We start out with Jesus playing a mental chess game with the Pharisees over the question of divorce. I wonder if Jesus was on his school debate club? Can you imagine that!
Paul gets a chance to state his case in front of King Agrippa and shares his conversion testimony - every detail! You may be able to argue doctrine and theology, but when you see a man's life radically changed in front of you - there is no arguing that!
In Psalms we see that it's ok to talk to God when we are feeling distant from him or depressed and that he is faithful to us through those times and is there to give us hope.
And we end in Leviticus, where they describe the laws of purification and cleansing for those who have been afflicted with skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other impurities. Good clean fun in today's Journey Through The Message! Join us as we read through the Message Version Bible and share stories of adversity and the journey to freedom in our lives!
Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together.
Today's Text if you are following along:
Matthew 19:1-15
Acts 26:1-18
Psalm 42
Leviticus 14-15
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The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections
from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.
Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door.
The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey―call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path―devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
Open the door between Scripture and your world.
From Eugene . . .
- Over 600 scriptural insights
- 52 contemplative readings
- Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
- More than 400 reflection questions
- 9 neighborhood-themed articles
Matthew 19:1-15: This passage contains the story of Jesus interacting with some Pharisees who ask him about divorce. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of marriage and the permanence of the union between a man and a woman. He also blesses children who are brought to him, which highlights the value and importance of children in God's eyes.
Acts 26:1-18: This passage contains Paul's defense before King Agrippa, in which he recounts his conversion experience and how he was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul shares his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and how it transformed his life and ministry.
Psalm 42: This psalm is a lament of a person who is feeling depressed and distant from God. The author longs to be in God's presence and asks God for help and deliverance from his troubles. The psalm ends with an expression of hope and trust in God's faithfulness.
Leviticus 14-15: These chapters describe the laws of purification and cleansing for those who have been afflicted with skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other impurities. The rituals and sacrifices outlined in these chapters were meant to restore people to a state of purity and allow them to re-enter the community.
"Explore The Depths Of The Message With Robert And Heidi"
Summary/Abstract
Robert and Heidi invite the listener to join in their journey through the Message Bible, a paraphrase of the Bible. They believe that even for people who are well-versed in the Bible, the Message translation can open up new perspectives. They share their own experience with the translation and offer a prayer before beginning to read from Matthew. They hope that the listener can gain a new understanding of the Bible and a better understanding of themselves through this journey. The speaker is discussing the challenge of prayer, and his difficulty in engaging in formal prayers due to prior experiences. He then brings up the story of Zoe Anne, a student of theirs who is currently incarcerated and separated from her four children. He prays for all mothers who have been incarcerated, that they are given peace and hope, and that those on the outside are willing to receive them and show them they are welcome. He also prays that God will be able to show these women his word and lead them to a place of peace and hope. The discussion focuses on Jesus' teachings on divorce in Matthew 19:1-15. In response to the Pharisees' question about whether it was legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason, Jesus explains that this was not part of God's original plan. He then discusses the importance of marriage, noting that it requires a certain aptitude and grace and is not for everyone. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of showing love to children and not putting young people in situations they are not prepared for. In conclusion, the discussion emphasizes the need for good Christians to look at the situation of divorce in a good light. The conversation is about the consequences of premarital sex in young couples who haven't asked any questions or planned for the future. The speaker admits that it is problematic to quickly put a bandaid on the situation and encourages people to consider the underlying infection that is growing. The speaker shares their own experience of having a relationship that was not put together by God, and contrasts it with the profound difference they have experienced with their current partner who was put together by God. The speaker then reads from Acts chapter 26, verses 1-18, where Paul is telling his story to King Agrippa. Paul shares how he was a strict Pharisee, who at first opposed Jesus of Nazareth, and threw believers into the Jerusalem jail and voted for their execution. He ultimately had a blinding light experience on his way to Damascus and decided to follow Jesus.
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