because of what God has already done (v. 1). Notice that going to war is voluntary. There are provisions for those who do not want to go into battle out - [Deuteronomy 16-19 - Expansion of Laws, Justice, and the Promise of the Messiah](https://montclair.church/2022/03/14/deuteronomy-16-19-expansion-of-laws-justice-and-the-promise-of-the-messiah/) - Our reading begins today with a reminder to keep the three yearly feasts. We saw near the end of the book of Numbers (chapters 28 and 29) reminders about the offerings required at these feasts. Here, the focus is not on the specifics of the offerings, but of the why and the where of the - [Deuteronomy 12-15 - Worship, Idolatry, Holiness, and the Poor](https://montclair.church/2022/03/13/deuteronomy-12-15-worship-idolatry-holiness-and-the-poor/) - Our reading today begins with another reminder that Israel is to obey all the commands of God (12:1). In particular, the idolatry of the nations Israel will dispossess must not be mimicked. God must be worshiped according to His commands - both the where and the how (vv. 4-7). Note in verse 8 that once - [Deuteronomy 8-11 - Law, Obedience, and Provision in Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/03/12/deuteronomy-8-11-law-obedience-and-provision-in-christ/) - Our reading today begins with yet another reminder to obey all of God's commandments (8:1). We have see this reminder before, and we will see it again. In verse 3, we have one of the verses Jesus quotes during His wilderness temptations. In context, this is not so much speaking about being nourished by the - [Deuteronomy 4-7 - The Ten Commandments, the Most Important Commandment, and God's Promise](https://montclair.church/2022/03/11/deuteronomy-4-7-the-ten-commandments-the-most-important-commandment-and-gods-promise/) - Our reading begins today with Moses preparing Israel for the taking of the land and their life in the land by calling their attention to all of God's commandments (4:1-2). They need to remember what disobedience brings, looking back to their worship of the false god, Baal of Peor, and what happened as a result - [Deuteronomy 1-3 - God Provides the Victory](https://montclair.church/2022/03/10/deuteronomy-1-3-god-provides-the-victory/) - Today, we begin the book of Deuteronomy. The book gets its name from the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) and means "second law." What it is, is Moses' final speech to Israel before he dies and they take the promised land. It is mostly a recounting of all we've seen in the previous three books. It - [Numbers 33-36 - Tying Up the Loose Ends](https://montclair.church/2022/03/09/numbers-33-36-tying-up-the-loose-ends/) - Today, we complete the book of Numbers. The final four chapters are a summary, as it were, of the important details Israel needs to know before taking the Promised Land. Chapter 33 recounts the journey of Israel from Rameses (Goshen) beginning the day after the Passover (33:3). We see that the triumph of Israel in - [Job 32-34 - Elihu Rebukes Them All](https://montclair.church/2022/01/16/job-32-34-elihu-rebukes-them-all/) - With the words of Job ended, we see that the words of his three friends are also at an end. We are told specifically that they had nothing left to say to Job because he was righteous in his own eyes (32:1). This self-righteousness is in contrast to the start of our story where we - [Numbers 29-32 - Worship, Responsibility, Judgment, and Promise](https://montclair.church/2022/03/08/numbers-29-32-worship-responsibility-judgment-and-promise/) - Our reading begins today with the continuation of the reminders of the yearly offerings. Note in all of these yearly offerings, they are all in addition to any other offerings. For example, the Feast of Trumpets is on the first day of the seventh month (29:1). This means that the monthly offering (see Num 28:11-15) - [Numbers 25-28 - Sin, Atonement, the Census, and the New Shepherd](https://montclair.church/2022/03/07/numbers-25-28-sin-atonement-the-census-and-the-new-shepherd/) - Our passage today begins with yet another rebellion by Israel. We are told that they "began to whore with the daughters of Moab" (25:1) and "ate and bowed down to their gods" (v. 2). This, however, actually continues our story from yesterday. Our friend Balaam went back home after prophesying blessings over Israel (24:25). But - [Numbers 21-24 - Serpents, the Beginning of the Conquest, and the Blessings of Balaam](https://montclair.church/2022/03/06/numbers-21-24-serpents-the-beginning-of-the-conquest-and-the-blessings-of-balaam/) - Our passage picks up today right after the death of Aaron on Mt. Hor. Israel, having to go around Edom instead of through it, were coming up from the south. Arad was one of the southern-most Canaanite "countries". The king of Arad, hearing (perhaps from Edom?) that Israel was coming his way, preemptively attacks Israel - [Numbers 17-20 - God Is Still Holy](https://montclair.church/2022/03/05/numbers-17-20-god-is-still-holy/) - We begin our reading today on the heels of Korah's rebellion and challenge to Moses and Aaron's authority and their role over the people of Israel. Chapter 17 continues that theme. God will prove who He has called to what vocation within the people of God. And in verse 8 God proves that Aaron has - [Numbers 14-16 - Rebellion, Intercession, and the Danger of Leaven](https://montclair.church/2022/03/04/numbers-14-16-rebellion-intercession-and-the-danger-of-leaven/) - We pick up our reading today after the spies who were sent into the land denied God's ability to give them the land (13:31). In 14:1, we see that most of Israel sided with the ten spies. And again, we see that they rebel against God and desire their captivity over His salvation (vv. 2-4). - [Numbers 10-13 - Rebellion, Opposition, and Faithlessness](https://montclair.church/2022/03/03/numbers-10-13-rebellion-opposition-and-faithlessness/) - Our passage today begins with the rules for blowing the trumpets. The trumpets would be a signal for gathering, whether the leaders (10:4) or for the whole congregation (v. 3), for breaking camp (v. 1) or to gather for war (v. 9). The key is verses 9 and 10: the trumpet signals the presence of - [Numbers 7-9 - Life Under the Covenant Begins](https://montclair.church/2022/03/02/numbers-7-9-life-under-the-covenant-begins/) - Our reading begins today with the offerings by every tribe at the Tabernacle. We see in the offering of an ox for every chief (7:3) that idea of representation. The chiefs represent their tribe before God, so this is an offering accepted for all the people. This is like Christ's representation of all who believe, - [Numbers 4-6 - Levitical Duties, a Test for Sin, and the Nazirite Vow](https://montclair.church/2022/03/01/numbers-4-6-levitical-duties-a-test-for-sin-and-the-nazirite-vow/) - Our reading today begins with the details of the Levitical responsibilities by family. In 4:5, we see that no one can see the glory of God. Aaron and his sons are to take down the veil, keep it between themselves and the ark, and cover it. They are also the only ones allowed to handle - [Numbers 1-3 - The Census, the Camp, and the Levites](https://montclair.church/2022/02/28/numbers-1-3-the-census-the-camp-and-the-levites/) - We begin today through the book of Numbers, so called because of the two censuses that are taken in the book. We see in 1:1 that Israel is still at Sinai over a year after the Exodus. God commands Moses to take a census of all the males over the age of 20 (v. 3). - [Hebrews 9-13 - Living Out Our Faith](https://montclair.church/2022/02/27/hebrews-9-13-living-out-our-faith/) - Today we conclude the book of Hebrews. Our passage begins with a comparison between the earthly Tabernacle and the atonement made therein, and the atonement won by Christ. In 9:7, the writer is talking about the Day of Atonement. Interestingly, He says that what the high priest did in the Holy of Holies was regulated - [Hebrews 5-8 (but mostly chapter 6) - The Old Has No Place in the New](https://montclair.church/2022/02/26/hebrews-5-8-but-mostly-chapter-6-the-old-has-no-place-in-the-new/) - Our passage today continues the train of thought from chapter 4. We have a great High Priest that is Who the high priesthood pointed to, through Whom we can boldly enter into the presence of God to receive His grace and mercy. And what is a priest, but one who is chosen from among his - [Hebrews 1-4 - Christ Is Greater](https://montclair.church/2022/02/25/hebrews-1-4-christ-is-greater/) - We begin today through the book of Hebrews. This is my favorite book of the Bible. I am reserving the last 10 years of my ministry to preach through the book (the trick is knowing when that last 10 years starts...). There is so much in the book that, for our purposes, we are only - [Psalms 2, 45, 102, and 110 - Christ in the Book of Hebrews](https://montclair.church/2022/02/24/psalms-2-45-102-and-110-christ-in-the-book-of-hebrews/) - Why, you may ask, are these Psalms here in our reading plan? Well, after reading the first three books of the Pentateuch, I wanted us to read through the book of Hebrews, because it pulls heavily from the Mosaic Law, especially the priesthood and sacrificial system, to point us to Christ. However, the writer of - [Leviticus 25-27 - Blessings and Curses, Restoration and Redemption](https://montclair.church/2022/02/23/leviticus-25-27-blessings-and-curses-restoration-and-redemption/) - Our passage begins today with the laws for the Sabbath Years. God has commanded (multiple times) that the weekly Sabbath be observed. He has prescribed the yearly feasts. Now He commands those observances that take place in intervals of more than a year. First is the Sabbath Year to be kept every seventh year. Here - [Leviticus 22-24 - The Feasts of the Lord, and More](https://montclair.church/2022/02/22/leviticus-22-24-the-feasts-of-the-lord-and-more/) - Our reading today begins with God continuing to give commands for the ministry of the priests. In 22:3, we see that the penalty for an unclean person touching something holy to the Lord is to be cut off from God's presence. He says plainly here what He has implied when He speaks about being cut - [Leviticus 19-21 - Holy: Who God Is, and Who We Have To Be](https://montclair.church/2022/02/21/leviticus-19-21-holy-who-god-is-and-who-we-have-to-be/) - Our passage today begins with chapter 19, which continues the idea that what we do and who we are is based on Who God is. Seven times in this chapter we see the formula "I am the Lord your God." This is that literal "I, I am your God" that we saw in Exodus 20 - [Leviticus 16-18 - The Day of Atonement, the Place of Worship, and Sexual Sin](https://montclair.church/2022/02/20/leviticus-16-18-the-day-of-atonement-the-place-of-worship-and-sexual-sin/) - We begin our passage today with the command for the Day of Atonement. As we have seen, the holiness of God is emphasized throughout the first five books of the Bible. Here, we see that the holiness of God precludes even the High Priest from entering through the veil into His presence (16:2), except for - [Leviticus 13-15 - Leprosy, Bodily Discharges, and the Way to Cleanness](https://montclair.church/2022/02/19/leviticus-13-15-leprosy-bodily-discharges-and-the-way-to-cleanness/) - Our passage today is probably the most difficult section of Leviticus to get through without our minds wandering. Leprosy on people. Leprosy on clothes. Leprosy in houses. Bodily discharges. What's this all about? To start, realize that these laws are again both practical and religious. Leprosy in the ancient world was much more widespread than - [Leviticus 10-12 - Holiness, Food Laws, and Purification Laws](https://montclair.church/2022/02/18/leviticus-10-12-holiness-food-laws-and-purification-laws/) - Our reading today begins with the death of two of Aaron's sons: Nadab and Abihu. To understand what, exactly, happens here, we need to remember some of what we have already read. In Exodus 30:1-10, in the middle of God giving instructions about the Tabernacle and its service, He tells Moses how to make the - [Leviticus 7-9 - The Ordination, Offerings, and Their Holiness](https://montclair.church/2022/02/17/leviticus-7-9-the-ordination-offerings-and-their-holiness/) - Our passage today continues the instructions for the priests for making the offerings commanded in chapters 1-6. We begin with the guilt offering, which is said to be "most holy" (7:1). This, of course, is what was said about the grain offerings (Lev 6:17) and the sin offering (Lev 6:25). The constant reminder of what - [Leviticus 4-6 - Sin and Guilt Offerings](https://montclair.church/2022/02/16/leviticus-4-6-sin-and-guilt-offerings/) - We begin today with the laws for Sin Offerings. First, God gives a way to atone for sins that are committed unintentionally, that is, by mistake, and only realized after the fact. We see that even these sins require a sacrifice of atonement. This also says something about us as God's people. All sin needs - [Genesis 4-5 - A Reason for Hope](https://montclair.church/2022/01/02/genesis-4-5-a-reason-for-hope/) - Genesis 4 begins with a declaration of hope. Eve states "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD." This is much more than just thanks to God for a child - this is praying to God that this might be the child. Eve expresses her hope that God has given what He - [Genesis 1-3 - The Start of the Story](https://montclair.church/2022/01/01/genesis-1-3-the-start-of-the-story/) - Today we start our journey through the Bible. Thank you for joining me! My daughter Isabella and I recently watched a movie that we both agree is the worst movie either of us have ever seen (I won't give the title here, sorry). The characters were never developed, and worse, I am pretty sure there - [Genesis 6-9 - The Flood](https://montclair.church/2022/01/03/genesis-6-9-the-flood/) - The story of Noah and the Flood is very well-known. Because of this we tend to read right through it - and often just gloss over it. Let's look at the details of the account a little more closely. First, let's address the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:2. There are two primary trains of - [Genesis 10-11 - From Noah to Babel to Abraham](https://montclair.church/2022/01/04/genesis-10-11-from-noah-to-babel-to-abraham/) - We begin today reading a list of Noah's descendants. Some (or most) of these genealogies are very easy to read through quickly without paying much attention at all. But they are all in the Bible for a reason. They are inspired Scripture! Notice that in this genealogy, there are no years of life given, and - [Job 1-3 - The Suffering](https://montclair.church/2022/01/05/job-1-3-the-suffering/) - Having covered Genesis 1-11, what is known as Primeval History (from Abraham forward is known as Patriarchal History), we now consider Job. Why? Two reasons. First, Job is believed to be a contemporary of Abraham, so the events recorded in this book take place somewhere around Genesis 12. Second, while many admit we don't know - [Job 4-7 - Job vs. Eliphaz, Round 1](https://montclair.church/2022/01/06/job-4-7-job-vs-eliphaz-round-1/) - Job's friend Eliphaz starts off the conversation... Notice how at the outset he makes the very mistakes the book teaches against. After buttering up Job a bit, he accuses Job of changing his mind about God because this evil has befallen him (Job 4:5-6), and then points out how all that Job is suffering must - [Job 8-10 - Job vs. Bildad, Round 1](https://montclair.church/2022/01/07/job-8-10-job-vs-bildad-round-1/) - Bildad continue the conversation by agreeing with Eliphaz. He rebukes Job for his words being "a great wind", i.e. meaningless. He then says what seems, on the surface, to be praises of God's justice, but then reveals that his thinking is as wrong as both Satan's and Eliphaz's - he claims that God metes out - [Job 11-14 - Job vs. Zophar, Round 1](https://montclair.church/2022/01/08/job-11-14-job-vs-zophar-round-1/) - Job's third friends joins the fray by rebuking Job for his vain words, and telling him that his sin is so great that he is actually getting off easy with what he is enduring. In 11:7-10, Zophar tells Job how little he understands God - indeed, no man can understand His ways and His sovereign - [Job 15-17 - Job vs. Eliphaz, Round 2](https://montclair.church/2022/01/09/job-15-17-job-vs-eliphaz-round-2/) - Now all three of Job's friends have stated their opinions, and Job has responded. Now begin the rebuttals of the rebuttals. Eliphaz is again the first to speak up. And the sarcasm is in full swing. Twice in verse 2 he tells Job his words are like the wind. It is a Hebraism for empty - [Job 18-19 - Job vs. Bildad, Round 2](https://montclair.church/2022/01/10/job-18-19-job-vs-bildad-round-2/) - Bildad chimes in for the second time, beginning with a rebuke of Job (as per usual). As we've seen with the other men, including Job, Bildad asserts that he is, in fact, wiser than those who disagree with him. Then he spends the entire chapter telling Job, yet again, that what has befallen him is - [Job 20-21, Job vs. Zophar, Round 2](https://montclair.church/2022/01/11/job-20-21-job-vs-zophar-round-2/) - Again, Job is rebuked for his answer. Zophar tells Job that he can't help but answer him, because Job is trying to place the sin on his three friends, rather than accepting his own (20:2-3). This has become a blame game. Doesn't Job understand that those who sin as he has will lose everything they - [Job 22-24, Job vs. Eliphaz, Round 3](https://montclair.church/2022/01/12/job-22-24-job-vs-eliphaz-round-3/) - Eliphaz now gets in his last word. He tells Job that his words (and by implication, his beliefs), while they may benefit him, they are no benefit to God (22:2-3). He then proceeds to throw out accusations against Job, as if to justify God in His "punishment" to Job. Notice the accusations in verses 6-9. - [Job 25-26 - The Final Round](https://montclair.church/2022/01/13/job-25-26-the-final-round/) - Bildad gets in his last few words. He begins by extoling God's virtues and power (25:2-3), and then ends by declaring the one point of agreement between them all: no man is righteous before God (vv. 4-6 - Eliphaz agrees in 4:17-19 and 15:14-16, and Job agree in 9:2 - see Rom 3:9-18). In his - [Job 27-28 - Job's Closing Argument](https://montclair.church/2022/01/14/job-27-28-jobs-closing-argument/) - Having answered his friends, Job now begins his final speech. And he begins by declaring outright that God is unjust in His treatment of Job (27:2). He insists that in all he has said that he has said nothing false (vv. 3-4), and he refuses to accept what his friends have said, because he, Job, - [Job 29-31 - Job's Final Lament](https://montclair.church/2022/01/15/job-29-31-jobs-final-lament/) - Job begins his "woe is me" discourse by pointing to how things used to be for him. God used to be with him and watch over him (29:2-5a), his children were with him (v. 5b), and he had an abundance of "good" things (v. 6). He had rank among the people (v. 7), was revered - [Job 35-37 - Elihu's Closing Argument](https://montclair.church/2022/01/17/job-35-37-elihus-closing-argument/) - Elihu continues his rebuke of Job and his friends. Job has claimed injustice on the part of God (35:2), and believes that what has befallen him would be just if he had sinned (v. 3). So Elihu directs these men to consider God. His ways are so much higher than man's (v. 5), that whether - [Job 38-40:5 - God Speaks](https://montclair.church/2022/01/18/job-38-405-god-speaks/) - It's the moment we've all been waiting for! Job has said his piece. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have had their say. Elihu has made his argument. Now, God Himself speaks! We are told that God answers Job out of the whirlwind (38:1). This "whirlwind" signals the presence of God in the Old Testament, and at - [Job 40:6-42:17 - Job's End, and Our End](https://montclair.church/2022/01/19/job-406-4217-jobs-end-and-our-end/) - Job told God he would not be able to answer Him. But God has more questions. He begins with the same "dress for action" (literally "gird up your loins") and declares that He will ask Job some more questions (40:7 - see 38:3). God asks Job who he thinks he is to question Him, which - [Genesis 12-14 - The Promise to Abram](https://montclair.church/2022/01/20/genesis-12-14-the-promise-to-abram/) - We begin now the history of what we can call "particular redemption." God now calls a particular man, Abram, out of the world to be His chosen servant and to father His chosen people. He calls him to leave behind what he has in the world by faith; to exchange it for what God will - [Genesis 18-20 - A Story of Sin and Grace](https://montclair.church/2022/01/22/genesis-18-20-a-story-of-sin-and-grace/) - Having made the covenant with Abraham, God now begins to put His plan for Abraham's offspring into action. This will continue to unfold throughout the Bible until the closing of the New Testament canon. Three men appear to Abraham. These men are two angels, and a pre-incarnate Christ. After accepting the offering Abraham and Sarah - [Genesis 15-17 - The Abrahamic Covenant](https://montclair.church/2022/01/21/genesis-15-17-the-abrahamic-covenant/) - God now turns His promise into a covenant. God's promise to Abram included physical offspring. Here, Abram is questioning God. He is an old man and has not a single offspring. But God reaffirms His promise to Abram, and tells him his offspring will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. And verse - [Genesis 21-23 - God's Promise and Abraham's Faith](https://montclair.church/2022/01/23/genesis-21-23-gods-promise-and-abrahams-faith/) - God always keep His promises. And when we read that God did to Sarah as he had promised, this is talking about more than what we read in Genesis 18:9-15. It is also talking about Genesis 17, and Genesis 15, and Genesis 12, and Genesis 3:15. God is moving the story of redemption forward through - [Genesis 24-26 - The Promise Continues, Part 1: Isaac](https://montclair.church/2022/01/24/genesis-24-26-the-promise-continues-part-1-isaac/) - In Genesis 24 our story turns (briefly) to Isaac, the child of promise. Abraham - we don't know how old he is here exactly - but chapter 24 tells us in no uncertain terms that he is very old. He tells his most trusted servant to go back to his native land and find a - [Genesis 27-29:30 - The Promise Continues, Part 2: Jacob](https://montclair.church/2022/01/25/genesis-27-2930-the-promise-continues-part-2-jacob/) - In Genesis 25, we are told two things about Isaac's sons. First, they will be enemies. God tells Rebekah that there will be division between them and their offspring, and that Esau will serve Jacob (v. 23). Second, their parents played favorites (v. 28). Notice, also, that we have not been told whether or not - [Genesis 29:31-32:32 - Jacob in Haran](https://montclair.church/2022/01/26/genesis-2931-3232-jacob-in-haran/) - Strife and competition between sisters. Deceit and accusations between uncle and nephew. A daughter hiding things from her father. Pending confrontation between brothers. No, I'm not talking about Thanksgiving dinner with the family. This is Jacob's time in Haran. Our passage tells of the birth of eleven of the twelve sons of Jacob, who will - [Genesis 33-35 - Israel the Patriarch](https://montclair.church/2022/01/27/genesis-33-35-israel-the-patriarch/) - In chapter 33, we see the brothers reunite. The animosity appears to be gone. Jacob offers gifts to Esau, who tells him they are not necessary, and Jacob insists. When Jacob tells Esau to go on ahead and let him and his family and his livestock come at a slower pace, Esau offers some of - [Genesis 36-38 - Sin, Sin, and More Sin](https://montclair.church/2022/01/28/genesis-33-35-israel-the-patriarch-2/) - We begin today's reading with a chapter about Esau. We again have two sons put in juxtaposition to each other to distinguish the worldly line of sin from the godly line of promise. We even see a familiar pattern (which we saw with Abraham and Lot) where the families physically separate for practical reasons, and - [Genesis 39-41 - The God of Circumstances](https://montclair.church/2022/01/29/genesis-39-41-the-god-of-circumstances/) - In our passage today, we see things get worse before they get better for Joseph. These chapters focus on Joseph's time as a slave in Israel, and we will see how even in humbling circumstances, God exalts His people. Even in the worst worldly circumstances - where death even seems certain - God preserves and - [Genesis 42-44 - Joseph and His Brothers](https://montclair.church/2022/01/30/genesis-42-44-joseph-and-his-brothers/) - We start to see in chapter 42 the reason that Joseph was sent to Egypt: the preservation of the nation of Israel. We see the near fulfillment of Joseph's dream when his brothers bow down to him. In Joseph's reaction to his brother we do not see needless cruelty, rather, as an Egyptian leader, Joseph - [Genesis 45-47 - The Family Reunites](https://montclair.church/2022/01/31/genesis-45-47-the-family-reunites/) - Chapter 45 begins with Joseph revealing himself to his brothers. And Joseph explains what we have seen throughout this portion of Scripture: "God sent me before you to preserve life" (45:5). Joseph does not deny that his brothers sold him into slavery (v.4), but neither does he deny that God did it (v.8). Both are - [Genesis 48-50 - The Story of God's People](https://montclair.church/2022/02/01/genesis-48-50-the-story-of-gods-people/) - These final chapters of Genesis record the end of the life of Jacob. It begins with him blessing the sons of Joseph. He tells Joseph that he is taking his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own sons. This is Jacob's way of passing the birthright that Reuben forfeited on to Joseph (Gen 35:22, - [Exodus 1-4:17 - Moses and the God of the Patriarchs](https://montclair.church/2022/02/02/exodus-1-417-moses-and-the-god-of-the-patriarchs/) - The book of Exodus begins with a list of Jacobs sons/the tribes of Israel. We see that the blessings of God did not end for the nation when Joseph and his brothers died. But we are told that a new Pharaoh came to power (likely Pharaoh Ahmose I), one who did now know Joseph. This - [Exodus 4:18-7:25 - Faith Wavers, God Doesn't](https://montclair.church/2022/02/03/exodus-418-725-faith-wavers-god-doesnt/) - Our passage begins with Moses heeding the word of God and determining to go back to Egypt. This shows the faith of Moses. God then tells Moses to perform signs before Pharaoh when he gets to Egypt (this would be Pharaoh Thutmose III). And it is here that we see that interplay between God's sovereignty - [Exodus 8-10 - The Hardening Heart of Pharaoh](https://montclair.church/2022/02/04/exodus-8-10-the-hardening-heart-of-pharaoh/) - Today we resume the story of God's salvation of Israel, a.k.a. the hesitantly faithful Moses and Aaron vs. the hard hearted Pharaoh. After turning the water of Egypt to blood, God brings frogs over the land of Egypt. And, again, the sorcerers of Egypt imitate the plague. But again, they cannot undo the plague. We - [Exodus 11-13 - The Passover](https://montclair.church/2022/02/05/exodus-11-13-the-passover/) - Our passage today records the culmination of God's dealings with Egypt through the plagues. As we will see, God's purposes will stand, His enemies will be punished, and His people will be saved. This is the way it has always been and forever will be. Chapter 11 begins with God telling Moses that the time - [Exodus 14-16 - The Red Sea and the Manna](https://montclair.church/2022/02/06/exodus-14-16-the-red-sea-and-the-manna/) - Our passage today begins with God telling Moses to lead Israel to the Red Sea, essentially trapping themselves. God promises to again harden Pharaoh's heart, which will result in two things: God's glory, and the Egyptians knowing Who He is. And we as God's people may feel trapped at times, but if we're following God, - [Exodus 17-19 - Arriving at Mt. Sinai](https://montclair.church/2022/02/07/exodus-17-19-arriving-at-mt-sinai/) - Our reading today begins with a familiar story. Israel is complaining against Moses and God because they had no water. And God yet again provides. He tells Moses that He will personally show him where to go (17:6), and tells him what to do. The rock here prefigures Christ. He was "struck" for our sake - [Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments](https://montclair.church/2022/02/08/exodus-20-the-ten-commandments/) - Today we have the giving of the Ten Commandments. Note that God begins the way He always does: with grace. Before commanding anything, God reminds Israel of Who He is and what He has already done. And He begins with "I am the Lord your God." In the Hebrew, it is literally "I I am - [Exodus 21-22 - An Exposition of the Ten Commandments](https://montclair.church/2022/02/08/exodus-21-22-an-exposition-of-the-ten-commandments/) - Chapter 21 begins with commandments about slaves. First are rules about male slaves. Note that this is talking about slaves that are themselves Israelites. The Bible does discuss slavery as we understand it as Americans: the capture of a free person who is sold into slavery (see below). That is not what is being discussed - [Exodus 23-25 - Commandments, Covenant, and Christ's Presence](https://montclair.church/2022/02/09/exodus-23-25-commandments-covenant-and-christs-presence/) - We begin today with an exposition of the ninth commandment. We see that the command is about more than outright lying. There is gossip (23:1), a warning against a mob mentality (v. 2), classism (v. 3, 6), and even "looking the other way" so as to let an enemy suffer loss (vv. 4-5). Verse 9 - [Exodus 26-28 - The Tabernacle, the Altar, and the Priestly Garments](https://montclair.church/2022/02/10/exodus-26-28-the-tabernacle-the-altar-and-the-priestly-garments/) - Our passage today begins with the instructions God gives for the building of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is made to be symbolic of heaven, because heaven is the dwelling place of God, and the Tabernacle will house the Ark, which represents His presence, and it will serve as the physical place God's people will come - [Exodus 29-31 - Holiness, Giftedness, and the Need for Christ](https://montclair.church/2022/02/11/exodus-29-31-holiness-giftedness-and-the-need-for-christ/) - Our reading today starts off with the command to consecrate the priests. The word "consecrate" in the Hebrew is the verb form of the adjective "holy." The priests are holy or set apart to the Lord, just as the plate they would wear on their heads would say. So too for anyone: if you are - [Exodus 32-34 - The Golden Calf, God's Grace, and God's Revelation](https://montclair.church/2022/02/12/exodus-32-34-the-golden-calf-gods-grace-and-gods-revelation/) - Our passage today begins with the incident of the Golden Calf. We see that this is rooted in the impatience of the Israelites (32:1). I repeat: don't judge. How often do we get impatient while waiting on God and turn to idols. We may not make a Golden Calf to worship, but we turn to - [Exodus 35-37 - The Building of the Tabernacle](https://montclair.church/2022/02/13/exodus-35-37-the-building-of-the-tabernacle/) - Exodus 35 begins with God reminding Israel of the Sabbath regulations. This is because the work of building the Tabernacle is about to begin, and God wants to remind Israel that they need to take a day and dedicate it to God. Even for those whose vocation it is to be a minister of God - [Exodus 38-40 - The Completion of the Tabernacle](https://montclair.church/2022/02/14/exodus-38-40-the-completion-of-the-tabernacle/) - In our passage today, we see the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings according to the command of God. We see the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Basin, both of bronze. We see the making of the court according to the details given by God. Then we see in 38:21 - [Leviticus 1-3 - The Burnt, Grain, and Peace Offerings](https://montclair.church/2022/02/15/leviticus-1-3-the-burnt-grain-and-peace-offerings/) - Today, we start our journey through the book of Leviticus. And while some of the commands are given in such detail (and are often repeated) that they can become tedious to us, I encourage you to read every word. These are the very words of God. And realize, after the Ten Commandments were given, and ## Pages - [Home](https://montclair.church/) - Montclair Community Church is a nondenominational Gospel-centered church in Northern New Jersey that connects people to Jesus and to each other. - [Plan a Visit](https://montclair.church/new/) - [Momco-2026](https://montclair.church/momco-2026/) - Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Help us get better at serving moms! Please help us up our game for next year by completing this survey. Thank you! 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I mean, one page in, and you can't help but be struck by how good a writer Dr. Sproul was. His ability to paint a scene is amazing. I have always found his "explanation" for why there is evil and sorrow - [Knowing God, Chapters 21 & 22](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-21-22-3/) - Hello, Faithful Readers! As Packer finishes up the book, I like that he devotes a chapter to the careful application of Biblical truth. All the glories revealed in Christ, all the promises that are fulfilled and surely yet to be fulfilled, all the assurance of salvation we can have as adopted children of God - - [Knowing God, Chapters 21 & 22](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-21-22-2/) - Hello, Faithful Readers! As Packer finishes up the book, I like that he devotes a chapter to the careful application of Biblical truth. All the glories revealed in Christ, all the promises that are fulfilled and surely yet to be fulfilled, all the assurance of salvation we can have as adopted children of God - - [Knowing God, Chapters 21 & 22](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-21-22/) - Hello, Faithful Readers! As Packer finishes up the book, I like that he devotes a chapter to the careful application of Biblical truth. All the glories revealed in Christ, all the promises that are fulfilled and surely yet to be fulfilled, all the assurance of salvation we can have as adopted children of God - - [Knowing God, Chapters 19 & 20](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-19-20/) - Hello Faithful Readers! "The revelation to the believer that God is his Father is in a sense the climax of the Bible..." Amen to that! Oh, that He chose me as a son! That He made me His adopted heir! That He did this all at such a great cost! What grace!! All the affection - [Knowing God Chapters 17 & 18](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-17-18/) - Hello, faithful readers! I love how Packer begins by discussing how God is not a God of our imagination, but a revealed God. I think that this is why we sometimes struggle with the ideas of wrath (which he addressed last week) and jealousy. I like his second kind of jealousy: "zeal to protect a - [Knowing God, Chapters 15 & 16](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-15-16/) - Hello faithful readers! In these chapters, we deal with the wrath and severity of God, along with His goodness. Both are overlooked by some, but both are so important for truly understanding grace. I like Packer's summary: "just as God is good to those who trust Him, so He is terrible to those who do - [Knowing God, Chapters 13 & 14](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-13-14/) - Hello faithful readers! I pray this book is a blessing to you all, so far! "The grace of God is love freely shown towards guilty sinners contrary to their merit and indeed in defiance of their demerit." Praise God for His grace! We need to be so careful (and intentional) about not letting the thinking - [Knowing God, Chapters 11 & 12](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-11-12/) - Hello faithful readers! God has spoken! I love how Packer describes God's Word as "an instrument of fellowship...to enable us to know Him so that we may love Him." I also like his division of the types of speech: law, promise, and testimony of Himself. Believing what He says about Himself, and believing His promises - [Knowing God, Chapters 9 & 10](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-9-10/) - Hello faithful readers! Isn't this book excellent? Chapters 9 and 10 are the most practical chapters yet - they really bring knowing about God and knowing God together. "Wisdom is...the practical side of moral goodness." Looking to God in His infinite wisdom helps us navigate this life. Like Abraham, living out God's wise will is - [Knowing God, Chapters 7 & 8](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-7-8/) - Hello, faithful readers! Chapter 7 is my favorite chapter so far. Packer's understanding that the Bible reveals God to us - though in the context of the times over which the Bible was written - is so important for understanding the Bible. The Bible was written for us, not to us, and it was written - [Knowing God, Chapters 5 & 6](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-5-6/) - Hello brothers and sisters! Another great pair of chapters! "The incarnation is in itself an unfathomable mystery, but it makes sense of everything else that the New Testament contains." I would say that it also brings together the Old Testament promises into a single Person. Packer speaks of how Christ became "personal" - the incarnation - [Knowing God, Chapters 3 & 4](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-3-4/) - Chapter 3 is awesome! "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." I would add that believing it is the key. I always know it, but my actions show what I believe in any given - [Knowing God, Chapters 1 & 2](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/knowing-god-chapters-1-2/) - Hello, my Fellow Summer Readers! What a great start to a great book. I remember when J.I. Packer passed on to glory a few years back, I thought it was a great loss for Christians. He has a way about his writing that makes you want God more as you read. 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You've got options equivalent victimisation a stapler, a keyboard, website qwe138 a cup of Read more Video Games +1 How do you measure floor 13 on hooda dissection? Asked by Wiki User Here's how🙂👍 - [Open The Gates For 아이폰당근마켓동네인증 Through the use of These.](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/open-the-gates-for-아이폰당근마켓동네인증-through-the-use-of-these/) - 아이폰 사용자들이 주로 이용하는 당근마켓 앱에서 최근 GPS 위치 조작이 발생하고 있습니다. 이러한 조작으로 인해 사용자들은 실제 위치와 다른 곳으로 오도될 수 있으니 유의해야 합니다. 이 문제는 안전하고 신뢰할 수 있는 거래를 위해 중요한 부분이므로 주의가 필요합니다. 당근마켓을 이용하다가 GPS 조작이 의심된다면 즉시 해당 거래를 중단하고 당근마켓 측에 신고해야 합니다. 또한 개인정보 보호를 위해 위치 - [Chapter 11 - The Spirit of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-11-the-spirit-of-prayer/) - Hello faithful readers! We now come to the end of our journey together. This is a wonderful book. Hallesby closes us out by making two things very clear. First, prayer is not easy. Second, it is by the Spirit that we pray rightly. We need to pray to the Spirit that we would pray rightly! - [What Are Superdelegates?](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/what-are-superdelegates/) - Learn on to seek out out extra about the best and lowest paying jobs in America, and uncover what makes a job fun.S. How a lot are you able to make doing fun jobs? What makes a job fun anyway? Highest and Lowest Paying Jobs in the U.S. If you happen to think the jobs - [Chapter 10 - The School of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-10-the-school-of-prayer/) - Hello everyone! One of the greatest encouragements of this book is that it describes the difficulty of prayer so we know it isn't just us, but it shows us that perseverance and a rich prayer life are possible for any of us. Hallesby is right that it is easy to begin strong in praying for - [Chapter 9 - Problems of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-9-problems-of-prayer/) - Hello all! Another great chapter! We are reminded that praying is really giving Jesus access to our hearts and our needs. I really like what Hallesby says about prayer being our answer to God (saying "yes" to Him) as opposed to us seeking answers from God. How easily we forget that! This makes prayer so - [Chapter 8 - Forms of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-8-forms-of-prayer/) - Hello everyone! What a wonderful chapter! We all know about supplication, thanksgiving, and praise in prayer, but what a freeing concept it is to know that prayer is a heart posture and that just being in conversation - or just being in God's presence without even saying a word - is such a powerful means - [Chapter 7 - The Meaning of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-7-the-meaning-of-prayer/) - Hello, faithful readers! In this chapter, Hallesby points out something we already know, but tend to forget: prayer is about the glory of God (as is everything we do!). Understanding this will have three results: it will give us a very real experience with God, it will bring Christ into our situation, and it will - [Chapter 6 - The Misuse of Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-6-the-misuse-of-prayer/) - Hello faithful readers! This chapter is short but offers a very legitimate warning. While we may not pray consciously thinking God is supposed to give us what we want (or think we need), the warnings on page 124, I believe, are very applicable. We tend to pray for "our things," but neglect to pray for - [Chapter 5 - Wrestling in Prayer, II](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-5-wrestling-in-prayer-ii/) - Hello all! I love that Hallesby does not try to sugarcoat the fact that prayer can be so difficult for many. His encouragement to strive and his definition of striving are so helpful. "To strive in prayer means to struggle through those hindrances which would restrain or even prevent us entirely from continuing in persevering - [Chapter 4 - Wrestling in Prayer, I](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-4-wrestling-in-prayer-i/) - Hello all! "As soon as I realize that I am helpless, also when it comes to the question of controlling my restless thoughts, and let Jesus, my Almighty Friend, deal with these powerful foes of my soul also, then the peace of God will descend with healing and blessing upon my distracting soul." Absolutely awesome! - [Chapter 3 - Prayer As Work](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-3-prayer-as-work/) - Hello faithful readers! Hallesby said of Jesus: "When at His ascension He took leave of His friends as far as His physical presence was concerned, He extended His almighty arm so far down that we insignificant and sinful people can reach it every time we bend our knees in prayer." This brings out his two - [Chapter 2 - Difficulties in Prayer](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-2-difficulties-in-prayer/) - Hello faithful readers! I love how Hallesby points out three very important things in this chapter: prayer is difficult, it is the Holy Spirit Who reaches us to pray rightly, and what it really means to pray in the name of Jesus. Prayer is difficult because we see it as something we do. Sometimes as - [Need a book](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/need-a-book/) - I am interested in "catching up" to the readings going on in the "Prayer" book by O. Hallesby. Is it too late to join? - [Chapter 1 - What Prayer Is](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-1-what-prayer-is/) - Welcome to our summer book club. This week, we begin with chapter 1 of Ole Hallesby's classic "Prayer." I have read this book multiple times and still love reading it. This first chapter changed my prayer life the first time I read it. Hallesby says: "Prayer is something deeper than words. It is present in - [Chapter 9 - Ye Are the Branches](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-9-ye-are-the-branches/) - We now come to the end of this wonderful little book. Murray tells us that our greatest need is to have Christ living in us and working through us. If we are rooted in him, we will bear fruit! If we bear fruit, we are rooted in Him! What a wonderful truth!! And best of - [Chapter 8 - Kept by the Power of God](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-8-kept-by-the-power-of-god/) - I love the focus on God keeping (or preserving) us in all facets of our lives. This corrects two common misconceptions that seem to me to be pervasive in modern American Christianity. The first is that our salvation is only about getting to heaven. "God does not want to keep us in this general way, - [Chapter 7 - Having Begun In the Spirit](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-7-having-begun-in-the-spirit/) - "God has called the church of Christ to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the church is living for the most part in the power of human flesh, and of will and energy and effort apart from the Spirit of God." Murray wrote this in 1895. It is comforting, in a way, - [Chapter 6 - O Wretched Man That I Am!](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-6-o-wretched-man-that-i-am/) - I love that this chapter refutes the current worldly encouragement that if you "just believe in yourself" or if you "want something bad enough" that you have the power to do it. As Murray says: "The will of the creature is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be - [Chapter 5 - Impossible with Man, Possible with God](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-5-impossible-with-man-possible-with-god/) - Hello faithful readers! Another great chapter! These two great lessons Murray describes are indeed hard to learn. In my experience, even after we have learned that we cannot, we still tend to regress to trying to work in our own power nonetheless. Even with great intentions - even when we want to do for God - [Chapter 4 - Peter's Repentance](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-4-peters-repentance/) - Hello Faithful Readers! What an amazing chapter. So short, but so powerful. Right out of the gate we have that epic quote about Peter: "Because he had not been brought to an end of himself; he didn't know himself." What a glorious irony that until we have completely denied ourselves, we can't truly know ourselves! - [Chapter 3 - Separated Unto the Holy Ghost](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-3-separated-unto-the-holy-ghost/) - Hello all! This chapter is sooooo good. Murray develops the ministry of the Holy Spirit in such a great way! First, he talks about how important it is to have a right relation to the Spirit. This is the root of our ministries and our walks: our gifting and our power! I love that he - [Chapter 2 - The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-2-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-love/) - Hello book club members! I love how Murray makes the obvious - but often forgotten - connection between the Holy Spirit and the holiness of the Christian. His tie-in with love is very fitting considering today's message by Pastor Eric. What do we think of his statement: "sin has robbed the world of love?" How - [Chapter 1 - Absolute Surrender](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/chapter-1-absolute-surrender/) - I am so excited to start this book with you all! This is one of my favorite books. For me, it is almost like a slap in the face to read Murray use the word "condition" three times in the opening chapter. The idea that our salvation has no conditions is so pervasive in evangelicalism. - [Test](https://montclair.church/forums/topic/test/) - Test ## Replies - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26403/) - What stood out to me most was Sproul’s explanation of what it means for God to be holy and what that means for our personal relationship with Him and our walk as Christians. Sproul describes how an encounter with God’s holiness produces both fear and peace. On page 3 he writes: “An icy chill started - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26402/) - "How we understand the person and character of God the Father affects every aspect of our lives." This is my first R.C. Sproul book, and his first chapter really gave me a lot to think about. In the beginning of my walk I was obsessed with what it meant to have reverent fear of God. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26401/) - In answering the questions at the end of the chapter, I am faced with my default avoidance of encountering God in His hoiness. On the one hand, I want to love God with all my heart, sould, mind and strength and on the other, I want "my way". I do understand that holiness is being - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26400/) - The description of creation was a beautiful summary which stimulated many encouraging thoughts about our God creating a universe. The references to St. Augustine and writings about creation initiated a variety of thought streams about the creation and the power and holiness of God. I was also reminded that our dear friend Mark DiQuattro's son - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26399/) - Yes, Sproul's poetic and elaborate descriptions of context and scenery usher you into a parallel encouragement to similarly and methodically embrace the experience of the glorious and holy presence of our awesome God. Although "ineffable", it behooves us to slow down and be intentional and deliberate as we bask here. The more I seek Him, - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26398/) - This is my second reading through this book. I always like the second trip though a book as so much more of the writer’s experience comes through to me. I have always had a burden for my church to fully grasp the concept of the Holiness of God. I get grieved when hearing people say - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26397/) - Hi everyone- looking forward to this book club and discussion! I liked the quote on the last page of chapter 1: “Not only does He penetrate every aspect of our lives, but he penetrates it in His majestic holiness.” To me, it can sometimes feel easier to connect with the person of Jesus Christ because - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25777/) - I thought it was so good that the author took the time to go into great detail about both extremes of the skewed impressions of becoming a Christian and how both can be damaging in different ways. It was such an encouragement for me to be reminded of how much of the Bible deals with - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25776/) - Misapplied doctrine, "unreality toward God", keeps us from truly 'knowing God'. Stressing the rough side of Christian life, playing down the bright side or vice versa. "God can bring good out of the extremes of our own folly; He actively uses our sins and mistakes towards His ends. He is very gentle with very young - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25774/) - Wrapping my mind around election brought a surge in worship and awe of God’s ways. Adoption, although not new to me, has catapulted my freedom to thing in terms of sons hip, family and acceptance in bold but still cautious terms. Packer also uses the lyrics of my all time favorite hymn “And can it - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25770/) - I love how the author points out that even if our earthly fathers have been non-existent or failed in many ways - that God does not leave us to guess what fatherhood looks like. That even if we didn't experience a good father growing up - in God's family that is not the case. We - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25769/) - Packer reminds us that God’s jealousy is not like human envy but a holy, protective love that refuses to share His people with idols. He likens it to a husband’s rightful jealousy for his wife’s faithfulness. God’s jealousy flows from His deep commitment to us—He desires our whole-hearted love because He knows life is found - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25768/) - Iin chapters 19 and 20 of Knowing God, Packer highlights the privilege of adoption as God’s children and the assurance of His guidance. Adoption is more than justification—it grants intimacy with God as Father, access to His care, discipline, and inheritance. This identity reshapes our perspective, moving us from insecurity to confidence in His love. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25767/) - We've heard much recently encouraging us in our identity as children of God and Packer emphasizes how crucial it is that we really embrace the knowledge of God as our holy Father. This supernatural gift of grace through receiving Jesus; the blessing of foreordained adoption where, because of His great, supreme love, we're born again, - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25765/) - It's amazing how an emotion like jealousy, when felt and filtered through sinful human flesh is so dark, "one of the most cancerous and soul-destroying vices" yet when understood and expressed through our perfect Creator and Redeemer becomes the light of holy, moral glory, a positive virtue, an aspect of His covenant love for His - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25764/) - Better late than never again. Gods wisdom shown through anthropomorphic communication is for our understanding without a doubt. Packer’s points about jealousy help us avoid conflict in terms and confusion IF we understand He (God) is holy and therefore OTHER than just human even though expressed in human terms. God is above all. There is - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25752/) - I've heard "gospel" messages where there is no mention of God's wrath or repentance. How will they know the truth if they are not given a complete picture? How will they be saved if they don't understand what they are being saved from? "That Jesus Christ, by virtue of his death on the cross as - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25751/) - Packer clarifies the issue that people raise; believing in God's wrath is like condoning cruelty. The problem being that we ascribe to God, the form that human justice or retribution too often takes and the necessity of reminding ourselves that God is just and that He takes care of retribution. "Vengeance is mine, says the - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25748/) - Back to the beginning and basics, God is not a puppeteer but gives us free will, as Packer puts it, a choice to retreat/reject the light He shines into our hearts. He gives us over to our preferences. However, we may gain the world and lose our souls. Or lose our life so we can - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25747/) - May I opine for just a moment? Chap 13 especially, but yes combined with chapter 14, could, for me, be at least a year long study.(Make that life long) I loved how Packer categorizes the struggles that befall those who have learned of God's grace as the functioning eternal factor in our salvation.The more and - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25734/) - I love that we wound up reading the chapter about the grace of God and God as judge together. "It is God showing goodness to persons who deserve only severity and had no reason to expect anything but severity...It is surely clear that, once the person is convinced that his state and need are as - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25733/) - "By the grace of God I am what I am. Our conversion was no accident but an act of God which has it's place in an eternal plan." God chooses and calls us. Looking back years before I answered yes to His call, at a young age, He taught me this powerful, humbling truth, that - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25728/) - Praise Him! We have a King/God who speaks only truth engaging our hearts and minds. His word instructs in order to know Him and we can’t really know Him without loving Him. Knowing Him and actually having a relationship by command and invitation. Mind blowing and praise causing bringing about true humility and godliness as - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25727/) - God is love, and that is so misused today - even by fellow Christians. We can't "outlove" God, and we don't know better how to love others if it contradicts with the truth of His word. And I am so thankful that God can speak nothing but truth. That we can trust and rely on - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25718/) - Packer continues to present some simple truths of God in a heavy and profound way. These two chapters definitely hit home for me. As is common in the teen years, I, searching for truth, accepted Jesus when I heard He was The Truth, the living Word of God. "Other qualities of God like His reliability, - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25716/) - What a gift it is that God chooses to impart his wisdom to us, thereby allowing us to know him more and in a deeper way. That he’s given us his word is such a gift, and I know I take it and the wisdom it offers for granted. I love the connection to Ecclesiastes. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25715/) - Sorry for being M.I. A for 7&8 but we feast on all your thoughts and observations. This book is challenging but not as in difficulty but in self examining in light of His wisdom. “But in God boundless wisdom and endless power are united (like the hypo static Union), and this makes him utterly worthy - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25714/) - Late yet again but still wanted to contribute my thoughts; In chapter 7 the last couple of pages stood out to me. “What God does in time, he planned from eternity. And all that he planned in eternity he carries out in time.” This is then followed by the idea of God repenting in scripture. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25713/) - Packer illustrates God's consistent omnipotent wisdom as He continues to order the lives of His people today, teaching us the practices of living in His presence, resting in His revealed will and how to live for Him instead of the world, just as He taught Abraham. God gave him a new meekness, courage, dignity and - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25709/) - Wow there was so much packed into these 2 chapters! I liked that the author defined what God's wisdom is but also what it is not. It was interesting to read about the different examples of Abraham, Jacob and Joseph and watch the author go into detail about how God's wisdom worked in each of - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25707/) - A bit late here; catching up! Great to read everyone’s thoughts. In chapter 5, I appreciated the reframing of the incarnation, resurrection and atonement through the lens of Jesus’ divinity. If we can acknowledge Jesus’ divinity, the miracle of incarnation, resurrection and atonement may not be as difficult to grasp. I was also fascinated by - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25706/) - I think these 2 chapters are my favorite so far. I wasn't going to reference a song but Psalm 8 (How Majestic Is Your Name) by Shane and Shane came on while I was getting ready to post so it seems fitting to include it. Especially since it's a song that always brings me to - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25705/) - I really enjoyed chapter 7. The Bible sometimes is hard for us as we read about how God interacted with people thousands of years ago in a different time, plays in culture. Because of that difficulty, casual readers or unbelievers cannot make the connection. Unfortunately, many people therefore dismiss the Bible has having any relevance - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25704/) - `Yes Lilla, Packer's emphasizing *Behold your God " was beautifully poetic and seems to have gotten both you and Carolyn singing! "Declaring God's majesty and greatness is always an invitation to worship." However we " modern people tend to cherish great thoughts of (our)selves while we have small thoughts of God and therefore need to - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25703/) - The link between the past an the future is the God who does not change. I always wondered, How is it that Abraham and others who heard God's voice were so sure that God had spoken that they were willing to do great, unimaginable things. Even when He did not reveal Himself in any other - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25694/) - What Packer took two chapters to say, Chris Tomlin captures in his song, "Indescribable": From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea Creation reveals Your Majesty From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring Every creature unique in the song that it sings All exclaiming: Indescribable, uncontainable - You placed - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25690/) - Yes all you have said: The reading of John 1:1-18 at Christmas, Christ’s full retention of Divinity-yet human and yes Lee, all for us. The idea of knosis is great (again for us) but Gore did what us humans do. He didn’t fully think through the far reaching and disastrous implications of diminished deity. We - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25689/) - Chapters 5 and 6 of Knowing God was good reminder of understanding christ’s divinity and the Holy Spirit’s role in making that truth real to me. Packer’s explanation of the Incarnation reminds me that Jesus is not just a moral teacher, but God Himself who humbled Himself for my sake. In Chapter 6, I’m reminded - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25686/) - I was truly fascinated by chapter 6 and how little we do talk about the Holy Spirit. A couple of weeks ago at Bridgefest, one of the messages was about the power of the Holy Spirit, and I was so encouraged afterwards. It really tied in nicely with chapter 6 reminding me of all the - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25685/) - I enjoyed both chapters, but the thing that really caught my attention was in chapter 6. When he said that without the Holy Spirit, we would not have the word of God, no one would come to faith in Christ, there would not be the church of Jesus Christ and Christianity wouldn’t exist. Without the - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25684/) - Yes, Packer does a nice job of explaining the incarnation. I love his depiction of " 'the Christmas spirit', that should mark every Christian all year round; it is the reproducing in human lives of the tempermant and attitude of him who became poor at the first Christmas. He submitted himself entirely to his Father's - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25683/) - I'm still struggling with "Knowing about God" and "knowing God." It seems to me that Packer is giving us more in depth knowledge about God. Yes, I agree that the Incarnation is a wonderfully remarkable miracle . . . that the God of the Universe - the God who calls each star by name - - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25674/) - I appreciate being given an extra week to catch up, not only that I was away and didn't realize we were continuing to read 2 chapters each week, but reading through and seriously considering all the comments also needs some extra time. Again parallels in so many areas of my walk, God is amazing how - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25673/) - I have been reading through John, and it was so timely that this morning’s reading included chapter 17, which Packer quotes at the beginning of chapter 3. It really is the gift and grace of God, that eternal life doesn’t just mean being rescued from hell, but it means to know God and to know - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25672/) - I know many are fans and I heard every argument in defense of it but I have also heard some say that because of the Chosen when they close their eyes to pray they picture Jonathan Roumie and it helps them pray. Great counter example. It could be good for teaching but then it could - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25670/) - I just want to add, that I agree with the comments that we will never fully know him this side of heaven, we can only know as much as he chooses to reveal. Matthew 11:27 - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25669/) - Chapter 3 gives us purpose, we are here to know God. He desires to make himself known. But just like we cannot really know someone unless they allow us to know them, we can’t really know God if all we have is a casual relationship. An intimate relationship is developed over time. Walking together, doing - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25668/) - I am enjoying the book tremendously. However, I really haven't read that Packer explains who God is! I don't think anyone can do that because I believe everyone knows God in his/her own personal way. For instance, I experience God as someone who is constantly looking after me. Whenever I am in a "tizzy" looking - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25667/) - God reveals Himself in His création and His word. Great point - Packer emphasizes that God has shared about himself through the Bible, but there is at least something about God revealed in Creation as well (although it I not enough to "know" him the way we need to). - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25666/) - Chapter 4 – The Only True God Here Packer unpacks the second of the 10 commandments. I appreciate his effort in explaining how it is different from the first commandment, in that it focuses on not creating images that represent the true God to worship. I wonder what Packer would think about the hit show - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25665/) - Chapter 3 – Knowing and Being Known Packer’s central argument is that the main purpose of every person is to know God, quoting from John 17:3, Jer 9:23-24, and Hos 6:6. He argues that “life’s problems fall into place” once someone becomes aware that this is their purpose (p 34). I don’t disagree that it - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25664/) - We know someone by how much he has opened up to us. We reveal à bit of ourselves as we share on this forum. God reveals Himself in His création and His word. I appreciated Packer's illustration of meeting someone We believe and feel is far superior to us and discovering that person treating us - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25663/) - Donna was particularly interested in the caution about using visual,artistic imagery when communicating biblical events to children. Yes, this drawing or picture is not Jesus. He is impossible to express - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25662/) - Sorry for snoozing through the first session. This book so far is all I’ve/we’ve heard it was. Convicting and motivating all at once. The biblical basis for chap 3 is all you said Lee. Chap 4 is a stretch into the possibility of extremes but challenging in the opportunity for mental self examination. Yes all - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25660/) - This is my first time Reading packer and something I took notice of is Packer’s emphasis that knowing God is the most important pursuit of life. He contrasts knowing about God with truly knowing God personally, arguing that theology should lead to deeper relationship, not just head knowledge. Many people are content with knowing about - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25659/) - I just read over the other submissions and identify with just about all of them. A huge thank you to each one who shares and allows the rest of us to know a little more of each other. Carolyn, I, too have had that same temptation to worry that I will be told: Depart from - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25658/) - I have been meaning to read this book for some years now, so I’m excited to be reading this over the summer! I also was immediately moved by the Spurgeon quote. There is already so much wisdom in the pages, and I am looking forward to taking it slow and meditating on God and what - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25657/) - I was gifted this book when I became a Christian but for some reason never got around to reading it until about a month ago. I was a couple of chapters into it when the virtual book club was announced in church. I am enjoying that the author speaks simply in a way that is - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25656/) - Our community group did a study on the attributes of God, took about a year to study only about 22 of them. The one, the fact that He's incomprehensible, says that He's unable to be fully know so we "will never exhaust our study of who He is or fully grasp His limitless being." Yet - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25655/) - I'm really enjoying re-reading this again after a long time. I often catch myself in the knowing a lot about God, or about how the structure of a church works, or social norms, but not on the focus on knowing God himself. (the discussion on pages 26-27). And the question then becomes -- do I - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25654/) - I’ve had this book on my reading list for years it was highly recommended by many who claimed it made a huge impact on their life. Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of knowing God not just having a knowledge of God. Do I study in order to know God or to acquire knowledge? I have - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25653/) - I am so glad that we are reading this book because I have been struggling with the scripture Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus says, "Not all who call to Me, "lord, Lord! Only those who actually do the will of My Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven." . . . I will reply, "I never - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/25652/) - This book looks like what I am looking for, not just knowing about God, but knowing God and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. The assessment is helpful and sobering. I have a long way to go. Thanks for having a book club on this book. May I persevere to - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/24984/) - Idea shaking, I support. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/24797/) - What nice idea - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/24672/) - I apologise, but, in my opinion, you commit an error. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will communicate. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/24482/) - I am assured of it. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/24304/) - You are not right. Write to me in PM, we will talk. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/9481/) - Hallesby does a great job in the final chapter of highlighting the main points of each chapter, with the common theme of the amazing gift we've been given of the Spirit of Prayer. We don't have to do this challenging life alone, we've been given Christ's Spirit to comfort, guide and empower us and we - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/9365/) - Thank you, Pastor Lee for leading us through prayer. I am praying that the spirit of prayer will envelop me to remind me to pray and to not be distracted. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/9049/) - I enjoyed this chapter on intercessory prayer. I sometimes feel like my daily prayers for my family, me, my church, etc. can feel like a chore or just a rote list be given to God. However, when I pray for the needs of others, it seems to be prompted more from the spirit. Those prayers - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/9003/) - I’m encouraged that the answer to my prayers is not based on the strength of my faith at the time. There are times at my faith is strong, and my prayers are powerful. However, there are other times from my faith is weak, and my prayers seem even weaker. I love the illustration of electricity. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/8959/) - O. Hallesby begins by saying that "neither you nor I will be happy before we yield ourselves to His pierced hands and... voluntarily enroll in the school of prayer, which the Spirit has established for such as do not know how to pray." No matter how much we've studied prayer and try practicing it, I - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/8900/) - I totally enjoyed this chapter, "The School of Prayer." The main reason is that it ended with a beautiful story about a man who, through his affliction of poor eyesight, was seen by God! This fellow, named Jorn, learned the "Holy Art of Prayer" by practicing prayer . . . praying for others and becoming - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/8006/) - Catching up a bit here! This was a short but impactful chapter. I have held in the back of my mind this idea for a long time: If I bring my request to God and ask that he fulfill it “only if He wills,” my prayer won’t be as bold or full of faith as - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7806/) - I so enjoyed the story of Hallesby's little boy who poked his head into his father's office saying that he will sit very still and not make a sound, but that he wanted to just be with his father. The little boy knew the rules, 'He was not to interrupt his father as he was - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7638/) - This chapter as well as the last further convict us in the need for the awareness of "naive self-love" and the importance of denial or checking of self. That entitlement Pastor Eric mentioned in his sermon yesterday where we "think and act as though everything was created for the purpose of bringing gratification to our - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7600/) - I echo the thoughts going on so far. The truth is, while going through life I already struggle to consistently pray the “selfish” prayers; for myself, my family, my career, my marriage, my service, finances, etc. So it’s a new level of convicting to be reminded that even beyond ourselves there is a world to - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7540/) - I was a little uncomfortable with this chapter. Perhaps I was misunderstanding it, and I like the way Pastor Lee wrote about it in his comments. I don’t think it’s wrong for us to pray for ourselves, our family, and the people and circumstances in our lives. I’ve always been taught that God is our - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7423/) - Another great chapter from Hallesby! I must admit that the struggle in prayer did sometimes seem like I was trying to compel God to give me what I wanted. I like that he shows me that the struggle is with myself, wanting my will instead of God’s will. I love the illustration of Lazarus and - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7287/) - I really liked how he started chapter 4 by saying that prayer is the central function of our life of faith, and it is the very heartbeat of our life in God. Therefore our prayer life will certainly become a target for Satan. I sometimes struggle with prayer because it is not always something easy - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7100/) - Yes Blanca! "In the quiet and holy hour of prayer we should be still and permit ourselves to be examined by the Physician of our souls. We should submit to scrutiny under the holy and penetrating light of God with it's healing properties. This light-ray treatment arrests the disease of sin but doesn't eradicate it. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/7023/) - “To pray is to open one’s heart to Jesus” (page 99). He writes that prayer is not just coming to God and constantly talking and when done walking away never quieting down long enough to allow his word and his the Spirit to convict and act as an x- ray machine into the depths of - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6933/) - I love the way O. Hallesby describes "the weapon or equipment God has given us that make us invincible - Jesus ' Holy Spirit and prayer, a prerequisite to all the rest of Kingdom work. We touch His Almighty arm and some of His omnipotence streams in upon us, through us and out to others. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6923/) - Each chapter I read, convicts me more and more about my prayer life. By changing my mindset to prayer as work, I can schedule the time like I do work and make sure I completed it on time each day. I don’t want to make it a legalistic thing, but make it part of my - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6920/) - Aside from prayer being work in that prayer must be intentional and all-inclusive in its scope to the point that we keep a notebook of people and ministries for whom and for which we are praying, prayer is a means to an end . . . the impactful words of Jesus recur . . . - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6909/) - The example of praying for unconverted family members really spoke to me on pages 54-55. It was comforting to be reminded than God loves my family more than I do. When I pray for them, the idea of Him praying along with me is also comforting. A lot of the themes and words were freeing, - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6893/) - I loved this chapter and hope that it truly transforms my prayer life. There are two things that stood out to me. First on page 38 Jesus takes our weak hand and places it in his own strong hand. He beckons us to come to him if we ever get into trouble And he will - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6892/) - I’m still on chapter1 a bit confused as to what he is saying about our role in getting answer to prayers. Is he saying that without faith God cannot answer prayers because our lack faith hinders a response? Or that simply coming to God in prayer is an act of faith; we can then express - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6813/) - Since faith is necessary for prayer response, if you question yours simply pray in the name of Jesus. Is what I think Hallesby is trying to say. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6810/) - This is my first time reading this book. I really like it; I feel that Hallesby's thoughts have real depth yet are meant to come across with simplicity. Though many quotes really resonated with me, my recency bias leads me to reference one of the last examples from Mark of the father and his demon-possessed - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6792/) - One line sums up the chapter. Page 14..."To pray is to give Jesus permission to employ his powers in the alleviation of our distress." - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6776/) - Okay . . . This is the essence of Chapter One of O. Hallesby's book on "Prayer:" Someone's knockin' at the door Somebody's ringin' the bell Someone's knockin' at the door Someone's ringing' the bell Do me a favor Open the door and let 'em in! There is a town in north Ontario With dream - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6773/) - Loving this book! I have only read the 1st few pages and it has warmed my heart and changed my view on prayer from something that we do as a discipline to seeing prayer as God’s design as a means of intimate fellowship with humankind (page 14). - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6763/) - Yes Amber! I love the way you shared your feedback in bullet points. Very well written and succinct. Our community group just finished Charles Stanley's study on "Deepening your Prayer Life" and although I love him and there's a lot of great information on different areas of prayer in his book, many of us felt - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/6758/) - Common sense alludes me and I tend to over-spiritualize so these things have helped me have perspective: - I thank God, literally, that my prayers are not reliant on my power. - As sure as the air our body needs is around us and on all sides of us at all times, is the same - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5980/) - I must tell you that I've read every chapter in Andrew Murray's book, "Absolute Surrender," except Chapter Eight: Kept By the Power of God." When I read Chapter Nine: "Ye Are the Branches," I was so taken by the fact that nothing less than our Lord Jesus is the living "water" that brings nourishment to - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5926/) - Couldn’t have said it any better Joe - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5919/) - I must say that it's easy to think that we are acting in God's strength when we are actually working in our own strength. This chapter was very convicting. I want to accept God's strength and power more and my efforts less. This chapter helped me become more aware of this problem that I have. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5896/) - I too liked the section that describes the Almost Delivered Man. I want to live in the realization that although I am a wretched man, I can say that I shall be delivered through Jesus Christ and for that I thank God!! - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5878/) - Chapter 5: Things that are impossible for me . . . are possible for God! Even though my brain knows that God can do all things because He is omnipotent = all powerful . . . because my brain delved into the 'Essence of God' when our Bible Study looked deeply into the "Attributes of - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5865/) - What a wonderfully convicting chapter! Chapter Four: Peter's Repentance! I wish I could re-title this chapter as : Carolyn's Repentance! As I read this six-page gem, I underlined and wrote in the margins, as I usually do; however, the only difference with this chapter was that my margins now contain this repeated prayer: "Please, Jesus, - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5859/) - Absolutely appreciate that quote as it addresses the universal goal, knowing oneself, which most people think they do and/or spend their lives trying to figure out. Even and especially here we need to submit first to His Spirit and Word Who properly and truthfully read us, tell us who we are, who He created us - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5839/) - This was an excellent chapter! So much truth and wisdom packed in a few pages. What a difference it would make to remember that our work does not begin until God reveals it through the Holy Spirit. I love that the great lesson is that the “Holy Spirit is the director of the work of - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5837/) - One thing that stood out was that God knows what he wants to accomplish with regard to his kingdom and he uses his servants to carry out that work. But we must be willing to wait on the leading of the Holy Spirit and seek his will through prayer. Allowing Him to do the sanctifying - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5836/) - This reminded me of something Pastor Ed Banghart always used to say. Don’t pray that God will bless what you are doing. Instead, pray that God would reveal what He is doing and then do that. God always blesses His plans. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5821/) - Chapter Three Separated Unto the Holy Ghost This chapter emphasized that we must align ourselves and all we do with the Will of God, and to do that we must fast and pray. Prayer is essential in seeking the Will of God in our lives. The Will of God is paramount in all we do. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5810/) - I was especially convicted when he mentioned temper and tongue and said we have no problem showing love in church or church groups but we find it so difficult within our homes and families. So sad but true!! - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5808/) - I am so glad that as we are reading "Absolute Surrender," the sermons we are attentively listening to each Sunday at our church are dove-tailing what we are reading. Pastor Eric's sermon "hit a home run" this morning when his visual aid showed how God fills us to overflowing with His unconditional love, and that - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5807/) - Very timely reading this chapter considering today’s message at MCC. The one thing that really struck me is when he said that the standard, that God will judge my love of him is by how I’ve loved my brother especially those that are difficult to love. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5801/) - As I began reading the chapter, I realized that I am not 100% surrendered to God in 100% of the areas of my life. And that made me feel hopeless, but then Andrew Murray reminded me that I need to look away for myself and put my focus on God. I like what he says - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5791/) - Thank you Pastor Lee. It seemed weird that Murray began by using the surrender of a Hebrew king to a pagan authority. But after meditating on that, I think that I get his point. It was a proclamation that someone - in his case, an invader, but in our case God - someone else, not - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5779/) - I thoroughly enjoyed reading chapter one, and as I was reading, I found five prayers to help me successfully pray for the ability to surrender my entire life to Christ. Knowing that if I ask, God will graciously bestow upon me the emotional strength to achieve Absolute Surrender to my Lord and Savior. One of - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5778/) - I agree that fear is a huge factor in hindering absolute surrender. The concept seems counter to everything society has taught us. I want to retain some degree of power and control over my life. It is comforting to know, though, that, as the author states, “….God will enable you to carry out the surrender.’ - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/5777/) - I had to read the chapter several times to fully grasp what it says. I look forward to seeing where this book is going and where I will allow it to take me. I have experienced absolute surrender in certain areas of my life at various times. But never 100% surrender 100% of the time. - [](https://montclair.church/forums/reply/26407/) - Thank you Lee for the Bonhoeffer quote. It's great. My campus minister when I was in college spoke extensively of God's grace. One of Gaired and I's favorite quotes we remember him preaching went something like, "Grace isn't cheap, it's free. And even if it was cheap- you still couldn't afford it." No matter the ## Courses - [Youth Ministry Training](https://montclair.church/course/youth-ministry-training/) - If you are a MCC Youth Ministry Volunteer, please create an account before taking the course. Create an Account Take Course 101: What is Youth Ministry? 101: What is Youth Ministry? Lessons Introduction Session 1: The Reason for Youth ministry Session 2: The Structure of Youth ministry Session 3: The Hero's of Youth Ministry 201: ## Lessons - [Session 4b: Director(s) of Fun](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4b-directors-of-fun/) - [Session 7: How to Teach Teenagers](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-7-how-to-teach-teenagers/) - [Session 9: How to Direct Fun](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-9-how-to-direct-fun/) - [Session 8: How to Create a Welcoming Environment](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-8-how-to-create-a-welcoming-environment/) - [Session 6: How to Lead a Small Group](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-6-how-to-lead-a-small-group/) - [Session 5: When to Report a Dangerous Situation](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-5-when-to-report-a-dangerous-situation/) - [Session 4: How to Ask for Help](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4-how-to-ask-for-help/) - [Session 3: How to Connect with Students](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-how-to-connect-with-students/) - [Session 2: Make The Most of Your Time with Teenagers](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-2-make-the-most-of-your-time-with-teenagers/) - [Session 1: Remember, You’re Not Just a Chaperone](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-1-remember-youre-not-just-a-chaperone/) - [Session 1: Remember, You’re Not Just a Chaperone](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-1-personal-relationship-with-christ/) - [Session 5: When to Report a Dangerous Situation](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-5-are-you-a-friend-or-the-leader/) - [Session 7: How to Teach Teenagers](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-7-mandated-reporter/) - [Session 6: How to Lead a Small Group](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-6-can-you-keep-a-secret-confidentiality/) - [Session 4: How to Ask for Help](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4-understanding-students/) - [Session 3: How to Connect with Students](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-relational-ministry/) - [Session 2: Make The Most of Your Time with Teenagers](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-2-three-essential-traits-of-all-leaders/) - [Session 4d: Life Group Leaders](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4d-life-group-leaders/) - [Session 4c: Teaching Team](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4c-teaching-team/) - [Session 4a: Hospitality Team](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4a-hospitality-team/) - [Session 3: The Nitty Gritty](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-the-nitty-gritty/) - [Session 2: The commitment](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-2-the-commitment/) - [Session 1: You might be a little crazy](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-1-you-might-be-a-little-crazy/) - [Session 3: The Hero's of Youth Ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-the-heros-of-youth-ministry-2/) - [Session 2: The Structure of Youth ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-2-the-structure-of-youth-ministry/) - [Session 1: The Reason for Youth ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-1-the-reason-for-youth-ministry/) - [Introduction](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-the-heros-of-youth-ministry/) - [Session 1: Remembering Names](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-1-remembering-names/) - [Session 4: Our Teams](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4-our-teams/) - [Session 7a: Sharing or over sharing? (Leader Edition)](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-7a-sharing-or-over-sharing-leader-edition/) - [Session 7b Sharing or over sharing? (Student Edition)](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-7b-sharing-or-over-sharing-student-edition/) - [Session 6: Ever Wonder If You’re Making a Difference?](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-6-ever-wonder-if-youre-making-a-difference/) - [Session 5: Characteristics of a healthy Team](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-5-characteristics-of-a-healthy-team/) - [Session 4: Sharing the Gospel](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-4-sharing-the-gospel/) - [Session 3: Learnings to Ask Great Questions (life Groups)](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-3-learnings-to-ask-great-questions-life-groups/) - [Session 2: Learnings to Ask Great Questions (general)](https://montclair.church/lesson/session-2-learnings-to-ask-great-questions-general/) - [Session 3: The Hero's of Youth Ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/the-heros-of-youth-ministry/) - [Session 2: The Structure of Youth ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/the-structure-of-youth-ministry/) - [Session 1: The Reason for Youth ministry](https://montclair.church/lesson/the-reason-for-youth-ministry/) ## Venues - [Flaming Grill and Supreme Buffet](https://montclair.church/venue/flaming-grill-and-supreme-buffet/) - [Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center](https://montclair.church/venue/tuscarora-inn-and-conference-center/) - [Montclair Community Church](https://montclair.church/venue/montclair-community-church/) - [High Societea Tea Room](https://montclair.church/venue/high-societea-tea-room/) ## Organizers - [Pastor Lee](https://montclair.church/organizer/pastor-lee/) - [Men's Ministry](https://montclair.church/organizer/mens-ministry/) - [Raising Salt](https://montclair.church/organizer/raising-salt/) - [Montclair Community Church](https://montclair.church/organizer/montclair-community-church/) - [Amber Duca](https://montclair.church/organizer/amber-duca/) - [Momco](https://montclair.church/organizer/momco/) - [Jenine Grzywinski](https://montclair.church/organizer/jenine-grzywinski/) - [Eric Temple](https://montclair.church/organizer/eric-temple/) - [Grace Women's Minstry](https://montclair.church/organizer/grace-womens-minstry/) ## Events - [VBS: Rainforest Falls](https://montclair.church/event/vbs/2026-08-10/) - All children entering Kindergarten to 5th Grade are invited to step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted - [Ladies’ Night Out](https://montclair.church/event/ladies-night-out/) - Ladies and teenage girls, you’re invited to G.R.A.C.E. Women’s Ministry’s Ladies’ Night Out. Enjoy good food and fellowship with your sisters in Christ. Friday, July 17th, 6:00 pm. We have a private room at Flaming Grill and Supreme Buffet in Riverdale. The cost is $19.99 - [VBS: Rainforest Falls](https://montclair.church/event/vbs-rainforest-falls/) - Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s - [Men’s BBQ](https://montclair.church/event/mens-bbq/) - All man and teenage boys are invited to the first men’s BBQ of the year at MCC. Join us in the MCC backyard as we grill some meats and have some other BBQ favorites. Please RSVP below. If possible, please bring a side dish or a dessert. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete - [Father's Day Craft](https://montclair.church/event/fathers-day-craft/) - **Calling All Kids: Get Ready for a Father's Day Craft!** This Father's Day, let’s create something truly special for the incredible dads in our lives! Join us for a fun craft right after service during Fellowship. It's the perfect opportunity to show Dad just how much we love and appreciate him. Don’t miss out on - [2026 Summer Book Club](https://montclair.church/event/2026-summer-book-club/) - Join us this summer as we dive into R.C. Sproul's classic work, The Holiness of God. Each week, we will explore the profound and awe-inspiring nature of God's character and how it impacts every aspect of our lives. Whether you are reading this for the first time or revisiting it, our weekly online forums will - [Women's Retreat](https://montclair.church/event/womens-retreat/) - Step away from your daily routine and find time to rest, connect, and be encouraged. Join women of all ages for a weekend of worship, teaching, and fellowship at Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center. This year's speaker is Shaunti Feldhahn. - [Stuffed Animal Sleepover](https://montclair.church/event/stuffed-animal-sleepover/) - All children are invited to bring a stuffed animal friend for a special sleepover at MCC. We will have a pizza party at 5pm, do a fun activity together, and then the children will hug their stuffies goodbye at 6pm so they can begin their sleepover adventure. The children can pick up their friend on Sunday - [Ice Cream Social](https://montclair.church/event/ice-cream-social/) - 🍦✨ Join us for our sweet and fun-filled Annual Ice Cream Social hosted by our Children's Ministry! Everyone is invited for a delicious ice cream treat after service, during Fellowship. Mark your calendars and get ready for a scoop of joy! 🍦✨ ## Series - [VBS: Rainforest Falls](https://montclair.church/series/vbs-rainforest-falls/) - [The MOM Co Meeting](https://montclair.church/series/the-mom-co-meeting/) ## Categories - [Reading Plan](https://montclair.church/category/reading-plan/) - [2022](https://montclair.church/category/reading-plan/2022/) - [Ask a Pastor](https://montclair.church/category/ask-a-pastor/) ## Course Categories - [Youth Ministry](https://montclair.church/course-category/youth/) ## Modules - [101: What is Youth Ministry?](https://montclair.church/modules/101-what-is-youth-ministry/) - [201: So, you’re thinking of serving in youth ministry?](https://montclair.church/modules/201-so-youre-thinking-of-serving-in-youth-ministry/) - [301: The Basic How To’s](https://montclair.church/modules/301-the-basic-how-tos/) ## Event Categories - [Women's Ministry](https://montclair.church/events/category/womens-ministry/) - [Children](https://montclair.church/events/category/children-events/) - [Men's Ministry](https://montclair.church/events/category/mens-ministry/)