Week 14

April 2-8, 2011[1. The notes, summaries and points on this page are intended as bookmarks of important matters which are covered in this week’s readings. They are not intended as complete summaries of readings. Please forgive me if some of my summaries are not 100% on point. Read the manual–i.e. Bible–so that you will get a more clear understanding of the material. Thank you.
–Tom Truex]

This is the “One Year Bible Challenge:” to read the entire Bible in one year. Assuming a normal reading level, this can be done by spending about 10-15 minutes per day, each and every day. It is NOT TOO LATE to join the Challenge! Start with today’s reading and keep reading with us through the end of this year. You’ll have to read a bit more at the beginning of next year to finish. See ReadTheWholeBible.COM for more information. If you would like details so you can join us, or if you have any other questions, please call Tom Truex. Or send an email by using the CONTACT form on K-Line.ORG.

Themes and stories: God gave rules for the case when a dead body was found, but the killer couldn’t be found. God gave rules for marriage and family. It was OK to marry a beautiful captive woman. But she could not be made into a slave later, if the husband divorced her. In the case of multiple wives, the first born son was to receive the appropriate inheritance, even if he was not the son of the “favorite” wife.

The Israelites were obliged to return a neighbor’s wandering cattle (or at least hold the cattle to be picked up by the owner). Women were not to wear men’s clothing and men were not to wear women’s clothing. A virginity test was specified in cases in which a new husband questioned the chastity of his bride.

God forbade eunuchs and illegitimate children from accepting the benefits of the Jewish faith, even to the 10th generation. Certain other nationalities were forbidden from participating in the “assembly of the Lord” as well.

Israelites were forbidden from charging interest on loans to other Israelites. However it was permissible to charge interest to foreigners. Deuteronomy 23:19-20.

It was declared lawful to eat your fill of grapes in your neighbor’s vineyard, so long as you did not carry any out in a container. You could pluck your neighbor’s standing grain with your hands, but could not use a sickle. The idea was to permit travelers to take food in the field for immediate personal consumption. But harvesting the crop was reserved to the owner of the field.

It was permissible to divorce your wife. She could remarry. But if the woman’s second husband divorced her as well, it was decreed abhorrent for the original husband to remarry the woman a second time.

Kidnapping another Israelite was forbidden. If you hired poor workers, they had to be paid their daily wages before sunset. Parents were not to be put to death for the crimes of their children; nor children put to death for the crimes of their parents. Forty lashes was set as the maximum number in cases of punishment by flogging.

When brothers live together, if one man died, his brother was supposed to take the dead brothers wife as his own wife. The firstborn child was to succeed to the deceased brother’s name. And then there was this rule from Deuteronomy 25:11-12 (NASB) to discourage women from intervening with brawling neighbors: “[11] If two men, a man and his countryman, are struggling together, and the wife of one comes near to deliver her husband from the hand of the one who is striking him, and puts out her hand and seizes his genitals, [12] then you shall cut off her hand; you shall not show pity.”

Moses and the elders of Israel reminded the people to keep God’s commandments. They conveyed God’s instructions to build an altar when they arrived in the promised land. Also, the Levites were to shout out curses to those who broke any of twelve enumerated categories of God’s commandments. The Israelites were to be blessed for observing all of God’s Commandments.

Moses reviewed all of God’s commandments. He urged all of his people to observe God’s commandments. When Moses was 120 years old, he wrote down all of God’s law. All of the law was be read to the people by the Levites every seven years. God told Moses that Joshua was to be commissioned to replace Moses and lead the Israelites into the promised land. God knew that the Israelites would end up disobeying Him.

Moses recited a song, which told part of the Israelites’ history. Deuteronomy 32. Then God told Moses that it was his time to die. God allowed Moses to see the promised land from atop a mountain, although Moses was not permitted to actually enter the land of Canaan.

Discussion points: Deuteronomy 23:19-20 prohibits charging interest (usury) on loans to other Israelites (brothers), but permits it as to strangers (foreigners). What is the reason for this rule; and should we extend this rule to prohibit charging interest on a loan to a Christian brother?

Psalms: Psalm 74:1-78:64
Proverbs: Proverbs 12:11 – 12:24

Themes and stories: Jesus continued his ministry on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 (RSV). Jesus sent out 70 of his followers:

[1] After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. [2] And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. [3] Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. [4] Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. [5] Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!’ [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. [7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. [8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; [9] heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ [12] I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” Luke 10:1-12 (RSV).

The seventy followers returned to Jesus and reported they had been successful. Even the demons submitted to them.

Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus went to visit two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary listened to Jesus preach, Her sister, Martha complained that Mary had left her to do all of the work herself. Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen the more important thing to do. Luke 10:38-41.

Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and gave an example. It’s the basis for our prayer, commonly known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” or “Our Father”:

King James Version of the Bible

[2] …Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. [3] Give us day by day our daily bread. [4] And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Roman Catholic “Our Father” prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The 1928 Book of Common Prayer, United States Episcopal Church (a common Protestant variation)

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus cast out demons. Some of Jesus’ accusers said that Jesus did this by authority of the ruler of demons, Beelzebul. Jesus pointed out that he could not be working both for and against demons at the same time. Jesus warned the people about their unbelief. They kept asking for a sign, even after all the miracles He had performed. Jesus also taught that if we are full of the light which comes from God, we should not hide that light.

A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him. He was shocked to see that Jesus did not wash before dinner. The Pharisee was concerned about cleanliness for the sake of appearances. Jesus rebuked them for wanting to appear important, but neglecting justice, love of God, and the needs of other people. The Pharisees did not appreciate Jesus’ candor.

Huge crowds gathered to hear Jesus. Jesus spoke about the evil of hypocrisy. He told a parable about a foolish man who was worried about storing up his riches on earth, but died without preparing to meet God. Jesus told his disciples to not worry. God takes care of the birds and plants in nature. So surely he will take care of us, who are much more important to Him.

Jesus told his followers to be ready for the Son of Man to return. No one knows when that time will come, so we must be prepared now. When that day arrives, it will be too late to start preparation.

Discussion points: Why did Jesus tell a potential follower to not take time to even bury his father?

The discussion notes ( PDF / TEXT ) for breakfast on Saturday, April 9, 2011 are now online — ”RULES”. The Old Testament readings cover some old and some updated rules. As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses prepares for his final days on earth. In the New Testament readings, Jesus continues his public ministry. Discussion verses: Deuteronomy 23:19-20; and Luke 9:57-62

A women’s study group meets in Davie, FL on the 2nd Friday morning of the month. Contact Janet Truex, or use the Contact tab at CONTACT form on ReadTheWholeBible.COM.

The discussion notes ( PDF / TEXT ) for breakfast on Saturday, April 9, 2011 are now online — ”RULES”. The Old Testament readings cover some old and some updated rules. As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses prepares for his final days on earth. In the New Testament readings, Jesus continues his public ministry. Discussion verses: Deuteronomy 23:19-20; and Luke 9:57-62

Week 12

March 19-25, 2011[1. The notes, summaries and points on this page are intended as bookmarks of important matters which are covered in this week’s readings. They are not intended as complete summaries of readings. Please forgive me if some of my summaries are not 100% on point. Read the manual–i.e. Bible–so that you will get a more clear understanding of the material. Thank you.
–Tom Truex]

This is the “One Year Bible Challenge:” to read the entire Bible in one year. Assuming a normal reading level, this can be done by spending about 10-15 minutes per day, each and every day. It is NOT TOO LATE to join the Challenge! Start with today’s reading and keep reading with us through the end of this year. You’ll have to read a bit more at the beginning of next year to finish. See ReadTheWholeBible.COM for more information. If you would like details so you can join us, or if you have any other questions, please call Tom Truex. Or send an email by using the CONTACT form on K-Line.ORG.

Themes and stories: God specified the offering for Passover, Pentecost, Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and the Festival of Booths.

God told the Israelites not to break their promises. A woman was responsible for her promises only if her father (if unmarried) or husband heard the promise and did not express disapproval when he first heard it. A widow or divorced woman was responsible for her promises.

God told Moses to conquer the Midianites in battle. A thousand men from each of the 12 tribes (12,000 total) prepared for war. The Israelites killed every male Midianite, including their kings and Balaam, who owned the talking donkey. The Israelites took the women, children, and cattle and as captives. They burned the Midianite’s towns. Moses was angry with the leaders of his army for allowing the women to live. So at Moses’ command, they killed the male children, and all of the women, except virgins. The warriors got to keep half of the spoils of war. The rest of the Israelites split the other half.

Two tribes among the Israelites, the Reubenites, and the Gadites asked Moses if they could settle on the land they had already conquered, rather than in the land of Canaan. Moses was angry. He thought they would not help conquer the promised land; and would discourage the rest of the Israelites. But the leaders of the Reubenites, and the Gadites assured Moses this was not their intent. In fact they offered to leave their cattle and children in the land they wanted; and they would lead the Israelite attack, until they had conquered the promised land. Only after their victory would the return to their land. Moses agreed to this arrangement. In the end, Moses gave the Reubenites, and the Gadites—plus the half tribe of Manasseh, son of Joseph—the lands that were conquered from King Sihon and King Og. Two and a half tribes agreed to settle in land before the promised land, though they must help all the Israelites fight in the coming battles.

God told Moses that when the Israelites enter the promised land they must get rid of all signs of the previous inhabitants. Destroy their idols and other religious symbols. Drive out all of the people. God warned them that any people who were not driven out of the land would be a source of trouble to the Israelites in the future.

God told Moses how Canaan would be divided amongst the remaining Israelites. The Levites were to get 48 towns—6 of them cities of refuge. A city of refuge was a place where a person who had accidentally killed someone could go.

Moses was again asked to address the matter of the inheritance of Zelophehad’s Daughters. He previously addressed the issue of the four daughters whose father died with no sons in Numbers 27:1-11.

Deuteronomy. Moses reviews what God has done for the Israelites. He reminded them of the twelve spies sent out to the Land of Canaan. They reported it was a good land, but the Israelites lacked faith. They were afraid of the people who inhabited the promised land, because they were big and strong. Due to their lack of faith, only the two men who advocated taking the promised land, would live to see it be done. They were Caleb and Joshua. The Israelites were obliged to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses also reviewed the battles the Israelites had fought.

Moses told the people to obey God. Moses emphasized the prohibition against idols. Throughout history, people have worshiped other gods, but none of them have performed the signs and wonders of the one true God, who the Israelites worshiped.

Psalms: Psalm 62:1 – 68:18
Proverbs: Proverbs 11:18 – 28

Themes and stories:
Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his work. But first, Luke traces the ancestor’s of Jesus back to “…Adam, son of God.”

Luke 4:3-13 (RSV) – [3] The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” [4] And Jesus answered him, “It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone.'” [5] And the devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, [6] and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. [7] If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours.” [8] And Jesus answered him, “It is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'” [9] And he took him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; [10] for it is written, `He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you,’ [11] and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'” [12] And Jesus answered him, “It is said, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” [13] And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Jesus returned to Galilee to teach. Jesus was rejected in his own home town of Nazareth. The people couldn’t believe that Jesus, the son of an ordinary carpenter, could be anything special. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country.” Luke 4:24 (RSV) They were going to throw Jesus off a cliff, outside town. But Jesus simply walked through the mob to leave.

Jesus went to Capernaum, in Galilee. He taught with great authority. People were astounded. Jesus cast out demons, and healed many people. The crowds grew. There were so many people that, in order to be heard, Jesus sat in a boat a little way off in the water, and taught the people on the shore. Later he told the fishermen who owned the boat to go back out to cast their nets. The miraculous haul of fish was so great that it almost tore the fishermen’s nets and swamped their boat.

Jesus healed a man with leprosy. The crowds grew. Some men brought their friend to be healed by Jesus. The man was paralyzed. Unfortunately, the crowd was so great, they could not get anywhere near Jesus. They cut a hole in the roof of the home where Jesus was teaching, and lowered the paralyzed man to him.

Luke 5:20-25 (RSV). [20] And when he saw their faith he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” [21] And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” [22] When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? [23] Which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, `Rise and walk’? [24] But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the man who was paralyzed — “I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.” [25] And immediately he rose before them, and took up that on which he lay, and went home, glorifying God.

The Pharisees did not like the what Jesus said. They were not looking for the truth; but for ways to trap Jesus. They also disagreed with Jesus’ practice of eating in the homes of sinners. Jesus told them, [31] … “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; [32] I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32.

Jesus disciples picked wheat on the Sabbath—technically considered work, and a violation of the Sabbath, according to the Pharisees. Jesus also healed a man with a withered hand—also technically considered work and what the Pharisees considered a violation of the Sabbath. The Pharisees were more interested in justifying the status quo than in learning the truth about God’s law and God’s son. So they could not understand what Jesus tried to teach them in these matters.

Jesus chose his twelve disciples: “Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.”

As Jesus was teaching and healing, he spoke on a number of things that were blessed. Jesus taught that we should love our enemies. He also taught about judging others–”Judge not, and ye shall not be judged…” Luke 6:37 (KJV).

You would not expect a Roman soldier to have faith in Jesus. Yet a Roman Centurion demonstrated great faith. The centurion’s slave was very sick. Jesus heard about his illness and started to go to the centurion’s house. But the centurion knew that Jesus did not have to physically see or touch the slave. Jesus’ mere word was sufficient to heal the slave. Jesus healed the slave without going to the centurion’s house.

Old Testament: When the Israelites defeated the Midianite army, the military commanders killed all of the enemy men and burned their towns. This sounds harsh, by modern standards, though common in the ancient world. Also common was the military commanders’ decision to take the women and children as slaves. Why did Moses command that the male children and women (other than virgins) from the Midianite captives be killed? Do we know if this order was carried out?
New Testament: Most of us were taught as children to stay away from the “wrong crowd.” So why was it OK for Jesus to associate with sinners. Are Jesus’ actions in this matter a blanket endorsement for us to associate with unsavory people in unsavory places?

The discussion notes ( PDF / TEXT ) for breakfast on Saturday, March 26, 2011 are now online — ”The ‘Wrong’ Element”. God’s rule with the Midianites was to take (almost) no prisoners. Literally. God did not want the Israelites to be corrupted by the sinful influence of the Midianites. Yet Jesus made a point of dining with sinners, because they needed to hear his word. What’s going on here? Should be a good discussion this week! Discussion verses: Numbers 31:7-18 and Luke 5:29-32

A women’s study group meets in Davie, FL on the 2nd Friday morning of the month. Contact Janet Truex, or use the Contact tab at CONTACT form on ReadTheWholeBible.COM.