Speaking Acts

 

Acts

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Acts.

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Acts Summaries
9/22/2020

Luke wrote the book of Acts as a continuation of his gospel. After Jesus' resurrection He ascended 40 days later and told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father--the Holy Spirit--who would give them power to be His witnesses throughout the Earth. He went up and disappeared in a cloud and angels said He'd return the same way. 120 gathered in the upper room and on the Day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit came. They had chosen, by lot, Mattias to replace Judas. 

The sound of a mighty wind and tongues of fire were distributed to each who spoke in languages they didn't know. Peter preached to the crowd who thought they were all drunk. 3000 were saved that day. Peter said the promise of the Holy Spirit is for them, their children, and far off as many as the Lord calls. They grew daily and continued meeting and teaching. The lame man was healed, Peter preached and the Jews put them in jail--disturbed that they were preaching Jesus. About 5000 were saved. They couldn't deny the miracle but commanded that they stop teaching in the name of Jesus. They said they can't stop. They released them and they gathered and prayed for boldness while God heals and does signs and wonders.

They shared their belongings. Ananias and Sapphira sold some property and said they sold it for a certain amount and gave all to the apostles, but Peter knew the truth and said they didn't have to give all the money, or any of it, but they lied and said they gave it all so they both died for lying to the Holy Spirit. 

They would meet on Solomon's portico and the others wouldn't associate with them, but the people came and were taught and healed. The Jews were jealous and put the apostles in jail. An angel opened the door and told them to go speak to the people so they did. They went and got them again and told them they weren't supposed to teach in His name. they said they had to obey God, not man. They wanted to kill them but Gamaliel said to let them be. If its not of God it will die out. If it is of God, you're fighting against God. 

There was a complaint that the Hellenistic widows were not receiving a daily portion of food as the native Hebrew widows were. So the twelve told them to choose seven men full of good reputation, the Holy Spirit, and wisdom, to oversee it. They did and the apostles laid hands on them and prayed. Stephen was one and did many signs and wonders. They brought him to the council, made false accusations, and stoned him after he spoke to them of Israel's history and that they were resisting the Lord. He saw Jesus standing at the throne as He died. Saul agreed with Stephen's death and persecuted the church throughout Jerusalem and beyond.

On the way to Damascus, with letters authorizing the arrest of believers, Saul encountered the Lord and was converted. He went to Ananias who prayed and his sight was restored. He began to preach Jesus and had to escape. He went back to Jerusalem. He preached and the Hellenistic Jews wanted to kill him so they sent him to Caesarea and Tarsus. 

The persecution caused the disciples to scatter. Phillip went to Samaria and people were converted. Peter and John came and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Phillip spoke to the Eunuch who believed and was baptized and Phillip was translated to Azotus. Peter healed a paralyzed man in Lydda. He raised Tabitha from the dead in Joppa. He was staying there when Cornelius, a Caesarean centurion who feared God and gave alms to the Jews, had a vision of an angel telling him to go to Simon (Peter) in Joppa. Peter also had a vision and God told him not to call unclean what He had cleansed. So Peter went with Cornelius' men to visit him and preached. They believed and were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter explained in Jerusalem what happened and some of the scattered ones began speaking to the Gentiles also in Antioch. 

Barnabas visited then got Saul (Paul) and brought him there. The two of them went to Jerusalem with relief for the coming famine that Agabus prophesied. King Herod put James, the brother of John, to death and arrested Peter. An angel led him out of jail. Herod died in Caesarea. Paul and Barnabas were sent out from Antioch by the Holy Spirit and took John Mark with them, but he left them and returned to Jerusalem. At Pisidian Antioch some believed, some did not and drove them out. They went to Iconium and spent a long time, but the Jews stirred up the Gentiles against them. Lystra, Derbe. They preached and many would believe. 

After the disbelieving Jews would stir up a mob against them they appointed elders in every city and returned to Antioch. Some Jews came from Jerusalem and said they had to be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem and discussed it with the apostles. Peter told of Cornelius. They decided to give the Gentile believers a few restrictions, but not circumcision or keeping the Law. Paul and Barnabas split over an argument about John Mark, so Paul and Silas went together and came to Derbe, Lystra. They met Timothy (a half-Jew) whom Paul had circumcised because of the Jews. 

The Holy Spirit led them to Macedonia. People believed, but charges were made and they were arrested. An earthquake came and the jail doors opened. The jailer believed. They left for Thessalonica. Some believed, some didn't and the mob turned to attack. They went to Berea and Athens. Paul preached a sermon on Mars Hill. He went to Corinth and met Priscilla and Aquilla from Italy. He made tents with them until Timothy and Silas caught up with him. He was there a year and a half. The Jews came against them and they went to Ephesus, Caesarea, Antioch, then back through the Galatian region and Phrygia. 

Apollos was in Ephesus preaching John's baptism. Priscilla and Aquilla taught him the way of Jesus and he went to Corinth. Paul went to Ephesus and found twelve men and they received the Holy Spirit. He stayed for two years. All of Asia heard the Word--Jews and Greeks. A great uproar occurred in Ephesus in the streets and the theater. Paul went to Macedonia, Greece, then sailed back and told the Ephesus elders goodbye. He was working his way to Jerusalem and people kept warning him prophetically, but he knew he had to go.

In Jerusalem, he heard of all the Jewish believers who were still keeping the Law. Asian Jews stirred up the mob and Paul was arrested. They thought he was the Egyptian leader of the Assassins. Paul gave his testimony to the people while under arrest. The people fussed and Paul was sent to Caesarea to Felix the governor. He was there for two years, then the new governor, Festus, wanted to send him to Jerusalem for trial, but Paul appealed to Caesar being a roman citizen. 

Paul set sail for Italy and a great storm shipwrecked them. They landed at Malta. Paul had warned them. An angel told him they'd lose no people, only the ship because he had to stand before Caesar. In Rome he was allowed his own quarters with his his soldier and spoke the word freely, welcoming all who came to him for two years.

• The sound of the mighty, rushing wind brought the fire of the Holy Spirit igniting the people of God all over the world.
• Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and receive His promise--the Holy Spirit--which is for you, your children, and generations to come, for times of refreshing, the return of Jesus, and the restoration of all things.
• When God's authority shifts from one to another, jealousy, fear, and threats abound.
• A separated group--the called out ones--are given authority to speak the Word of God, to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. It can't be stopped.
• He confirms His Word with healings, signs, and wonders.
• Pray for the boldness and confidence to speak His Word, and the Holy Spirit will fill you with the power to do so.
• When truth is presented to you from the Word of God, how will you respond? Will you fight it, resist it, argue with it, try to destroy it? Or will you accept it, believe it, and change your life to agree with it?
• The Word of God, the Word of Truth, can never be changed to fit you. You must adapt your life, thoughts, and beliefs to it, or you are fighting against God.
• If you blow wind on the fire it will spread.
• Be filled with the inner wind of the Holy Spirit and the Word, and the outer wind of persecution will not be able to stop you. It will instead assist you.
• The Spirit will guide, whether through visions, trances, inner nudgings, or prophetic insight. He will reveal. Respond to His revelations. Accept and act upon them. 
• Judge accordingly.
• Do what seems appropriate. 
• Learn to share His heart. Think like He does. Do as He does.
• There are those who reject the Word of the Lord, and there are those who believe, but have trouble accepting the hard stuff. Then there are those who are eager for it, thinking they couldn't have it, but once they know they can, they rejoice and believe.
• Receive the Word with joy. Believe and accept it all, even the hard parts, and be continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
• They stir up the crowds to bring mobs against those speaking the Word of Truth.
• They try to bring legalism and preach a gospel other than salvation through Jesus alone. 
  
• Discussion, experience, and the witness of the Spirit brought clarity to understand the mind and heart of God.
• Don't let the mobs stop you. Don't let legalism and works get you off track. Look at the works of God.
• Debate and discuss with mature believers and follow the witness of the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit guides and sends you where it is your mission to go.
• Light confronts darkness and there is conflict, opposition, but new lights are lit. Encourage and strengthen the new lights.
• There is a time and a call to confront directly, and there's a time to step aside and take another path. One is a time to confront the opposition, the other is a time to teach and build up the brethren. Know the difference and what you are called to do in each situation.
• When a prophecy comes to warn, discern whether you are to avoid or prepare for a situation. But in either case, don't compromise. 
• Don't try to appease those who appear righteous but are arrogant bullies with deceived or weak followers.
• When its time to stand up for truth, do so courageously.
• Listen to the testimony of those who have encountered the Lord. They testify of the Lord. They are a witness for Him. Will you put them on trial, under accusation, finding fault? Or will you listen and discuss in an attempt to find the truth?
• Our testimony is a formal record, documented in places of higher authority than even Earth itself. It is sober truth. It testifies of the truth and power of the Lord Himself, who gives life to those who believe in Him. 
• Our words testify that His Word is truth.
• When you know your destination is the Lord's will, nothing will be able to stop you.
• When your faith is in Him, not man, or your own effort, all obstacles will be overcome.
• Though the journey may be rough at times, take advantage of the opportunities to both give and receive ministry, healing, strength, and encouragement. 

Speaking John

 

John

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for John.

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John Summaries
9-9-2020

In the beginning, nothing was made without the Word of God. He was the life, the light of men, and whoever believed in Him was given the right to become a son of God. The Word was made flesh--Jesus Christ. John testified of Him. John was the voice that made way for Him. He said that He would baptize in the Holy Spirit. Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel began to follow. Jesus' first miracle in Cana was turning the water into wine at a wedding where they ran out of wine. He drove the money changers out of the temple and they challenged His authority.

Nicodemus came to Him at night and Jesus told him he had to be born-again to enter the kingdom. People told John that Jesus was baptizing and John said, as the friend of the bridegroom he rejoices. He must increase while John decreases. Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria. He healed in Capernaum from afar. He healed a man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. He called God His Father and that angered the religious leaders. He said whoever hears and believes in Him has eternal life. He said both John and His Father, through His works, testify of Him. 

Large crowds followed Him because of the healings He did and the miracles--He fed the 5000, walked on water. The crowd sought Him out asking for more signs. He said He was the bread from heaven and they must eat His flesh and drink His blood to live. Many turned away from Him at hearing that, but not the twelve. Jesus' brothers didn't believe in Him and tried to get Him to go publicly to the feast, but He didn't. He went privately. Then He stood up and taught at the feast. The people were divided. Some believed, some didn't. They said the Messiah was supposed to come from Bethlehem. Jesus just said He came from heaven. The leaders wanted Him arrested. They said the crowd who doesn't know the Law is accursed. Nicodemus said they needed to hear from Him, but they said, search the Scriptures no prophet comes from Galilee. If only they knew Him better, they would have known He fulfilled the Scriptures.

Jesus forgave the adulteress. He spoke of those who believed in Him and His Word being made free which offended the Jews, because they said they were of Abraham and were free. Jesus said they were of their father the devil and they wanted to stone Him. He healed the man born blind from birth on the Sabbath. The Pharisees objected, questioned the man and his parents and ultimately cast him out of the synagogue. Jesus came so the blind could see and those who see will be made blind--their sin remains. 

He said He's the door and whoever tries to enter through any other way is a thief and robber who came to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gives life and life abundantly. They asked plainly if He was the Messiah. He said His works testify of Him. They wanted to stone Him. He left and then went back to Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead. The religious leaders wanted to kill Him and Lazarus. Many believed because of Lazarus. Mary anointed Him with expensive perfume and Judas objected. 

Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowd welcomed Him crying Hosanna! He spoke of His death and a Voice from heaven spoke. The crowd heard but didn't understand. Some rulers believed but wouldn't confess Him because they wanted the approval of man and not to be put out of the synagogue. He said the Word He's spoken is what will judge in the last day. 

Jesus told His disciples He's going to the Father and through Him they can too. The Father in Him speaks and does the works. He who believes in Jesus will do the same works, and greater, because He goes to the Father, and the Holy Spirit will come. As we abide in Him and He in us, we will ask what we will and He'll do it. His commandment is to love one another as He has loved us. Bearing fruit glorifies the Father and proves we are His disciples. The world will hate us because it hates Him. The Spirit of truth will testify of Him and so will those who were with Him from the beginning. 

Jesus tells His disciples what will come for them--trouble. But its better for Him to go because then the Holy Spirit will come. He comforted them--the Father loves them because they believe in Him. He prayed to the Father for them, for them to become one as They are and to be kept from the evil one, to be sanctified in truth. He sent them into the world as the Father sent Him. He prayed not just for them, but for those who believe in Him through their word. 

Then Jesus went to the garden, past the ravine of Kidron. Judas brought soldiers there and they arrested Him. He was brought to Annas, then Caiaphas the high priest, then Pilate, and then crucified at the request of the Jewish leaders and the crowd, though Pilate found no fault in Him. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body into a tomb. On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came and saw the tomb empty and the stone rolled away. She told the disciples. Peter and John came and left. She stayed and wept and saw two angels and Jesus. He also appeared that evening to the disciples except Thomas. Eight days later He appeared again to them with Thomas. Then again at the sea of Tiberius where they caught 153 fish at His word and ate at the shore. He told Peter how he'd die. John said the gospel was written so you could believe in Him and have life.

• He came as a light. His words enlighten. 
• Words of life which enlighten men--ignites them. Igniting in them life and light itself.
• The Light drives out darkness. Its laws are greater than the laws of the earth, the laws of man.
• Follow Him into the great baptism of the Holy Spirit. Let Him ignite you.
• True worshipers of the Father worship in spirit and truth.
• Let what you've been taught, how you've been raised, and your position in life, all lead you to the Lord--the Light who reveals all truth and the path to the Father.
• Hear the Son of God. Believe He's the Son of God, and that He said and did what the Father sent Him to do.
• Do what He says, follow His Word, consume His Word. Make it a part of you and you will have eternal life and will be raised up to life on the last day.
• Those who are of God, who know the Father and want to do His will, also know the Son and know that His words are the Words of God.
• Believe in Him, that He is sent from the Father.
• Continue in His Word. Make room for His Word and be His disciple. You'll know the truth and be free.
• Come to Him to quench your thirst and drink of the river of the Spirit, and let it flow out.
• Everyone must enter through the door--sheep and shepherd alike.
• Jesus is the door and He is the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep.
• Thieves, not shepherds, try to get in some other way. These try and justify themselves. They think they see when they're blind. 
• The sheep know the Voice of their Shepherd and follow Him. They go in and out through the door and find pasture.
• The thieves kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus gives life and life abundantly.
• There is a death that leads to life. Lazarus experienced it and many believed in Jesus--the Resurrector--the giver of life, as a result.
• Jesus experienced this death so all could walk in the light of His life. 
• But some didn't see or understand or believe. Some wouldn't confess Him because they loved their own life, position, and approval of man.
• But you, come to the light and believe so you may become sons of Light.
• The Lord's command is to love one another as He has loved us. This proves our love for Him and that we are His disciples. It also brings the love and abiding of Jesus and the Father into us, and us into Him.
• When that happens, ask what you will and it will be done. Ask in love for others. Intercede.
• Bear fruit and you'll be pruned, but not cut off. His Word prunes.
• The Holy Spirit from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, will help and teach you.
• The Holy Spirit can remain in the Earth, in the hearts of people, passed down to future generations through the words of believers.
• People can know God the Father and Jesus His Son through the Spirit and the Words of Truth.
• This is eternal life, knowing God and Jesus.
• As the believers keep His Word, their prayers are answered, they are kept in the Father's name from the evil one and are united, sanctified in Truth, which is His Word. They are loved by both the Father and Jesus.
• The time of betrayal, false accusations, rejection, and suffering seems like a great defeat. It looks like the end comes in defeat. Especially when it appeared the Lord left the ones He loved. During times of apparent defeat, look back at what He said, His promises, His words. Look closely and find the true meaning. Find the hope and joy of what is to come. 
• What does His ascension mean? What does it mean to you? How does it direct your time, your job, your calling, your life? What story does it tell of your life? What testimony? What witness? What contribution to history does it add? How does it confirm that Jesus is the Son of God so others may believe and have eternal life?
• Tell your story, it is the gospel of this age. 

Speaking Luke

 

Luke

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Luke.

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Luke Summaries
8-30-2020

Luke wrote his gospel after carefully investigating everything so Theophilus would know the exact truth about what he'd been taught. He wrote about Zacharias and Elizabeth having John the Baptist. He wrote about Mary becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit. He wrote about Joseph. About Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and the shepherds who saw Him. Simeon and Anna in the temple when He was presented. Living in Nazareth. When He was 12 and stayed in Jerusalem after His family left for home.

John began preaching repentance for forgiveness of sins and baptized people. Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness. His return in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. His rejection in His hometown of Nazareth. His residing in Capernaum and His popularity--crowds, teaching, healing, casting out demons throughout Judea. Miracles-catching fish, forgiveness, healing, feeding the multitudes, walking on water, raising the dead. The accusations from the Pharisees, scribes, elders, Sadducees. They accused, grumbled, criticized and challenged Him.

He called His 12 disciples and sent them out with authority. John questioned if He was the one, from prison. Jesus defended him to the people. He spoke parables and explained them to His disciples. Crowds continually thronged Him yet He felt power leave Him when one touched Him in faith. Peter said He was the Christ and He told him not to tell anyone. Elijah and Moses appeared to Him on the mountain in front of Peter, James, and John. The disciples argued about who was the greatest. He said to be servant of all. He warned of the Pharisees hypocrisy.

He told them to be ready and remain alert for His return. He told how He was going to be killed and rise the third day. He warned of wealth. He spoke of forgiveness, faith, humility, serving God and others. The Pharisees increased in anger at Him as He spoke to them in parables about them. He went to Jerusalem and taught in the temple. Judas betrayed Him. They all left Him. Peter denied Him. He was crucified between two criminals, but He rose the third day just as He said He would. He appeared to His disciples and many others and ascended into heaven at Bethany, telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high.

• Where do you find the Lord but in His Father's house?
• Where do you find your identity, your family, and who you are called to be but in the house of your heavenly Father?
• You will find Him when you stay where He is and listen and learn of Him.
• Find out who He is and you'll find out who you are.
• There's timing, there's testing, then there's power of the Spirit.
• Some will gladly receive, some will violently reject.
• One crowd tried to keep Him, another tried to kill Him.
• In all cases, speak, teach, and preach the Word of God to overcome, to set free, and to teach truth.
• Beware of criticism, accusation, and envy which blinds the mind, making the heart hard and unable to see the presence of the Lord or His work. It prohibits understanding of His word and His ways.
• Draw close to Him to hear what He is saying. You will see, know, and experience His truth and goodness.
• Come to Him with repentance, humility, and submission to Him and His ways. If so, you'll acknowledge His justice and you'll know how to receive His purpose for you.
• Love Him much by acknowledging all He's forgiven you of.
• It's not just the worries of this life that crowd out His Word in your heart, its the pleasures too.
• Make room for His Word in your heart and life. Hear it and do it and you'll have access to His presence as family.
• To those who follow Him, take up their cross daily, make Him their first priority, sit at His feet and listen, He gives authority over demons and disease, to proclaim that the kingdom of God has come. 
• But rejoice, not in your authority over demons, but that your names are written in heaven.
• Follow Him to the path of death, not greatness in the eyes of man.
• Be like a child, love your neighbor, and learn who that is.
• The Word of God does not adapt itself to you, you must adapt your life to the Word of God, to truth. Let it bring correction. Let it instruct you. Seek to know the Author. 
• Know the Father who loves and cares for you, who provides for you.
• Seek His will and do it.
• True family is made up of those who hear and do the Word of God.
• Be ready, watch, guard, treat others well, know His will, and live accordingly. 
• Be faithful and wise in what He has given you to do.
• Recognize the narrow door while it is open. It won't always be.
• Timing.
• Now is the time to take the low seat, humble yourself.
• Give to those who can't repay you.
• Put compassion above religious tradition.
• Follow the example of the Lord.
• Carry your cross.
• Earthly possessions are not eternal. Give.
• Use earthly possessions for eternal purposes.
• Use the wealth of this world for eternal purposes, not to impress people with or to live in comfort while others suffer. Don't become attached to your possessions.
• Serve God, not wealth.
• Keep His Word.
• The purpose of serving Him is not meant to be to draw attention to yourself, to how good you are, but is simply what a servant does on a normal day to day basis.
• Don't look for the praises of man, but to please your Master.
• Those who love to receive honor and gain challenged the Lord and His authority. They rejected Him, tried to trick Him and cause Him to stumble.
• Those who should be working for Him, producing fruit, gaining for His kingdom, were the very ones who killed Him.
• Instead, follow Him, keep His Word, the commands of God, bear fruit and give. Give to Him.
• Be generous and kind to others, to the poor.
• Be honest.
• Beware of those who love the honor of man and gain.
• Things are not always as they appear.
• An inexpensive gift may be more valuable than a costly one.
• What appears strong, beautiful, and foundational may be short-lived.
• One who appears trust-worthy may betray.
• One who appears strong may be weak.
• One who is great, may not be. One who serves is great.
• Judge all things by something more than their outward appearance.
• Pay attention and learn to judge as the Lord does.
• Jesus told His disciples what was going to happen to Him, but they didn't understand. When it did happen, and He arose, they didn't believe. Not until He physically appeared to them. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He ascended to the Father who sent power from on High. 
• Receive the Holy Spirit. Understand and believe His Word, and testify to what He's done in your life.

Speaking Mark

 

Mark

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Mark.

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Mark Summaries
8-19-2020

John the Baptist came preaching repentance, preparing the way for Jesus. Jesus came to him to be baptized and then went to the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days. After John was arrested Jesus began to preach, first in Capernaum. He called twelve disciples. He healed many and cast out demons throughout Galilee. He ate with sinners, forgave sin, was accused by the Pharisees, elders, chief priests, and scribes. They conspired to destroy Him. His family thought He lost His senses, but crowds followed Him constantly. 

He taught from the boat to crowds on the shore. He spoke in parables, but explained everything to His disciples. He explained the kingdom of God to them. He healed people and cast out demons in various ways and places. He raised the dead. He went to His hometown and couldn't do much because of their unbelief. He sent out the twelve giving them authority to heal, cast out demons and preach repentance. John was beheaded.

Jesus fed the 4000 and 5000 by multiplying loaves of bread and fish. He walked on water, calmed the storms. He taught and offended the scribes and Pharisees. He healed a non-Jew because of her faith. He asked who the people thought He was and who they thought He was. When they knew He was the Christ He told them what was going to happen to Him. He took Peter, James, and John to the mountain where He was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah. When He came down He found His disciples unable to cast out a demon. He explained prayer was necessary. 

They debated over who was greatest among them. He said whoever wishes to be great, let him be servant of all. Anyone who receives a child in His name receives Him. They stopped someone from casting out a demon in His name who wasn't with them. He told them not to stop him. He said no one should cause the little ones to stumble. If a body part causes you to sin--hand, foot, eye--cut it off. Have salt in you and be at peace with each other. He said it was hard for the rich to enter the kingdom after speaking with a rich man who was not willing to sell all and follow Him. 

He entered Jerusalem on two colts. He overthrew the money changer's tables. He cursed the fig tree and it withered. He spoke of faith--believe and it will happen. Ask in prayer. He continued to be accused and questioned by the religious leaders. He spoke to them in parables. They tried to trick Him in His words. He gave the two great commandments--love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. He warned of the scribes and Pharisees teaching. He spoke of the widow giving more than all the rich people because they gave from their surplus, her from her need.

They asked about the end days and He spoke of signs to watch for to know when its close and how to get by during that time. Deception, betrayal. Yet He will return so watch and stay alert. You can know the season, but not the hour. The woman with the alabaster oil anointed Him for burial. The last supper. Judas' betrayal and Jesus' arrest. He was accused of blasphemy, condemned by the crowds who listened to the chief priests. He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. He died but rose again after three days like He said, being first seen by Mary Magdalene. She wasn't believed and neither was the two who saw Him on the road. But He appeared to the eleven, gave them instructions, ascended into heaven and they went and preached everywhere with Him confirming the word with signs following.

• Desperate crowds pressed on Jesus for healing and deliverance.
• The religious leaders accused and criticized Him.
• His family was embarrassed of Him.
• He gave authority to His disciples. 
• Listen with the ear of a disciple.
• Observe with a teachable heart.
• Receive His authority with humility.
• Do the work of the kingdom alongside Jesus.
• Many people crowded around Him while He was teaching and displaying His power. Like many seeds planted in soil, but which seeds will take root, grow, and produce fruit. How many will? One seed that grows and takes root will do more than a crowd of seeds which don't. 
• Don't be afraid, just believe.
• Touch Him in faith and go and tell the great things He's done for you.
• The commandments of God are what gives life. The traditions of men don't carry the power and compassion of God. 
• Let that which flows from your heart be of His Spirit, His word, not just the logic and reasonings of man.
• Follow Him close enough to understand what He means. To know who He is. To listen to Him. To pray. To be like Him--a servant of all. To be humble. To receive and protect His little ones, To maim yourself before sinning--cutting off that which would cause you to sin.
• Keep your salty flavor and be at peace with each other.
• The words of Jesus corrected people's thoughts about marriage, divorce, children, riches, and eternal life.
• His words explained faith and confronted, as light, the darkness of the religious.
• His words are light and life, receive them as such.
• If they would have understood the Scriptures, they would have known He was the Christ and spoke truth.
• They spoke to argue and trick, not learn and judge.
• Outward appearances of respect and honor by men do not compare to the humble and sacrificial actions which get God's attention.
• Watch and remain faithful and alert. His words will all come to pass.
• The cost of worship is more beneficial than being paid for betrayal.
• Betrayal doesn't pay, it costs. Greatly.
• Would watching and praying with Him have prevented abandoning Him and denying Him during the most trying time of the Lord's life?
• Ultimately, He was falsely judged as a liar and fraud.
• Worship prevails over betrayal, denial, abandonment, and false judgment.
• Keep watching and praying so you are not tempted.
• The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
• Believe what He says and believe when it happens. It may not be as you expected, but it will display His heart and His power.
• Look past what appears to be defeat and into the strategy of the Father to bring a greater salvation.

Speaking Matthew

 Matthew

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Matthew.

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Matthew Summaries
8-11-2020

The genealogy of Joseph from Abraham. The story of Mary's pregnancy by the Holy Spirit, Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the angel's warnings in dreams. The magi seeing the star and coming to worship Him. Herod killing all the boys under the age of two trying to kill Jesus. John the Baptist preaching repentance and the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Jesus' baptism, His 40 days in the wilderness. John taken to prison and Jesus beginning to preach the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. The call of His disciples, and His teaching, preaching, healing throughout Galilee. 

The Sermon on the Mount, more healings, raising from the dead, casting out demons, calming the storm, healing from afar with the centurion's faith. The power to forgive sins demonstrated. Questioning and accusations by the religious leaders regarding His eating with sinners, not following their traditions. He gave His twelve disciples authority and sent them out, instructing them. He warns of the persecution to come, confessing Him before men, taking up their cross, fearing God not man, your enemies will be of your own household.

John questions from prison if He is the one. Jesus sent a word of encouragement as to what He was doing. More accusations. If they would have studied the Scripture He'd given them earlier, they wouldn't be accusing. He's accused of casting out demons by the prince of demons. He speaks in many parables, tells the disciples its given to them to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, but not to the others. John the Baptist beheaded. Jesus feeds the multitudes miraculously, twice. Walking on the water--Peter too. More healing--just by touching the fringe of His garment. More accusations. Healing a non-Jew. 

He asks who people say He is. Who do you say I am? The transfiguration. Prayer/fasting needed to cast out that kind of demon, paying the temple tax. Lessons on humility, forgiveness, confronting a brother's sin, two or three asking in prayer. They came in Jerusalem, crowds cheered, Pharisees jealous, more parables. Religious leaders tested Him--asking questions. He answered and silenced them so they asked Him no more. He allowed children to be brought to Him. He warns of the Pharisee's leaven/teaching. 

More about the last days--trouble, persecution. His coming. Be alert and faithful. More parables about being ready. Working in His kingdom, treating people well, woman with the alabaster vial of oil. The last Passover, His arrest, crucifixion, resurrection. Seeing the Marys and disciples in Galilee. Giving authority to make disciples, baptize and teach.

• When the kingdom of heaven came, it didn't look like what people were expecting.
• It came with a call to repentance, a call to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
• It came with instruction not to rely on your ancestry to save you.
• It came with a call to leave all and follow the Messiah, to take up His work, leaving your own behind.
• The kingdom also came with teaching and healing.
• It came with crowds, yet instruction to follow Him, not the crowds.
• Seek to do what's right, not for recognition, monetary gain, revenge, or personal satisfaction.
• Seek to do what's right because it's right and you will be light for the Father's glory.
  
• Seek to judge your heart not justify it.
• Seek His kingdom and righteousness first. You will not need to worry. The Father will provide. 
• Jesus lights a new way--the way to the Father.
• He heals the sick, forgives the sinner, raises the dead, delivers from demons, calms the storm, leads the sheep, feeds and teaches the people.
• Follow Him through the narrow gate. 
• Build on the rock. 
• Bear good fruit.
• The Law and the prophets prophesied until John the Baptist, and then a violent change occurred in the heavens.
• Jesus will reveal the Father to those He chooses and invites anyone to come and learn His humble and gentle ways. You'll find rest for your soul.
• Take up your cross, confess Him before men, fear God over man.
• You are valuable to Him.
• See, hear, and receive the Word of God--the seed of the kingdom of Heaven. Make room for it. Sell all and buy it. Treasure it. 
• You will discern good from evil. God from the enemy. You will see and hear the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. 
• You will do the will of the Father--speak good words, bear good fruit, belong to His family.
• Watch what the Lord is doing and listen to Him. 
• Pray.
• Fast.
• The enemies of the Father will scheme and accuse, but ultimately the will of the Father will be done.
• Give them nothing to make accusations stand.
• Take up your cross and follow Him.
• Build on the rock.
• He's giving keys to the kingdom of heaven.
• Have faith and nothing will be impossible.
• It's not the amount of faith. You either have it or you don't.
• He who wishes to be great in the kingdom of heaven, let him be servant of all.
• Let humility, forgiveness, generosity and service flow from your heart in sincerity.
• Let husbands and wives remain loyal and faithful.
• Let children be welcomed and taught His ways.
• Confront a brother in sin.
• Ask in prayer agreeing.
• The Lord is in your midst when you gather in His name.
• Don't fight against and don't reject the authority of God.
• Recognize and accept what He's doing.
• Be clothed in righteousness and do the work of His vineyard, His kingdom.
• Beware of the enemy's traps and debates.
• Plant and cultivate His Word within you and answer all things by His Spirit of wisdom and truth.
• There are those who appear righteous outwardly, but have no life and righteousness inwardly.
• Don't be misled.
• False Christs and false prophets will arise. They will even show great signs and convincing arguments to try and deceive the chosen.
• He who endures to the end will be saved so remain alert and watchful.
• You don't know when He will return. Only the season.
• Be faithful and do what's been given to you to do to care for His household and expect His return.
• Be prepared. Stay encouraged and faithful even when He delays.
• Working for His kingdom may require courage and risk, yet keep your honesty and integrity and treat people as you would the Lord.
• Honor Him always, without betrayal or denial.
• Acknowledge who He is and remain humble before Him.
• The Son of God allowed Himself to be bound by men, beaten, and crucified.
• His path of suffering and humiliation gave Him authority in heaven and earth.
• Go therefore in the authority He gives you and make disciples of all nations.
• Baptize them, teach them to observe all that He's commanded.
• He will be with you always, even to the end of the age.

Speaking Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

 

Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi

Here are the "speaking the Bible" summaries for Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Click here for the index

Haggai Summaries
7-27-2020

In the second year of Darius the king, the word of the Lord came to Haggai the prophet. He says to consider their ways. They say its not time to build the Lord's house, yet they build their own. This is why they sow but reap little. He asks who remembers the temple in its former glory, how it seems like nothing now. But to take courage for the latter glory will be greater than the former. 

• If its time for you to build your house, then its time for you to build His house.
• Build now.
• Take courage.
• Regardless of what has happened in the past, or what will happen in the future, be encouraged and build now.

Zechariah Summaries
7-30-2020

The word of the Lord came to Zechariah in the 2nd year of Darius. He told them not to be like their fathers who did not listen to Him when He said to return to Him. The people repented. Zechariah had visions. The seventy years are up. The Lord will return to Jerusalem. His wrath on the nations who furthered the disaster appeased. The temple rebuilt. He is against the shepherds. His people wander. The nations of the earth will come against divided Jerusalem for battle. Judah will fight for it. 

He will pour out the spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem so they will look on Him whom they pierced. The Branch will branch out and rebuild after the second temple's destruction. He will rule the whole earth. Jerusalem will be called the city of Truth and His mountain the holy mountain. The king is coming endowed with salvation. Humble on a donkey. His dominion from sea to sea. A fountain for sin and impurity. A remnant will be refined and tested and call on His name. The landscape changed, but Jerusalem will rise. The nations, families will come celebrate the feast of booths or suffer drought.

• Cry out to the Lord to remove the iniquity of the land.
• Lord, change our unclean clothes.
• It's not by power or might, but by Your Spirit.
• Lay the foundation. Finish Your dwelling place. Come live among us.
• Carry the wickedness away. 
• Send the rain.
• The Branch will build and rule from His throne, endowed with salvation.
• His dominion from sea to sea.
• He will shepherd His flock and make them like His majestic horse in battle. 
• O People, walk in His name. Dispense justice. Practice kindness. Don't oppress. Don't devise evil in your heart. Love truth and peace.
• The fountain opened, idols and false prophets removed. The refined and tested remnant will call upon the name of their God and be His people.
• When the nations are gathered against Jerusalem the Lord will defend.
• Judah will fight.
• The mountain will split, the plague sent, the landscape changed, but Jerusalem will rise holy to the Lord.

Malachi Summaries
7-31-2020

The Lord, through Malachi, speaks to Israel and says He's loved them. They ask how? He says He's loved Jacob and hated Esau. He asks where is His honor as a father. Priests defile His altar, offering blemished sacrifices. Would they do that for their governor? He tells the priests if they don't listen, He'll send a curse and He has already. They've corrupted the covenant of Levi. Levi had true instruction in his mouth. No unrighteousness in his lips. He walked with God and turned many back from iniquity. The lips of a priest should preserve knowledge. Men should seek instruction from them. 

Why deal treacherously with each other whom you have the same father with? They profaned the sanctuary and married daughters of foreign gods. You cry when your offerings are not accepted, but it's because you deal treacherously with your wife. Not one who has a remnant of the Spirit has done so. You've wearied the Lord with words, calling one who does evil good. He will send His Messenger who will clear the way. The Lord will come suddenly to His temple. But who can endure that day? He will come to purify the sons of Levi so they may present Judah and Jerusalem's offerings in righteousness and the Lord will be pleased. He will judge those who do wrong and turn from Him. They are robbing Him in tithes and offerings. He says to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse so there will be meat in His house. He will open the windows of heaven and bless them abundantly. All nations will call you blessed and you will be a delightsome land. 

Your words have been arrogant saying its vain to serve God. Those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord gave attention and a book of remembrance was written. They will be His and He will spare them. A day is coming when the wicked will be burned up. Neither root nor branch left. To those who fear His name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in its wings. Remember the law of Moses. He is sending Elijah the prophet before that day. He will restore the heart of the children to the father and father to the children.

• The lips of a priest are to preserve knowledge. 
• Men should be able to seek instruction from them.
• Listen, priests, don't defile the altar.
• Walk in righteousness with the Spirit of God.
• Receive the purification and cleansing of the Lord.
• Present offerings in righteousness. The Lord will be pleased.
• Handle His offerings with honor and integrity.
• Preserve, perpetuate the knowledge and instruction of the Lord and His ways uprightly and without partiality. You will be blessed and your nation a delightsome land.
• Listen and fear the Lord.
• Speak to and instruct one another. He will pay attention, remember and spare you on the day when He returns. When the day burns the chaff and the sun rises with healing for those who fear His name.  

Old Testament Thoughts

• Honor the Lord. Fear Him. Seek His ways sincerely.
• He knows. He hears. He sees. He loves. 
• He made it all. He is worthy of all fear, praise, worship, respect, honor, and obedience.
• Don't follow false gods, idols, greed, lust, arrogance.
• Don't mistreat others--especially the widows, orphans, poor, and strangers.
• Be honest. Fair. Truthful. Keep your word.
• If you sin, repent and return to the Lord.
• Don't despise His correction. 
• Accept His judgment as right. 
• Don't rebel.
• Seek Him. Ask of Him.
• Know that He loves you as a Father. He is jealous, protective. Wants what is best for you.
• Listen to His instruction, His warnings. Pay attention.
• Don't follow the crowd or even traditions without seeking out truth for yourself from the Lord.
• There is no way to avoid His ultimate judgment.
• The righteous will be blessed, favored, and taken care of abundantly, saved from the punishment reserved for the wicked and evil who reject God and His ways.
• Walk with Him in humility, faith, love, justice, righteousness, and in peace with others.